Literature
I only finished five books this month, though one of them was actually four books in one. Then there were a couple of much-anticipated recent releases — one of which I thought was worth the hype, and the other not. Some rereading, which brought me comfort and also a bit of discomfort. And a forthcoming book about a fascinating place and time in history. Which was which? You can check my StoryGraph notes linked below to find out.
On the blog, I wrote about Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, in light of my Spiritual Memoir Challenge. And I gave an update on my Around the World reading, including my latest Make Me Read It selection, Sweet Bean Paste. I was impressed to find how many different countries I’ve “visited” this year.
- Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
- The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
- The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson – Reread
- The Crosswicks Journals by Madeleine L’Engle – Reread
- The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez – Around the World, Panama
Language
I have not been reading much in other languages this month, after my summer intensive. We did, however watch the movie of Krabat, and I have some thoughts as well as wanting to look more into the folklore behind the story. So there may be a post on that soon.
Life
We moved to a new apartment in September, and I’m still putting things away, and getting used to the longer commute. I had my computer in three different rooms, as we all changed our minds about what spaces suited us best, but I think I’ve finally settled down now … .It’s wonderful to have an “office”!
Reflecting on some recent developments in family life, my essay “Why it’s important to read to our teenagers aloud” was published at Motherwell. And I asked my son to create some new blog graphics for me, as a belated birthday present. What do you think of my new header? Isn’t he talented?
I also moved some things in the navigation, and added a page on Spiritual Direction. As I enter into the second year of my training, I will be working with some directees on a volunteer basis, so I thought I should have that information on my site.
Did you experience any shifts or changes this month? What gifts did you receive?
Linked at The Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer, the Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz, and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I do love that graphic!
Hope things settle down more for you as we continue to move into October.
Thanks Mark, I’m already feeling a lot more settled.
A beautiful graphic, just lovely!
I had a horrible September as I got Covid part-way through and it’s a really nasty bout of it; I’m still not feeling great and we’re now into our slightly delayed (by the Covid) house renovations and facing more challenges with my elderly parents-in-law. Books at least are a refuge, right? Have a lovely October.
When even books don’t help, then I know I’m really sick. Sorry you are still not feeling great…may October be kinder, or at least bring some different challenges.
Seen the tailor for Flower of the Killer Moon. Look like an interesting book/movie.
Have a great October reading month.
It is a fascinating and disturbing story!
The new header is great!
So glad you like it!
So glad you’ve managed to settle in, Lory – moving often involves hope but, equally, a lot of disruption and uncertainty.
Shifts or changes for me in September? Not really; it has mostly felt like a hiatus month – preparing for repainting the back of the house, getting ready for musical events, anticipating a break away from home in the second half of the month – and it’s been unseasonably warm which has put many of us out of kilter. The climate crisis is no longer just around the corner, is it?
There are a lot of shifts for us all in store there. It’s been very warm here, too.
Yes, your son is quite talented! I’m amazed at the beauty of your header. Well-done!
I recently finished “My Body Is Not a Prayer Request” as my spiritual memoir choice. It was so insightful. I hope I will carryover the things she taught into my everyday life.
That does look excellent. I just read and reviewed Faitheist, also very thought-provoking.