2021 In Books So Far
I've always been an avid reader, but quite truthfully, with the demanding, ever- changing mom-life schedule it's challenging to find the time (preferably quiet time) to enjoy a good read. Ever since my pregnancy with Jacob (he is 3.5 now) my primary books of choice were parenting and non-fiction books. After his birth I got completely swallowed up by motherhood and fell of the wagon with reading. Only in 2020 I started to pick up the pace. After devouring The Great Alone, Anxious People and The Dutch House last year I realized how greatly I missed the experience and how intellectually satisfying it is to be transported and immersed into the worlds within the pages of the book.
Last year I read a total of 15 books (both fiction and non-fiction) and I felt like it really gave me a chance to spread my bookish wings again. I was able to figure out how to squeeze in a few pages a day here and there. Yes, sometimes that does involve getting up before sunrise and I am ok with it, I actually look forward to this quiet hour at the break of the day.
At the beginning of 2021 I decided to step it up a notch and read 25 books. While I do enjoy a certain accountability challenge, the idea behind setting a reading goal, is not so much to keep count of pages and books, but rather to expand my horizons and worldviews, to learn about new authors, to dive deeper and learn something new while enjoying the journey along the way.
Here is what I've read and loved so far in 2021 …
If you would like to purchase any of these books, I'm linking them all here:
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey - A great winter read that reminded me of the endless Snegyrochka (Russian folklore) stories from my childhood.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.Schwab - Full disclosure : This book was by far my least favorite, the story and the characters are not my cup of tea...BUT I know a lot of people really enjoyed this read, so I recommend reading more reviews and making your own educated decision.
The Bookshop at the Corner by Jenny Colgan - easy breezy book with a sweet story about a girl looking for a better future and her little book shop on wheels.
One Day in December by Josie Silver - Would make lovely weekend read. I enjoyed the writing and the development of the characters a lot.
Bear Town by Fredrick Backman - Every once in a while you stumble upon a book that knocks you off your feet and becomes so much more than you ever anticipated. As a mother to a boy and two girls this book has touched me on so many different levels, at times leaving speechless and heartbroken.
Us Against You by Fredrick Backman - is a sequel following Bear Town. I truly cannot get enough of Backman's tremendous writing and his ever so real characters. This book resonated with me on so many different levels.
My next read after this sequel will be Things My Son Needs to Know About the World, which I am already anticipating will be a touching and relevant read.
The Girl with a Lounding Voice by Abi Dare- A heart-wrenching story about a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl Adunni who endures a series of unfortunate events in her quest to get an education. A powerful and unforgettable read.
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - A great story of lifetime female friendship, complex relationships between mothers and daughters.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah - I cannot recommend this book enough! Set during the time of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl migration it is a heart-wrenching story about life, survival, perseverance, grit and the complex relationships loved ones, parents, grandparents and their children.
The Nightingale by Kritin Hannah - this book was unputdownable and is most likely the best and the hardest books I have ever read. I could not turn a page without bursting into tears and clenching my fists. It made me want to bear hug my children and my loved ones and never ever let go.
Three of the non-fiction books I read and loved:
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson - The only few things that I remembered from school about Albert Einstein were E=mc(squared), that he was Jewish and his funky hairdo and mustache. I am so happy I finally found the courage to pick up this heavy book and dive into the life of this fascinating, flawed, and brilliant man. I also paired it with watching The Genius documentary, so it was a great experience.
The Magic of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd - this book is a collection of stories and experiences of other moms...from kids, to marriage , to birth experiences and to self - image. It resonated with me and encouraged me.
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne - One of my favorite books on parenting thus far. Amazing science and research based advice.
Also, currently listening to two audiobooks - How to Talk So Kids will Listen by Joanna Faber
and The Secret Garden - a classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett
