Happy 2019 Ya’ll!
I am excited to share with you today my final books I read in 2018. As always, I am linking up for the monthly book review. Honestly November and December were not filled with a ton of reading because a new job, a new house, and traveling took a lot of time up.
Also, there weren’t any favorite books from this selection, but I’m hopeful for the new books I’m reading in 2019!
Let’s jump in!
P.S. If you aren’t into reading, may I suggest watching Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix? Todd and I just finished the 3rd and final season and we love it!
Vox was a book I had seen advertised quite a bit, and sounded up my alley because of the dystopian type of story. The premise is that a ultra conservative government has taken over and that Women are only allowed 100 words a day. Ugh. This book. I feel like there is so much I could say, because I honestly was really angry reading this book. This book felt like a personal attack on Christians. It also grouped all Christians/conservative people (which I myself identify as) as oppressive and just plain mean. As a Christian, I can honestly say that 99% of Christians would not hold these views. However, I guess the book does show how people can take the Bible and twist it for their own agenda. Overall I felt like it was poorly written (some say it was a copycat of Handmaid’s Tale) and the author was not sly in her personal agenda. Overall I would skip this. The only reason it got two stars from me was because the storyline semi kept my interest.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir
I had the Book of Essie on my wait list at the library and it just so happened to come in right after Vox. So I just so happened to read two books in a row that sort of picked at Christianity (didn’t realize it at the start). I wasn’t sure about this book, but the premise sounded interesting and sort of reminded me of the Duggars, which is a show I enjoy. The story follows Ester Hicks, a PK who has grown up on TV, and is now pregnant. I think the author was more sly in her feelings towards Christians, and I do think this is maybe a more accurate picture of how some Christians (or really fake Christians) live. The Christian characters in this book were without grace, and were really only Christians by name. I would have definitely appreciated if the author would have contrasted the family with maybe a Christian character that was more of a true follower of the faith. Overall the story was interesting, but again, not a book I would necessarily recommend.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth
After two books that were not really my cup of tea, I needed a book in my comfort genre: mystery/thriller. This one had a mystery but leaned on the side of drama/general fiction. The storyline follows a rich boarding school girl who starts to look into her mother’s strange disappearance many years ago, and also joins a secret society at her school. I love a good secret society story, and this one didn’t disappoint. The story didn’t really have any big twists or turns or keep me up late at night reading, but I did enjoy the story. If this book sounds interesting to you then I would give it a read, however if it’s not your normal cup of tea, then it’s not a must read.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering The Globe by Tsh Oxenreider
I have been an on-again off-again listener of Tsh Oxenreider’s podcast, The Simple Show for many years. I have always loved what she shares about her travels, and her book written about her year long trip with her husband and three children around the globe had been on my radar for some time. When I needed an audiobook for a recent trip, I decided it would be perfect for the drive. I enjoyed how the audiobook is read by her, and the book is set up chapter by chapter of places she visited. This book is inspirational in the fact that you can travel with kids and on a budget. I think anyone who has wonderlust would enjoy this book!
Rating: 3/5 Stars
See what I mean by none of these books were really stand out? Like I said, I’m really hopeful for the books of 2019! I have committed to reading 40 books in the year (hopefully more!) and I also am trying to read a few older books off my shelf, as well as read more nonfiction!
So what should I read next? Let me know in the comments below!
-Kasey
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