In between moving, work, and life in general, April’s reading wasn’t great. But I’m hoping to change that in May! I read five books this month, and I’m sharing my thoughts below. Let me know what you think!
BOUNDARIES BY HENRY CLOUD – 3 STARS
This book has been showing up everywhere for me, and I really wanted to learn more about this topic and how I can improve in my own life. It was very dry, which I expected, but packed full of practical and spiritual examples of setting boundaries with yourself and others in order to live a healthy, full life.
THE DUKE AND I BY JULIA QUINN – 4 STARS
Watched the show, and now I’m reading the book! I love historical fiction and specifically this time period. The show was so wonderfully done, and it was even more interesting to be inside the minds of Daphne and Simon throughout the entirety of their story. I loved that the book had an epilogue that brought their story to a close and prepare the reader for the next book, which will focus on a different protagonist.
TRICK MIRROR BY JIA TOLENTINO – 4 STARS
I’m not usually drawn to short stories and essays – I have a hard time “getting into” the book when I’m not following a story from beginning to end. But Trick Mirror was different. I listened to this one read by the author, which I loved. Tolentino has such an interesting upbringing and past that I loved to follow, especially her brief stint on reality tv and upbringing in the southern baptist church. I almost feel like some of her observations went over my head (like, maybe I wasn’t smart enough to read this?), but overall I really enjoyed it.
THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS BY JOHN BUNYAN – 3 STARS
I know it’s a classic and an essential read for believers, but this book was hard to get through. Written in 1678, the language was extremely difficult for me to follow. I loved the allegory and the different faith elements incorporated throughout. I’m glad I read it, but I can confidently say I will never read it again.
IT ENDS WITH US BY COLLEEN HOOVER – 5 STARS
We read Verity for our book club last month, and decided to pick up It Ends With Us this month, and WOW. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book other than I saw lots of TikToks saying that it would wreck you. I wouldn’t say that it wrecked me, but I cannot stop thinking about it. I went into the book thinking it was going to be some sort of romantic comedy-ish story, which it absolutely was not, but it was truly so good. (CW: it is heavy and deals with topics like domestic violence and abuse)
You can follow along with my 2021 reading here!
What I Read in January
What I Read in February
What I Read in March
Giving Pilgrims Progress 3stars and revealing to your audience you’ll never want to read it again, is absolutely tragic.
Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan, is THE most popular book in the WORLD, next to the Bible. There are countless reasons for that!
As a book lover and believer in Jesus, it’s surprising to me that it was painful for you to “get through”. Your opinion and “review” of Pilgrim’s Progress is as shallow as you come across. I’m actually embarrassed for you.
I challenge you to read more books that are at least over 100 years old, written by martyrs of the faith and still popular today. You’ll be changed for the better for it. And you just might grow in you’re faith as a result.
Which books of the Bible are you reading too each month?
Charles Spurgeon said, “Read many good books, but live in the Bible”. If you truly “live” in the Bible, your book selections and opinions of their content will guide you, inform you and mature you and Lord willing, better edify and encourage others.