Monthly rundown vol. 8

Memoir, marshmallows, Mission Impossible, and of course murder

Hello, hello! Does anyone else out there love alliteration as much as I do?

August has been a journey–back to school, a new day job, new routines, and that giant, sweaty elephant in the room (the heat, dear Lord, the heat). Because of the new day job, writing has been one of those scheduling things I’m figuring out, but it’s coming along. I had fun last weekend attending a Local Indie Author Fest at the Spring Street Art Galleries in Houston. Being around books and book people–and introducing my own books to new readers–always gives me a boost of creative energy. That said, at the moment I don’t have a ton of thoughts in my head, so how about some reviews!

The Golden Couple, Greer Hendricks. This was a twisty thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Everyone has secrets, and it’s hard to know who to trust. I enjoyed listening to it on audio, and liked the dual narration. The ending was really satisfying–very “surprising yet inevitable.” 

Outside of Grace, Anna Daugherty. Ava is a sheltered, Christian college student headed to Scotland to study for a semester. She’s ready to stretch her wings and discover who she is apart from her hometown. However, the experience isn’t what she imagined. She finds herself isolated, lonely, and depressed. Her roommate is friendly, but introduces her to a lifestyle that Ava is unprepared for. and an assault sends her even further into depression and anxiety. It’s a well-written, compelling novel brimming with hope in the midst of darkness. The characters are flawed yet sympathetic. I did think the story was a bit too moralizing at times, but that's more about my own preferences, snd overall yhe theme of grace and love is what shines through. Scotland also gets a bit of a bad look–which is a shame for one of my favorite places!—but everything makes sense in the context of the story. I do think it would make an interesting book club or buddy read if your group enjoys reading Christian fiction.

All My Knotted-Up Life, Beth Moore. I’ve enjoyed Beth Moore’s Bible studies over the years–she is a good writer and clear communicator. Her memoir highlights that she is also a gifted storyteller and multi-talented writer. Each person and place and event are written in lyrical, vivid, sometimes haunting prose. It’s odd to comment on a person’s true life, but I found Moore’s stories to be tender, funny, heartbreaking, and emotional. She’s direct and honest, without being harsh; and her love of Jesus through everything shines through every word. 

How the Light Gets In/The Long Way Home, Louise Penny. Two more Inspector Gamache novels this month, thanks to audio books! (I really love getting to hear all the French words pronounced correctly!). How the Light Gets In is currently my favorite of the series so far (although I loved them both).

Other Birds, Sarah Addison Allen. This latest novel by Sarah Addison Allen is probably my favorite. It had all the elements I love about Allen’s stories: sweet, subtle magic, interwoven stories, a vivid setting, and complex, compelling characters that I loved spending time with.

Barbie (movie) I know there are a lot of mixed reviews of Barbie, but I thought it was fun, a celebration of friendship and our common humanity. To me it was about how elevating one group of people shouldn’t be at the expense of another. Of course, it’s exaggerated, over the top, and satirical, so going into it with an expectation of a “straight” story would lead to disappointment, in my opinion. 

Past Lives (movie) was AMAZING. It’s quiet, subtle, and brimming with heart and feeling. It’s about saying goodbye, grieving what’s been lost while also celebrating what is. It’s about love, friendship, trust, being where you are, and living in the present. Everything about it was stunning–the writing, directing, acting. It’s a movie I can’t stop thinking about.

Mission Impossible (all seven movies). At the end of July, Jeremy and I went to see the latest Mission Impossible movie, and it put us in the mood to re-watch the whole franchise, so while the kids were at sleepaway camp for a few days, we watched all of the previous films. It was so fun! I think the thing I like about the Mission Impossible franchise is that it’s all about the team, and the the friendships–although friendship is not quite the right word, but you know what I mean. And of course, I always enjoy the mystery and spy-ness of it all. 

That’s it for this month! Tell me what you’re reading! Did you like the Barbie movie? How’s back-to-school season treating you? 

Cheers!