What I Read in October

Me Before You // I read this book several years ago, and it immediately went onto my all-time favorites list. I wanted to re-read it before reading the sequel and seeing the movie, and I loved it just as much this time around. The dialogue is quick and clever, and it's not entirely predictable. We recently watched the movie and I really enjoyed it as well! 5 stars

After You: A Novel // I read this right after reading Me Before You, but I wish I had taken a break in between the books. Louise is such a different person in this book because of what has happened, and you can sense that disconnect. It isn't bad or wrong, in fact I think it's quite appropriate, but it didn't make for a seamless transition between the books. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. It isn't as good as the first one, but definitely worth reading. 4 stars

In the Woods // My book club decided to read something a little "spooky" for the month of October. None of us had read any of Tana French's books, but we had heard good things. We read this one, the first in the series, and it wasn't what I expected. It wasn't creepy or chilling (which I was glad!), and it actually moved a little slow for a thriller/mystery book. I enjoyed reading it, but the end was very disappointing. 3 stars

She Reads Truth: Holding Tight to Permanent in a World That's Passing Away // You might be familiar with She Reads Truth: it's a popular devotional website and app. I've used it off and on over the years, and I was really interested in reading this book when it came out. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for a review, and I'm happy to report that I loved this book! It seems like several of the Christian Living books that I've read or thumbed through lately by women that seem to be prominent in Christian circles are feel-good, girl-power, fluffy reads that aren't my cup of tea. There's a place for them in the marketplace and many people resonate with them, but I just don't. This book was not that, and I loved that! The two authors share pieces of their stories and how God's Word impacted and met them in the midst of some really tough circumstances. They both learned over and over again that God's Word is the only thing that's true and unchanging, and they beautifully weave their stories in with rich truth that can be an encouragement and challenge to anyone who's reading the book. I really recommend this book! 4 stars

Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame // This book was really eye-opening for me. Shame isn't something that I think about often, and I realized I've (wrongly) confused it with guilt. The author breaks down what shame looks like in specific areas, and I really enjoyed the chapters on shame in parenting and shame in marriage. It was a thought-provoking book that I enjoyed. 3 stars

Calling Me Home: A Novel // What I loved about this book was that it wasn't entirely predictable. It's the story of an elderly white lady and her young black hairdresser who share their stories with each other on a trip across the country. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen, but I continued ot be surprised. It was good writing and a good story, and I really enjoyed it. 4 stars

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