Reading Roundup

My usual average reading rate of 4-6 books a month has completely fallen off during the past couple of months, while we have been concentrating on moving to our new home.  I only finished five books in both February and March.  Here's a short review of each one I completed.

The Opera Sisters *****

By Marianne Monson

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Hardbound/own

This excellent book is based on the lives of Ida and Louise Cook, two sisters, who lived in England during the rise of the Nazi regime and subsequent World War II.  The sisters were huge opera fans, who became acquainted with several famous opera singers of the time.  When some German and Austrian opera performers were endangered because they were Jewish, the Cook sisters went to great personal risk to help them escape the Nazis.  Their assistance eventually spread beyond the opera community as they used their own resources and put themselves in danger to help others get to safety.  The Cook sisters were true heroines whose story has mostly been overlooked. This book beautifully tells the story of these mostly unknown sisters who helped so many. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction and an interesting, uplifting story.   I gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.  (P.S. My husband read this book and liked it too.  In fact, he is the one who recommended it to me). 

Mostly What God Does*****

By Savannah Guthrie

Genre:  Christian Nonfiction

Format:  Audiobook/library loan

About a year before the horrible abduction of her mother Nancy, morning new show host, Savannah Guthrie wrote this book about her own spiritual journey and the faith that sustains her.  The book is filled with her personal experiences and reflections about her relationship with God and how it has impacted her life. I read this book after Nancy Guthrie’s abduction, so it made this book especially poignant. I pray that the Guthrie family can find out what happened to their mother, and that justice will be served.  This book is well-worth reading or listening to.  I gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.  

The Underclass ***

By Ken Auletta

Genre:  Nonfiction/Sociopolitical

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

I read this book as part of an extra-bonus-project I am participating in at the school where I teach.  I did a study of poverty and its impacts on students.  This book was an informative, detailed and all inclusive study of poverty, impacts, and potential solutions.  It is a long book and it took me several months to complete it.   The book had a wealth of well-documented studies and anecdotes about the affects and impacts of poverty.  I gave it only 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads because it was so long and difficult to get through. Also, many of the statistics and poverty programs examined were 30-40 years old (from the 80s and 90s) which made me wonder what, if anything, has changed regarding poverty in the United States since then.  

The Rose Arbor ****

By Rhys Bowen

Genre:  Historical Fiction/Mystery

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This is a good, well-crafted mystery that builds upon historic events.  Set in 1960s England, this book follows the main character, Liz, who is a reporter who has fallen from grace in the news room to write obituaries. Seeking to regain her status, Liz begins to research the disappearance of a young girl and how it may be connected to similar missing child cases that happened twenty years before during World War II.   As Liz, with the aid of her police officer roommate, begins to investigate the disappearances, she soon uncovers a largely forgotten part of World War II history in England.  She finds that the solution to the crimes involving the missing girls may hit much closer to home than she ever expected.  I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.  I believe that I will be looking for other books by the author, Rhys Bowen, to read on Kindle Unlimited.

Every Woman’s Nightmare ***

By Steven Long

Genre:  Nonfiction/True Crime

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This is the true account of a horrific murder that took place in 2006 in the area where I live.  I was familiar with this murder, and when the book came up in my Kindle Unlimited suggestions, I decided to read it.  It was an interesting and well-documented account of the murder of Lori Hacking by her husband.  The main thing I didn’t like about this book was the author’s obvious disdain for the city and community where the murder took place. Since this is where I live, I didn’t appreciate that.  I don’t read a lot of true crime - especially murder true crime, and after this book, I think I’ll take another break from this genre.  I gave the book 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

I are really hoping that once we move and I am finally retired, that my reading will pick back up. I am setting a retirement goal of reading about two hours a day, and I am looking forward to that. I honestly believe that it's more important to read something, than to try and hit some arbitrary reading goal. I keep reminding myself of that.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave any book recommendations in the comments and happy reading!!

📚💖Deb📚😊

January Reading Roundup

I'm off to a pretty good start for my 2026 reading year, having finished five books in January - four nonfiction and one historical fiction.  Here are the books I completed during January 2026, and a little of what I thought of each one.   

A Christ-Centered Home ****

by Hannah, Leah & Isaiah Stoddard

Genre:  Christian/Latter-day Saint Memoir

Format:  Paperback (own)

My first book of 2026 was A Christ-Centered Home by Hannah, Leah & Isaiah Stoddard, the children of James Stoddard, the subject of the book. This is a highly personal memoir of this Christian Latter-day Saint father who devoted his life to God and his family.  Through many trials, including his wife's mental illness, the eventual dissolution of his marriage, and suffering with and dying of cancer at age 51, when he still had responsibility for his young children, James Stoddard continued this work of bringing Christ and His gospel to others around the world.  The book is hard to read in parts, especially when it details some of the physical and emotional abuse that the mother of the family inflicted on the children.  Through all the difficulties, James Stoddard taught his children to forgive their mother and keep their faith in God, as they had been taught.  I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads, but be warned that this is not a book for everyone. Some might not agree with the very traditional, conservative way Stoddard raised his children, including homeschooling them in an unconventional way.  The descriptions of abuse, and his suffering with cancer also make this book that might not appeal to some.

Detours ****

By Elizabeth Smart

Genre: Memoir/Self-Help

Format:  Kindle (library loan)

This is the third book by Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City bedroom at the age of 14, and held against her will for nine months, until she was rescued and returned home to her family.  Her story is truly harrowing, and I have always admired her for overcoming the horrible abuse she experienced to lead a relatively "normal" life.  This new book is a self-help book of sorts about overcoming trauma.  The book is not terribly long and there are some good things in it, especially for those try to move past trauma and tragedy.  I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads, but I don't think I will read any more books which details of young Elizabeth's ordeal.  What happened to her is horrible and just too hard to read about.  (I also don't plan to watch the documentary about her on Netflix). 

  

Doing Life With Your Adult Children *****

By Jim Burns

Genre:  Christian/Family/Self-Help

Format:  Audiobook (library)/ Paperback (own)

This is an excellent book for all parents of adult children.  Jim Burns, a Christian counselor and family therapist, gives Biblically based advice about navigating some of the issues that arise between adult children and their parents.  Some of the topics covered include money, relationships, in-laws and grandchildren.  I found this book to be very helpful.  It was also well-written, interesting, easy to listen to (in the audio format), and remember.  I am glad I own a paperback version of the book so I can refer back to it from time to time.  I gave this book 5/5 stars on Goodreads and would highly recommend it.

The Boy Who Dared ****

By Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Paperback (school copy)

This book tells the true story of Helmuth Huebner, a teenage boy who lived in Nazi Germany.  As Hitler takes power and aggressively and violently reshapes Germany and Europe, Huebner begins listening to forbidden BBC radio broadcasts on a contraband shortwave radio that his brother brings home before going off to fight in the war.  Convinced that Hitler is evil and must be stopped, Huebner writes and, with the help of several friends, distributes leaflets which tell the truth about Hitler, the Nazis, and the war.   Of course Huebner is eventually caught, imprisoned, tortured and eventually executed at the age of 17.  His friends are also caught and they served time in concentration camps.  Huebner's courage in standing up to evil much stronger than he was, demonstrates the power of truth and standing up for one's convictions.  The story of Helmuth Huebner is also the subject of a recent movie, Truth and Treason, which I have not seen, but understand is excellent.  The story told in the book is important and well-written, but this is not an easy read. The content and descriptions of Nazi atrocities, cruelty and torture make this book one that stays with the reader in sometimes troubling ways.  Because of that, I would not say this is an enjoyable read, but because everyone needs to know the story of this brave young man, I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads. 

As Sisters in Zion****

By Debbie J. Christensen

Genre:  Latter-day Saints History

Format:  Hardbound (own/thrift)

This interesting little book details the experiences of two sisters (Julia and Emily Hill) who emigrated from England and worked together to make the trek the Salt Lake Valley, as part of the infamous Willie Handcart Company of Mormon Pioneers.  The Willie Company left too late in the season (August) to make the trip across the midwestern plains and Rocky Mountains to the Salt Lake Valley.  Early snows caused arduous hardship and many deaths among those in the party.  Faced with exhaustion, starvation and exposure, the Hill sisters helped and strengthened each other,  and together, they resolved to complete the journey.  Eventually, the sisters did reach Utah, and lived to marry, raise large families, and become successful in their own rights.  The book is a quick read and very interesting.  It also includes many of the beautiful poems and hymns written by Emily Hill, the younger of the two sisters.  I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads. 

That's all for this Reading Roundup. I'm posting this before the end of January because I'm pretty sure I won't be finishing any more books before the end of the month.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Please let me know if you have been reading anything interesting!   

Until next time. 

📚Deb📚

"If you only read the books that everyone 

else is reading,

you can only think what everyone 

else is thinking."

~anon.

September Reading Roundup

It's the end of another month.  I managed to finish five books in September - two fiction and three nonfiction.  By far the best book I read in September was the first one, The Indigo Girl, by Natasha Boyd, which I wholeheartedly recommend.  Here is a brief review of that book and the others I read in September 2025. 

The Indigo Girl *****

by Natasha Boyd

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Kindle (library loan)

In 1739, sixteen-year-old Eliza Lucas' father leaves her in charge of the family's three plantations in South Carolina, while he goes off to pursue his military ambitions.  Eliza's mother is unwell, and Eliza's brother is away being educated, so she must figure out a way to make the plantations profitable so that the family doesn't lose everything.  When Eliza hears about how much the French pay for Indigo dye, she comes up with a plan to grow Indigo plants and manufacture and sell the valuable blue dye.  However, Eliza knows nothing about growing the plant and making the dye.  As she tries to learn the process, her efforts seem to be thwarted at every turn. This wonderful book is based on actual events and the real letters of Eliza Lucas, who overcame all odds and learned to produce Indigo dye, which became one of the largest exports of the American South. Eliza not only gave the colonies a valuable export that helped finance the Revolutionary War, but she was also the mother of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington was a pallbearer at her funeral, which shows the respect and esteem our nation's founders had for this woman.  Eliza's story is fascinating, and the book is one of the best ones I have read this year, which is why I gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.

Letter to the American Church ****

by Eric Metaxis

Genre:  Christian nonfiction

Format:  Audiobook (library loan)

In this book, author Eric Metaxis draws a parallel between American Christianity and the German Lutheran Church in the 1930s when Hilter was rising to power. Deitrich Bonhoffer, a German pastor gave his freedom and ultimately his life to speak up and defend the scriptural truth about the Jews and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the face of Nazi persecution. Metaxis says that American Christians also have a responsibility to speak up about the evil we see in our modern society, including abortion, transgender ideology, the destruction of the family, and other ills. The church has an irreplaceable responsibility to call out and confront evil, and according to Metaxis, American Christians have become complacent and accepting of  sin and evil.  According to Dietrich Bonhoffer and Metaxis, "silence in the face of evil is evil itself. God will not hold us guiltless."  This book is a real wake-up call to Christians.  We must stand for what is true and Godly in the face of the evils becoming more and more entrenched in our society.  This book was interesting to listen to, and more, it was a true inspiration to me.  For this reason, I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.

52 Churches in 52 Weeks ****

by Dave Boice

Genre:  Christian

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

I have always enjoyed learning about churches and religions different than the one I was brought up in, so when I saw this book available for Kindle Unlimited, I had to download it and read it.  After his fiancée unceremoniously dumps him, author Dave Boice, takes a hard look at everything in his life, including the church he was brought up in and had attended his entire life.  He had always been told that his church was the "one true church" (he was protestant - I believe Methodist if memory serves), but when Boice felt that his life had been turned upside down, he went on a quest to find God in other places.  He began attending other churches, (mostly Christian, but some non-Christian), and he wrote about his experiences with different denominations.  Boice traveled across America from New York to L.A. exploring numerous faith traditions and attending many different churches. He also started a Youtube channel about his experiences with other churches, also called 52 Churches in 52 Weeks.   I enjoyed reading this book. Boice has a dry wit and a bit of sarcastic humor that makes the book interesting, but sometimes feels irreverent as he describes different faith traditions.   By the end of the book, the author had still not found a new church home, but he had been dumped by another fiancée.  He vowed, however, to continue looking for God and truth wherever He could find them.  After the book was published in 2019, Boice continued his search for God, which he documented on his Youtube channel.  Earlier this year, he found an joined his new Christian home and you can find out more about that here.  I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.  

$2.00 a Day ****

by Kathryn Edin

Genre: Socio/Political

Format:  Audiobook (library loan)

This book details the lives of several families and individuals from different parts of our nation who subsist on next to nothing. It's hard to imagine how someone could survive on $2.00 a day, but according to the book, such poverty is not uncommon in our nation.  Nothing about life is easy for those living with this kind of destitution, and this book allows some of these very poor people to describe their lives in their own words. I found this book interesting and heartrending.  I can't imagine living and trying to raise a family in this extreme kind of want.  There are government programs and policies designed to help the poor, but, as the author explains, they are mostly ineffective and don't solve the root causes of poverty.  The book gives a voice to some people who have very little voice or say in their lives.  The portions of the book about laws and policy were not as interesting or impactful as the stories of the people, so I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.  

The Vanishing Girls ***

by Lisa Regan

Genre:  Suspense/Mystery

Format: Kindle Unlimited

When a number of girls go missing and the police force of a small town appears to be involved, it takes Detective Josie Quinn to unravel the mystery. This is a pretty typical suspense book, with a predictable plot, but way too much violence for my tastes.  I gave the book 3/5 stars on Goodreads because it was somewhat of a page turner, but I doubt I will seek out any more books from the prolific Kindle Unlimited author Lisa Regan. 

That's it for my September Reading Roundup. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for sharing a book you would recommend in the comments.  Also, what are your October reading plans? Anything good on your Kindle or nightstand for fall?

Until next time,

📚Deb📚

August Reading Roundup

My reading dropped off in August and I only finished four books.  Two of the books I completed were novels,  one was a memoir, and one was an inspirational book. Here's what I thought of each one. 

The Second Mrs. Astor  *****

By Shana Abe

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This book tells the fictionalized but true story of Madeline Talmage Force, who became the second wife of the famed American capitalist John Jacob Astor, when she was only 18.  Astor was over 20 years her senior when they married and set off on an extended honeymoon trip to Europe and Egypt.  When they return to the United States, Astor, and his now pregnant teenage wife secure their passage on the brand-new, "unsinkable," White-Star Line ocean liner Titanic.  The author expertly weaves the story of the romance of Madeline and John Jacob against the historical events of their time, culminating with the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912, that left Madeline a widow carrying the couple's baby son.  Parts of the book are written as a journal that Madeline is writing to her son, but most of the story is written in third person.  This is an excellent book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is familiar with the harrowing and tragic tale of the Titanic.  I enjoyed reading this book and gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads.  

Speaking for Myself ****

by Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Genre:  Memoir

Format:  Audiobook

This was an interesting memoir that focused mainly on Sarah Huckabee Sanders' two and a half years as President Trump's press secretary during his first administration.  Sanders' point of view is obviously very pro-Donald Trump, but her description of events that happened during the 2016-2020 Trump administration seem truthful, authentic, and in many ways different than what was presented in the "mainstream media."  I enjoy history, so I liked this book and learned a lot from it.  I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads.   

Life Lessons ***

by Dr. Trina Boice

Genre:  Inspirational

Format:  Kindle (own)

In this book, author Trina Boice, writes about people and experiences from her own life, telling what they taught her.  Many of the experiences are about her own father, and in some ways, the book comes across as a tribute to her dad.  The author also integrates scriptures that go along with each lesson.  The book is interesting, but at almost 400 pages, it is way too long for a book of this genre.  I gave the book 3/5 stars on Goodreads.  

American Housewife ***

by Anita Abriel

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This story is set in the early 1950s in New York City where a young female radio personality, Maggie Lane, is offered the chance of a lifetime to host her own baking show on TV.   On her show, Maggie is supposed to be the quintessential American housewife, offering baking, housekeeping, and even marriage tips to her viewers even though she is a newlywed who has never been a homemaker. As the show takes off, Maggie realizes that she has a lot to learn about baking, making a home, and being a wife.  It isn't easy, especially when her not-so-squeeky-clean past catches up with her.   I liked how the author weaved some true historical events into the story, but some of the connections seemed far-fetched. There were also a couple of sex scenes, but it wasn't overdone. The plot was interesting and moved along, but it wasn't the best book I've ever read, so I gave it 3/5 stars on Goodreads.  

As the month of September begins, I'm reading these books: Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd (my daughter Tiffany recommended this book to me, and it's good!), This Nation Shall Endure by Ezra Taft Benson and 52 Churches in 52 Weeks by Dave Boice.  So far, I am enjoying all three books.  

That's all for this month's Reading Roundup.  Thanks for stopping by.  Happy September and happy reading!

Until next time,

💖📚Deb📚😊

"Reading quickens 

the growth of the heart

like nothing else."

~Catheryanne M. Valente

July Reading Roundup

My reading fell off a little in July, and I only finished five books.  Four of the five were nonfiction.  One was an audiobook. All but one of the other books I completed were on my Kindle.  Here's what I thought of each one.

Somehow ****

by Anne Lamott

Genre: Nonfiction/Essay

Format: Audiobook/Library

I have read several (five or six) Anne Lamott books over the past decade or so.  I enjoyed them all.  While the author's political views (which she includes in her books) are way left of my own, the down-to-earth, God-oriented, autobiographical essays that comprise the chapters in all of her books, are sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, and always thought-provoking.  Anne Lamott is still one my favorite authors and I gave this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads. 

Reclaim Your Life *****

by Natalie Brooks

Genre:  Self-Help

Format: Kindle/Own

This book was written by a young woman who has struggled with severe depression.  She explains her experiences and how, with the help of God and competent and knowledgeable therapists, she was able to manage her depression symptoms and lead a normal, productive life.   I was asked to review an advance copy of this book for a Christian publishing house, which is how I got my Kindle copy.  The book had some excellent information and was easy to read.  Sources were cited and references for information was given. Because it was written by a person who peronally suffered from depression, the writing was real and authentic.  I gave the book 5/5 stars on Goodreads because it would be helpful to a young person who desires help, however, the book and information in it does not replace professional mental health help. 

The Painted Pink Dress****

by Minu Cash

Genre:  Memoir

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This book is an autobiography of Minu Cash who grew up in Cashion, Arizona, a part of the Phoenix metro area.  Minu's parents were Mexican farm workers who raised nine children in a small, dilapidated house.  The children's education often fell prey to the survival needs of the family, as everyone in the family was required to work, usually picking cotton.  The author's father was schizophrenic and extremely abusive; her mother seemed indifferent and often turned a blind eye to the father's abuse. Minu's story starts with her childhood and continues through adulthood with her two marriages and divorces, the birth of her two children, and the death of one of them.  Minu's white skin, much lighter than the other children in the family, hints that the abusive father who raised her may not have been her biological father. Her true paternity is revealed near the end of the book. I found this book to be interesting, compelling, and sometimes hard to read because of the abuse described.  Still, it is an excellent memoir, and I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads. 

Pathological Positivity ***

by Paul H. Jenkins

Genre:  Self-Help

Format:  Paperback/Own

The title of this book pretty much says it all.  The author, Paul H. Jenkins is a licensed psychologist and "life coach."  His approach to mental health is to frame or reframe everything that happens to us with a positive lens.  There is some very good stuff in this book, and I completely agree with Dr. Jenkins on almost everything he wrote. The book really presented nothing new and the author used way to many trite examples to try to make his points, which is why I gave it 3/5 stars on Goodreads. 

Murder Mystery Book Club ***

by Danielle Collins

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

Eva Stewart is a 40-something single woman with a chatty parrot who runs a bed and breakfast in the Florida Keys.  She also loves reading murder mysteries, discussing them with members of her murder mystery book club, and helping to solve real-life mysteries.  When a man is murdered in the alley behind her bed and breakfast, Eva and the members of her book club start doing some sleuthing to uncover who did what to whom.   In the process of everything, Eva meets an attractive new detective on the city police force, and makes friends with the female medical examiner.  This book reminded me of why I don't read many cozy mysteries.  The writing was OK, and the plot moved forward, but I found it basically bland, boring, and uninteresting.   I gave it 3/5 stars on Goodreads, and I probably will not read any more books from this series. 

In August, I'll be reading the historical fiction, The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe, which I have heard is really good.  I'm about a third of the way through the Life Lessons by Dr. Trina Boice, a nonfiction inspirational book. As always, I try to begin every day in scripture, and I recently started the book of Joshua in the Old Testament.

Thanks for stopping by to share my thoughts on the books I read in July.   Please let me know in the comments if you have any good book recommendations.

Until next time,

📚😊Deb💖📚

June Reading Roundup

Here are my thoughts about the books I finished in the month of June 2025.  I listened to three audiobooks, read two fiction books on my Kindle, and finished another paperback nonfiction book. Here is a short summary and review of each one. 

Chasing Darkness *****

by Robert Crais

Genre:  Fiction - Mystery/Suspense

Format:  Kindle Unlimited Audiobook

In this excellent suspense novel, mystery writer Robert Crais brings back detective Elvis Cole to unravel the death of a suspected serial killer who Cole helped to exonerate.  This book had a solid plot with non-stop action with lots of twists and a conclusion that is logical but not at all obvious.  Although it is 11th book in the Elvis Cole series, there is enough background given that it can easily be read as a stand-alone.   There were a few F-Bombs in the book, and some adult material, but no explicit sex.  My husband and I listened to the audiobook in the car on a road trip.  I had read one other Robert Crais book (The Monkey's Raincoat) that I didn't like as well as this one. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.  Listening to it made a long road trip more enjoyable. 

Bet Your Bottom Dollar ****

by Karin Gillespie

Genre:  Fiction - Romance/Humor

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This first book in the Bottom Dollar series introduces the reader to the women of Cayboo Creek and the Bottom Dollar Emporium, a dollar-type store that is being threatened by the opening of a Super Saver Dollar Store chain.  The employees of the quirky Bottom Dollar Store and the citizens of the town join forces to save their store.  Along the way, there is romance and a lot of humor in the down-home, feel-good book, that is reminiscent of Fannie Flagg's or Elizabeth Berg's book. I enjoyed this book and gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

The Wife You Know **

by Chad Zunker

Genre:  Fiction - Mystery/Suspense

Format:  Kindle Unlimited Audiobook

I have read three books by this author in the past two months. The first two were pretty good but this one was horrible. The story was a combination of evangelical Christian missionaries meets Communist Chinese spies meet Gilligan's Island. The hero is a rags-to-riches, self-made, multimillionaire entrepreneur and college basketball star. The story was unbelievable and the characters seemed to be unrealistic and not very smart. It just wasn't a great book so I don't think I will be looking for more books by this author.  I only gave it 2 out of 5 possible stars on Goodreads. 

Enjoy Life! Healing with Happiness ****

by Lynn D. Johnson

Genre:  Non Fiction - Self-help

Format:  Paperback/own

This is another "positive psychology" book.  It's a quick and easy read with a lot of good stuff.  Nothing really new for those who are striving for a more positive attitude and outlook, but good reminders that can help the person truly trying to change.  I liked the book and gave it 4 out 5 stars on Goodreads.

Original Sin *****

by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson

Genre: Political/Biography

Format: Audiobook/library

I honestly believe that most Americans who paid even cursory attention to Joe Biden could see that he was clearly declining and not up to another four years as president.  His cabinet, family and advisors, however, continued to feed the lie that he was "just fine" and as smart and with it as ever.  He clearly was not.  This book details Biden's decline during the four years of his presidency as well as the hubris he displayed (fed by his family and advisors) in believing that he could run again, beat Trump, and serve capably for four more years.  The book is well-written and compelling, which is why I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.  I do take issue with the fact that many in the media saw clear evidence of Biden's decline, yet they did not reveal it to the American people.  The press largely went along with the line that Biden was as spry as ever.  Biden's disastrous debate against Trump last summer revealed that as a complete lie.   I think the book was interesting and well-written, but it further destroyed my own personal confidence in what I hear and read from the media.    

A Dollar Short ****

by Karin Gillespie

Genre:  Fiction - Romance/Humor

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

This is the second book in the Bottom Dollar series.  In this book, another character for the first book in the series, which I read earlier in the month, finds herself broke and alone with her three children when her husband leaves her for a Hollywood movie star.  Like the first book, this one has a lot of humor and down-home feel-good writing.  I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.  

That's all for this month's Reading Roundup. Thanks for stopping by.  Are you reading anything good this summer? I'm always looking for book recommendations. 

Until next time,

😊📚Deb📚💖

May Reading Roundup

 

Mediocrity: 40 Ways Government Schools are Failing Today's Students***

By Connor Boyack and Corey DeAngelis

Genre: Culture/Politics

Format: Kindle Unlimited

This book details all the ways that public schools in our nation (the United States of America) are failing students.  I don’t disagree with anything in the book, because, as a teacher, I have seen it all, but the book really presents nothing new.  Anyone who has had any experience with public education over the past 50 years (as a student, parent or teacher)  knows the failings of our education .The problem of public education just seems to get worse and worse as time goes on, no matter what new standards, tests, and strategies are implemented. The authors offer no real solutions other than suggesting that parents should homeschool their children, which for most people is not a practical solution. Author Connor Boyack writes and sells homeschool books and curriculum, so I’m sure that is why he suggests homeschooling is the only answer.  No new or innovative suggestions or solutions are offered in this book, although I do agree with everything the author says about public schools. I gave it 3 /5 stars on Goodreads.   

Enlightened in the Last Days ***

By Dustin Hofheins

Genre:  Religious

Format:  Paperback (own)

This book is about an obscure end-times prophecy in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible known as the Ezra’s Eagle Prophecy.   I have heard of this prophecy being interpreted in different ways by different people, specifically in regards to identification of “the Anti-Christ.”  I think that Christians need to know the signs of the last days, but we also need to realize that many clues given in scripture about end times are difficult to interpret and understand.  I think the best way to prepare for the Second Coming is to do our best to believe in and follow Jesus.  

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea ****

By Melissa Fleming

Genre:  Memoir

Format:  Paperback (borrowed from school)

I read this book to review for possible inclusion into the curriculum in the school district where I teach. The book is interesting and I learned much about Syria and what happened there in the mid-2000s that caused a horrible civil war and much human suffering.  The book tells the true story of a young woman and her family, living as a middle-class family in Syria when a political civil war erupted tearing the country apart and forcing many Syrians to flee their homeland.  Doaa, the girl the story is about, and her family fled first to Egypt where, at first, Syrian refugees were welcomed by the government and populace.  A short time later however, a regime change reversed that welcoming attitude and Syrians found themselves subject to intense prejudice and discrimination.  Doaa and her fiancé finally decide to try fleeing to Europe in an attempt to build a life together where they could live in peace and prosperity.  They pay smugglers for passage on a crowded ship bound, presumably, for Italian waters.  Ultimately, the refugee ship Doaa and her fiancé are on, is rammed by a fishing boat resulting in the deaths of over 500 refugees on board.  The horrific scene of the dead and dying is hard to read about.  Doaa’s and her fiancé initially survive, but after four days in the water, Doaa’s fiancé dies and Doaa is left to try and care for and save two small children whose parents die in the water.  Doaa is eventually rescued by the crew of a Japanese cargo ship and though near death, she and one of the children are saved and go on to recover physically from their ordeal.  After some time, Doaa and her family (parents and siblings)  are resettled in Sweden.  The book is quite long and detailed, but it is interesting and I learned a lot by reading it.  I read the “young readers edition” but it was still very hard to envision all the dreadfully appalling things that happened (and are probably still happening) to the Syrians.   I gave the book 4 / 5 stars on Goodreads. 

Family Money ****

By Chad Zunker

Genre:  Mystery/Suspense

Format:  Kindle Unlimited

A humanitarian trip to help an orphanage in Mexico turns deadly as a loving grandfather is kidnapped at gunpoint and later found dead.  As Alex Mahan desperately tries to find out what happened to his beloved father-in-law, he discovers that his wife’s father may not actually be the man everyone believed he was. This is the second Chad Zunker mystery I have read this year.  The last one, Not Our Daughter, was also good.  Zunker crafts a good plot with lots of action.  His characters are realistic, believable, and likable.  In addition, Zunker’s books are available on Kindle Unlimited, so I plan to read more of them.  I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

We Will Not Be Silenced ****

By Erwin W. Lutzer

Genre:  Culture/Politics

Format:  Audiobook - library loan

This book details how Christians can react as our nation (the United States of America) and culture turns from the original Judeo/Christian values and ideals upon which we were founded. The book rightly encourages Christians to stand up for their beliefs instead of bowing to anti-Christian ideologies. As a Christian and conservative public school teacher, I feel like I am living some of the things the book addresses.  Important, albeit very troubling information. I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

Led by Divine Design ****

By Ronald A. Rasband

Genre: Religious

Format:  Hardbound - own

In this book, Christian leader Ronald A. Rasband details the ways in which God can lead and guide us throughout our lives, and how we can more fully listen to His voice.  The book was filled with stories and examples from Rasband’s own life and is thought-provoking and inspirational.  It was also a quick and easy read and I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

Thanks for stopping by to share my thoughts about the books I read last month. Happy reading!

Until next time,

📚Deb📚

"Reading without thinking is nothing,

for a book is less important for

what it says than for what it makes you think."

~Louis L'Amour