I’m trying to read more books that I choose for my own reading enjoyment. Not for review, but because I’ve been wanting to read them or they caught my attention. Most of them have been talked about ad nauseam or have been on my to-read list for a long time so they don’t really need a full review. But, I’d still like to give them some space here on the blog, so instead, I’m offering mini-reviews of the books that won’t get full-page space here.
I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly Quick Lit link up. Be sure to head over to see others link up their Quick Lit posts.
THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN
9/11 In Gander, Newfoundland
By: Jim DeFede
Published: September 3, 2002
Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: Library eBook
I think I first heard about this book a few years ago listening to a podcast (maybe Criminal) that interviewed the air traffic controller about 9/11. Somehow this book and the situation in Gander was mentioned and that was the first I had heard of it. Even knowing that the US airspace was shut down on 9/11, I never gave a thought to the hundreds of planes and thousands of passengers whose lives were upended due to the terrorist attacks and where all those planes had to go.
The planes descended on this relatively small town and their thousands of passengers were stranded on this island for days. Many people were scared about what was happening to their home and their families back in the states. But, the people of Gander took all of them under their wing and treated everyone like they were family.
If you need to read an uplifting story, this one will give you all the warm-fuzzies. With all the horror of 9/11, there was still a lot of good going on in our world, thanks to Gander, Newfoundland.
EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON
And Other Lies I’ve Loved
By: Kate Bowler
Published: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Random House
Format: Library Audio Book
A young mother is diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. You assume the worst, but hope for the best. In Kate Bowler’s memoir, she tries to make sense of God and how he could do this to her all while the idea of “Everything Happens for a Reason” is in the back of her mind. She takes us through her journey of pain, sorrow, and grief much like in the book WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR, but the miracle is that Bowler is still fighting and winning against cancer. Her book is real, honest, sharp, and heartbreaking. The author reads her own book and when her voice breaks in emotion you catch your breath while listening. The biggest take for me from the book was the quote, “Don’t skip ahead to the end.” From this quote, I am reminded to enjoy the moment…whatever that moment is. She ends the book with an appendix of items not to do or say to someone who is going through a rough time. I’ve seen these lists before and they are always excellent reminders for those of us who want to help those who are struggling.
FAHRENHEIT 451
By: Ray Bradbury
Published: October 19, 1953
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: Library Audiobook
Well, I finished it. Did I enjoy it? Parts of it yes. It reminded me a bit of the movie, “The Truman Show” in places. Did I think it is the “Great American Novel”? No, but I’m glad I read it.
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Posted Under audiobook, Book Review, classic, Jim DeFede, Kate Bowler, non-fiction, Quick Lit, Ray Bradbury
The Day the World Came To Town has been in my to read pile for awhile. I think I might need to move it to the top of the stack. Thanks for sharing what you have been reading!
Thanks for sharing! I have mixed feelings about Farenheit 451 too, but unlike you I’ve never made it all the way through. Maybe I should give it another go? I found Kate Bowler’s book beautifully moving as well.