Lighten Up

Lighten Up by Chieko N. Okazaki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chieko Okazaki is one of my very favorite women of faith. I love her optimism and her honesty. Her tenacious spirit and commitment to being herself was remarkable. I loved reading this and appreciated her encouragement during a very chaotic stage of life. Both the audio and the hard copy are equally enjoyable to read.

Happy reading and happy lighter living--

Anxious People - Round Two

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew I would revisit this book because I wanted to reread it almost as soon as I finished it last year. Issues in this book hit close to home, and I wanted the chance to see it through clearer, less emotional eyes. The book was still just as enjoyable, though I did miss the big surprises. I love Fredrik Backman, and I can't wait for my annual reading of his Christmas novella.

Happy reading, and remember, you are fine just the way you are. Here's to less anxious living in 2022, since 2021 certainly didn't mellow out the way we thought it would.

The Soul of a Woman

The Soul of a Woman by Isabel Allende
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ummmm - this book was a little odd. I love Isabel Allende's fictional writing. She's very talented. This was a bit rambling for me. I appreciate her candor and her feminism, but if she wasn't a famous author, an editor would have totally reworked this or not published it in the first place. There are some good passages, but overall I wouldn't recommend it. Allende's fiction is much more worth your time.

Happy reading--

ps. 2.5 stars rounded up.

The Trials of Morrigan Crow - Round Two

The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When real life is a bit all over the place, I love to reread books. Morrigan Crow and her world were a perfect escape. I love the audiobook reader, and I can't wait to introduce this enchanting story to my boys when they're older.

Happy reading--

ps. On a second reading, I'm bumping up my star rating from 4 to 4.5, so 5 rounded up.