An Unusual Turn of Events

 During the Covid shutdown, I found I could not concentrate on reading. How odd! I love to read, and extended time at home seems like the perfect opportunity. Instead, I spent hours and hours sewing.

As time has passed, I find that I have very little interest in sewing! How truly odd! I have gradually come out of my reading funk and am enjoying books once again. This is what I have read so far in 2022. (Not a huge list, but I am just happy to be reading again.)

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams - A list of books to read seems to suddenly appear to several people. They begin to read the books, and through the contacts at the library, and through the growth they experience from reading the books, they find new friends and interests in their daily lives. I loved seeing their appreciation of the books, many of which I have also read. I also loved the "contacts with humanity" that take place when reading a well-written book. Some may find this book a bit sappy in places, but I loved it. The people were varied, troubled, flawed, kind -- just like real humans.

The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall - Relationships, families, faith, friends, struggles, forgiveness -- a well written book.

Open House on Haunted Hill by John Wiswell - Short story about a haunted house that was lonely and desperately wanted someone to live in it. Read by Levar Burton at his podcast "Levar Burton Reads."

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles - The writing is superb. The characters are diverse and real. I wasn't completely enamored with the story line, but the great writing made up for that. The last 50 pages really wowed me. Like I said, superb writing.

The Years of My Birth by Louise Erdrich - Short story read by Levar Burton on his podcast, "Levar Burton Reads."

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich - This book follows a family in Minneapolis through the pandemic, the killing of Geore Floyd, and unrest in the city. "The sentence" refers to more than one meaning, one being a prison sentence lived by one of the main characters. As always with an Erdrich book, there is so much depth that I could probably get more out of it by reading the book again. I am in awe of her ability to pull language together so beautifully.

The Weight of Night by Christine Carbo - This story takes place in and around Glacier National Park, one of my favorite places on earth. It was fun to see so many place names that I recognize. I have not read the first two (it's a series?); this stand-alone book did not require previous knowledge of characters. It's a mystery, which I don't usually read, but I enjoyed it.

Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery - At age 67, Emma Gatewood becomes the first woman to walk the entire 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail. She goes alone and with few supplies. She is fearless and industrious. As reporters start telling her story, she becomes nationally known. Her fame and her straight-forward attitude make the trail become very popular, and use of it soars. I am currently 69 and can't imagine taking on a 2,000-mile hike! She was stronger than a dozen men.