July was a good reading month for me with the number of books that I read. When it comes to the actual books though it was not a five star month. I liked the books I read, but only one of them was a five star read for me.
I did have a great nonfiction reading month. I read four nonfiction books which is better than the last few months.
I used to read sixty to seventy percent nonfiction, but over the last year or two my fiction reading has really increased. I am glad to be picking up more nonfiction because nonfiction are usually the books that I enjoy the most.
July Reading
Click on the title of each book and it will take you to the full review.
Fiction
The Last Life boat by Hazel Gaynor. This was one of the new releases that I recently bought because I really wanted to read this WWII historical fiction. I really enjoyed this one. It wasn’t a five star read, but I would definitely give it four stars.
Save What’s Left by Elizabeth Castellano. I have mixed thoughts on this one, so be sure to read my full review.
The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie. I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of this one.
Black Coffee by Agatha Christie. Another Agatha Christie that I enjoyed on audio.
Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble. I needed a break from WWII historical fiction and this was great for that. I did not know very much about Tiffany Glass, so this was an interesting read.
Nonfiction
Sisters of Resistance by Tilar J. Mazzeo. This nonfiction WWII book was recommended by a reader. I am so glad that she told me about it. I really enjoyed this book about Mussolini’s Daughter and the things that she did to try to help her keep her husband’s secret diaries safe.
Eruption by Steve Olson. This was a five star read for me, but I don’t know that it will be for everyone.
Finding Freedom by Erin French. I love food memoirs, so when this one got a lot of attention I knew that I wanted to read it. I liked it, but I think that I would have enjoyed it more if I had known more about the author.
Christian Nonfiction
Forgive by Timothy Keller. This was one of the Christian books that I had in my 2023 to be read stack. I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I have read several books by Tim Keller and I have liked them, but not loved them. I think it is his writing style that I struggle with. Forgive took me several months to read, it was a slow read for me. I did appreciate his approach to Christian forgiveness, but I have read better written books on the topic.
I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in the struggle with Timothy Keller’s writing. I am curious to know which of his you have liked. I’ve picked up several and haven’t finished one as of yet. My son is currently reading Reason for God, so I will keep you updated on his opinion once he finished.
Thanks Lynn!
You are not alone. I can see why so many love Timothy Keller’s writing, but in general I find him hard to read. His books are always really slow reads for me. I am not sure I will tackle another one anytime soon. My husband and I read his book on marriage, I think it is called the Meaning of Marriage, years ago, and overall we enjoyed it. I also read his book Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering. I enjoyed it too, but it was a really slow read for me as well. I have started a couple of his other books, and like you never finished them. I have not read Reason for God, but I know that is one of his popular ones. I would love to hear what your son thinks.
I’ve read several Keller books, and I really liked them. But something I’ve noticed is that I think he may work better on audio because he writes the way he preaches.
I think that might be it. His writing is like preaching, so it is a little more challenging to read. I will have to try his books on audio. Thank you for the suggestion.
I was happy to see your review of Eruption – a book I’d not heard of before. I just finished listening to the audiobook and it was very good. I grew up in SW Washington and, though I was only in Kindergarten, still vividly remember watching the eruption from my street corner. I’ve visited the Monument many times since, and had no idea about the politics and background of the issues.
I am so glad that you enjoyed Eruption! My husband just finished it on audio and really enjoyed it as well. It is such a great book for those that either live or have lived in the PNW. I have not been to the Monument, but I need to visit. There is always so many family members and other places to see when I visit, that I have not made it to the Monument.