Category: Books

Okay, so I didn’t read the whole book in December. I actually started this particular copy of the BOM on my mission, and I’ve been slowing working through it for about 6 months. Obviously this isn’t my first time to read it, but this time was unique, because I read it in a different way than ever before.

On my mission, I read a talk by Elder Bednar that suggested that each time we read the BOM, we start with a new copy, and read it with a specific question in mind. One specific suggestion he gave was to ask how to be more Christlike, and then mark each Christlike attribute with a different color.

I did it, and it was one of the most valuable scripture experiences I’ve ever had! I noticed that different attributes stuck out to me in different ways, based on whatever I was going through in my life as I read.

As with every time I read this wonderful book, I felt the confirming witness of the Spirit tell me that THIS BOOK IS TRUE. It’s not just a good book– it’s an actual, real, true book! I learned more about becoming like Christ this time than I ever have, and that to me is one of the greatest blessings of the Book of Mormon: we can learn more about our Savior, and how we can become like Him. I love this book!

Yeah yeah yeah. I know everyone and their dogs have read this.

I didn’t read this series in High School, when there were Midnight book releases and most of my friends were reading them. At the time, I felt the premise was too morbid (kids killing kids?!?!) and I had no interest.

However, the first movie came out my Sophomore year of college, and I have a policy to always read the book before seeing the movie, so I read the entire series in about a week. Let me tell you, they’re a bunch of page-turners.

In preparation for the final film (Mockingjay, part 2) I reread the last book. My honest opinion: the movie is better than the book. It as fun to reread and bring back memories of my early college days.

Ohhhhhhh my goodness. THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL!!!! Before you read any further, know that your life isn’t complete without Wonder feeding into your collection of literarily-derived empathy and compassion. Do yourself and all your future acquaintances a favor and READ WONDER. Go now. Don’t even read my synopsis.

But if you must know, I’ll tell you a little bit about it.

“I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

Wonder is the story of August Pullman, a 10 year old boy born with severe facial deformities. It chronicles his experience going to public school for the first time, and features the perspectives of Auggie himself, his sister, her boyfriend, her best friend, his best friend, and even the bully. Join Auggie and his schoolmates as they discover the meaning of friendship, loyalty, acceptance, and forgiveness.

I’ll admit it brought tears on multiple occasions. Sometimes sad tears, sometimes tears of pure joy. It’s that kind of book.

It’s that time of month again: time to report on my #BookoftheMonth. This book was a PURE JOY to read, and I recommend it to everyone. It’s a super quick read, but it has depth and light and all the feels. Rememeber when I read The House on Mango Street? This book is similar. Again, we have a series of vignettes about a members of a community, this time in Cleveland, OH. Individuals come together unexpectedly, as they are drawn to the neighborhood garden. Totally presh.

A few of my favorite lines:

“If you’re Mexican, the Cubans and Puerto Ricans hate you because they think you snuck in illegally and they didn’t. Which they would have if they could have walked. If you’re a teenager, the whole world hates you. If you’re a pregnant teenager, people think you should be burned at the stake. I’m a Mexican, pregnant sixteen-year-old. So shoot me and get it over with.”

“The older you are, the younger you get when you move to the United States. They don’t teach you that equation in school. Big Brain, Mr. Smoltz, my eighth grade math teacher, hasn’t even heard of it. It’s not in Gateway to Algebra. It’s Garcia’s Equation. I‘m the Garcia.”

“Very many people came over to ask about [my eggplants] and talk to me. I recognized a few form the neighborhood. Not one had spoken to me before – and now how friendly they turned out to be. The eggplants gave them an excuse for breaking the rules and starting a conversation . How happy they seemed to have found this excuse, to let their natural friendliness out.”

Read this book. You won’t regret it.

I finished my August book on the last day of August. #thasright That means I’ve read a book every month since coming home from my mission, just as I promised I would. #goalsandplans #blessed

I read the third book in the Time quintet by Madeleine L’Engle. It’s called A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and I would say it wasn’t quite as compelling as the previous books in the series (thus the rush to finish on the last day of the month) but still thought-provoking and enjoyable to read.

Here’s the Goodreads write-up: In this companion volume to “A Wrinkle In Time” (Newbery Award winner) and “A Wind In The Door” fifteen-year-old Charles Wallace and the unicorn Gaudior undertake a perilous journey through time in a desperate attempt to stop the destruction of the world by the mad dictator Madog Branzillo. They are not alone in their quest. Charles Wallace’s sister, Meg–grown and expecting her first child, but still able to enter her brother’s thoughts and emotions by “kything”–goes with him in spirit.But in overcoming the challenges, Charles Wallace must face the ultimate test of his faith and will, as he is sent within four people from another time, there to search for a way to avert the tragedy threatening them all.

Have a happy week!