Did you know April 23 is World Book Day? The national celebration of reading and of books is run by The Reading Agency, a national charity that inspires people to become confident and enthusiastic readers.
April 23, 1564, is the day English poet, playwright William Shakespeare was born. Fifty-three short years later, also on April 23, 1616, the playwright died. For this reason, among others, it was a natural choice for UNESCO to create World Book Day to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this day.
So what books have you been reading lately? Here are a few I have completed and one on order that I hear great things about and can’t wait to read.
Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary was a wonderful read. I usually don’t read fiction, but this one was inspiring, funny, and a delight to read. I now want to see the movie too.
The Book of Longings by Susan Monk Kidd. What if Jesus had a wife? This book explores a possibly story about this. This gave me new perspective on Jewish life and how Jesus may have lived as Jewish man. It also gave voice to what little power women had in that context. And of course, as a writer myself I loved how the main character writes and discovers herself through words and the Word.
The One Inside: 30 Days to Your Authentic Self by Tammy Sollenberger. This is a great introduction to Internal Family systems and full of ideas to discover more about yourself and the healing within.
The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly by Margareta Magnusson. Isn’t this a fun title for book and fun and easy to read too? Even the subtitle lures you in: “Life Wisdom from Someone who Will (Probably) Die Before You.” Part memoir, part words of wisdom and part observation, this book made me think and see and take in the world with more light.
And on my To Be Read ASAP pile because it seems everyone is mentioning this book. Another novel!
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I read that it is inspiring and delightful. Heartwarming and one people keep suggesting to friends with themes are seeing others and being fully present. I can’t wait!
What have you been reading?
Hi Lisa
Yes I really liked the book Project Hail Mary and even saw the movie today. Both unusual a fiction book and a movie for me! I think you will like them. I will check out your suggestion too… Thanks
I’ve been wondering if Project Hail Mary was a good book. Glad to hear you liked it. I really liked The Martian, but then didn’t like Weir’s book after that. I haven’t seen the movie yet either, but would like to!
I read The Book of Longings a year or two ago and found it intriguing as well. I’ve added Theo of Golden to my library hold list because, like you, I keep hearing people recommend it everywhere. But my wait time is really long, so I’ll need to be patient.
Headed now to check into The One Inside (because I love IFS work!) and The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly. Thanks for this list, Jean.
I recently finished Remarkably Bright Creatures. It was such an uplifting novel in many ways (altho it has hard parts too).