30 Comments
Oct 22Liked by Sandra Pawula

I just finished "The Deep Sky" by Yume Kitasei (Science fiction). I nearly abandoned it in the middle, but it came back pretty good at the end. I give it 7 out of 10 overall.

I am also about two-thirds through "Eichmann in Jerusalem: the Banality of Evil" by Hannah Arendt (Non-fiction). It is difficult reading for several reasons: the writing style, my lack of background knowledge about the history of Jews in Europe, and the topic includes the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Expand full comment
author

Stuart, Thanks for sharing your recent reads. I can understand why the Hannah Arendt book is heavy reading. Hopefully, the science ficiton balances it out.

Expand full comment

Car rides

Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Lost Bookshop Evie Woods

Self Help

When you’re ready, this is how you heal Brianna Wiest

The Mountain is you Brianna Wiest

Book Club

Weyward Emilia Hart

If we ever get there Laura Barrow

Jesus

New Testament (audible, ongoing)

Expand full comment
author

Kris, What a great mix! Thank you!

Expand full comment

I don't think I've finished anything yet this month (at least not that I'd recommend for serious reading πŸ˜„) but I found "The Saint of Bright Doors" by Vajra Chandrasekera on Kindle Unlimited last month and quite enjoyed it - a little fantastic, a little surreal, but strangely lovely

Expand full comment

I just finished reading Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. Title notwithstanding, it’s an excellent book and Tara is a wise and seasoned teacher. Friends (even Tim Ferris!) have found it equally insightful.

Just started reading Zorba the Greek…will let you know my take.

Expand full comment
author

Ryan, I've enjoyed watching Tara Brach's videos but have yet to read her book. I'll put this one on my reading list. Thanks for mentioning it. I'd like to see female spiritual teachers getting more attention.

Expand full comment

Me, too, Sandra. She seems to be one of a few that are breaking through. I hope you find the book insightful if/when you read it.

Expand full comment
author

I've been reading The Attention Revolution by B. Alan Wallace. It's an older book on mindfulness, one of the most in-depth that I've read. It might not be of interest to the everyday reader unless you want to geek out on mindfulness in all its glorious details.

Expand full comment
Oct 15Liked by Sandra Pawula

I am reading Pyscho-Cybernetics! The name turned me off to the book for a long time because I had no idea what it was about. But it's actually a fascinating look at how our self-image, or the image in our heads of who we think we are, supports us in achieving our goals or holds us back from it.

Expand full comment
author

Suzanne, How interesting! I understand why you avoided it, but it sounds like you are reading it at the perfect time. There are so many older books like that one that are true gems. Thanks for telling us about it.

Expand full comment

So many great titles here I need to check out.

I'm reading The Book of Delights by Ross Gay. His essays are poignant, humorous and while delightful the way he sees the world opens mine.

I'm also reading, by recommendation form a friend here on Substack, A Tale For The Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. It's a fabulous gorgeous read.

Expand full comment
author

These sound beautiful! Thanks, Paulette!

Expand full comment
Oct 15Liked by Sandra Pawula

I'm currently up to the year 1664 in Samuel Pepy's diary. It's a pick up, put down type book; it's taken me a few years to get this far, and I vow to have it completed by the end of this decade. But I will stick to it through this month before taking another break.

Expand full comment
author

James, I had to look this one up! Your dedication to completing the book by the decade's end inspires me. Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
Oct 15Liked by Sandra Pawula

Book wise I'm reading These Precious Days by Ann Patchett :-)

Expand full comment
author

The title intrigues me! Thanks for sharing, Ali!

Expand full comment

Non fiction The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Fiction a great series. Brandon Fisher FBI thriller series by Carolyn Arnold.

Expand full comment
author

Susan, The War of Art is a gem! I l would probably love the Carolyn Arnold series, too.

Expand full comment

My favorite genre is archealogical adventure (think Clive Cussler), and then thrillers! FBI agents hunting serial killers, crime novels, medical thrillers, and psychological thrillers!

Expand full comment
author

Wow! I never knew there were so many different types of thrillers!

Expand full comment

The Pleasure Gap by Katharine Rowland. Barely started it. Audiobook, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. I’m a couple hours into that one but struggling and I’m a huge fan. Hoping it will catch my interest soon.

Expand full comment
author

Aj, The Pleasure Gap sounds like a priority read for all women! I hope Tom Lake picks up the pace for you soon.

Expand full comment

I'm reading The Crescent Moon Tearoom, by Stacy Sivinski, a debut novel. It's ticking some of the boxes of my new love of cozy fantasy with three sister witches each facing personal challenges that may also destroy their close relationship.

Expand full comment
author

Charlotte, I cherish your recommendations, and this one sounds witchingly amazing!

Expand full comment

I hope you like it!

Expand full comment

A Course in Miracles

Expand full comment
author

Bob, I remember first picking up A Course in Miracles. It mystified me, then! Now, it makes more "sense." It's such a wise guide!

Expand full comment
Oct 15Liked by Sandra Pawula

Lessons in Chemistry is awesome!

Expand full comment
author

Debbie, What a great title! I had to look it up. Thanks.

Expand full comment