A stack of three books on a wooden surface. A plant behind them. Over lay on the image ‘Reads August 2022 - byamygrace’.

Water for Elephants | Susan Gruen

Years ago, I saw the film adaption of this novel. Enough time passed, and I thought I would read the book and re-watch the film. Thus far, reading this novel proves Sara to be an author with an incredible talent for crafting the main character and giving you varying degrees of perspective and depth on him and the world around him. I have not yet re-watched the film, but I am delighted with the writing and how she paints the characters and the world they inhabit.

The School for Good and Evil | Soman Chainani

A magical tale woven for upper middle-grade readers of two girls, a tall tale and the truth revealed in fairytales. I love to find new twists on fairytales, good vs. evil and complicated friendships. The School for Good and Evil provides an entertaining read and dynamic read. Young Amy would have sped through this series.

My Darling Husband | Kimberly Belle

This read quickly became fast-paced suspense. I loved how Kimberly was able to give us present-day reflections through the eyes of a reporter/interviewee, along with brief descriptions of a past happening. Kimberly kept the pace high without compromising details, character development and atmosphere. She set the stage and let the drama run its course brilliantly.

Lucky | Marissa Stapley

Picked up for its Reese Witherspoon recommendation and was not disappointed. Read this over a weekend, and it was a treat. Marissa gave us a story about a woman on the run with a past. Fun, sassy, reflective and redemptive. All packed in under 250 pages. Quite the feat.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE

That Darn Cat - Summer nostalgia with a Haley Mills classic.
Gangster Squad - For the brilliant gangster storytelling. Loosely based on Mickey Cohen’s takedown.
Turning Red - Domee Shi brings everyone a true depiction of what it means to be a Canadian girl, especially those who are Asian.
The Shrink Next Door - Showing manipulation at its finest. Originally a podcast series.
Only Murders in the Building S02 - Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selna Gomez deliver another riveting and comedic mystery.
Physical S02 - Another great example of a woman working to make her way. No complaints about the 80’s hair and music.

Three books in a line. My Darling Husband, The School for Good and Evil, Water for Elephants.

Lucky by Marissa Stapley atop a glass coffee table. A mug of almost gone coffee sits beside it along with a plant.

Bitter & Sweet | Tsh Oxenreider

After enjoying Tsh's book on Advent, I thought it apt to buy her latest release for the duration of Lent. Bitter & Sweet gives a beautiful guide through the liturgical journey of Lent and into Easter.

Finding Meaning | David Kessler

I began to study the process of grief for a personal passion project of mine, and this book was the last read to complete the journey. This book helps tie it all together, and in life, I believe this is a read that we all can benefit from. Holding space for ourselves and those around us in grief is a gift, and I hope that I can always be that person to those around me.

Breaking Bread with the Dead | Alan Jacobs

This came up on my reading TBR list, and at first, I was going to let it go as I couldn't find it at my city's library, but after returning to read the synopsis multiple times, I bought it. It's a very in-depth yet concise read about the idea that reading intentionally and slowly the words of authors of the past helps us have a deeper and better understanding of ourselves and the world we live in today.

I especially appreciated the beginning, in which Alan discussed the nuances of social media and internet culture that have influenced us in ways that make it hard to sit and just be with the words of others.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes | Diana Gabaldon

She did it again. If you know me, you know that the Outlander Series is something that I deeply love. The multiple genres in one Sega and the actual craft of writing that Diana has created book after book. This is the sixth book in the series. It ended with so many plot twists and turns that my head spun.

The Joy Luck Club | Amy Tan

I have been told that I would love this film and I have resisted watching until I have read the book. Finally getting to this novel, and of course, it doesn't disappoint. Amy Tan brings us culture, nuance, and character. And as a white woman married into a part Chinese family, it is even more meaningful and a window into a nuance of thought I did not grow up with.

FILMS & TELEVISION SERIES OF NOTE

Take This Waltz - because this film heals me every time I watch it. & of course the genius writing and directing of Sarah Polley is behind it.
Only Murders in the Building - Martin Short, Steve Martin & Selena Gomez. A trio that doesn't disappoint.

September is an odd month to be fitting in reading while everything is changing and starting back up again, but it also happens to be a huge part of my sanity, so thus, I cracked open these four…

LIGHTLY | Francine Jay

A little ‘light’ read on a clutter free life. Over the past five years I have been on a journey to living ‘minimally’ / ‘lightly’. These reads aren’t necessary for me, but remind me of my why’s. I am easily overwhelmed and am especially affected by the atmospheres around me. This little read gave me a small reassuring pat on the shoulder for all the reasons I have let go of excessiveness and embraced curating our small space.

THE FOUR HOUR WORK WEEK | Timothy Ferris

Have only read the updated introduction thus far, but am about to deep dive. I can tell that I will leave this book with a few new tricks up my sleeve on what it means to use my time productively and to the best of my ability. I have learned in my professional life thus far that I thrive when I have efficiency in both the administrative and the creative.

MILK AND HONEY | Rupi Kaur

This book of poetry was raw and candid in very visual ways. Touching on abuse, love, loss and self-acceptance, this is a beautiful collection that has a way of capturing the essence of a woman.

THE INVITING LIFE | Laura Calder

Becoming parents, moving, and renovating has meant the past few years have been less about hosting and more about ‘surviving’. That being said, reading this little beautiful book has given me a reminder for a love of having people in to connect and find solidarity with.