Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer. Author and Pastor Tyler Staton (of Bridgetown Church in Portland) lays out a persuasive call for the church broadly, and the believer personally, to return to the prayer practices of the early church and Jesus. Incredible read: "Prayer is a journey that starts in need and ends in relationship." My full review is here.
Cutting for Stone (Libby). This has been on my reading list since it's publication in 2009. Listening to it over the course of 20 hours completely pulled me back into Ethiopia where we lived for over 2 years--it also made me wish I'd read it while I lived there. The author creates a world so immersive that it inhabits your thoughts to the point that you find yourself pausing unexpectedly during the day to consider Shivah's plights or Genet's betrayal. Verghese's ability here brought echoes of Mafouz's mastery in creating an entire world across generations in the Cairo trilogy. The unique aspect of this novel is the way in which the the author can present fascinating surgical details in a manner the average lay person can at least pretend to understand--all the while weaving a tale with multiple layers of betrayal, intrigue and redemption.
The Life Impossible. In the vein of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Matt Haig's latest tale is magical realist amble into the intersection of mathematics, environmentalism, science, philosophy, extraterrestrial life, loss, and grief--and the fact that it all takes place in Ibiza makes this story shine. While Haig's third novel doesn't rise to the level of his Midnight Library, it still stood out as a guilty pleasure of a read--one that doesn't demand too much of the reader (most chapters are only a page or two) while delivering beautiful writing at the same time.
Right-Hand Shore. Reading Tilghman's writing is effortless--which means he's both incredibly talented and works hard at it. His 2012 tale (one of 4 in a series I found out later) of a family's doomed (cursed?) farm on the Eastern shore stretches across generations from the Civil War and through to reconstruction. My full review is here.
How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Story Ever Told (Libby). This book's power comes from humorist author Harrison Scott Key's fearlessness in revealing the most raw, intimate emotions surrounding his wife's infidelity. My full review is here.
May the Wolf Die (Libby). Named one of the New York Times "best crime novels of 2024"--this debut novel from scientist/researcher/author Elizabeth Heidler nails all the gritty Naples details down to the trash strewn highways that contrast with the breathtaking coastal waters. Her experience living in Naples for 3 years more than a decade ago—working as a research analyst at the US Navy base in Capodichino—shines through with her careful eye for all things Bella Napoli. Having lived there for three years myself-I can attest she gets it right. One disclaimer: We should have read this instead of listening--the narrator's Scottish? accent trying to do dialogue in Italian was VERY distracting.
Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco (Libby). Currently listening. I accidentally got the abridged version (~3 hours) instead of the unabridged (~22 hours) which ended up being a good call as this book was just okay for me--not being super into business and deal-making--I shouldn't have been surprised. It's well written and the details and conversation reflect the incredible work put in by the authors.
A Death in Brazil. Currently reading once I found out where my kids put it:) Brasil read.
TBR (To be ready in 2025)
The Showman: Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made a Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky
Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good.
Elizabeth Ritchie and the Kingdom of Whatnots. A young girl gets called into another world in a plot to assassinate an evil king--chaos ensues (My 12 year old daughter Betty's next book which she'll self-publish).
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
Embarrassing List of Books I've said I'm going to finish for several years:
Tribe of Mentors. Currently reading for the last four years. My full review will be here...one day
The Italians. Was reading but misplaced the book. If I find it I will finish it.
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