March // What I Read

Felicity 

by Mary Oliver 

This book had peaked my interest for quite some time because I had heard various people talking about it and the beautiful cover also drew me in. I must say that although a few of the poems were mildly entertaining, as a whole, I was quite disappointed. I also understand that this is a very unpopular opinion so we can agree to disagree. Maybe I don't have much of a poetic soul but I just found most of the poems to be hard to understand and wasn't touched deeply at all...if any. 

The Glass Castle 

by Jeannette Walls 

This book was a wild ride. If ever there was a dysfunctional family, this one would be at the top of the list.  It saddened me to read the story of Jeannette's childhood and be a witness to all of what her and her siblings had to endure. From going without food, heat in winter, and basic survival necessities to practically raising her younger siblings herself, Jeannette's story will not be one easily forgotten. 

One thing I loved is that despite the very difficult childhood that the author experienced, she chose not to be bitter but to look on her parents with sympathy and compassion understanding that they had their own mental health issues and demons to overcome. She appreciated the passion of her father specifically and how he always encouraged her to dream big and use her imagination to do and be what she wanted to accomplish and become. 

One thing I must add, this book has a ton of crude language and so that was at times difficult to get past. I found a lot of it quite honestly very unnecessary but the story overall was a good one. 

One of Us is Lying 

by Karen McManus 

This was a good classic whodunit high school mystery told in the same vein as The Breakfast Club. This book I found very entertaining and it was quite interesting getting to know the various complex characters. I did appreciate the little twist at the end and it makes for a fun summer read to take with you to the beach this summer. 

Feminine Appeal 

by Carolyn Mahaney

I actually began this book in January with a ladies' book study with my church but new baby. :) This is such a classic and a bit old school but in a good way. Carolyn lays it out for us and does a wonderful job instructing and encouraging us women in our roles as believers, wives, mothers, and as women in this world. This is such a great tool for women of all ages and stages of life and is so firmly grounded in Scripture. Must read!