March 2022 Books



















 The Hemingway Stories by Ernest Hemingway is a collection of Hemingway's stories that are approachable, entertaining, and relatable than I expected. Hemingway often tackles topics I find hard to read about and doesn't shy away from violence and cruelty. As is usual with collections, some stories were easier reads than others. All the stories speak to the time in which Hemingway lived and often use language that feels a bit cringeworthy. Sometimes its important to understand where we came from to understand where we are. Overall, I would recommend this collection of short stories.


The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright feels like a simple story but holds an undercurrent of complexity. My parents bought this book for me as as gift when they vacationed in Branson, Missouri several years ago. I had shifted it around in my to-be-read pile for several years. When it made its way to the top this time, I finally decided to read it. I wasn't very excited about starting it, so I was surprised when the story drew me in and I started care about some of the characters, relate to emotions felt, and wonder about motivations. I wanted to help those who needed help, cheer on those who were kind, and condemn those who were mean. It is a sweet story with a dash of violence that offers lessons about secrets, honesty, and shedding expectations. (This book is available on Amazon, but I didn't provide a link because the version I have isn't listed there, and I'm not sure which one would be closest to it.)



Ongoing:


Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore - I started this book about mid-way through February. So far it's interesting, but, man, the names - of people and places - can get confusing. I thought I'd finish this one by the end of March, but I'm still reading it... I have  occasionally wondered if the author's biases have affected his writing of this history. So far, I'd say that none of the so-called leaders regardless of religion or nationality in this book come off looking good. I really don't want to say more than that until I finish it.


Complete Poems of Bertolt Brecht by Bertolt Brecht is a very long book of poetry. I  continue to read a few poems each night. They are translated from German to English. The poems are always interesting even if not always pleasant. He isn't shy about taking on uncomfortable topics. I'll share more of my thoughts as I read more. As this book is 1071 pages, expect it to show up for several months.


Get Untamed: The Journal by Glennon Doyle is a guided journal inspired by Doyle's book, Untamed. I started this journal at the beginning of March. The questions are simple and the answers are fairly easy, but surprisingly it's not pushing me the way I expected it to. I think I'll leave my comments there though because I still have quite a ways to go, so maybe my reaction to it will change...


52 Lists for Calm by Moorea Seal - I started this journal, but it will take all year to complete. It's a list journal with prompts that one fills out weekly rather than daily. So far, so good.


52 Lists for Bravery by Moorea Seal - This is another list journal I started at the beginning of the year. Like the one for Calm, it is a weekly list journal with prompts. Again, so far it is going well.


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