Linking up with Jana & Steph for Show Us Your Books!
Happy Tuesday. I hope you read something wonderful lately.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer | Christian | ★★★★★/5
I don’t usually read self-help books OR Christian books, but I think this fell on my radar thanks to Lauren Akins’ Live in Love podcast. Either way, I had it on my Amazon wishlist and my m.i.l. bought it for me.
The book’s focuses are a) slowing down so you can b) be a better apprentice to Jesus. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but for a Christian gal who tries to resist the hustle culture, it was a fantastic read. I thought I was doing a decent job of living slowly. I intentionally never say the words “hurry up” to M and I try to plan ahead so I don’t feel rushed. Turns out, there are many habits I could add, change, or eliminate to foster a little more joy and a little more room for Jesus.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins | Thriller | ★★★★/5
This was a bookclub pick. My favorite mysteries/thrillers are the ones where the people are trapped and cut off from civilization. This one checked that box. It was… interesting, though. The beginning felt forced, the characters hid their crazy a little too well, and the were some plot-holes. But it kept me reading and gave us something to talk about in the zoom call. More likely a 3.5 star rating, but I’m glad I read it.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood | Romance | ★★★★★/5
I’d call this one a slow burn, but I never got bored. SO many people raved about this book & I see why. Olive was cute, Adam was sultry, and their chemistry was 🔥 (pun intended). I prefer my female protagonists a little more confident than Olive, but I know she was a product of a life that kept dealing her blows. Some people complained that Adam was bOrInG, but I like the strong & silent type. And women in STEM are always welcomed.
ERIN’S BOOK CHALLENGE 16.0
| 5 points | Freebie: The Love Hypothesis (Hazelwood)
| 10 points | Title starts with the letter C: Carnegie’s Maid (Benedict)
| 10 points | Published in 2020 or 2021: The Wedding Game (Quinn)
| 15 points | One of the following in the title: you/your/etc.: Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. (Tremaine)
| 20 points | Set on an island: Reckless Girls (Hawkins)
| 20 points | From an indigenous or First Nations author: There There (Orange)
| 25 points | A memoir/biography/autobiography: Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman(Massie)
| 30 point | One of these in the title: Ace/King/Queen/Jack/Joker: Queen of the Tearling(Johansen)
| 30 points | Poetry or a book written in verse: The Poet X (Acevedo)
| 35 points | By or inspired by Jane Austen: The Jane Austen Book Club (Fowler)
25 points right now.
What did you read this month?
-Aud
Life as Louise 
Reckless Girls was a nice winter read if for the setting alone.
The Hurry book sounds really interesting even though neither of those genres are something I typically dip a toe into. We could all use less hustle and hurry and more time for Jesus, faith, or whatever that serves us better
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Agreed. It made me crave a beach.
It was extremely interesting! But very rooted in Christianity and in what I would call the new wave of Christianity that I can’t quite put my finger on but it’s not 100% my cup of tea…. …. …. But the book itself provided very very good direction and food for thought!
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I’ve seen The Love Hypothesis EVERYWHERE!! I’m scared it won’t live up to the hype, but sounds like you really enjoyed it!
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I did enjoy it! But it’s also very hyped. Haha! Fortunately, I loved the characters and their flirty, witty, slow-burning flame 🙂
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I still have a crush on Adam from The Love Hypothesis!
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Right?? The quiet, supportive, protective type? Yes PLEASE!
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I need to read Reckless Girls – this is the second month that I’m seeing reviews for it and I’m so intrigued.
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It grabbed me and pulled me in for a wild ride. Hope you like it if you end up reading it!
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I have been seeking out a lot of slow/simple living books lately. I’m not sure why, they are just calling to me lol. The Love Hypothesis is on my list, so glad you liked it!
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Just to note, the one on my list is definitely rooted in Christianity. I walked away with a good idea of who and how I want to be, though, as far as slowing down goes.
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The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry sounds like something that would interest me. I am going to see if my local library has it! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
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You’re welcome! I was glad it was gifted to me because I highlighted, took notes, and marked pages while I read 🙂
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Nice reading month! I am curious about The Love Hypothesis. I hear good things. Glad you really enjoyed it. I see on your list that you want to read The Wedding Game. That’s one I own and hope to read soon.
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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I think you’d like The Love Hypothesis! I own The Wedding Game, too, so hopefully I crack that one open soon 🙂
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I had Reckless Girls on my hold list, but ended up taking it off because I wasn’t sure if it would be too dark, but I’m really intrugied. Going to check out The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
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It wasn’t super super dark… but it has its moments. I don’t read twist-your-stomach thrillers, and I survived it just fine. Love The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. I hope you do, too!
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I really loved The Love Hypothesis. It was one of my favorite books last year. She is coming out with the second in the series this year! I can’t wait!! You know my thoughts on Reckless Girls already haha. It was a great discussion last month. I am trying to get through Greenwich Park before Wednesday. I am not sure if I will have it done or not. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry sounds like something I need to read. I definitely feel rushed a lot of days.
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I’m excited for Hazelwood’s other books!! I didn’t even start Greenwich Park and the thriller for this month feels a little too… dark? for me. I don’t know. With M in the picture I have an issue reading about violence toward young women now.
I’m glad you enjoyed The Ruthless… !!! I thought it was great!
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Not a Christian, but any book that encourages people to opt out of hustle culture is a good one. I probably won’t read it because of the religious element, but I fully support the message.
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Totally understand! There were moments and opinions I glossed over because I wasn’t in agreement, but the message and take aways were fantastic!
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