January Reading Reflection

As I reflect back on how my 2022 reading year ended, I'm thrilled with the stack that arrived almost by happenstance. Several favorites were not purchased, they were gifted or shared as another's favorite read. I've come to treasure those most of all.

Nowadays we're gathered less frequently - and rarely press a book into another reader's hands - yet when one arrives by mail I'm just as thrilled and flattered to be the recipient of such a treasure.

Book recommendations are so meaningful, and appreciated. A good friend of mine owns an indie bookstore in Coeur d'Alene, ID and has shared I'd be a great 'hand seller' - one who listens and then finds just the right next read - handing it to them with care. That's how I envision it taking place.

This stack above were my favorite reads in 2022. Of course there were so many that didn't make the stack - and often because I listened on audio and don't own the physical book. And let's talk about audiobooks sometime ..

I hope that in January I will read a few I treasure and hold behind to gather for a stack at the end of 2023. One never knows where and when the next meaningful read will arrive!

Comments

Every Note Played

⭐⭐/5 "An accomplished pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare domination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago. Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce - his divorce. He knows his left arm will go next. Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture form the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn't moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it. When Richard be...

Me Before You

⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5 "Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life - steady boyfriend, close family - who has barely been farther afield than her tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-master of the universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair-bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life - big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel - and he is not interested in exploring a new one. Will is acerbic, moody, bossy - but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns Will has shocking plans of his own, Lou sets out to show him that life is still worth living. Me Before you brings to life two people who couldn't have less in common - a heartbreaking romantic novel that asks, 'what do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?' This book has been out for quite a while now yet it has somehow escaped me. I've s...

March windfall

Had an awesome experience at Half Price Books today finding both a signed, first edition and a note card between giver and receiver inside one book as well. This stack is completely from the clearance section (between $2 - $3 per book) and contains titles that have been on my 'want to read' list for quite a while. I also found a women's daily devotional from 2013. It really fell into my hands because of it's gorgeous leather cover and warm red color. I'm a softie for a daily read. Something to look forward to, build routine around and the daily experience of finding a quote or a passage intended for that day truly resonates with me. Atop this stack is a recent clearance mug find as well. Its for tea with its rounded base and smooth finish. When I drink tea I tend to cradle the mug so it works as a hand warmer as well as a beverage receptacle. This is a good one! March came in like a lion with the cold winds and overcast skies. Here's to...

Book Love & Coffee Mugs

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