What We’ve Been Reading Lately: July 2020 Edition

 
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)

I absolutely loved the Hunger Games trilogy when it came out. The movies were pretty decent too (which is rare for me to say, as I am hyper-critical about movies based on books 😜), but the books were amazing. So when I found out Suzanne Collins was writing a prequel, I was pretty excited.

Although reviews were pretty mixed, I enjoyed this book. It’s the story of Coriolanus Snow, who becomes the president of the districts. It was interesting to read the background of the Hunger Games and how they became the “entertainment spectacular” they are in Katniss’ day. I also loved the depictions of District 12 from a Peacekeeper’s point of view and everything about the Coveys. It wasn’t nearly as good as the OG books, but I didn’t expect it to be. I finished this book within 24 hours, so I didn’t find it lagging, despite that being a common complaint in reviews. My main complaints about the plot aren’t really ones I can articulate without too many spoilers. If you don’t mind a spoiler-y review, you can check out my review on Goodreads.

The Girl Behind the Red Rope

I used to love Ted Dekker when I was a teenager, but I haven’t loved any of his newer books. Partly because I don’t like his writing style as much as I used to, partly because of the weird mysticism that he’s combined with Christianity in recent days, but mostly because his books feel … tired. Kind of a been there, done that feel to them. All of the villains feel the same and the last time I tried to read one of his books, it had a plot twist that I had read in at least 3 other Dekker books.

Needless to say, I went into this book with very low expectations. The story is about a young lady, Grace, who grew up in a cult that closed themselves off from the world in order to keep themselves pure and protect themselves from the coming judgment. The plot intrigued me and I mostly enjoyed it. It definitely had some wonky spirituality that felt forced at times, but I loved the setting (reminiscent of The Village). It wasn’t super original or deep, but it was a quick, fun read. Maybe Ted Dekker is better when co-writing with his daughter? It made me want to check out her other books!

A Separate Peace

This book is considered a classic nowadays and required reading for many high schoolers. I had never heard of it until recently. I found it at thrift store and decided to give it a try.

The tale of Gene and Phineas (Finny), two boys attending a New England boarding school in the early years of World War 2, A Separate Peace is beautifully written and clearly demonstrates the dangers of jealousy and secrecy. I went into this book knowing nothing about the plot, but I enjoyed it, despite its sadness.

1984 (Signet Classics)

“Who controls the past,” ran the Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”

Here is another classic that I somehow managed to escape reading. With everything that has been going on in our nation, this book has been mentioned a lot, particularly in regards to censorship. Let me just tell you, this book was terrifying. It really highlighted the dangers of a lack of free speech, government control, constant monitoring, changing history, etc. It was definitely a heavy book, but also one I would highly recommend. It didn’t have the ending that I wanted it to have, but, in all honesty, it couldn’t have ended any other way without being trite.

Evidence Not Seen: A Woman’s Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II

I truly believe Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good.” We don’t find it difficult to repeat the verse and say we believe it when ALL things are going well. But when we find ourselves going through deep waters, confronted by trials we don’t understand, can we then say, “I believe that ALL things work together for good?”

This book made me weep repeatedly. Sometimes with joy, sometimes with sorrow, sometimes in complete horror at the things Darlene endured during her time in an internment prison controlled by the Japanese in World War 2. It is one of those books that will change your perspective and change your life. I’m not typically someone who reads many biographies/memoirs, but I’m so glad I decided to read this one.

Other Words for Home

Americans love labels. They help them know what to expect. Sometimes, though, I think labels stop them from thinking.

Other Words for Home is the story of Jude, a young girl forced to flee her home in Syria with her mother, because of the increased violence in her city. They move to America to live with her uncle and Jude experiences both the cruelty of prejudice and the hope of starting over. This was a really beautiful middle grade fiction that I really enjoyed.

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been

Hey, so remember how I just said that I typically don’t read many autobiographies/memoirs? I actually read TWO this month! I’m really trying not to limit my reading only to fiction (because I typically read for the escapism).

I have wanted to read this book for a long time now and I’m glad I did. Written by Jackie Hill Perry, this is the story of a girl who grew up gay, but found the Lord and experienced such joy in Him, that she was able to turn from her sin and chase after Jesus. A book like this would normally take me longer to finish, but I read this book in one day. It was un-put-downable (I don’t care whether or not that’s a word). Jackie’s writing is so beautiful and her story so moving and poignant. I highly recommend this book. It’s probably towards the top of favorite books I’ve read this year.

Prairie Lotus

Another middle grade book, Prairie Lotus is the story of Hanna, a young Chinese girl growing up in the 1800s. Think Little House on the Prairie (same time period), but with a Chinese protagonist. As expected, there is a lot of exploration of race/racism in this book. It’s a heavy one for kids, but also an important perspective. I had intended to read this aloud to Claire, but I’m really glad I read it first. I think it’s much too intense for her tender heart, but it’s something I want her to read in the future. Along with Birchbark House, it helps tell a more complete picture of the pioneer days. 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The last time of anything has the poignancy of death itself. This that I see now, she thought, to see no more this way. Oh, the last time how clearly you see everything; as though a magnifying light had been turned on it. And you grieve because you hadn’t held it tighter when you had it every day.

This was a month I tackled quite a few classics that I’ve wanted to read for some time. Yet again, I didn’t know much about this book before I began reading it, other than it was a highly recommended classic. The story of Francie Nolan growing up in poverty in Brooklyn was heart wrenching and inspiring. It juxtaposed the innocence of childhood with the rude awakening growing up often brings. It was beautifully written. 

Also, a word of warning … This book is often recommend as a must-read for young girls. I’m probably more cautious of objectionable content than most, but I would say this book is much more appropriate for adults. There is some sexual content, a sexual assault and lot of drunkenness (Francie’s father is an alcoholic). Nothing is graphic or titillating, but it’s worth noting for younger readers.