2024: Reading, reading and listen-reading

“Despite the enormous quantity of books, how few people read! And if one reads profitably, one would realize how much stupid stuff the vulgar herd is content to swallow every day.” ― Voltaire

I was struck with this quote by Voltaire, not just because of the visible influence of social media garbage that people consume on a regular basis, but also because, some of the time- I'm one of them! It's fun to share posts and engage with friends, but it is a slippery slope to doom-scrolling for hours without even realizing it.

So, it's 2024, and I'm more determined than ever to make reading a more consistent part of my life. I continue the trend of trying to read the amount of books as the year- so 24 books in 2024. I'm counting audiobooks this year, especially since I will be driving quite a bit with my new job! Let's do this!

Saint Michael the Archangel by James F. Day

St. Michael is my boy! I loved this comprehensive read about a saint that has been so present in my life. If you already know who St. Michael is, or if you don't, this book is so detailed and well-researched, that you can't help but feel drawn into the story. I loved that the book is full of biblical references, historical stories, and explanations of real-life locations and influences in the secular world of this archangel. (1)

Angels, Our Guardians in Spiritual Battle by Rev. Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield

I actually began reading this book last year and it got lost in the move, so I was glad to find it again. What I appreciated about this read was the detailed account of how we might approach our viewpoints of angels within the context of the spiritual warfare that is going on around us all the time, even if we can't see it. Angels are the messengers of light, demons reject the light and we can look to the angels to be our guides and protectors in the battle for our souls. (2)

Rescued by Fr. John Riccardo

Created, Captured, Rescued, Response. Father John Riccardo, in true form, doesn't hold back in this quick read. He correctly makes the argument that the message of the Gospel is more exciting, more unexpected, more extraordinary than Christians are accustomed to hearing and sharing with others (if they share it at all.) I really recommend the book as well as looking into The Rescue Project, a group study by Father John and his team at ACTS XXIX. (3)

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams

I should start earning commission with the amount of times that I've recommended this book. Written by an investigative journalist (super jealous about her travels), this book is rooted (no pun intended) in research and growing (okay, maybe intended) trends in efforts around the world to capture the science behind the powers of the nature world to improve our health and mental focus. Our society is spending more and more time inside and we are worse off for it. You read this book and you'll be inspired to be outside as much as possible. One of my favorite books! (4)

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Another book that I can't recommend enough. This author has tried out every "time management" program available, only to arrive at the conclusion that until we come to grips with the fact that time isn't something that anyone can control, we can't begin to make the most of the time we have. This book goes deep into the implications behind working towards the future and missing out on the present and I loved his fascinating viewpoints. Four thousand weeks is possible if you live to 80 years, by the way. There are a few places where his non-religious and surprisingly pessimistic viewpoint falls short of the beauty that faith and God's promise of eternity brings into the equation, but that doesn't make this read any less worthwhile. All of us could stand to benefit from asking ourselves how we can make the most of the "absurdly, insultingly brief" life that we have. (5)

I’ll Start Again Monday: Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction by Lysa Terkeurst

I'll admit that I was curious because of the book cover and when this woman's testimony started hitting a little too close to home, I almost stopped reading (listening). But that's when I knew that it was my old habits of overeating that were trying to stop me. There were a few key takeaways that were meaningful to me: "I depended on food more than I depended on God." (ouch, that one hit home) "I am made for more - Let God's power help you thru the temptation of food." (such a good reminder) "If I would eat and not gain weight- what would I need God for?" (God can use even my desire for food for the goodness of wanting Him.) And finally, "My brokenness with food needs boundaries. It can’t handle the freedom of eating whatever I want. However, much I want." (Woof.) I do have a brokenness with food that needs healing. Thank GOD that he can help! (6)

The World's Most Haunted House: The True Story of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley Street by William J. Hall

If you're looking for scary- this book is not it. It's eerie because of the facts that are presented, but this author is a journalist and a researcher and presents the events from more a historic perspective rather than an illustrative. It's almost like he was trying to preserve the stories collected for archival purposes. It was a good read, just not my favorite. (7)

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

I've never really read any of the romance or rom-com genre, but it's safe to say that after this read, I won't bother. A young 20-something archetype of a modern feminist who struggles with confidence and can't hold a job down, because #it's never my fault, moves in with a vampire and they eventually fall in love. The only interesting part was when their newly found romance was challenged by centuries old family fueds, but that as squelched as quickly as those plot points began. It's steamy and too explicit for my preference. (8)

Bad Seed Series by Jory John

The Bad Seed series came up somehow in my audio book feed suggestions even though they are children's books. So I listened for the sake of my inner child and it was lovely. In fact, it made me want to get my idea list of children's books out again and begin to write. When did adults stop being so imaginative in their day-to-day? I loved the silliness of these books and am not even ashamed to say that I'm adding the series to my list of books read this year. The series includes: The Couch Potato, The Sour Grape, The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets, The Smart Cookie, The Good Egg, The Bad Seed, The Great Eggscape, The Bad Seed: The Good, the Bad and the Spooky, The Good Egg and the Talent Show, The Bad Seed Goes to the Library and The Cool Bean. (9)

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Subtitle - Why You Can't Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again. This book has got to be one of my favorite reads in a long time. If it feels like it's almost impossible to focus, or not scroll on your phone, or not be distracted - take heart -it's being done on purpose. It's not a matter of willpower - our attention is being sold to the highest bidder: NOT fake news. While there are quite a few off-handed comments in the book that I don't quite agree with the author on- we can agree on the fact that corporations are buying you through your attention and it's a really bad thing for our human race. I appreciate his research and recommendations for how to combat the insidious behavior of those who control the airwaves. I cannot recommend this book enough! (10)

Killing the Mob: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

I truly enjoy the Killing series by these authors and this one doesn't disappoint. I have always enjoyed The Godfather and knew that "the mob" has been a part of American culture for a long time. But this book opened my eyes to just how entrenched the mob/mafia is in shaping history in this country. Raw/vulgar language (quoting the characters) aside - I would recommend this read! (11)

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Morgan and Michael Lennington

This book had a lot of the same vibes as the EOS system of management - breaking the year down into manageable chunks. It's a "fad of management" but there were some takeaways that I liked: "We don't have a knowledge problem- we have a execution problem, individuals could double or triple their income if they just followed through." "Disgard annualized thinking, instead, think of goals in 12 weeks instead of 12 months. Months lack urgency, but in shorter time frames, performance happens daily and weekly- not monthly or yearly." "To be truly great, we have to get great at keeping our promises." (12)

It's How You Play the Game and the Games Do Count by Brian Kilmeade

The world of sports is full of stories of successes and failures. These short stories about famous (and not-so-famous) athletes are inspirational. They really bring to life how important it is to be ready for the game- rather than focusing on the outcome. I love these portrayals of sportsmanship and growth! Although- for audio listening, the format does get a bit monotonous, the actual audio clips from interviews help. (13)

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

A memoir with the audiobook read by the author himself. He called it Greenlights because he believes that everything that happens in your life can either slow you down, or stop you (yellow or red lights), or can give you life, experience, knowledge along the way - a greenlight. Along with being an actor, Matthew is a great storyteller. I appreciated that these stories made me laugh and cry. (14)

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

A murder mystery that is funny and so, so, so very entertaining! The narrator opens up the story when his brother brings a dead body to his doorstep in the middle of the night. But the more unusual thing is that his brother isn't the only one in his family that has killed someone. I love how engaging this story was and kept me guessing the entire time. Sigh, in another career, I would've been a detective. Can't wait for the second one by this author. (15)

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Think Lord of the Rings with a DRAGON. I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this read. It didn't rely on the sensual for entertainment- simply the battle between good and evil and fighting for what is right. This is the first in the Inheritance Series, of which there are 5 books; and at 16 hours for the audio version, it is the shortest. Totally worth it- and I can't wait to read the others. (16)

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

I reserved this one based on a "Must Read" books list recommendation that I describe in my Reading Challenge post here. Incredibly entertaining - a child prodigy turned master mind villain. Simple recipe for action and adventure - and of course Disney turned it into a movie. Highly recommend, even if it is a young adult read. (17)

How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes

This was an impulse reserve on audiobooks because it's a mere 3 hours 18 minutes long, but the author's character narrating was memorable. You can tell that this lady broke some glass ceilings on the consultant/speaker circuit in the 80s based on some of her references, idioms and examples. However, her recommendations for a more skillful way to communicate are spot on! (18)

Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Well, the guy who has a whole family of killers is back for a second novel with the same main character/narrator as Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. I'm glad that I read the first book first, there are a few delightful Easter eggs and I found myself looking at his clues a bit more carefully than the first. But the ending was still a surprise and the entire read was fantastic. I still want to be a detective. (19)

The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick M. Lencioni

In typical form, the majority of this book is a "fictional" story of a man who discovers, through his team, a new way of approaching work by breaking down strengths and weakness of employees. More than a "get the right people on the right seats on the bus" approach, I loved how these 6 working types celebrate the dignity of the people using them and create situations that enable teams to critically assess what projects they are working on. (AKA - don't just keep doing something because it's the way that it's always been done.) HIGHLY recommend (20)

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

I avoided reading this book for a long time because the hopeless romantic in me didn't want to spend time on a novel about the dissolution of a marriage. (Stupid judging a book by its cover, I know!) This powerful read considers the afterlife - not just Heaven and Hell- but the space in between where souls actually make the choice of where they want to spend eternity. And, as Lewis writes it, the choices may not quite be as simple as you might think. This is one that I'll absolutely read again. (21)

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

The first of Agatha's books that I've read and this murder mystery was stupendous! I didn't quite solve it, but was quite close. However, I'm happy to say that the ending was wrapped up much more nicely than I could've guessed! I am looking forward to diving into more of her novels. (22)

Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality by Brian Kilmeade

I've always been a fan of the gusto of Teddy Roosevelt, but I hadn't really known much about Booker T. Washington. This book was phenomenal and it is really incredible to see how the parallel lives of these two men helped to shape America in some really profound and intersecting ways, not only about race, but on politics and education as well. Highly recommend. (23)

The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn

The horrific crimes of the Soviet Secret Police are exposed in this incredible novel. It's gripping, difficult to bear and more important now than ever as our American society waltzes dangerous close to repeating this damnable history. Volume 1 is almost 26 hours and there are three volumes on Hoopla. I got cut off around hour 17 when I couldn't make it through in a month. The content is so despicable that I needed to take breaks in between listening sessions. (24 -- HOORAY I MET THE GOAL!)

How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis

Normally, I don't subscribe to "gentle" anything. However, the title and 3 hour read time grabbed me in a season where my messy feels chaotic. While I don't necessarily agree with all of the author's statements, I did appreciate the takeaway (that I am currently using daily): "This is a kindness to your tomorrow's self." For example, I prepare my shaker bottles and water the night before to make my morning routine easier. It's simple, but it has given me capacity to deal with the "overwhelm." (25)

1984 by George Orwell

Woof- did I pick a horrible time to read this book. Why? Because we are living it in modern-day America. I feel like Winston Smith as described in this totalitarian world and spoiler alert- the ending is good for no one. Except for Big Brother. This is not only a must-read classic - but a warning as well. (26)

Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker

We live in a culture obsessed with alcohol. And the only thing that we find weird about it is when people DON'T drink. Alcohol is literally poison and the stamina to quit requires grit and perserverance. This author is so relatable and honest, you can't help but love her for the vulnerability she demonstrates as she shares her journey to a sober and meaningful life. While we arrive at different conclusions about "the patriarchy" and "AA or Al-Anon" I found her courage inspirational. I almost kept this one for my shelf. I just might go out and buy it. (27)

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

I cried reading this book, both at the happy and sad moments. It's been on my list because I'm slowly working through the classics. It's absolutely gut-wrenching and beautifully written all at the same time. I'm so glad I finally picked it up. (28)

The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

I started reading this on the heels of recommendations of self-help notions of order, courage and reprioritizing one's life. This book turned out to be a conversation between mentor and student (much like Socrates and his pupil) on the philosophies of Alfred Adler. A non-Christian approach, this book was lacking for me and while I finished it- I couldn't help but feel sad for anyone who subscribed to its belief systems. God loves you people, and this book isn't going to tell you that (29)

Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill

Listening to this was absolutely wild. I wasn't alive during the Manson Murders, but it remains current in pop culture references, so I was vaguely familiar. However, the reality of what happened that evening has been shrouded in such incredible layers of secrecy, espionage, government interference and calculated mind-control, even the most critical skeptics will leave this book wondering what happened. Loved it - can't recommend enough. (30)

Murder, Interrupted by James Patterson

Two stories that I SWEAR I've already watch in a 20/20 or Lawn & Order: SVU episode. Doesn't matter - truth is stranger than fiction -and both were based on true stories. (31)

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

The second epic saga in the Inheritance series. Dragons and MORE dragons! I really love this series and am glad that there are a few more books so that I can hang out with the characters a bit more. (32)

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

So, I didn't actually read the whole thing - just an audiobook summary - but I'm glad. This literary work sounds like it would've taken a lot of focus to get into the eccentricities of the narrator/author. But also one that I will probably pick up at some point. (33)

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

This abridged version was awesome - I've read excerpts and am familiar with the cultural references to characters and names- but this was the first time that I heard the full story. I really enjoyed it and just need to embrace that my favorite genres have to do with epic adventure, crime and mysteries. The only thing that would've made this better would be adding a mermaid. HA! (34)

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The reason why you aren't breaking old bad habits isn't because of your willpower or the goals you set- it's because you haven't created the right environment in which the good habits can succeed and bad habits can decrease. This is one that you need to read a few times because there are so many good little gems in here! (35)

Killing the Legends by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

I always knew that Yoko Ono broke up the Beatles, but I learned so much about what led to the deaths of John Lennon, Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley. All three of them shared a lot in common in regards to the people that surrounded them who were greedy for their money. Also - their life styles led to their own individual demise. Another good read in the Killing series. (36)

Murder Beyond the Grave by James Patterson

Another glorious ABC 20/20 special. A ransom kidnapping goes wrong and a man is buried alive in a box with only 48 hours to live. Or does he? The second - Murder in Paradise has all the typical twists and turns you would expect in a murder mystery where truth is stranger than fiction. (37)

One Second After by William R. Forstchen

This story sheds light on an all-too real threat - the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that has the power to shut down the entire United States within literally one second. It's a non-fiction story about a former colonel turned history professor who tries to save his family when all electricity turns off and cannot be turned back on - turning his quiet southern town into martial law and anarchy. It's a terrifying read, especially knowing how close we all are to this in 2024 and beyond. (38)

Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them) by Jack Posobiec and Joshua Lisec

Communism doesn't work and the argument from wanna-be socialists who say that it's never been correctly implemented falls dead in its tracks with the history compiled in this book. Many will say that communism or socialism is just a philosophy - a way to view a utopian world where everything is divided up fairly. The truth is - it is a set of tactics that are specifically designed to unleash terror and take away rights of everyday people. Like the author writes multiple times throughout the book: "This is what they do. Every. Single Time." We can be triumphant against the evils of this doctrine - but we must be aware. Another relevant read for our time. (40)