The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Book 50 of 2020.

“The Ten Thousand Doors of January ” by, Alix E. Harrow.

I finished this a little over a week ago. I am just get around to writing about it, sitting in the parking lot at my sons first orthodontist appointment since the beginning of March. Ugh…. stinking 2020. Anyway, I could not for the life of me remember what the name of the book was. Ha. That. That is why I even started this blog. I just need to remember what I read.

This was a totally different type of story for me and I absolutely loved it. I tend to read the same type of books. Sometimes I beer off and try something new. It did take me some time to get into it. There was a lot to build up. Traveling through magic doors, different worlds, adventure, coming of age stories take time to develop. Overall afterthought, great read.

The Library of Legends

Book 49 of 2020.

“The Library of Legends” by Janie Chang.

The Library of Legends takes place in China in the late 1930’s during the relentless attack of Japan. The Universities around the country were trying to preserve the library of legends, which included rich cultural history and stories of their many gods, and immortals. Certain university students set out through the country side with books in their bags seeking safety and refuge.

I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into when I picked this up. It was an interesting enough story, because a lot of it was based on true events. Sometimes I feel when that happens, you lose some of the fiction feel of the story, when there are so many facts scattered throughout. I did however enjoy learning about this particular part of history. I knew the Japanese were ruthless in their attempts to conquer China, but this is maybe only the second book I have read about it. I love learning new things, even through fiction. Overall afterthought, eh ok.

Mother and Son

Book 48 in 2020.

“Mother and Son The Respect Effect” by Emerson Eggerichs.

Emerson Eggerichs also wrote the marriage book “Love and Respect”. Which I thought was the best marriage book I have ever read. It made the most sense and I can actually honestly say made a drastic change in my marriage. My husband and I have been married for twenty years. Not saying it’s all been rosy, ha, but I think it’s not too shabby. Ha.

If you didn’t know we have four boys, ages 16, 14, 13, and 11. I feel like I was a much better parent when they were little. Now they all have their own ideas and agendas. Ha. I am not going to lie, sometimes it gets tense. I am also aware that I can set the tone of the household. Us moms have that power. When I saw this book, I was super eager to read it. It did not disappoint.

The respect effect is essentially recognizing the need that male persons (aka sons, husbands, men of all ages) have to be respected. How I can, as a mother, respect them growing into the men they were created to be. I know it sounds crazy right. “I am the one who needs to be respected. I am the parent!” However, it is all about changing communication skills and using “respect talk”. Building them up, not tearing them down. Expecting proper behavior, while teaching with appropriate life building words. In response, the sons will then engage in softened conversation.

I kid you not, this is insane truth! I have been working very hard at changing my dialogue in our home. And have seen a difference! I will continue to work on this, and wish I had read it sooner. At the end of the book, it offers a free twenty one day follow up email for moms to remind us what we are working on. I have in no way shape or form, accomplished anywhere near where I would like to be, but this has been a great start. I am open and willing to learn. Don’t knock it till ya read it. Overall afterthought, insanely good.

Above The Bay of Angels

Book 47 in 2020.

“Above The Bay of Angels” by, Rhys Bowen.

I love Rhys Bowen. She is one of my favorite authors. I loved her “Molly Murphy Mysteries”, and “Her Royal Spyness” series. Great characters and good reads. This is a stand alone novel.

It takes place in London in the late 1890’s. Bella was born in a good family, but through financial hardships and the death of her parents she has ended up working as a maid. She worked her way up to working in the kitchen and discovered a passion for cooking. In a weird series of events, she finds herself now working in the kitchen of the royal palace. She hones her cooking skills and is chosen to be on staff in Nice, France , for the Queen’s trip there. It’s in Nice where she really decides what her next steps in life should be.

Just a great Rhys Bowen story about a woman making her way through the challenges of life. Including a little mystery, adventure,and a little love. Overall afterthought, a definite like.

Between The World And Me

Book 46 in 2020.

“Between The World And Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

My son is going to be a junior in High School this year! I cannot even believe it. He is such a great kid and I could not be more proud of him. He is taking an AP US History class. This book was on his summer reading list. I thought I would read it first.

Ta-nehisi Coates writes this as a letter to his fifteen year old son, about what he has learned through his life as a black man living in America. He has experienced hard things. Witnessed wrong doings. Known people whom he believes to be murdered by the police. He feels America is at fault. He is angry. He has a right to be angry. I can understand why he has hatred, anger and pain drive him.

However it made me sad. He openly mocks God and those who believe in him. He is hurting. He doesn’t want his son to experience the same hurts he has. We all want better for our children and the next generations. I just don’t agree with coming to change through violence. Battling hatred with hatred, seems counterproductive to me. I just walk away from his story sad for him. He will not find the peace he is looking for in his hatred. You can only find true peace from the Lord. Overall afterthought, so sad.