Quitting Books: February Bookshelf
Quitting, and Reading Books In February…
I quit a couple books in February. I read a couple too.
One of the most consistent tips that I read from voracious readers is this: quit the books that you don’t like. Move on to something that you do.
While the enthusiastic reader in me likes this advice (more time for books that we do like), the achiever in me does not (one must finish what one starts, and with high quality).
Typically, I am slow to quit books that I don’t like; I quietly suffer through, page by page, willing myself to the finish line and assuming that at some point, I will turn a (literal and metaphorical) page and begin to enjoy the book. I’m a “P” in Myers Briggs, which means that I often like to gather more information (in this case, continue reading), and that I can be slow to decide to quit the book.
This month, however, I will admit that I have quit two books. Below, the books I quit and the books I read.
Books I Quit
In February, I quit two books: Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth and On the Road by Jack Kerouac. These books are quite possibly the most drastically different books that one could pick off the shelf - one, about getting rid of possessions and attempting to live a more “Godly life,” and the other about sex, drugs and the promise of the open road.
Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth
Almost Amish was recommended by a dear one, and I picked it up because I’m interested in learning more about Amish life and culture. I find myself semi-regularly interacting with members of the Amish community and am interested in deepening my knowledge about Amish beliefs, philosophies, and ways of life.
This book is not written by a member of the Amish community; instead, it is written by a woman who is working to simplify her life. I believe that the author had very good intentions in writing this book; however, it was not for me (at least at this moment in time). It was much more Christian-leaning than I was expecting; to me it felt a bit disempowering to women; and the writing style did not resonate with me. Beneath all of these things, there are some interesting tips; there is also an index of recipes in the back, which I appreciated.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
On the Road is a classic. Reading about Jack Kerouac’s life and the beatnik era in the preface was interesting. Still, once I got into the heart of the book, I couldn’t keep going.
Has anyone else attempted to read this book? Or, does anyone love it? I might try again - since in the eyes of so many, it’s a classic - but for now, it’s back on the shelf.
Books I Read
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
The Authenticity Project was pure joy. It was a delightful and heartwarming book to read. It provides a reminder of goodness and the fact that we each carry our own burdens, which may or may not be visible on the surface.
I’d highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for something heartwarming and easy to read.
Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver
This was a re-read this past month. It’s a reminder that the universe is on our side; it’s a reminder to let the divine (however you define that) take the lead. It’s a beautiful little book that you can read in a sitting or that you can revisit chapter by chapter. Note: it talks about God and the divine which may or may not be your thing. If it’s not, you might want to skip it. If it is, this book is a gem.
What was the best thing you read last month? Or, perhaps, what did you quit reading last month?
Happy March!