I was going to rededicate myself to blogging during the off season. Really! I meant it this time! Well, you can see how that worked out. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t reading. So here is another summary post of books I read (and didn’t entirely read) during the off season.
Books I Read
Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart
Book Score: 3
This was a solid if unspectacular read. Constance really just wants to be left alone. But when an accident befalls her and her sisters, this strong but standoffish woman is dragged into a public case that captures the attention of the nation. Based on the true story of Constance Kopp, one of the nation’s first female deputy sheriffs.
I received an advanced review copy of this for DRaysBay, and I’m happy I did. This is a great book that is a must read for baseball fans. It takes a look at the epic of arm injuries in baseball and asks what, if anything, we can do about them. My full review can be found on DRays Bay.
The Complete Guide to Overcoming Depression by Paul Gilbert
It’s rare that a self-help book is actually helpful. This one is. Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a heavy focus on compassion (especially self-compassion), it is both accessible and thorough, and the exercises can be life changing if you’ll let them.
Books I Tried to Read
NW by Zadie Smith
Book Score: 1
I wanted to like this book. Really, I did. Zadie Smith writes some of the most beautiful sentences. But everything just felt so weighty, so important. So pretentious. I only made it about halfway through before throwing up my hands and deciding that life is too short to spend on bad books. I’ll definitely try Smith again, because again, she has some great writing chops. But this book? Ugh.
Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler
Book Score: 2
Some day I might revisit this one. It’s not terrible. It just doesn’t seem to do anything. A follow up to Butler’s Parable of the Sower, which I read and enjoyed, this feels more like an attempt to power through writer’s block.
John R. Ford 