February reading report

Apologies for the brevity this time…

• 45-day weight loss: 15 pounds
• Half of thesis done
• Pool leak fixed
• Pesach/Omer 5 weeks away – 49 reflections secured
• Decided I am NOT starting a new Gratz course this term

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

I wish I could say I loved this because I do adore Marie Benedict’s other books. But this one was a rather shallow tale with unbelievable plot situations. Really disappointing.

Sharing the Burden: Rabbi Simchah Zissel Ziv and the Path of Musar by Geoffrey Claussen

This is a truly readable book about the founder of the Kelm Yeshiva. I read it in one day because I found it fascinating.

Between Berlin and Slobodka: Jewish Transition Figures from Eastern Europe by Hillel Goldberg

I read this for the chapter on Rabbi Yisrael Salanter and couldn’t help but continue reading to see how the other historical figures related to him and to one another.

Heart to Heart: A Conversation on Love and Hope for our Precious Planet by The Dalai Lama

My favorite part of this tiny book was this prayer:

May I become, at all times, both now and forever,  a protector for those without protection,  a guide for those who’ve lost their way, a ship for those with oceans to cross, a bridge for those with rivers to cross, a sanctuary for those in danger, a lamp for those without light, a place of refuge for those who lack shelter, and a servant to all who are in need.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

This was completely different from anything I usually read. Fluff but fun.

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

I didn’t think this was up to the same level as her other books, but the characters were excellent and I enjoyed this.

What Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying by Joseph Primo

My mother-in-law passed away and I read this on the trip to the funeral, just to help guide my daughter and to be able to answer any questions in an appropriate way.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

I’m afraid I expected more than this book was willing to give. Daughter somehow meets mother when mother was young… the Amalfi Coast… self-discovery, blah, blah, blah. Descriptions of the city and the food were fantastic though.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Powerful cross-cultural love story. Also different from the norm.

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

Wow. I listened to this on audiobook and loved it. A female pilot carving out her own life despite setbacks and limitations. Great characters and story.

The Alter of Novardok: The Life of Rav Yosef Yoizel Horowitz and his worldwide impact by Rabbi Shlomo Weintraub

The Alter was quite radical and so learning about his life and personality was so interesting.