I read some excellent books recently. I haven’t been moving too fast in my reading, but at least I’m choosing good stuff!

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce – This was the only book I managed to complete during October, for my book club. I expected it to be light and funny, and although it did have some silly parts to it, overall it was a more serious read. I found it quite sad and heavy in parts, but it was also extremely sweet and it left me feeling like it’s never too late to make a change for the better. (4 stars)

Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton – I read this for our church small group, and I would go so far as to say it was life changing for me. Having grown up in a conservative, evangelical church culture I was afraid to question anything in the Bible for a long time. This book helped me remember that Jesus is the true “word of God” and how to interpret some troubling issues. My faith has been strengthened incredibly. (5 stars)

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery – Slow to start, and I did skim some of the philosophizing, but it added to the overall atmosphere and characterization. I ended up loving the characters and at the end I just wanted to sit and stare and think about how beautiful it was. Seems like this is a love it or hate it kind of book, but I loved it. (4 stars)

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – It’s easy to see why this is a best seller. It recounts Stevenson’s work with Equal Justice Initiative, the nonprofit he founded to provide legal aide to prisoners who have been denied fair treatment. It’s heartbreaking but hopeful, story-driven and fascinating, describing such important work. So, so glad I read it. (5 stars)

The Color Purple by Alice Walker – I don’t know what I expected of this – I think I was scared to read it for a long time because I thought it might be too depressing – but it actually made me feel incredibly hopeful. Like redemption really is possible. I read it for book club and some people didn’t like it, but we were all glad we read it. (5 stars)

Currently I’m trying to finish All the Light We Cannot See (I’ve been reading it for months in between book club books and library holds). I’m getting to the end and loving it so much!