2026 - First Quarterly Review

To assist my blog readers, I summarize my reading four times a year, providing a brief description, genre, the page count, and a grading scale (💖5 page-turner - highly recommend, 4 page-turner - enjoyed, 3 page-turner - good, 2 page-turner - meh, and 1 page-turner - regret, wishing I could get back the time invested). I read the following books during the first quarter of 2026 (links to full reviews can be found in the side-bar, or after 2026, found through the search bar at the right):

A Bramble House Christmas by C. J. Carmichael - Sent to investigate the recipient of his father's bequest, Finn finds a young mother and son enjoying a holiday at Bramble House. Finn's opinion of his father and this nurse change. Christmas Romance. 224 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 5 hours), 📃📃📃

Once Again to Zelda: The Stories Behind Literature's Most Intriguing Dedications by Marlene Wagman-Geller - A compilation of 50 stories about the dedications authors wrote in the front of their books. Interesting, informative, and well-researched. Nonfiction. 336 pages, 📃📃📃

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate - A dual-timeline novel about the historical practice of stealing land from orphans. Well-researched, but a bit long to get to the point. Historical Fiction. 368 pages (I listened in audio form, 11 CDs, 14 hours), 📃📃📃

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter - An enemies to lovers, second-chance romance set in an inherited bookstore. Shelby wonders why her grandmother left the shop to both Shelby and her ex-boyfriend. Can they work together to make it profitable again? Clean Contemporary Romance. 368 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 9-3/4 hours), 📃📃📃-1/2

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans - Sybil van Antwerp is losing her sight. This is a scary threat to someone who has spent her life sending and receiving letters. Among letters to her brother, her friends, authors, and young people, she also keeps up one unsent letter. The explanation will gut you! Epistolary Novel. 304 pages, 📃📃📃📃-1/2

Answers to Prayer from George Muller's Narratives by George Muller - This great man of prayer outlines his intense prayer efforts and God's consistent faithfulness. We must pray boldly, depending only on prayer, and believing He is capable of meeting our needs. Christian Living. 70 pages (I read the e-book on Hoopla, 76 pages), 📃📃📃

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom - The lives of four individuals intersect during World War II. This is a tale of atrocities filtered through the narration of Truth. Inspirational/Historical Fiction. 352 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 7-3/4 hours), 📃📃📃📃

Light in the Darkness by Roy McKay - BBC Talks pamphlet from the late 1950's. No idea where or when I got it, but bolstered by the encouraging words. Broadcast Religious Talks. 16 pages, 📃📃📃

The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson - A very old pamphlet (purchased in Edinburgh many years ago) of a famous, meaningful poem. Beautiful copy. Poetry. 25 pages, 📃📃📃📃

Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen J. Nichols - Excellent biography of a seminal thinker and preacher in early American history. 247 pages, 📃📃📃📃

Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson - A British story of a woman who, at 16, gave up her baby for adoption. She is on a journey to find family. Feel-good, British Women's Fiction. 336 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 9-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃

I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney - A hilarious, yet meaningful, consideration of life, death, and second chances. This was worth overlooking mild unsavory aspects to reach the laughter and the lessons. Humorous Fiction. 304 pages, 📃📃📃📃

Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum by Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry - A brief foray into what it took to see the classic "Back to the Future" make it to the big screen. Michael J. Fox's endurance and vision are inspiring. Hollywood Memoir. 156 pages, 📃📃📃📃

💖When Life Feels Empty: 7 Ancient Practices to Cultivate Meaning by Isaac Serrano - Materialism causes us to live horizontally. These 7 practices help us to look up and live vertically, which in turn fills our lives with meaning. Christian Living. 192 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 5-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃📃

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer - A time-travel book set in Jack-the-Ripper's 1888 London and 1938 London on the cusp of World War II. Interesting premise. A bit heavy on the spiritual applications. Christian Historical Fiction. 339 pages, 📃📃📃-1/2

Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks With Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human by Carlos Whittaker - On this 7-week sabbatical from his phone, Whittaker learns to value savoring, walking, community, and intentionality. Interesting experiment. Convicting commentary. Christian Self-Help. 210 pages, 📃📃📃📃

Uneasy Street by Becky Wade - Part 3 of the Sons of Scandal trilogy. A friends to enemies to lovers story. Sloane and Max have history, but can hurt on both sides be overcome to start anew? Christian Romance. 386 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 10-1/4 hours), 📃📃📃📃

Companions in the Darkness: Seven Saints Who Struggled with Depression and Doubt by Diana Gruver - Focusing on greats like Spurgeon, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther, who dealt with chronic depression in spite of their intense faith. Battling depression does not mean you are a lesser Christian, or faithless; it means God, and his children, will walk with you through the darkness. Christian Living. 157 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 6-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

Book Review: Companions in the Darkness

There are some who, having had the blues, feel they understand clinical depression. From their perspective, especially if they consider themselves Christians, they see it as a lack of faith. Too often, Christians with clinical depression are given well-meaning advice like, "choose joy," "just pray," or, "just read the Word more." Indeed, I watched a video by Millicent Sedra touting a "name it, claim it" perspective. She is a new internet sensation and ends with that very advice, "get your eyes off yourself and onto the Lord." I don't wish clinical depression on anyone, but those who have never known the depth seem all too quick to cast judgement on those who walk in darkness. This book, Companions in the Darkness, highlights seven saints who battled severe depression. I can't imagine anyone turning to Spurgeon and saying, "You choose your identity. Get your eyes off yourself, man!"

Diana Gruver has written a book that is highly important and a must-read if you're a Christian battling clinical depression. Companions in the Darkness: Seven Saints Who Struggled with Depression and Doubt yells with a megaphone, "You are not alone! You are not useless!" Diana Gruver outlines the lives and strategies of seven key figures like Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, and Mother Teresa. Many of the seminal hymns we sing were written by individuals familiar with this battle. It is possible to face doubt and despair in the midst of strong faith in God.

Indeed, I can see Gruver writing a follow-up book with the same message, focusing on greats of the Bible. There is a place for lament (Lamentations, David's psalms of lament). Prophets expressed depths of despair to the point of no longer wanting to live. Moses, in Numbers 11:15, declared to God, "I'd rather you kill me!" Job was perfect and upright. He feared God and eschewed evil. He was considered such a threat that Satan was determined to break him. In the midst of his physical, emotional, and spiritual battle, Job wished his life would end (Chapters 3, 7, 10). Can you see a self-righteous Christian today saying to Ezekiel, "Stop being self-indulgent! Gain some spiritual maturity, will you? You're looking at your circumstances and lacking in your faith. Your doubt is sin."

From Martin Luther's life, the reader learns the spiritual lesson of looking to the wounds of Christ. (Indeed, too many Christians seem to forget that Christ himself was despairing to the point of sweating drops of blood. Should the disciples have chastized him with, "Get your eyes off yourself?") If Christ bore wounds and the intense separation from the Father to atone for our sin debt, we can look to those wounds to help us endure the abyss. Luther also advised others to flee solitude and chase the smallest glimmers of joy that can be found.

From Hannah Allen's life we learn the imporance of journaling. This reminds us how God has intervened in the past. It also helps us recall the truths of the faith. Hannah's life encourages us to change our surroundings, as this sometimes helps. Sometimes, like David Brainerd, you must "choose to go, rather than stay." Forcing yourself to do what feels impossible, the next thing, moves you closer to healing. With Brainerd, may we say, "May every breath bring God glory and leave a legacy of faithful weakness."

The great hymn-writer William Cooper was incapacitated by depression and felt himself "on the rack." He, too, encourages us to seek a change of scenery and keep busy. His story reminds us to exercise, get outdoors, and be merry by force. Another great lesson I learn from Cooper's story is to "cling to the people God has brought into your life."

What a testimony Charles Spurgeon's life was. Gruver writes, "He also would not tolerate the accusation that good Christians do not get depressed. 'God's people sometimes walk in darkness and see no light.'" He was incredibly useful in spite of suffering physical pain and mental anguish. He preached thousands of sermons and sent countless letters. He was a wounded healer. I love that Gruver emphasized Isaiah 48:10, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." At the end of this section, Gruver shared a letter she received in the midst of a dark spell. Her friend wrote these powerful words,"You are brave! You stand in the dark, whispering truth to yourself!"

In the section on Mother Teresa, Gruver comments on why depressed individuals often cannot take in the well-meaning reminder that God is close to the brokenhearted. She says, "That truth doesn't resonate in our icy hearts... prayer is different in the dark. It is filled with pain and longing." Mother Teresa walked with an unseen limp, a spiritual burden of feeling like God was absent. Yet, we must be obedient even in the limping, because like Gruver says, "He created you... with a beautiful way only you can image Him to the world." What a great reminder!

Finally, Gruver highlights Martin Luther King, Jr. He did not speak of his depression and did not seek any treatment, but those close to him recognized his despair and anguish. He battled sleeplessness. Exhaustion often exacerbates depression. He tapped four reservoirs: 1) the reservoir of resilience (press ahead regardless of opposition); 2) the reservoir of humor (laughter is a coping mechanism that keeps the demons at bay); 3) the reservoir of song (spirituals and songs like "Joshua Fit the Battle" inspired hope); and 4) the reservoir of spirituality (cosmic companionship - he said, "God's companionship does not stop at the cell door; God is your cell mate.").

Don't think this book is not for you if you've never battled depression. Chances are great that you know or have met someone who has. In the first appendix, Gruver offers ten useful steps to take when helping a friend/loved one who is depressed. In the second appendix, she provides brief biographies of each of the seven key figures. I probably took notes more intensely than usual. I need to return to these reminders and strategies when my own clinical depression pulls me under. Indeed, I may return to this book when life hits extra hard and, in spite of sound faith, my emotions and feelings threaten to overwhelm. It is a treasure chest of encouragement. 

Book Review: Uneasy Street

Uneasy Street, by Becky Wade, was the first book selection for the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge. Many individuals balked because it is the 3rd in the Sons of Scandal trilogy. While I prefer to read books in order, I had no difficulty reading this as a stand-alone novel. It was a wholesome romance that follows two wounded people from friendship to alienation to tolerance to love.

Sloane Madison has had a troubled upbringing. One bright spot is her deceased sister's daughter, Ivy. When Ivy's adoptive parents go away for a house-swap trip, they leave Ivy in Sloane's charge and put them up in the guest house on a wealthy property. It seems like a horrid trick when Sloane discovers the owner of the property is none other than her former business partner, Max Cirillo. Max wants closure but Sloane wants nothing to do with him. His lack of concern and spiteful retaliation in the past require forgiveness Sloane cannot muster.

Forgiveness is a key theme in this book. From neglect to misunderstandings to adulterous mistresses, there's lots of forgiveness fodder. Ivy has her own sub-plot as she searches for her biological father and discovers an unexpected wrinkle in her adoption story. I loved Ivy and her rats. I even liked Sloane, in spite of her constant bristle with Max. Max was physically swoony, but I struggled to feel as drawn to him as the others. 

Each character comes with baggage and that baggage is steadily unpacked throughout the story. I loved the concept of giving to others what you need for yourself. So Sloane is learning to seek to meet the needs in others that she wishes her family had met for her in her childhood. Although I was unable to make the Zoom call interview with the author, I did watch it at a later point in time. My favorite part of that interview was when Becky articulated the truth that everyone experiences a novel differently because we come at the story with different histories, perspectives, and needs. I think this is also why you can read a novel at one point and then later, in reading again, experience it in a whole different way. If you are interested in watching that interview (including reader questions), click here.

I will happily try another Becky Wade book at some point, but I've too many books on my stack to seek the first and second in this trilogy. Indeed, before I even read this book, I had taken this screen shot of the author's declaration that all of her books are written without AI. In this day and age, that's a promise I want to bank on in books I read.

Mid-month Mention #3: Spring Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt

I so enjoyed last year's scavenger hunt that I wanted to help publicize this year's opportunity. It provides a great way to meet new authors and find books of interest. Jump on it now, because it kicked off yesterday at noon. There's still time to participate, seek prizes, and meet authors.

Lisa Tawn Bergren posted this on her Facebook page:

Over $1800 in books and prizes FROM 30 AUTHORS! It's a whopper! And it begins on Thursday afternoon... https://lisatawnbergren.com/.../spring-scavenger-hunt.../

You can start at the first stop here. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of the authors highlighted. I've already encouraged readers to visit her website and join her newsletter. I think my favorite cover posted (first on the bottom row) is the one for To Love a Lady. Which is your favorite cover?

Mid-month Mention #2: Recent Articles Worth Reading

Transported Curiosity

I now have another place to put on a larger bucket list (not my small local one). I would love to visit Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This is the site of something very cool. Did you know that London Bridge was transported to Arizona in 1968? Seriously! What a random and highly unlikely fact! Naomi Xu Elegant writes a fascinating explanation of it in her piece, "The Ideal City." It contains photos of the transporting process and all that went into creating a river to run under the bridge. The whole article is so delightful that I immediately sent the link to my brother (just promoted to Senior Construction Field Representative for the architectural firm where he works, so I knew it would interest him).

Content Caution

My smaller bucket list lost one item after I read this scathing article, by Sarah Reardon, about the modern take on Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Sarah's essay, "We're Being Shaped by Smut," is one I agree with wholeheartedly. It is utterly depressing. What depths our society has sunken to! I despair when modern books constantly sanction immorality by inserting it ad naseum into almost every book published. How disheartening that you cannot go to see a movie depicting a literary classic without being assaulted by trash and smut! If, like me, you had wanted to view that movie, I highly suggest seeking an older, cleaner version. Emily Bronte, a clergyman's daughter, must be shuddering in the grave! I'm so glad I didn't attempt to go see this current presentation. It would have made me uncomfortable enough to walk out.

Sitting with Suffering

Speaking of being uncomfortable. Lent is a time leading up to the cross. We say we want to sit with Christ and share in His suffering, but so often it makes us uncomfortable. We squirm and would rather get to Sunday, to the moment of redemption. With Tony Campolo (who I heard speak when I was at Wheaton), we say, "It's Friday, but Sunday's a'comin'!"

I stumbled upon this excellent article by Zeke Smith, The Armchair Chaplain. It is titled, "Ilia Malinin: Is This What You Wanted?" In the article, he discusses Ilia's Olympic performance and the reaction of the press. They hounded Ilia after his failures and pushed him to look to 2030. At the end, Ilia presented a flawless performance in the exhibition gala, when there were no judges, no points, and no pressure. You can view that performance here. It is set to a tune I'd never heard, "Fear," by NF. It immediately made me think of my son because apparently it was written at a time in the artist's life when he suffered a relapse. As far as I know, my son hasn't relapsed, but we're still sitting in the suffering and the struggle. We still would love to see the redemption at the end of this road.

Zeke Smith shifts from the question of the song, "Is This What You Wanted?," to a story about Derek Redmond's emotional Olympic injury. Apparently, after breaking a hamstring, his father broke from the stands to help him cross the finish line (a beautiful picture of a father's love). Smith writes, "None of us want to be known for our worst moments, even when our worst moments are the ones that make us most recognizably human.... The truth is, none of us want the path of the cross. We're not good at sitting with suffering." When people are suffering, we must be willing to sit in the suffering with them, rather than pushing them to the purpose, the redemption that is not quite there yet. These are great words. It is an article well worth reading.

Motivational Mantra

I also found these incredibly motivating lines in Alice Lemee's article, "A Love Letter from Thailand." 

"Everybody wants to get to heaven, but nobody wants to die to get there. Morbidly, I want to engrave this into my brain. It is the ultimate motivator. Forget the Pomodoro or Eat the Frog. One day, you will die. Are you juicing every drop from our sun? Or are you postponing yourself?"

Mid-month Mention: Call-a-Boomer

I've cast my net wider, following Christian authors and their newsletters. One author I follow is Suzanne Woods Fisher. I have not yet read one of her books (great intentions, just humongous to-read pile). Her newsletters are fantastic! In a recent newsletter, she highlighted the Call-a-Boomer experiment being run by an organization called Matter Neuroscience (a bio-tech company seeking to improve human happiness). This is fascinating! I'm so glad I learned of it from her. I highly recommend visiting her website and joining her newsletter.

Here is a news article from The Cape Cod Times. Apparently they have established a FREE payphone (oxymoron, sorry) near Boston University. Their idea encourages young people to pick up the phone and have a spontaneous conversation with an older individual at a senior center in Reno, Nevada. Although they aim to connect Gen Zers with Baby Boomers, anyone can pick up the phone and initiate a conversation. Those two generations are grappling with high percentages of loneliness. What a clever and interesting social experiment. I'd love to pick up a phone and chat with a Baby Boomer I don't know.

If you'd rather watch a video about this experiment (running this month), you can click here. I hope this experiment reaps outstanding results. As I mentioned in last month's mid-month mention, on addiction, connection is vitally important!

Book Review: Reconnected

Last year, something I read suggested fasting from your phone. I tried it, with little success. Plus, I didn't continue. It is amazing how integral phones seem. Heading somewhere? Use maps. Waiting on news from a child? Don't turn off the device. While I'm not addicted to my phone (2 hours per day average), I would love to use it less.

Carlos Whittaker was using his phone almost 7-1/2 hours each day. When he stopped to do the math, he realized how much of his life was frittered away on his device. Now, for Carlos, it is understandable. He is a content creator and has a popular Instagram (I've never heard of him, but it sounds like it is popular). Still, he felt convicted enough to set in motion a phone fast. I didn't even last a full day. Whittaker went 7 weeks without his phone. He spent the first 2 weeks with monks and the second 2 with Amish farmers. Then, the final three, he spent at home.

His book, Reconnected, shares what he learned from this experiment. I should also note that he had a brain scan at the start of the experiment, and again at the end. This was fascinating. With the monks, he learned to move at "Godspeed" (this is something I first read of in Mark Buchanan's excellent book, God Walk). Carlos spent time noticing, wondering, and beholding. Instead of distracting himself, he learned to lean into boredom. With the Amish, his eyes were opened to the imporance of valuing community, sharing meals, and getting lost. 

Honestly, even if you aren't totally addicted to your phone, the insights in this book apply to everyone. We have lost much in our technological advancements. Yet, we can reclaim the imporant things if we are intentional. Reading this book made me want to visit a monastery and an Amish farm. It made me want to slow down my already sometimes-glacial life. I can't imagine how convicting it might be to those whose lives are drowning in busyness and technological interaction.

Book Review: Every Hour Until Then

Every Hour Until Then had a lengthy hold list at my library. How amusing that it came available just after I read about Michael J. Fox's forays into time travel. This is my first Gabrielle Meyer book. I've been noting recommendations. It takes a clever author to weave a time-travel book well.

Every Hour Until Then is billed as an inspirational Victorian and WWII-era time-travel romance. I wasn't aware it is the fifth in her Timeless series. I decided to plunge ahead anyway because I've always been interested in Victorian England. Meyer poses a fascinating premise. Characters in her time-travel series live in two separate eras (alternating between the two with each sleep) and must finally decide which path they wish to remain in permanently. For this novel, Kathryn uses what she learns in 1938 London to foil Jack the Ripper's deadly intentions for her 1888 sister, Mary Jane.

I'm intrigued by the idea that the Ripper was undetected because he was protected by the brotherhood of Freemasons. This sounds like a plausible theory. While the book didn't suck me in as much as I'd hoped, the two time periods were interesting when paired together. In 1888, Kathryn is the daughter of an eminent doctor with Freemason ties. In 1938, she is in London on assignment to help put together a display on Jack the Ripper's reign of terror. The rules of time travel in the novel add danger to Kathryn's desires to intervene to save her sister from becoming the fifth and final victim.

I'm not sure I will backtrack and begin at the start of this series. I'm quite interested in Victorian London, but not as interested in other time periods and places. The time-travel element sometimes felt clunky. Plus, the inspirational elements were stroked more than seemed necessary. Still, it is currently ranked 18 in Christian Historical Fiction books. It was an interesting story, if you're a big fan of time-travel novels. Moreover, the subject of the Ripper might make for lively discussion in a book club setting.

Book Review: When Life Feels Empty - Highly Recommend

I can't remember who recommended Isaac Serrano's book, When Life Feels Empty. Perhaps it was someone in the Rabbit Room Chinwag group on Facebook. They recommend excellent books. I needed the content of this book to remind me where to plug into the source of power and hope. This was another book I listened to in audio form and then accessed in ebook form, so I could take notes.

We live in a world ruled by a materialistic worldview. As such, we are influenced by that mindset. We cannot get away from this lens that assumes the physical is all that exists. Without telos (life purpose and meaning), we feel empty. With excellent structure, Serrano outlines why we feel empty, 7 practices to address this, and why those practices work to shape us into who we were meant to be.

From the book of Ecclesiastes, we explore the idea that "everything is vanity (hevel)." If our gaze is horizontal, we will feel that way. Only when we fix our gaze vertically, do we grasp the telos necessary for enduring this life. We were meant to be trees, growing vertically. Instead, we waste time in emptiness and addictions. Serrano emphasizes that "belief must be embodied." The seven practices he outlines seek to help us do just that.

The first practice stunned me. I realized if I had incorporated this practice into my weekly fasting, I would have left my prayer times impressed instead of distressed. The first of seven beneficial practices is song. Singing releases oxytocin. Even heartbeats sync when singing together. Singing of God's mercy and love roots us in those promises. I intend to pursue this practice far more.

Serrano explains the next two practices. Baptism is storytelling with our body, a physical manifestation of the new life we receive in Christ. Communion roots us in time. We celebrate the past (Christ's body broken), the present (the new covenant through His blood), and the future (His return). Another way he puts it: baptism is the wedding and communion is the wedding ring.

The fourth practice is another one I intend to hone in on more. Serrano demonstrates that God's will is for us to express thanksgiving. He recommends we even face the east (the position of Christ's return) while we do so. I have implemented prayer far more in the past several years, but have I sufficiently incorporated thanksgiving in those prayer times?

The final three practices? Read the Bible (so essential for fixing our gaze vertically instead of horizontally). Attend church (we were meant for community - indeed, isolation destroys health and longevity and even breeds addiction). Pray the Lord's Prayer (there is a reason Christ gave this as an example. Why don't we use it more regularly?). 

The last section is equally instructive as he outlines why we should not be "conformed to the spirit of the age." God is a sculptor, forming us into a masterpiece. Following these ancient spiritual practices lends meaning to our lives and works with God instead of against Him. I highly recommend this deeper consideration of well-known practices that are proven essential. What a great book! I intend to visit this one again in the future.

Book Review: Future Boy

There are so many little details I didn't know about the filming of Back to the Future. This little memoir, Future Boy, by Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry, is entertaining and informative. The role of Marty McFly didn't start out with Fox. Instead, Eric Stolz (the actor known for Mask) started the filming, but they really wanted Michael J. Fox. Finally, producers agreed to film at night so Fox could continue to film his Family Ties show during the day. Hard to believe this 23-year-old actor was able to film a sitcom character in the day and film an enigmatic film character in the evening hours. They usually started at midnight, so I should have said middle-of-the-night hours. I don't know how he endured on such a limited sleep schedule.

From lines made up on the fly (by Marty McFly, ha!) to the use of his own shoes, readers get the inside view of what it was like for Fox to pull of this iconic character. I was sharing some bits and pieces with my youngest (home for a break) and was shocked to learn he'd never watched Back to the Future. To remedy this, I dashed off to the library to rent both of the first two movies in the series (even though I know the second movie isn't nearly as good as the first).

I wish I could remember if I saw the movie in a theater when it first came out or if I waited and watched it later. I should dig up my college journals. It came out in 1985. I would have been at Wheaton then. Did I see it in the chapel some weekend? Suffice it to say, if you saw the movie and enjoyed Michael J. Fox's performance, you'd likely enjoy this quick little read. The book (together with experiencing the movies again) was a great little trip back in time.

 

2026 Baby Bucket List - February Progress

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

I enjoy setting and assessing goals, even when a lack of progress brings discouragement. My husband and I don't have a great track record when it comes to commemorating monumental moments in our marriage (that's a mouthful). For our 25th anniversary, I simply posted our surprise at reaching it and our commitment to fighting for the marriage. I bemoaned our Covid-foiled 30th anniversary celebrations, settling for a list of 30 small things we could do to celebrate. It was, indeed, discouraging that we only completed a handful from the list. While I would have loved to travel to Barcelona, to view the La Sagrada Familia, our 35th wedding anniversary passed unnoticed, as well.

Thus, I don't hold out a lot of hope for this new endeavor, but I'm documenting it (to spur us on to some sort of completion maybe) and tracking our progress, or lack thereof. This year, I made an EASY list. Tempted by advertisements for deals on my Facebook feed, I wrote down ones I'd like to try. These are not typical bucket list locations. Indeed, you won't find any five-star restaurants or places that come to $30-50 per meal. Most of the appeal for me is in the savings angle. Of course, my husband is not a savings nut, so he often negates my savings by selecting whatever strikes his fancy.

For this 2026 Baby Bucket List, I ticked off 23 restaurants, 3 festivals, 4 places, and 7 movies. The restaurants began with a list of specials I had noticed, things like the Beef-a-Roo $5.55 meal, the Red Robin $9.99 Big Yumm Burger deal, the Logan's Roadhouse $11.99 Real Deal meal, and the BJ's Brewhouse $13 Pizookie deal. 

(image from Beef-a-Roo website)

(image from Logan's Roadhouse website)

I also added locations I'd like to try or introduce to my husband, like Ms B's Teas, Brie & Bartlett, and Jagger's. I tried to tally 26 restaurants (an every other week goal), but the last three ended up being events: Amo Fish Fry, Fair-on-the-Square, and the Quaker Days Festival.

For the first place, I selected a new-to-me bed-and-breakfast in Danville, Indiana, called The Marmalade Sky. Next, I'm hoping to book a get-away to the retreat center in Northern Indiana where I used to take November writing retreats, back when I was participating in National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). Third, I'd like to take the Rockin' Thunder river lunch excursion in Madison, Indiana. For the fourth place, I'm hoping we'll head toward Southern Indiana and visit French Lick, Jasper, or Loogootee.

I'm least hopeful for the movies. My husband is neither a traveler nor a movie-goer. He scorns most modern movies because they're full of filth and bad language. But, there are several I hope to see, some way or another. The first I wanted to see was H is for Hawk. We missed it, due to bad weather and dangerous roads. I'm glad I didn't drag him out to see Wuthering Heights, over Valentine's weekend, because I read the movie opens with an explicit execution scene. Why? Why must they trash the classics? I may get my youngest to go see Project Hail Mary with me in March, as he watched Andy Weir's other novel adaptation, The Martian. Then, I'd like to see A Great Awakening (April), and The Sheep Detectives (May). Finally, I hope to watch the adaptation of one of my 2024 favorite reads, Remarkably Bright Creatures, if Sean still has Netflix then (out 5/8/26 and starring Sally Field). Then, perhaps The Magician's Nephew, in November. Don't be surprised if 2026 flies and none of those movies met my eyes (unintentional rhyme).

So, here we are nearing the end of February. We have managed to check off three items. Our first attempted visit to Beef-a-Roo was dashed because some sort of maintenance issue closed the dining area (and I didn't relish eating a gooey Beef-n-Cheddar in the car). Thankfully, we tried again on another visit to our son, and this time the dining area was available. I purchased the $5.55 deal and my husband's meal was possibly 3 times that, ha!

For Valentine's weekend, we booked a room at Marmalade Sky. John has been having further sleep issues (this is becoming a constant and wearing problem), so we requested the Tabatha Room for its king bed. We had lunch at Danville's delightful Bread Basket restaurant and bakery. We've both been there before, but I love their BLTEA sandwich (which adds egg and avocado to the typical BLT). John took the opportunity to buy a small cherry pie and a loaf of honey oat bread. Check out all these bakery items. The food was fantastic!

I will try to re-cap again in May. Hopefully, we will have ticked off more items by then (when the weather is more conducive). I know completing all 37 items is impossible. Still, it's fun to set a goal. 

Have you ever written a one-year bucket list? Do you have a life-long bucket list? Are your items all big-ticket items (like some of the 250 ideas listed in this Cassie Scroggins blog post)? Have you read Brad Fischer's The Sand Bucket List?

Book Review: I See You've Called In Dead

What a romp of a read! Had I checked Amazon first, I'd have noticed the numerous, well-earned awards and accolades. I See You've Called in Dead is not my standard fare. The premise hooked my attention and I was eager to find a book to lighten my mood. Even though cautionary content threatened, I persisted for the plentiful laugh-out-loud moments. John Kenney certainly knows how to write humor. I shared some hilarious lines with my husband. Yet, this is not just a fluff read. Kenney bores down into deeply meaningful questions we all struggle to answer. From the standard, "Why am I here?" to "When life falls apart, what makes it worthwhile?" The book provides lots to consider and is full of interesting, heartbreaking characters. I really felt for the main character. Plus, I loved his interactions with his young neighbor. Here's the alluring premise:

Bud Stanley is an obituary writer for a major publication, but his work is slipping. When his ex-wife calls to say her mother died, it pushes him, already defeated and almost drunk, over the edge. In his plastered state, he begins to contemplate his own obituary and writes a fanciful one only to accidentally hit return. During the resulting suspension from work, he attends the wakes and funerals of strangers hoping to learn how to truly live.

One minute you're cracking up at Bud's wry humor and the next minute you're reeling from the weight he carries. Bud's not the only funny one. His boss, his landlord, and his landlord's housekeeper all deliver their own share of comic retorts. It has been billed as a "coming-of-middle-age" book. Even this is funny. I've never seen "The Office," but it apparently has a similar feel. Still, I'm fairly certain the book is more poignant and has more depth than that show.

Substack recommended Kendra Jernejcic's February book reviews. I loved how she summed up this book: "These challenging topics are couched in some of the most humorous and insightful writing I've ever read, making the subject not just palatable but incredibly life-affirming. I found myself laughing at the razor-sharp dialogue and insane sarcasm while wiping away tears at the sheer beauty and poignancy of Bud's observations and internal reflections."

At one point, Bud says, "People can break you. Through pain. But also... through love... I was broken two years ago. And Tim... he showed me grace and dignity and kindness when I had none, wasn't able to see it, kind of gave up. Tim saved my life because he showed me how to live." Finally, one of my favorite lines from the book: "Maybe we're all obituary writers. And our job is to write the best story we can now." I think this would make a great book club selection as it is funny, yet thought-provoking. If you're on the fence, go take a look at all those glowing endorsements.

📒 Content Caution

Book Review: Statistically Speaking

Once again, I sought a British novel on Hoopla so I could listen to the British accent. The title, Statistically Speaking, clued me in that it might be similar to a favorite of mine, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. Yes, a character in the novel uses statistics, historical facts, and numbers as a coping mechanism. Yes, there's romance. And, yes, there's also deep pain and scars to face with or without numbers.

Gemma Jones is a history teacher in her thirties. Raised by an addict and then in foster care, she latches onto tangible things to battle the intangibles thrown her way. One such intangible is the existence, somewhere out there, of the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was 16. Now that daughter is about to turn 18. When Gemma's new student resembles her, it sets Gemma's mind whirling. The statistical probability is small, but... what if she is her long-lost daughter?

I enjoyed this emotional story of mother love, female friendship, and found family. Gemma is a likable, conflicted character. I loved the friendship that develops between Gemma, her housemate, the young student, and the student's mum. Such bonds are rare and precious. If you are in need of a feel good story, this Debbie Johnson novel is a perfect pick.

Mid-month Mention #2: Addiction Talks

For whatever reason (algorithms probably), my Facebook feed has been full of suggested pages about addicts and overdoses. I find this somewhat traumatic, to have to revisit the past or contemplate what easily could come in the future. I get the outrage! The fentanyl crisis continues to escalate. Indeed, I would probably be posting my son's image on those pages too, if he hadn't survived. This country has a problem and I doubt we're going to address it sufficiently any time soon.

When Johann Hari's Ted Talk popped up on my feed, I took the time to watch the short excerpt. Then, I went and found the full 15-minute talk. It is one of the best things I've listened to, when it comes to addiction. I will summarize, but I consider the full thing worth watching:

It is titled "Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong." Tired of watching loved ones fight addiction, Johann sought experts in order to better understand the dilemma. He explains that initial studies put rats in a cage and provided either clean water or drugged water. The rats continually drank the drugged water and overdosed. This is where much of our idea about the chemical hooks of addiction developed. 

But, another scientist came along and questioned the study. This man created what he called "Rat Parks," full of all kinds of stimuli, instead of a sterile cage. When the rats had access to food, entertainment, other rats, and other sources of satisfying contact, they no longer chose the drugged water. His premise suggested it wasn't about the chemical hook, but rather about the cage. This emphasized the truth that we all have a natural need for bonding. Addicts seek their drug of choice because they cannot bear being present in their sterile, unfulfilling lives.

Johann looked at Portugal's approach to their overwhelming drug abuse problems. They had been following the American way: throwing addicts in jail, shaming them, and isolating them further. Portugal realized this wasn't working. They redirected all the money that would have gone to that and pushed it to programs to replug addicts into society. Portugal funds jobs and social programs for addicts. They work to eliminate addiction by fighting isolation and discontented loneliness. I loved the final line in the Ted Talk. Johann says:

"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety! 

The opposite of addiction is CONNECTION!"

This is what my son needs! I still fully believe that he needs the Lord, first and foremost! (Relationship with our heavenly Father is the most important connection in fighting addiction.) However, this need for community is real! He needs to find a place where he belongs, where he feels integrated and fulfilled. He needs to establish real friendships and connections. What a difference it could make if we could steer him into a job that meant something to him, instead of minimum wage fast food positions (often the only ones willing to take a chance on addicts). I will keep praying, but we're not there yet.

While looking for the full Ted Talk, I happened upon an episode of the Andrew Huberman show. He interviews Dr. Anna Lembke in an episode called "Essentials: Understanding & Treating Addiction." I watched this one, too. One of the key things I heard in this interview was the idea that truth-telling is at the core of recovery. She pointed out that "honesty creates intimate connections." Connections, again! Honesty! Connections! Both of these get the addict to the point where the drug use isn't as much of an interest for them. They are forming bonds that meet those innate needs. Toward the end, they move the discussion to social media addictions. Real connection (IRL) is the key to disrupt cycles of social media dependence. I recommend viewing both of these to learn more about addiction and how to fight it.

Mid-month Mention: Poetry Pharmacy

I'm in LOVE 💖💖💖with this idea and blown away with how cool this is! All photos and information come from a Facebook post I happened upon. Every time I want to abandon ship from Facebook, something like this shows up on my feed. Oh, how I wish I lived in England and could visit this new shop.

A Poetry Pharmacy! What a fabulous idea! If only I could get my prodigal parenting book onto their shelves.

Here's the description from the Facebook post:

At a time when independent bookshops are often framed as vulnerable in the shadow of big chains, the Poetry Pharmacy is attempting to rewrite the script. Opening directly opposite Waterstones on Coney Street in York is a bold move, a statement of confidence in being something entirely different. With its apothecary-style setting, prescriptions of poetry, pill bottles and cabinets of verse, we offer a sense of theatre and ritual that transforms browsing into an experience. Its clear specialism in poetry, words and wellbeing invites readers to engage emotionally as well as intellectually. We hope that, when rooted in care, craft and imagination, this experiment is not a risk but a compelling alternative. We hope you think so too!

Opens March 6th

Here are their accompanying photos:

If you live in England, please visit one of these (the above one is opening in York, but the website indicates there are also shops on Oxford Street in London and in Bishops Castle) and do tell me how wonderful it is. I'd love to hear from someone who experiences this unique shop! Gosh, I'd love to work there... one can dream!

Book Review: Jonathan Edwards

After editing the previous pamphlet reviews, I realized I had failed to write up a book review for another book I own and added to my morning devotional time. Stephen J. Nichols presents a thorough consideration of a great man of God in this book Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought. I know I greatly enjoyed this book because I tabbed many pages. Sadly, I've read several other books since then and my memory for writing this review will be taxed.

This biography summarizes Jonathan Edwards' major themes against the background of his life. Some call him America's greatest theologian. He was a minister in New England known for the famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." His careful consideration of a spider dangling from its web led to the thoughts in that sermon. 

The forward to this book asserts, "We read Edwards because Edwards interprets Scripture so powerfully that he helps us to see God better." Edwards emphasizes the glory, the majesty, and the sovereignty of God. I was blown away by Edwards' productivity. He was always studying, always learning, and always considering new angles of insight. His longsuffering wife cared for the household, allowing him to focus on his studies and his sermon preparation. He was instrumental in propeling the time of revival we call "The Great Awakening."

Even though he's well known for his consideration of God's wrath, Edwards writes extensively about God's grace. At one point, he argues, "All our good is of God, through God, and in God. God is the source, cause, and author of our good. God is the means and mediator of our good. God is the end, object, and essence of our good." In Nichol's explanation, "God's power converts, preserves, and will someday perfect his redeemed."

He was also interested in clarifying that there is a difference between professing Christ and possessing Christ. There are distinguishing signs in the lives of those who possess Christ. He is willing to admit, though, that believers do not always live saintly lives. Edwards writes, "True saints may be guilty of some kinds and degrees of backsliding, may be foiled by particular temptations, and fall into sin, yea, great sins; but they can never fall away so as to grow weary of religion and the service of God, and to habitually dislike and neglect it, either on its own account or on account of the difficulties that attend it." With true believers, the Holy Spirit is evident.

One other tid-bit I recall from the book is that Edwards died from a fatal reaction to a smallpox vaccination. Shortly after this, his daughter died in the same way. How horrific! It makes me sad to think all the world lost with the death of this great man. It was a joy to learn more about him and made me want to spend time reading more of Edwards' writings. 

Pamphlet Review: The Hound of Heaven

This was another small pamphlet I re-discovered on my bookshelves. What a gem! What a treasure! With no publication date listed, I searched for information online. Francis Thompson first published this poem, "The Hound of Heaven," in Merry England magazine in 1890. The first edition printed by Burns and Oates came out in 1909. Two new editions were printed in 1910 and 1928. I believe this was a 1910 edition (it says "New Edition" and is dedicated to someone with a date that looks like "Feb. '13"). 

I was struck by this dedication because I had a dear friend in London called David Mitchell. This is obviously not the same and my purchase notation indicates he did not give it to me. Amazing that I spent a total of 50 pence in Edinburgh for this treasure!

If you've never encountered this poem, seek it out now! In telling my husband about this, I learned that he is unfamiliar with this famous poem of God's relentless pursuit. Of course, since I was an English major it is understandable I would know of it, but he would not. I have often prayed that God would pursue my loved ones like the "hound of heaven" He is!

Here are a few famous lines:

"I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears I hid from Him, and under running laughter. Up vistaed hopes, I sped; And shot, precipitated, Adown Titanic glooms of chasmed fears, From those strong Feet that followed, followed after... with unperturbed pace, Deliberate speed, majestic instancy, They beat... (though I knew His love Who followed, Yet was I sore adread Lest, having Him, I must have naught beside.)... A voice comes yet more fleet--'Lo! naught contents thee, who content'st not Me.'... That Voice is round me like a bursting sea:...'all things fly thee, for thou fliest Me! Strange, piteous, futile thing! Wherefore should any set thee love apart?... Of all man's clotted clay the dingiest clot? Alack, thou knowest not How little worthy of any love thou art! Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble thee, Save Me, save only Me?'"

And the final triumphant lines:

"'Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest! Thou dravest love from thee, who dravest Me.'"

The poem is a masterpiece! Praise God for that relentlessly pursuing God who claims us as His own! Though dingy, piteous, and unworthy of His love, we find our rest in Him when we stop fleeing Him and embrace Him fully.

Onthewing.org offers a pdf of the entire poem with some biographical information here.

Pamphlet Review: Light in the Darkness

As I sorted through books I hadn't picked up in years, I came across this little BBC Talks pamphlet by Roy McKay called Light in the Darkness. The cover provides clear evidence of age by its proclaimed price, "One shilling & threepence." Six micro-essays round out this collection of theological talks originally given in 1958 for a program called "Lift Up Your Hearts." My favorite essay was "The Dark is Light Enough." This title comes from a Christopher Fry play. Fry took that title from a passage about the flight of butterflies. They fly, without hesitation, through darkness. In spite of obstacles, they press on. Inspired by Abraham journeying forth without knowing where he was headed, McKay encourages believers to continue taking one step at a time, in faith, in the dark. This passage resonated with me: 

"I suppose there are some people who are so certain of God and of His continual presence with them, that they go on their way without any doubts or questionings. I confess I'm not one of them. Very often God is hidden and I cannot find the help and light I need. But when that happens, I find comfort in... the psalmist's cry... 'Why are thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my crying? O my God, I cry in the daytime but thou answerest not.' To accept the mystery of life, and act without knowing the result of one's actions, is part of the life of faith. How else can we learn the secret of trust? How else can we learn to love God for His own sake and not for what we can get out of Him?"

I'm glad I didn't discard this old little pamphlet. Despite its brevity, these thoughts from Hebrews invigorate my faith. These days, trials feel so overwhelming, I often despair. McKay reminds me to take one step at a time in the dark. God gives just enough light to see the next step. He encourages me to fix my eyes on Christ and the beauty around me, looking for the hope I may not even see in this lifetime. His talks are, indeed, light in the darkness.

Book Review: The Little Liar

In tallying up my Mitch Albom reads, it appears I've read six of his books. My last Albom book, The Stranger in the Lifeboat, was not my favorite. Indeed, I'd say over time, my opinion of his books has shifted. Am I maturing? Perhaps my taste in books is shifting? Critics have said he is overly sentimental and preachy. I get that. Yet, I've usually found something of value in his books.

The Little Liar is slightly reminiscent of Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief. Both stories take place in World War II and use unique narrators. Zusak's outstanding book uses Death to tell about a girl who saves books. Albom uses Truth to tell about a boy who is tricked into telling a lie that endangers his family. While Zusak's book is far stronger, I did enjoy watching the paths of four different characters intersect in Albom's book. 

Indeed, I marvelled at his writing skills. I felt invested in these characters. They were well drawn and full of humanity. What's more, Albom was able to weave each portion of the story to the point of a powerful merging in the final act (this felt reminiscent of the climax in Anthony Doerr's WWII tale, All the Light We Cannot See). I did enjoy this book. Still, if you're seeking WWII and haven't read The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See, start with those first. 

[My earlier links are to reviews of physical reading of these two books, but here are my reviews of re-reads, using audio versions, for The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See.]