Author Spotlight: Kyle L. White

Many moons ago, when we lived in DeKalb, Illinois, we attended the Evangelical-Free Church. I will never forget one memorable service when the then-youth pastor, Kyle L. White, delivered the sermon after witnessing the birth of his firstborn that morning. We were new parents as well, and ripe for his reflections. I have long wished for a transcript of that sermon. It was profound, and delivered with awe and reverence.

A few years later, I started a small writer's group at the church. I needed accountability to complete my Institute of Children's Literature course. I had hit an impasse in my final assignment of 3 chapters of a novel. Thus, began a wonderful stint of cameraderie and encouragement in the best writing group I've attended. We shared our work monthly, and even joined up to attend the annual Write-to-Publish Conference in nearby Wheaton, IL. Oh, the laughter during those hour-long commutes to the conference! Meeting Kyle through his sermons was impressive. But discovering his writing was equally so.

Kyle is an author/illustrator/storyteller. I think of him as a modern contemplative writer. His literary and artistic works have been published by Prism Magazine, Zondervan Publishing, Windy City Sports, and Door Peninsula Voice. He has written eight books, some of which include: Wisconsin River of Grace (2009), Neighbor As Yourself (2016), Haiti! Up! (2018), Bear. With Me {A Field Journal} (2019), and Freezing, Thawing: New & Revised Stories From the Midwest (2020). 

Several of these are available through his Amazon author page. He served as the 2022 Artist-in-Residence at the Sycamore Public Library and has had his books featured on Northern Public Radio. When not drawing or writing, he actively presents workshops on art, writing, and storytelling. Kyle graciously agreed to answer my questions to highlight his writings on my blog.

Q1: I scribbled stories as a young child and wrote poetry in my teens. Yet, I didn't really consider myself a writer until I completed my first National Novel Writing Month 50,000 word challenge. When did you first think of yourself as a writer?

Kyle: I think I’ve always thought of myself as a “creative”, since I was a kid. I don’t know if we still use “creative” as a noun. But writer, specifically? In junior high and high school I experienced the most academic success and encouragement in the areas of writing and journalism, so I think I must have identified as a “writer” to some degree. But, post-college, writing became a guilty pleasure or hobby. When I found myself underemployed in the early 2000s, tho’, I started freelance illustrating and writing–it’s then that I felt like a “writer”. But also at that very same time, the two of us became part of that writers’ group at our church. Thank you, because that community and rhythm did the most to restore or establish my identity as a writer. Because of that group I found more of my voice, began writing the things that were unique to me, started publishing essays, and then from those I published my first book. I wonder if your identity, Wendy, as a writer, was helped along at all by being involved in the NaNoWriMo community, and not only the completion of the task… ?

Q2: I'm sure you're right, Kyle, although there wasn't as much community in that as in our group. I never really had others cheering me on from the sidelines. Even my kids often teased about all that effort just to secure a Nanowrimo certificate. But, I think that was when I began leaning more into novel-writing (writing Christian YA at the start, a tough sell). And I felt I really was accomplishing something significant. For years, that was my chosen focus, until it shifted more toward non-fiction. What kind of writing do you prefer?

Kyle: I used to write these longer essays, to kind of justify my existence: how much “clever” can I pack in here? But when I began reading my writing in front of audiences, I got tired of hearing myself talk! So, I began simplifying and reducing. Like shifting from sermons to homilies. It felt more conversational with, and kind to, audiences. Short, humorous, reflective pieces, typically. I’m motivated by writers like E.B. White (his editorials), Louis Jenkins (prose poems), and Frederick Buechner (his creative non-fiction, in particular). I also pretend to write poetry once in a while. I want to leave space on the page for the reader to think.

Q3: Your writing has universality and depth. I'm impressed with how you take something that has inherent humor and then, suddenly, that humor drives a deep, spiritual insight. It is as if you think in metaphor. For example, in your book, Neighbor As Yourself, you have a piece about catching and releasing a fish. On the surface, it seems to be a sketch about the challenge of removing a hook from a large, shaking bass. Yet, eventually, the reader is contemplating emotional wounds and Christ's finger both poking and healing them. Do you keep a notebook of images and develop the metaphors later, or are you capturing both the insignificant and the significant simultaneously while it is happening? Tell us a bit about your writing process.

Kyle: Your questions are beautifully written and so encouraging–they make me want to finish some projects! As a kid, some of my earliest memories are of being in bed at night, looking out the window and wondering what’s behind that curtain of stars? I do feel as tho’ I’m always looking through a thing to the bigger story on the other side of it. Maybe that’s every writer? Louis Jenkins, one of my favorite poets, has this piece about retiring from his poetry business. In the closing line he says, maybe he’ll: “Take up golf. Spend more time with the family. Maybe I’ll just walk around and look at things with absolutely no compulsion to say anything at all about them.” I love it. My writing process is sporadic, but I am consistent with keeping a net out for metaphor. A sketchbook, or notebook, being my net. Most every day, in my notebook, I’m playing with some drawing, or bit of words.

Q4: I'm a big fan of your essay, "Circus World Museum," as it emphasizes the role of the church in this sin-sick world. It is one of my favorites. But then, I also love the lighthearted "To Whom it May Concern" (a job recommendation for Autumn) and "Funeral for Summer." There's also the "Quotidian Meeting of Insomnia Committee." Do you have any favorites from your writings?

Kyle: Thank you. I haven’t read those for awhile and I need to go back and take a look. One piece of mine that I am consistently satisfied with, and that I like reading to audiences, is “Wendell Planted a Tree for Me.” It’s from Freezing, Thawing: New & Revised Stories from the Midwest (2020). I like it ‘cause it has the elements that I’m most always digging for in my pieces: humor, community, mortality, God. There’s also a piece called “Geeses” from my upcoming book. It surprised me the way it came out fully formed, like it had been brewing underneath.

Q5: I'm always curious about the preliminaries various writers prefer. Like Dickens, I walk before I sit down to work on a novel. It prompts the creative juices and allows time to simmer in ideas and characters. However, I haven't worked on a novel in a long time, and the weather tends to foil my outdoor walking. Do you have specific locations for writing or tools of the trade? Do you begin each session with walking or with prayer?

Kyle: Yes, walking is thinking and that leads to writing for me. Any time I am afforded space to think–vacations, solo road trips, morning coffee–that leads to writing. Being in Wisconsin, my homeland, inspires me to write. I don’t necessarily pray before writing– I would say that the act of writing is prayer in my experience.

Q6: I love that! Yes, oftentimes writing is prayer. Several of your essays focus on writing. I'm thinking of "Hunting for Words" (an apt comparison), "The Muse," and "Postcards from the Edge of the Bluff." In that last essay, you say, "Why write? To love and to be loved. I write because 'I wish you were here.' The 'here' being inside my head. A scary thought? But my writing self is probably my truest self. I write to know and to be known. I write to send a postcard." Have you ever wanted to abandon writing or have you ever experienced a dry spell that lingered? What would be your recommendation for a writer in that liminal space, when the muse is silent and showing up is hard?

Kyle: Thoughts of abandonment come more when I’m trying to figure out how to reach a larger audience with my creative work. It’s such a social media game and can leave lots of artists lamenting, “What’s the point?” But in terms of writer’s block, the problem is more my inconsistency in taking time for writing. When I do need inspiration, walking helps to jog things loose, like you mentioned. And reading poetry–Louis Jenkins, Wendell Berry, Billy Collins–makes me want to play with words. Joni Mitchell, supposedly said: “Unlike some of my peers, I haven’t really hit a writer’s block. When I hit a block I just paint, which is an old crop rotation trick.” Sketching and drawing help stir up my writing, too.

Q7: Yes, you are not only a writer, but also an illustrator. I have one of your lovely prints on my wall to remind me to press on in my writing goals, stewarding whatever gifts God has given. That print, and other unique, contemplative art prints can be purchased from your art website (link here). What is your favorite thing about the intersection of your writing and your art? Do you sketch daily, or when you have something in mind? 

Kyle: All of my creative spark started with comics. Then, in high school and college, I was the schools’ newspaper cartoonist. So, my art interests mostly have to do with: How do I marry image with text, in small spaces, in the most meaningful way? I draw daily and think it’s the best way for me to pay attention in the world;  I often facilitate classes on “sketchbook as practice,” and on field journaling.

Q8: For the past few years, I've enjoyed receiving your newsletters. You invite interaction. You generate thoughts about creativity and art. If any reader would like to sign up for your newsletter, where can they do so?

Kyle: Thank you! People can find all my points of contact here: https://linktr.ee/kylewhiteink

Q9: What is your favorite method of getting your work out to readers and listeners?

Kyle: Favorite and effective are two different things apparently! The typical routes: Instagram; newsletter; etc. I also do readings on our local NPR station–they have a segment called “Perspectives” where locals can share opinions and thoughts on most-any topic. And I have had “story nights” which are interactive readings. I think those story nights are my favorite and most effective avenues.

Q10: Do you have a work-in-progress right now?

Kyle: I have a new book that released on 4/26/26 called Just Out There Somewhere: Thoughts About Moving On. Thanks for these wonderful questions, Wendy. And thanks for being such an advocate for writers.

If you'd like to sample/listen to one of Kyle's NPR Perspective pieces, you can click here. This humorous 90-second listen is called, "About That Book You Borrowed." I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce others to Kyle White's writing, art, and storytelling. Check out his work. You'll be glad you did! Now, I'm off to request Kyle's new book as a Mother's Day/birthday gift. Then, I'll check to see if Kyle lent me a book I've failed to return. Ha!

Book Review: Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

The title of this novel comes from a passage in Mark Twain's story where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are presumed dead. So begins James Goodhand's colorful book, Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated. Ray "Spike" Thorns spent years working as a caretaker on the grounds of a posh boarding school. Now, he spends his days visiting re-sale shops, picking through trash, and trying to bring life to things that have been tossed aside. This is an apt image for the book, as a whole. Then, Ray's neighbor comes over to warm up because his heat is off. Ray offers him a warm bath while he heads off to pick up some Chinese takeaway, never thinking for a moment the man might experience a medical emergency. When paramedics cart off the dying man, they mistakenly assume it is Ray. It takes some time for Ray to set things right. In that time, we learn Ray's life story and we root him on in his efforts to deal with unexpected and complicated difficulties.

As a writer, I'm always on the hunt for excellent writing. Sometimes I will even read books with cautionary content. Listening to this 2026 Audi Awards Finalist was a delight. The book hooked me with its premise and held me with its promise, in spite of activities and worldviews I don't sanction. Ray is a likeable, if sad, character. He's not convinced his life has held much meaning. Sure, he can repair things, but is that enough? I'm so glad I didn't set this book aside, but plowed through anyway. The payoff was well worth enduring unsavory things.

We all wish to feel like we matter. We crave purpose and fulfillment in our lives. Too often, we underestimate the impact we've made. This is a beautiful book about a man who is mistaken for dead, only to realize that he's forgotten to truly live. His journey to correct the error is a delight! It is a poignant tale of life-shaping losses, enduring influences, and second chances. If only we could all get a glimpse of the way our lives have touched others. It would certainly keep us going. This is a book that sticks with you.

📒 - Content Caution

Book Review: Some Like It Scot

I thoroughly enjoyed Pepper Basham's contemporary rom-coms with a nod to Great Britain (Authentically, Izzy and Positively, Penelope). In Some Like It Scot, we follow an American on adventures in Scotland. I'd love to visit the Appalachian Mountains here and compare them to the Scottish landscape. Basham's book identifies similarities between these two, but my eye has yet to verify. This would make an excellent book club activity. I can just imagine joining a group of women reading this book, then travelling cross-country and internationally following the steps in this book. Hey, I'd even enjoy an Edwardian Experience (that's got to be better than the Victorian Slum House experience I watched once in a PBS documentary).

Katie Campbell has made a name and a following through her "misadventures" in travel. This provides great fodder for the comedy portions of the novel. The romance blossoms in her attraction to a brusque and burly Scot. Don't let the rom-com genre fool you. As lighthearted as this book is, it also carries great depth, tackling subjects like grief, abandonment, faith, family, and home. We all long for a sense of belonging. Every family faces its own baggage.

I always enjoy a peek into the process. In the author's note, Pepper Basham explains that one month into the writing, her own brother died. Although I've yet to experience sibling loss, I have watched my husband bear the burden of his brother's suicide. Everyone grieves differently. And sometimes grief complicates relationships. I felt great empathy for Katie's insecurities and her plight. The dialogue was delightful, and the descriptions made me want to jump on a plane. If you're looking for an uplifting read, pick up Some Like it Scot. Come for the colorful characters, bask in the witty banter, and stay for the satisfying resolution. Now, I anxiously await a chance to read Sense and Suitability and the future release of A Brewed Awakening. Clever titles, sure to fulfill any itch for clean rom-coms.

Book Review: First Love, Second Draft

What if a wife's worst day of her life was her husband's best day? What conflict and emotion might this conjure? I could well relate to this scenario. Not that my worst day was John's best day, but I worry there are much worse days ahead. We endured a miscarriage prior to the births of our three sons and, believe me, we processed and grieved differently. It is so hard when reactions don't match. The pain is intense and then you add a layer of misunderstanding. Men definitely grieve differently than women, and often communication in those tender initial days is non-existent.

Becca Kinzer has a real talent for taking the difficulties of relationships and spinning them out with wit. She knows how to write humor (a tough task). When you feel like crying over life's challenges, it is refreshing to pick up a book that leads from internal intensity into light-hearted laughter. Here is a brief summary of First Love, Second Draft, from the back cover of the book:

"Rom-com writer Gracie Parker hasn’t written a bestseller since she and her husband, a major league baseball star, divorced five years ago. On thin ice with her publisher―and with a looming deadline―Gracie couldn’t have picked a worse time for a painful injury that has her flat on her back. At this point, she’d accept help from anybody . . . except her first love and ex-husband, Noah Parker.

"The baseball season has just ended in massive disappointment for Noah. He’s facing the stark reality that he gave up everything for a career that’s let him down and that it might be too late to get back the one person he should’ve held on to. So when Gracie’s nephew calls, saying Gracie’s looking for a tenant for her next-door rental, it feels like it’s meant to be."

I've enjoyed all of Becca Kinzer's humorous tales. This one is a novel about second chances. Love is hard, but deserves a second chance. Sometimes women who have been hurt refuse to give an ex a second chance. We are all flawed and failing. We all desire forgiveness. I need to learn to extend grace to others more freely and open doors for restoration and reconciliation. I just hope it doesn't take a painful injury to get me to that point, ha! (My June fall from the treadmill wasn't as debilitating as Gracie's injury, but I'm still needing to sleep flat on my back because my normal side-sleeping causes twingy pain where I hit the chair. Say a prayer for healing, if you will.)

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Becca has announced a new book slated for the spring of 2026. It sounds like it will be another joyful journey with witty banter and unexpected romance. Here is the cover reveal for next year's novel, Not What We Pictured. (This title sounds like a commentary on my life, ha!)

   

Author Spotlight: Becca Kinser

(photo collage property of Becca Kinzer's author website)

Becca Kinzer is a critical care nurse who lives in Springfield, Illinois. She writes clean, lighthearted, humorous stories. Her first novel, Dear Henry, Love Edith, won the 2024 Carol Award for debut novel. This was my first introduction to Kinzer's writing, and I really enjoyed that epistolary tale of mistaken identities. In it, a young woman rents a room from a man she thinks is an older gentleman. They keep missing running into one another, so he assumes she's a spinster. As their correspondence blooms, so does love and a myriad of obstacles.

Sometimes it is difficult to follow-up on a successful debut, but Kinzer wrote an equally funny novel in her second book, Love in Tandem. Charlotte Carter faces the dismantling of her beloved small town music program. Desperate to save it, she agrees to join her ex-fiance's brother in a tandem bike challenge, hoping the prize will secure funds to save the music. As these opposites approach the 500-mile trek, their pretend-dating scheme runs into plenty of snags. Is love inevitable on a bicycle built for two?

I would have loved to have driven to Springfield, Illinois, to meet and interview Becca Kinzer. I appreciate her light-hearted humorous stories. They lifted my spirits on some gloomy days. Since I'm not gifted with the ability to write humorous tales, I admire this skill she demonstrates. Alas, instead of an interview, I'm relying upon information from the book club kit for her upcoming book (available,  with discussion questions, through Tyndale in their Crazy 4 Fiction book club kits).

As for writing with humor, Kinzer follows a driving principle. She writes, "There's a saying in the writing world that if there's no tears in the writer, there's no tears in the reader. Well, my interpretation is if there's no giggles in the writer, there's no giggles in the reader. Let's just say I had plenty of giggles writing certain scenes in this story." Kudos to Kinzer for making readers giggle!

You can influence the success of Kinzer's third book by purchasing it on its upcoming release date, April 15th, 2025. In this book, First Love, Second Draft, Kinzer focuses on second chances. Gracie is a rom-com writer who writes a baseball romance series. Noah Parker is a forty-year-old pitcher who is famous for one perfect game. When the two meet, there's a bundle of banter and a surfeit of sparks. But can their love overcome the complications they face?

In the book club kit, Kinzer discusses how to story germ originated. She writes about "having trouble sleeping. Scenes about a baseball player and his wife kept playing out in my mind. What if the absolute best night of a baseball player's professional career coincided with the absolute worst night of his wife's personal life?" Sounds like a great premise, no? Apparently, she wrote the book before her other two books took off. She teasingly liked to call the manuscript, "First Love, Seven Hundredth Draft." Ha!

I think I'm looking forward to the book most because it promises a story of redemption. Kinzer says, "There's an element of redemption and forgiveness that always goes hand in hand with a second-chance romance. I don't think the world can ever get enough of that type of story." I hope to find the encouragement Kinzer sought to instill in this story. She hopes readers "learn to cling to God through everything, especially the disappointments and seasons of waiting. By keeping a tight grip on our faith, we'll never lose reason to hope. And as with all my stories, I hope readers get some good laughs along the way."

Want a taste of the tale? Click here for a free flash fiction story, "Famous First Date," introducing Gracie and Noah. If you visit Becca Kinzer's author website, you can access two free novellas when you subscribe to her newsletter. Then, head to the Amazon page for her new novel, to secure your copy on the release date. Or if you'd rather purchase a signed copy, visit the author's website where you can purchase one from The Sly Fox. I'm wishing Becca all the best of success as this third novel reaches the light of day and into the hands of eager readers everywhere. Maybe someday I'll get to meet her and ask the myriad of questions bursting in my brain. 

February 2025 Purging Progress

In order to really stick to any resolution, it helps to be intentional and accountable for progress. When I undertook my 2023 Facebook Prayer Project, I held to particular structure and documentation. This was a tremendous help in keeping me going. This year, my documentation is meant to keep me plugging away at my two-part goals of fasting and purging. Thus, I try to keep a daily tab on these efforts. Plus, purging is hard for me. When I find something my heart longs to keep, I can make note of it and move on with more ease.

I struggled with the record-keeping, however. At first, I was writing down what was eliminated. This was simple when I was dealing with Christmas items, shoes, books, magazines, and even writing utensils. Those were easily calculated. However, then I began sorting through old teaching files and correspondence. Tossing piles of papers is a bit harder to quantify. In looking back over my daily notes, I purged 537 items. Since some of these were merely pencils or pens, I kept track of bags filled for Goodwill (5). Speaking of pencils, how is this even possible???

I decided to offer the better school supplies (certainly not this pencil nub), teaching materials, and games to my local elementary school (once I've cleared the whole section of the basement that I am tackling). Thus, I have two bags heading there (if they respond with interest). By January 22nd, I began tracking how much time I spent in purging activities. Of those 37 days, I worked 30 hours (approximately 3/4 hour a day). Mainly, I am keeping track of things in order to keep up the momentum and to be able to prove to my husband that I CAN, indeed, tackle my clutter.

What amazes me is how much fun I'm having. I have always dreaded tackling my clutter. But, I'm knee-deep in things of the past and loving every minute of it. There is still a tendency to keep more than I should (how do I get rid of all the correspondence from my beloved Mitchell family in England?), but I can take photos of what I don't keep. Or I can write of them here.

Some funnies I found but wanted to toss:

hipatitus = being perpetually cool

intaxication = the feeling of elation one gets when receiving a tax refund, lasting until you realize the money was yours to begin with

bozone = the layer around some people which inhibits wisdom from penetrating

- Energizer Bunny arrested - charged with battery

- A pessimist's blood type is always B-negative

- Shotgun wedding - a case of wife or death

- I used to work in a blanket factory, but it folded

- Marriage is the mourning after the knot before

- A hangover is the wrath of grapes

- Banning the bra was a big flop

- Sea captains don't like crew cuts

When I discovered my sons' 4th grade journals, I actually sent a thank you note to their teacher (still teaching at their elementary school). It was so funny to read their entries. In one, Sean was bemoaning the fact that his older brother would not be returning home for the summer because he was going to live in an apartment near an internship. He wrote, "They grow up so fast." Ha!

Next, I tackled the files from my minimal years of teaching. My experiences with teaching were not entirely pleasant. In my first year, I was the sole English teacher for a small rural Illinois high school. I had 6 preps: Fresh. Eng., Soph. Eng., Jr. Eng., Sr. Eng., Creative Writing, and Drama. Not only was I stretched to the breaking point, but I had such high expectations and ideals. I felt it was all on me to prepare them for future college expectations. Perhaps I confused the two. In any case, while purging, I found a letter from a mother requesting extra work to help her daughter save an abysmal grade. I shuddered as I read my response, touting the importance of fairness and accountability. I was mortified! I actually sought this mother's old email (she had worked at the local university) and sent her a much-belated apology letter (it is out in the ether, even if she never receives it). Now that I have longed for a second chance for a child, I can sympathize. Back then, not so much!

Thankfully, I also found files from my favorite class, summer school speech. What a blast I had with those students. Not only had I softened, but I gave so many hands-on, interactive activities. When I taught non-verbal communication, I brought in a television and showed 5 minutes of "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," with the sound off. Then, I turned the tv around and showed 5 minutes with just the sound, and finally 5 minutes with both visual and audio clues. Each time, I asked the students to make predictions about what was going on. Then, for sheer fun, we watched the whole movie. To teach personal space, I moved all the desks into one clump in the center of the room and required students to sit in their chairs there for 5 minutes. They were so relieved to move back to the original desk arrangement.

I found 2 copies of my college commencement program (seeing all those old names sent me searching on FB). When I found Bryce's baby book, I discovered the newspaper announcement which had his (later) best friend's announcement just above his. I sobbed when I found an unused, now defunct, $20 Borders gift card that had been a parting gift when we moved to Indiana. I actually tossed all but the few written on pages from my own baby book. In happening upon this photo from when I was five, I'm wondering why I didn't get the memo to wear white like everyone else?

Sorting through my college folders brought back great memories. In my Theology of Culture class, I had to keep a current events journal. Isn't this entry a kicker?

I had always remembered my Bible Geography class for the creative way the instructor tested our knowledge. Thus, I was thrilled to find and capture this quiz from his class:

Finally, it was such fun to re-read old correspondence. I found a letter my dad had sent when I was in the Philippines on a mission trip. In it, he explained the events of one evening when he woke at 4 a.m. realizing he had forgotten to have his evening devotions. He was praying and heard a tapping sound outside, coming from the Pizza Hut next door. He watched a burglar enter and called the police. Eleven squad cars surrounded the place and they came begging a hanger, so they could break into the back door. They returned again to ask if he was positive that the burglar was still in there. He assured them he had been watching faithfully. A few days later, he learned that the man had shut himself into the large cooler and passed out. Lucky for the burglar (an ex-employee who had already broken in once before), they found him and saved his life. My dad ended that paragraph with, "No, we haven't gotten a free pizza yet." Ha!

Here's a flyer I found for one of our Salvation Army outreach events, showcasing a photo of my baby brother, Tim, playing an Alto horn:

I had to text Tim a photo of a letter he sent to me with highlights from his vacation when he was around ten. He detailed every state they went through, even including multiple ones "where nothing happened," and every item he purchased. He finally explained that he had saved up $51 from his paper route job and spent all but 13 cents of it. He ended by saying, "Well, I guess I should get to bed. I started at 3 and now it's 10:27." He texted back, "What's going on? This letter took me 7.5 hours to write!! I'm so glad I gave such a detailed account. Even of the states where nothing happened! Hilarious!"

See what I mean? Great fun poring over items hoarded from the past. This is the reason I'm a pack-rat. I cannot bear to part with the detritus that makes me smile. Still, after 2 months purging work, I'm making some progress!

Book Review: This Must Be the Place

Sara Brunsvold recommended This Must Be the Place by Jami Nato. Sara's words were a siren song to me: "It’s the kind of book that you have to sit with. And it’s the kind of book that will always guide you from dark places back to laughter and hope." She offered a warning about the mild use of profanity, but I was game to see how my own bread crumbs in life lead me back to the purpose for which God has formed me.

Sometimes, things in our lives seem incongruent with God's plan. We think to ourselves, as Jami did, "Surely God couldn't want marital infidelity! Divorce can't be within God's plan." Or my question, "How could God allow a broken leg and the prescription for opioids?" Descent into addiction must be a departure from God's will and plan. Right? It would be wonderful if we could always say with certainty that God's will  is only for good paths and not bad ones. Jami Nato is not saying God causes marital infidelity, divorce, opioid use, addiction, or any other trial we encounter, as His divine will. Only that God allows these negative blips in our life stories to shape and form us into exactly who He wants us to be. If we trace the paths we have crossed, we often come to see a vision and purpose that God is shaping us for within those negative influences.

Jami Nato wants us to see that our past, present, and future can serve as a compass. She suggests a deep look at where God has been, where He is, and where He is going before you. As I reiterated to my prodigal son after listening to this book, "Nothing is an accident! Every positive and negative in your life is leading to God's gifting you in perfect ways for the ministry He desires you to fulfill." I wanted to go back into the e-book version so I could answer the questions provided at the end of each chapter and chart out a deeper understanding of what God might shape me to do. As I've said before, our God wastes nothing! He will take what looks like the worst thing (I'm remembering that minor story in The Wright Brothers) and turn it into the best thing to mold you for His purpose.

Content caution: 📒 - language

Book Review: How to Age Disgracefully

I read How to Age Disgracefully for my book club. The date fell earlier than I realized, so I ended up reading this on the morning of the 2 p.m. scheduled meeting. Thankfully, it was a quick read, and I didn't give up on it (despite a bit of raucous content). The book is similar to The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, in that it focuses on old age and requires a heavy dose of the willful suspension of disbelief. However, I liked the Frederick Fife book more than this one.

The book features a slap-stick crew of characters. Daphne, depressed to be alone on her 70th birthday, joins a senior citizens group. Sadly, all they seem to do is craft projects. She's suspicious of an older man who is a failed actor with a shoplifting problem. The quiet woman who is constantly knitting must be up to something, too. Then they learn the childcare facility where they hold their meetings is due to be shut down. The group sets out to save the day. Hopefully they can do so before their pasts catch up to them.

I guess I had a harder time willing myself to believe the unbelievable. Moreover, I didn't feel any sense of redemption took place. It didn't lead to much stimulating conversation, either. Oh well. Not every book is going to be my cup of tea. 

Book Review: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife - Highly Recommend

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife has been called a "funny and moving," "charming and clever," "sweet, touching life-swap adventure you won't want to miss." It is a great debut novel, billed as perfect for fans of two of my favorite novels, A Man Called Ove and Remarkably Bright Creatures. I'm a sucker for redemptive stories and this one was a good one. The willful suspension of disbelief, while taxed, was worth it for this zany tale of mistaken identity. Kindness goes a long way in a world full of hurt and pain.

82-year-old Frederick Fife is in a rough patch. He misses his deceased wife. His money and his house paid for her cancer treatments. He is facing homelessness when an odd series of events thrusts him into a world he doesn't deserve. Bernard Greer and Fred bear an uncanny resemblance. Thus, when Bernard disappears at a park outing, nursing home nurses take Fred home, thinking he's Bernard. Fred tries to set the record straight, but because Bernard typically responded with dementia-addled comments, nobody will believe Fred. Thus, he settles into Bernard's life, loving the care he receives at Bernard's nursing home. Bernard was grumpy, blind, and incontinent. Fred is endearing, lucid, and well-meaning. He is a man of integrity and kindness, intent upon remedying Bernard's blunders from the past. But how long until his mistaken identity comes to light? And is he really not hurting anyone by his deception?

I related to the issues Anna Johnston addressed within these pages: "grief, dementia, social isolation, cancer, and addiction" (as quoted in the author's extensive and interesting acknowledgements). I loved how the story lines merged. The beauty of Fred's intervention in broken lives made me wish for a Fred in my life. This was a lovely, feel-good story, even when things seemed beyond belief. Readers will root for Fred and his willingness to ride the fortuitous wave in order to help others around him. The book illustrates how older adults are often invisible or overlooked. It highlights the deep need we all have to belong and to forgive. It is a tale of second chances and redeemed brokenness. Magnificent! When they make this into a movie (some hints within the closing pages), I'll be there in the first row!

Book Review: Funny Story

Funny Story, by Emily Henry, was not a clean read! No, indeed it veered into graphic descriptions of activities I would prefer to be left to my imagination with a slow fade. Alas, I listened in audio form. I could not quickly skim through and get beyond, but had to barrel through the sensual scenes (I'd say "intimate," but they were casual and to me, intimacy is hard-won through marital commitment). However, again, these scenes popped up after fully invested, and besides, the story was so delightful otherwise. I can understand why it was an instant New York Times bestseller (and Julia Whelan's narration was outstanding, as always).

Daphne and Peter always introduce their impending marriage by explaining the funny story of their meeting and finding love. Only now, Peter has realized he's actually in love with his best friend, Petra. Daphne had moved her entire existence to Peter's Michigan town to be with him and now she is alone, without genuine friends, and seeking a replacement for the one good thing about her life, her beloved job as a children's librarian. Also, she must find a new place to live on the spur of a tragic and traumatic moment.

After Daphne moves in with Miles, Petra's similarly rejected fiancé, she receives a wedding invitation to Peter and Petra's wedding. Why not prove she is not as devastated and lonely as Peter believes? Why not rub in his face that she could move on quickly? Thus, she spins a new funny story. She will attend with her new boyfriend, Miles. Can they keep up the pretense? Is it really a pretense? What does Daphne truly need and will she find it in this sweet Michigan town?

This was entrancing! There were several laugh-out-loud lines! Moreover, I loved the characters. Daphne struggles with inevitable trust issues from a father who was never there for her. Certainly being dumped by your fiancé intensifies trust issues all the more! But Miles is so likeable. He is sweet, endearing, and the kind of guy that everyone falls for. Then again, we're all reeling from the emotional baggage of life.

I have my own funny story... about this book. I didn't begin listening as soon as I received it from the library. It came due before I finished. No worries. I'd seen it available on Hoopla. Alas, only on the neighboring town's catalog. Thus, I had to wait until the audio version came available again (3 weeks). At the checkout, the woman next to me was checking out the hard-cover copy of... Funny Story. (I had also noticed a woman on a recent plane trip reading this same book.) Funny! Delightful! Well-earned reputation.

📒 Content caution: sex, drug use, language

Book Review: The Summer of Yes

One of my favorite books of last year was The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh. I recommended it to my new book club, not even realizing it was published by a Christian publisher. That book hit all the boxes of need in my life. It resonated like a megaphone. During my second read-through with that book club, I noted all the things Isadora attempted to improve her happiness quotient in her life. While I haven't pursued those lessons, I relished the opportunity to consider what stands in the way of feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

I jumped on the hold list as soon as I saw my library had a new Courtney Walsh book. The Summer of Yes is as uplifting and life-affirming as her previous book. Once again, it inspired contemplation and introspection. I questioned, "where do I say 'no' out of fear or discomfort?" The ability to determine your "yes" or "no" with integrity is a tricky thing. I have said "yes" in previous circumstances, based on a belief that it is something others want me to do. It may have even seemed God wanted me to do it, yet when life led in another direction, others then questioned my integrity and my belief in following God's leading.

This is a tangent, but one worth exploring. Where do we get the right to determine where God is leading another person and how can we be certain that God might not be leading them out of an opportunity, just as much as He led them into an opportunity? This is very personal. My parents were Salvation Army officers for many years. Then one day, my dad said God was calling him to leave the ministry. I cannot express how many people cast judgement on them for this action. Even the wording in the Army's officer covenant holds marital implications, as if God's calling is a calling for life. In my opinion, that's not how God works. Biblically speaking, His call has led His followers into and out of opportunities, even into prison experiences. The important thing is to filter these decisions through a lens of God's desires for us. This is not a straightforward task. We can think we know God's desires (and often think we know God's desires for another person), but sometimes that is personally motivated rather than spiritually motivated.

Back to the book and why you should say "yes" to reading it. A random, life-threatening accident lands Kelsey Worthington (assistant editor for a publishing company) in a hospital room with Georgina Tate (eminent businesswoman). Kelsey recognizes Georgina and her curious mind kicks in. She asks Georgina if she has any regrets in her long life of breaking the glass ceiling. Kelsey is processing her life, in light of her near-death, and wondering if what she is pursuing will be worthwhile in the end. This is a valid question everyone should explore.

Kelsey determines to alter her life by saying "yes" to things she has always turned down. She begins by taking time off work (something she never did) and spending time at the zoo with her best friend (again, she admits she was a crappy friend). But the more she ponders Georgina's life, the more she is convinced that the intersection of their lives was with purpose. She believes that purpose is to pursue the "Summer of Yes." Kelsey hijacks Georgina's life and leads her on a road trip that will alter both of their lives and will cause them to re-evaluate their decisions.

Georgina's handsome son adds a layer of romance. The characters are interesting and believable. Walsh nails the voice again. Kelsey and Georgina both are very particular and opposite characters. I enjoyed the road trip aspect, the thoughts to contemplate and personalize, and the positive resolution. Various lines made me laugh out loud. This is a book about redemption and forgiveness, my favorite themes to explore. I recommend this book if you catch yourself turning down opportunities because they require you to step out of your comfort zone or approach things you feel unqualified to attempt. After the acknowledgements, there's a section with discussion questions, making this a perfect option for a book club.

Book Review: The Getaway Girls

 

I can't remember how I happened upon Dee MacDonald's The Getaway Girls. Perhaps I searched for "light-hearted reads," or "wholesome and funny." The cover (maybe glimpsed on Amazon) may have pulled me in, with blurbs like "Feel-good," "Wonderful," "Inspirational," and "Laugh-out-loud." I mistook the word inspirational, to have religious implications. It did not, but was none-the-less a funny, easy read.

Connie McColl is wrapping up a flower arranging class. With a sudden strike of wanderlust, she purchases an RV. Before she knows it, two of the class members, Gill and Maggie, have invited themselves along on her adventure to Italy to seek for long-lost relatives. Both Gill and Maggie have their own reasons to get away, and their own diverse personalities as well. The obstacles Connie, Gill, and Maggie encounter along their journey only solidify their newfound friendship. If you are looking for a simple beach read for your vacation, Dee MacDonald delivers.

Book Review: Love in Tandem

Looking for a sweet, light-hearted romance? Becca Kinzer writes wholesome Christian romance. After enjoying her epistolary novel, Dear Henry, Love Edith, I signed up for her newsletter. As a thank you, Kinzer offers two novellas. I only read the first one on offer, but have continued to follow this author through her newsletters. In addition, when she challenged readers to ask their library to purchase her upcoming title, I reached out to my local library. They agreed and the book must be gaining buzz because my due date is looming with no renewals available. Someone else is in line waiting to read Love in Tandem.

I think a cross-country tandem bike ride sounds horrific (after ten minutes on my bike, my bum shouts resistance). Still, the story idea was ripe for plenty of obstacles and laughs. In a standard tale of "opposites attract," Charlotte Carter and Zach Bryant end up on a 500-mile bike trek together. Charlotte hopes to win the prize money to save her beloved small-town music program. Zach is only back in town for his brother's wedding, a wedding Charlotte envisioned for herself until Zach's brother broke their engagement. He can't wait to get back on the road, far away from his Illinois roots. Can they set aside their differences enough to power through and win the challenge? Will an endless stream of difficulties hold them back?

I'm not sure what keeps drawing me to rom-com. Maybe I'm not prepared for deep or intense emotional engagement. When things are difficult, I appreciate submerging into a light-hearted journey. Sure, it often requires the willful suspension of disbelief, but it dulls the senses from more extreme realities at the same time.

Book Review: The Keeper of Stories

For a debut novel, I am impressed. The Keeper of Stories is like Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, in that a lowly cleaner learns to assert herself and claim her own story. Because the personality-packed dog expresses foul-mouthed thoughts, it reminded me of The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (whose memorable opening line sucked me in: "The first thing you find out when yer dog learns to talk is that dogs got nothing much to say.") It is a frame story, much like The Arabian Nights (mentioned in the book). But, most of all, it is, as the back cover proclaims, a book "full of humor and depth - that has taken readers around the world by surprise."

In Janice's role as a housekeeper, she collects people's stories. Whether it is a snippet of story overheard on her bus ride or the tales of her clients, she relishes adding another story to her repertoire. Mostly, her clients are more interested in their own stories. But when Janice begins cleaning for Mrs. B, a flamboyant 92-year-old, she knows her story will be sucked from her eventually. Mrs. B. once worked as a spy. She's keen to know the secrets lurking beneath the surface of this mild-mannered cleaner.

I was thoroughly unprepared for the emotional investment, the clever interconnectedness, and the unexpected humor. By the end of the book, I marveled at the author's skill for bringing tears one moment, followed by snorts of laughter in the next. Despite the content in some stories (harlots, suicide, murder) and despite the foul mouth Janice hears from the beloved dog she walks, it left me enthralled. The book touches on many important truths about human weakness, tenuous familial bonds, and second chances. Primarily, I loved the focus on how each of our stories holds importance in the lives of others and teaches us something about the world. Not only did I enjoy piecing together, bit by bit, Janice's story, but I loved reading the author's bio. How fascinating! Sally Page dabbles in history, flowers, photography, pens, and stories. I'm so glad she wrote this debut novel. I will keep my eye out for more and may look up her daughter, the author Libby Page.   

Book Review: Dear Henry, Love Edith

I am writing this review of Dear Henry, Love Edith (Becca Kinzer's debut novel) for the second time, weeks after completing this read. Somehow, I deleted my book review and cannot retrieve it. I will try to give this book its due, but my memory has long since stepped away from this story. My apologies. Here is what I think I wrote:

If asked what my ideal romance would be, it would involve two strangers meeting through letters, developing a correspondence, and finding love. I still have bushels of old letters from friends (pack-rat that I am). While I had a brief taste of this dream, it was not entirely the same. After college, I went on a mission trip to the Philippines. One of the other mission teammates corresponded with me for those ten weeks. We were in similar places. We experienced: a) things we'd never encountered before; b) deep emotional connection to those experiences; c) shared struggles and observations; d) and genuine vulnerability with each other. It was impossible for romantic feelings to remain at bay, although I was determined we would not act on those feelings during the mission trip. For a brief time, afterwards, we connected, but he was not as interested in me as I was in him, and I realize that the intensity of our letters made me think there were connections that were not there. All of that to say, the premise of this book (two strangers meeting through letters and falling in love) seems earmarked for me!

After his niece's pipe bursts, Henry agrees to take on her temporary boarder. He believes she is a little old lady. Edith is visiting the small Illinois town to fill a position in a crisis nursery until arrangements for her mission trip fall into place. She believes she is living in the upstairs portion of an elderly man's house while he recuperates from a fall. He works days and she, nights; thus, they keep failing to meet the other and a correspondence between the two develops. Their assumptions lead them to share more deeply than they otherwise might. (However, don't expect a great deal of intimacy in the letters, because most of the love story plays out apart from the correspondence.)

While the humor sometimes verges on slapstick, this is a fun, delightful book. It would be perfect if you need something lighthearted amid personal pain. The plot draws the reader along with questions like: What will dispel their assumptions? Is love inevitable? Can they find a way to one another, despite divergent paths and past relational difficulties? I would happily dip into books by Becca Kinzer again. You can visit her author website and sign up for her newsletter to receive two short romance stories.

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9/13/24 Note: Dear Henry, Love Edith won a Carol Award for debut novel in the 2024 ACFW's best Christian fiction recognition. Yay, for Becca Kinzer!

September 2023 This and That

Want a good chuckle? Stayed tuned to the end of this post for my "September Silly."

Sean loves football. Me, not so much. Ever since Trevor's leg injury at the outset of his 8th grade season, my heart shudders with fear for safety in this violent sport. Still, it is fun to watch them win! Here are photos of Sean (#55) exuberantly rejoicing in touchdowns by his team:

Protecting the quarterback and ball from the opponent:

They were thrilled to win against long-time rival, Danville, the first shut-out (21-0) against this team in twenty years. Here they are with the coveted winning helmet trophy:

Sean is to the left of the bear (hard to make out his 55).

Here's a better shot of the twenty-year rivalry helmet trophy:

And a shot of Sean with some football buddies:

As more and more people move onto property near us, our once isolated and private area is changed. We've lived here, on my husband's family land, for 17 years. For the first whole decade, I hated living here. In the past, I've considered myself a city girl. I loved walking the streets of Chicago, popping into all the antiquarian bookshops. I loved having access to culture, variety, and people. This rural town did not welcome or embrace me. I was stuck at home with two infants and no connections to support or assist.

Indeed, I ached to move back to Illinois, where I was fully plugged in, had an identity tied to education, and access to the city of Chicago without being right in the city. Yet, in the past 17 years, I've morphed into a different person. I would no longer consider myself a city girl. If and when we move from this location (possible as soon as our youngest graduates from high school), I'm more likely to desire another isolated location. The pandemic didn't help things. Moreover, the future looks threatening.

Of course, Facebook is onto my idle dreams of new housing. My feed is flooded with videos of tiny homes (while I fantasize about living tiny, I'm all too aware that my hoarding tendencies make such dreams futile). I also receive alerts about adorable, old houses. Now that we've faced multiple problems in this old house (air-conditioning/heating system had to be completely replaced in June at great personal cost and well pump replaced in mid-September), I'm trying to swipe past those old house advertisement.

This one, however, caught my eye and I'm smitten. It says it has been well-maintained. The external and internal photos are appealing. But, the real draw? This house is only an hour and a half away from my favorite cousin, Karin. I'm pretty sure my husband won't go for it. It is in Pennsylvania and he has his heart set on moving to an isolated, artsy community in Southern Indiana. But, I can dream, can't I?

I love this little alcove area between the garage and house. Can't you just imagine hours of outdoor reading?

I love this roomy kitchen. Even the wood paneling on the wall appeals to me, although with the flooring seems a bit too busy.

Some setbacks to this idea: 1) We don't have that kind of money at this point. 2) We are not in the market yet. 3) Talk about isolated - this is like our current rural town on steroids - not even a Walmart nearby - wow! 4) WINTER - snow, ugh! 5) SUMMER - Did it really say window a/c? Okay, dream bubble effectively burst! Sorry, Karin.

If I could sell 5 million copies of my book (HA), we could move into this over-the-top house in nearby Carmel, Indiana:

The twenty-some photos at that link are awe-inspiring, but no, no, no - the Meadowview estate is not my dream house! Future grandkids might love the indoor wooden slide, the elaborate movie theater room, the Titanic-esque staircase in the billiards room, and the inground pool. 

I would loathe the responsibility of decorating, outfitting, and especially CLEANING 14 bathrooms (yikes) and over 20 thousand square feet of house! Nice to visit; not so nice to maintain.

Finally, I leave you with a hilarious story. John and I went out for lunch. Where he parked in the lot, we were surrounded by various work trucks. After exiting the restaurant, we approached our car. John noticed something odd dangling from below the car, near the back tire. We both squatted down to inspect this damage we had never noticed before on my car. Suddenly, the passenger window rolled down and the driver in the front seat looked at us dubiously. Doh! It wasn't our car! Our black car was parked just beyond her black car (almost identical, but for the unrecognized damage - ha!). Thankfully, she was good-natured about it. I couldn't stop laughing about it for the rest of the day. When I texted my friend, Beth, about it, she said, "Double win! A good hearted laugh and the good news that the repair belongs to someone else. 😂" She also sent this hilarious gif that captured my response:

Kitty Forman Debra Jo Rupp GIFfrom Kitty Forman GIFs

Book Review: The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise

If you like road trip books, then The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise is for you. If you can tolerate the gratuitous language and sex most modern books seem to think everyone wants, maybe you'll go for this one. The sad thing is that it had every opportunity to be a wholesome, light, and funny book. Thus, my use of "gratuitous" - none of the language or sex seemed necessary for the plot line. The book would have been delightful without those elements. Yes, it is a convoluted plot. But the characters are a bang (if caustic). It offers plenty of small humorous lines.

Tanner is sure her life is over before she's even completed college. She always lives by the rules (until influenced by Louise). Thus, she cannot accept the fact that one stupid accident lost her the soccer scholarship and the ability to complete her education. When she takes a live-in job, shuttling Louise Wilt around to doctor appointments, she sees it as an opportunity to drill down to oblivion in constant gaming. Yet, for Louise, life may be over soon. Saddled with Parkinson's and crippled by a fall, her family insists she take in Tanner as a live-in caretaker. Thus, the unlikely duo forms.

Louise wakes Tanner in the middle of the night demanding they flee. Tanner only agrees to drive the getaway car when bribed with the exact sum she needs for college. She's clueless as to who, why, or where they're fleeing. Yet the longer she spends with Louise, the more dangerous and interesting life becomes. Their relationship warms with every passing mile. Maybe Louise isn't who Tanner thought she was, but maybe she can help Tanner figure out who she is and what she wants from life.

So, not an entire waste of a reading experience. Characters grow and learn lessons. The story arcs well and the writing is almost compulsively readable. It had the feel of The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. Ridiculous, but oh what a ride!

Content caution: language, sex