I was able to finish three books in July and August, which is amazing considering I fell asleep most nights after just a few pages.
Arcadia - Lauren Groff
My Rating: 4 out of 5. This novel follows the life of flower child Bit Stone from before his birth to late adulthood, as he both sheds and desperately hangs on to the hippie ideals of his commune-living parents.
A Lesson Before Dying - Ernest J. Gaines
My Rating: 4 out of 5. This is an Oprah's Book Club book from the 1990s, reminiscent of To Kill a Mockinbird. When a young man is wrongly convicted of murder, his former teacher is called upon to convince him of his self-worth before he dies. When I picked it up and started reading, I remembered the story, but having finished it, I still can't say whether I had read it before or if I saw the film version.
Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World - Joel Salatin
My Rating: 5 out of 5. I loved this book, which is as much about child-rearing and personal responsibility as it is about farming. I enjoy Salatin's tone, and learned quite a lot from this book.
Goodreads synopsis: From farmer Joel Salatin's point of view, life in the 21st century just ain't normal. In FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL, he discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin has many thoughts on what normal is and shares practical and philosophical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain
My Rating: 4 out of 5. This in an important book for introverts like me, but maybe even a more important read for the extroverted majority to read. The book explains how introverts and extroverts process information and seek stimulation differently, while sharing valuable insight on how we can all contribute and relate to one another better.
