Hi, book lover!

I just finished Susan David’s book, Emotional Agility and I learned a lot from this book that I wanted to share with you.

This book is about the new way of handling life’s up and downs created by David based on years of studies on emotions. 

Here are some of the key takeaways:

1.’Negative’ thoughts and emotions are messengers that help us go back to our core values. 

2. If you are comfortable with discomfort, you will thrive.

3. There are kinds of people who deal with the challenges in life and the emotions they carry, those who bottle them up, brood over them, and learn from them.  

4. There are six steps to thriving after being exposed to a stimulus that triggers our emotions: being hooked, showing up, stepping out, walking your why, moving on, and thriving.  

5. Emotional agility helps us become authentic people.

Memorable Quote

“All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.”

Thoughts and Reflections

I was surprised by the roles of our thoughts and emotions. I grew up thinking that if you get mad, you are a bad person; or if you express vulnerability you are weak. I just hope that emotional agility is taught at homes and in schools so that our children would be more aware about their feelings and they are able to mange them well. In this way, human interactions will foster stronger connections and more meaninful life. 

🙋‍♀️ Question

To my readers, what are your thoughts on emotional agility?

Feel free to share in the comments below!

Thank you so much for reading my post. I hope that you learn something from my reading experience.

Until next time. ❤️

Gabriel José de la Concordia García Márquez, known as Gabriel García Márquez, is a master storyteller. He was born on March 6, 1927, in Aracataca, Colombia, the inspiration for the fictional place in his book, One Hundred Years of Solitude.  He was a journalist, screenwriter, short-story writer, and novelist. Recognized for his literary genius and as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, Marquez won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982  One Hundred Years of Solitude in which he popularized the use of magical realism that made Macondo and its people spellbinding. This put the Latin American literature on the world stage.  Marquez’s style of storytelling in this book was greatly influenced by her maternal grandfather and grandmother who introduced him to two different worlds of stories — factual and superstitious, real and magical. One Hundred Years of Solitude was his groundbreaking novel that sold millions and earned global recognition. He wrote seven books, including Love in the Time of Cholera, La hojarasca and Del amor y otros demonios. Marquez died on April 17, 2014 in Mexico City, Mexico. One of the most influential literary works of our time, One Hundred Years of Solitude remains a dazzling and original achievement by the masterful Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendiá family. Inventive, amusing, magnetic, sad, and alive with unforgettable men and women—brimming with truth, compassion, and a lyrical magic that strikes the soul—this novel is a masterpiece in the art of fiction.

1. How was Macondo found?
2. Who were the members of the Buendia family from the first generation to the seventh generation?
3. Describe the house they lived in. 
4. Who were the helpers of the Buendia family? 
5. Who are the rivals among the members of the Buendia family?
6. When Rebecca came to Macondo, she brought a rocking chair and a bag that contained her parents’ bones. What do you think this event symbolizes? 
7. What is the significance of Melquiades’ presence in the house of the Buendias?
8. How did the gypsies influence the people in Macondo? 
9. Describe the political atmosphere in Macondo. How did it affect the lives of the townspeople?
10. Why do you think Gabriel García Márquez chose the swamp as the setting of the story?
11. How did the author infuse magical realism into the story? Cite three examples. 
12. What social issues were addressed in the novel? Discuss. 
13. What are the implications of the repetition of patterns within the Buendia Family?
14. What is the general theme of the novel?
15. What are the universal truths that the novel reveals about solitude?

• The complexity of the story, even though it’s challenging to the reader, creates a different reading experience and engagement. The narratives are intermeshed across different timelines but the author skillfully connects the various elements to make the story flow naturally. When you read this, you have to pay attention to the text or you will end up lost. Engrossed in its unique storytelling, I lost track of time. I didn’t notice that two hours had already passed. Also, even though the story can be confusing at times, Gabriel García Márquez was so skillful in making a cohesive story. For instance, in the beginning, the first character mentioned was Aureliano, and then the narrator seamlessly moved on to tell about Macondo, the gypsies, and then Jose Arcadio, the patriarch of the Buendia family.  The bit about Aureliano and the ice was mentioned a few chapters later. This is the reason why the reader needs to focus and take note of the people and events as information given beforehand is fleshed out in later chapters. 
• The characters reveal the dark side of human nature. Their inner turmoils led to drastic decisions, enigmatic behaviors, forbidden relations, and inevitable solitude. It’s so ironic that they belong to a big family with many members, living in a big house with many rooms, and living in a community abundant with resources and support. Still, every member of the Buendia family ended up feeling alone. I feel sad for the characters in the end especially the matriarch Ursula who tried to keep her family whole. The melancholy that pervades in the Buendia household can be felt through the pages. Truly, humans are so complex and fragile when fear, loneliness, greed, and obsession take over the mind. 
• One Hundred Years of Solitude is the book that I don’t mind reading repeatedly even though the paragraphs are dense with information. The lyrical lines that tell about enthralling people and places, nostalgic melancholy, and supernatural elements are woven into a unique story that evokes a bittersweet human experience. One Hundred Years of Solitude is the most unforgettable book ever. 
• The novel is pregnant with universal truths. Time is cyclical. History repeats itself. The past can strangle us in the present. Political and social dysfunctions destroy families and communities. Love is powerful but sometimes overpowered by loss, betrayal, and unfulfilled desires. Family is still the most important people in your life but solitude can blur this truth. This book made me realize that solitude is a call to ourselves to open our eyes, know ourselves, and build a relationship with our thoughts, beliefs, fears, desires, and everything that we think and feel, and the quality of this relationship 

• This book is tough to read. I had to put so much effort into making sense of the storylines and the characters, which sometimes could be confusing because their names are similar. The recurring names that could be confusing are Jose Arcadio and Aureliano.  

Gabriel García Márquezcast the spell of magical realism through his book, One Hundred Years of Solitude, which tells the story of the Buendia family who were enfolded with love but punctured with loneliness. Set in the mythical place of Macondo, the book holds an enthralling narrative that is complex yet revealing of the shadow side of human nature. When fear, greed, and painful loneliness ensnare the psyche, humans metamorphose into obsessed creatures governed by uncontrollable impulses that lead to self-destruction. This haunting, dream-like tale will stay in your mind even days after reading the book.  One Hundred Years of Solitude is Gabriel García Márquez’s most celebrated novel that put Latin American literature on a global stage. It also won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, making Marquez one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.  Reading the book was challenging for me because of its dense narrative and confusing characters. It is so different from my usual reads as I had to deepen my focus and pay more attention to the details to keep up with the characters and events. However, this complexity is what made me enjoy reading the story. Names, history, descriptions, circumstances, and intermingled tales are packed into a chapter but they are delivered with intrigue and mysteriousness that fuels my curiosity about the elucidation of the aforementioned information. No wonder, hours melted away as I turned every page. My journey through this book was truly profound and unforgettable.  The overall atmosphere of the book is melancholic. There’s love, passion, celebrations, adventures, and lighthearted moments but the heavy, somber mood pervades the story. The painful desolation and defeat of every major character cut through my heart and shocked me at how cruel their fate could be. This book can engage your mind with curiosity and supernatural elements but can break your heart to a thousand pieces. If you want to read a book that provokes your mind, offers you different perspectives on life, and brings you to a mystical place with fascinating characters, I highly recommend One Hundred Years of Solitude.  Gabriel García Márquez Facts One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, Translated by Gregory Rabassa First published January 1, 1967 Published on February 21, 2006, by Harper Perennial Modern Classics

Kevin DeYoung, an American Reformed Evangelical theologian and author, urges “confused teenagers, burned-out parents, retirees, grandparents, and tinkering millennials” to check what God’s will really mean in his book, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will. He is the senior pastor at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina, and assistant professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. He serves as board chairman of the Gospel Coalition and blogs at DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed. He is the author of several books, including Just Do Something; Crazy Busy; and The Biggest Story. Kevin and his wife, Trisha, have nine children (Kevin DeYoung, n.d.).

DeYoung points out the three uses of the phrase “God’s will”:

1. God’s will of decree. This is the ultimate determination of things that are set before the creation. It’s absolute and how things are. 

2. God’s will of desire shows us how things ought to be. 

3. God’s will of direction is what most Christians are praying for before making a decision. However, God is not a micromanager who tells us the specific things to consider and the specific steps to take. We have the responsibility to make things happen.

“Trusting in God’s will of decree is good. Following His will of desire is obedient. Waiting for God’s will of direction is a mess.”

DeYoung lists wanting to please God as one of the reasons why we want to know God’s will. 

In addition to this, being cautious and lacking courage hides behind being dependent too much on God’s will because sometimes we are just scared to take the first steps, uncertain about what’s going to happen in the future.

Furthermore, the desire to have a fulfilling life is another thing that makes us use the phrase “God’s will”. We want things to be perfect without challenges but “life is not always fun.” Whatever happens externally doesn’t affect God’s will to us which is “to be holy like Jesus, by the power of the Spirit, for the glory of God.” 

Lastly, there are too many choices we face every day– which brand of shampoo to use, which clothes to wear, which college course to take. The freedom to choose anything and do anything has become a form of enslavement. We don’t want to choose; we’d rather wait for God to tell us the specific route to go. 

As the book goes on, DeYoung explains the three tools that Christians use in discerning God’s will. 

When things go our way, we say that God is opening doors. When things don’t go our way, we say God is closing the doors. This tool is called “open doors”, which actually can lead to laziness. It’s not enough to just submit a resume to a company; you have to follow up, make phone calls. 

“Flee the fleece” is the second tool. It’s basically about asking God for a sign before making a move. The term comes from the story of Gideon who asked God to make the dry fleece wet if He was indeed with him in the battle. Testing God is a sign of faithlessness in Him. 

Another tool that can do more harm than good is flipping Bible verses at random to find answers. The verses are interpreted out of context and might cause confusion and untoward consequences. 

Lastly, going with our gut is one way to discern God’s will. “We make decisions based on a feeling or our intuition.” There’s nothing wrong with it though but this tool needs to be used carefully. 

After considering the reasons and tools that are used in making decisions, what is the best way? 

DeYoung said that studying the scripture, listening to others, and praying continually are the best measures to take. God’s wisdom can be found if only we seek Him. 

All in all, DeYoung calls Christians, especially the young people, to just do something about their lives, their career, and their relationship. 

He ends with this paragraph:

“So the end of the matter is this: Live for God. Obey the Scriptures. Think of others before yourself. Be holy. Love Jesus. And as you do these things, do whatever else you like, with whomever you like, wherever you like, and you’ll be walking in the will of God.”

Thoughts…Thoughts…Thoughts…

The author’s passion for helping people who are still confused as to what to do with their lives can be felt from the pages of the book. He never hesitated to be frank to say that waiting for God’s will can also be a sign of cowardice or laziness. 

This reminds me of the word that we have in our language. I usually hear from people adding the word “puhon” at the end of their sharing of their dreams and plans as an acknowledgment that we don’t know the future and only God knows whether those dreams and plans would come true.  DeYoung doesn’t downplay this though.  It only becomes a problem when people keep on hoping, waiting for a sign, doing nothing.  While it’s true that we don’t know what exactly would happen in the future, it is our responsibility to take specific steps now to make things happen. 

This book is great for young Christians who are looking for guidance in making decisions, for mothers who have young adults unsure about the future, and for everybody who feels stuck in life. 

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the author chose the title?

2. What was your first reaction to the book after finishing it?

3. Has this book changed the way you see the world?

4.Which passages of the book were the most compelling?

5. What lingering questions does the book leave you with?

Further Information

Title: Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will

Author: Kevin DeYoung

Genre: Christian Literature

Publisher: Moody Publishers; New edition (March 21, 2014)

Publication Date: March 21, 2014

Print length:144 pages

ASIN: B00H3V4X0W

Quotes

First Line

I grew up playing with Tinkertoys. 

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will by Kevin DeYoung (2014)

Reference:

(Kevin DeYoung. (n.d.). Crossway. Retrieved May 22, 2021, from https://www.crossway.org/authors/kevin-deyoung/).

Do you feel like a bird with clipped wings, unable to fly to new heights? You tried to change your ways to make your life better but you snap back to old ways? Change is not easy and the ugly part of it is you feel like you are the only one in the whole world that can’t change. You think that your family or friends who are doing well in life figure it out and you don’t. Feeling left out can be heartbreaking. Dr. Richard Schwartz’s book, Introduction to Internal Family System shows us why change is difficult and what to do to make change possible and sustainable. Dr. Schwartz Experienced  Difficulty With His Clients In the early  1980s when Dr. Schwartz was a family therapist who strongly believed that family therapy can help people change by changing their relationships with other family members. However, over time, he found his clients having a hard time making progress. He was frustrated when he couldn’t figure out what stops them from moving forward. With a sense of exasperation,  he started asking about the thoughts and emotions that were keeping them stuck. Dealing With Stubborn Old Patterns Led to the Creation of the Internal Family System Dr. Schwartz’s clients began to talk about the different parts of themselves posing like individual beings or subpersonalities. For example, one part is scared of trying a new routine, another part is an inner critic that hurls negative, hurtful comments, and another part is altogether hopeless and doubtful that change could happen. Our inner lives have an overpowering influence on our actions. Dr. Schwartz realized that for change to happen, we have to understand and work with these inner parts. Following this discovery, Dr. Schwartz developed the Internal Family System.  This model propounds that each of us has a “Self” which is the core of our nature that embodies the 8 C’s: compassion, curiosity, clarity, creativity, calm, confidence, courage, and connectedness. When we are not in alignment with our “Self”, the “parts” such as the exiles, managers, and firefighters rise up and cause us to be judgmental, angry, sad, discontent, or be affected by other several negative thoughts and emotions. These parts may have emerged as a coping mechanism in response to traumatic or challenging experiences in our past. Change Is Challenging But It’s Possible and Sustainable With IFS Since the creation of the IFS model, hundreds of people learn how to handle difficulties without being so harsh or strict with themselves.  In the book, Dr. Schwartz shares stories of people who experienced different challenges in life but were able to help themselves by acknowledging the parts of themselves and accepting that they are not completely bad. These parts need attention, understanding, and guidance from the “Self”. The inner voices, automatic reactions, and troubling thoughts are not expunged from the mind. They are recognized and subjected to the curious inquiry without judgment. After having a dialogue with the part, it becomes lighter and more supportive and the sense of worthlessness is unloaded. The part seems to disperse and rejoins the “Self”.

• Dr. Richard Schwartz does a fantastic job of breaking down the basics of the IFS model. He explains how we all have different “parts” or subpersonalities that make up our inner landscape and how these parts can often conflict with one another, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• Every thought or feeling is a part and each takes different roles: the manager, the protector, and the exile.
• The one idea that has the most significant impact on me is having a relationship with my thoughts and emotions. I never knew that this kind of relationship exists. I just know that I have ideas and that I am thinking about them and I have emotions and I am feeling them. I also thought that negative thoughts and emotions are not meant to be given attention because they are bad. IFS posits that every thought brings a story that needs to unfold and be understood, that’s why one of the characteristics of the core of our nature is curiosity.
• Another thing that blows my mind is the idea that how we treat our thoughts is also how we treat other people. When we shun negative thoughts, we also do that with people whom we think have the same characteristics. This affects our relationships with other people.
• Every thought and emotion needs to be acknowledged as bearers of lessons that need to be learned. They, including negative emotions, should not be shoved deep into our minds because they would find ways to get our attention like physical and mental challenges.
• Dr. Schwartz uses real-life examples to make the material relatable and easy to understand. Plus, he gives practical exercises that are doable and one can begin exploring their own internal landscape and start the process of self-discovery.

I love Introduction to Internal Family Systems by Richard Schwartz. This book is a fantastic resource and written in a way that’s easy to understand, making it perfect for professionals and regular people like me. Introduction to Internal Family Systems is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the IFS model. Thank you, Dr. Richard Schwartz, Sounds True Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book. I understand that providing this feedback is a choice I am making voluntarily. “We have ongoing, complex relationships with many different inner voices, thought patterns, and emotions that are similar to relationships we have with other people. What we call ‘thinking’ is often our inner dialogues with different parts of us.” “Now a quick reminder is all the part needs to feel safe and secure.” “…help your inner antagonists become your allies. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he said, ‘Love your enemies’ (Matthew 5: 44).” Introduction to Internal Family Systems by Richard Schwartz Published on March 7, 2023, Sounds True (March 7, 2023) e-book

Eli Wide depicts in his novel, Orchard of Skeletons, the aftermath of the devastation of the world rumored to be started by sick babies. He focuses on the other side of thriving communities, ruthless, with no rules, no morals, and no peace. Wilde whipped up a fresh storyline about the end of the world, robots, and war. He centers the story on the epic journey of two young people desperate to run away from chaos and anarchy.  Eli Wilde is an English author who lives in the UK with his family and dog. He has loved writing since he was very young. He writes poetry, fantasy, horror, and literary fiction.  Two runaways wanted only one thing – to escape from the filthy house of defilers and psychopaths.  If caught, one of them would be dead, and the other would become a slave to the mountain people as a baby maker.  Surprisingly, along the way, they encountered an unlikely protector and guide – a head of a humanoid. He had to find a replicant body if he wanted to save Isaac and Macy.  In the world they live in, devastation was around. A town was filled with skeletons and ferocious wolves. Will they escape from a fatal fate?

• Why is the title “Orchard of Skeletons”? Discuss.
• Describe the world in the story.
• What happened in the past that led to the destruction of the world?
• What is the relationship between Isaac and Macy? 
• How did their relationship transform throughout the story?
• What are replicants and what are their roles in the new society?
• Books were not written and published anymore in the world in the story. What are your thoughts on that?

“Nothing is worse than being a nobody.” — Isaac “I’m not sure if I see things the way you do. I can only see the shape of things I have touched. And colours, I’m not sure if the colours I see are the same as the colours you see.” — Macy “People get things wrong all the time. I always get things wrong. It’s just the way we are made. Maybe they just wanted us all dead.” — Isaac

• The author was able to make me care for the main characters. Macy is naive and illiterate but her innocence and curiosity strengthen her will to fight and live. On the other hand, what made me appreciate Isaac is his bravery and kindness to Macy. He could have escaped and left Macy but he chose to bring her. Since it was their first time to walk away from the house they treated as their home despite the affliction they constantly received, what was ahead of them was unknown and scary. However, they still persevered to find freedom. There are other characters in the story that are equally fascinating. The author was successful in creating them as distinct, relatable, and engaging.
• The world the author created evoked curiosity, excitement, and terror. I couldn’t imagine the possibility of surviving in such a dead, ruthless world. 
• Although most of the elements are commonly present in robot and apocalyptic movies such as destruction, robots, escape, and AI, the story is fresh and fascinating. The journey was rather simple and linear with little bumps in the middle. Despite this, the action-packed scenes and unexpected twists made it more engaging. The author doesn’t give all the information which actually piqued my curiosity as a reader. He didn’t give much background information about the villain, and even other people such as the mountain people or those who were able to escape the destruction of the Earth. I love that he reveals interesting facts about the main characters little by little, like an unfolding flower. 

• The world-building and characterization are so good that I wanted to know more about the story. I have so many questions such as what happened to the babies whose remains were found in an abandoned facility, what happened to their mothers, and who are these people hiding in the mountains. I am intrigued by their community. The story is too short for me. 

Eli Wilde’s Orchard of Skeletons is two things – something familiar, something fresh. It brings a different take to a post-apocalyptic story that has familiar elements like those of popular end-of-the-world movies but offers unique characters, story world, and plot.  The story describes the bleak situation of the two characters in a world full of destruction and chronicles their escape from ruthless people whom they thought were their family. When they were on the run, they discovered an unlikely companion, which is nothing but a humanoid head, that helped them navigate the skeleton-filled town, overcome the wild wolves, and fight their enemies.  The well-written characters, both the primary and secondary, evoke a wide range of emotions. I cared for Isaac and Macy because of the terrible things that happened to them; I respected Ben because of his kindness and support; I abhorred Finch because of his monstrosity. Even though the storyline is simple, these well-rounded characters shaped a remarkable narrative.  The plot is not boring, too. It is packed with action from the moment they got out of the house to the time when they faced Finch in a battle. Everything in between these events keeps me on the edge of my seat. I kept reading on to see if they made it out alive.  The only thing that I didn’t love about this book is its length. It’s too short for me. I got so many questions about the mountain people,  the babies and their role in the pandemic, and the humanoids called the replicants. I wanted to know more about them. However, I still enjoyed the book.  The Orchard of Skeletons is one of the best books I read this year. It is an easy read but it holds interesting characters, intriguing world, and gripping events. I highly recommend it. Thank you, Eli Wilde and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts about the book.  Orchard of Skeletons by Eli Wilde Published on March 27, 2023, by Witching Hole Publications

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

A single TikTok video blasted off Stone Maidens from an unknown mystery-thriller novel to a bestselling book in February 2023. The video has 55.2 million views as of this writing.

Out of love and respect for his father’s endeavor to write his debut novel for 14 years, Marguerite Richards created a 16-second video showing his father,  Lloyd Devereux Richards, sitting at his writing table, going through some papers, the song “Beautiful Boy” is playing in the background, and text on the screen is displaying the number of years it took him to write his debut novel and its commercial failure after publication.

Support from people accelerated as they were in awe of Richards’ dedication to his craft, pushing Stone Maidens to bestseller status.

Lloyd Devereux Richards is a father, an author, a lawyer, and a globetrotter. He was born in New York City but worked as a lawyer in Vermont where he also looked after his three children.

He gained experience in the legal field as a Senior Law Clerk for an Indiana Court of Appeals judge, where he researched and wrote drafts for dozens of published opinions, including the appeal of a serial killer who was sentenced to death and subsequently electrocuted.

Before practicing law, Richards had been to many places in Europe, Africa, and Central America, enjoying journal writing and bird watching. He enjoys hiking, writing poetry, and sketching pen and ink drawings.

Together with her daughter, he appeared in many shows talking about the viral Tiktok video, how this video made him a bestselling author, and how his life was changed.

OVERVIEW

A serial killer is on the loose, killing young women. He is sneaky and elusive, leaving a signature move — shoving stone figurines down his victims’ throats.

Before the killer adds more to his list of victims, chief forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik had to work against time.

However, the ghost from her past, her debilitating anxiety, and the big boys in the FBI strain her effort to solve the crime.

Not only this, Christine was baffled by the serial killer’s history.

She needed to make sense of it before she could stop the killings.

Would she be able to crack the case and save other young women from being murdered?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you think about the title of the book?

2. How did the characters change throughout the story, and how did that affect your opinion of them?

3. How would you describe the personality of Christine Prusik?

4. Is the book character-driven or plot driven? Why?

5. Which part of the story do you like the most? Why?

6. Which part of the story do you like the least? Why?

7. What symbols are presented in the story and how do they contribute to the plot?

8. Is the book worth the hype? Why or why not?

9. Which parts of the book you’d like to change? Discuss.

10. What questions would you like to ask the author?

QUOTES

“Pills couldn’t erase the fact things were getting worse.” ( on Christine’s taking of pills for her anxiety) — page 21

“It’s all about science with a sense of urgency, gentlemen. I work late. You work late.” — Christine, page 34

“Dreams are as much a part of us as, say, driving a car is, or having a baby, or going to work. Even more, dreams say something unique about each one of us, and if we can decode their language, they can give us valuable information.” — Dr. Walstein, page 43

“The past is never done with us…” — Christine, page  96

“The loss of someone who truly understands, knows what you are going through without having to be told anything at all would be a devastating blow. Even if the someone was a monster.” — Christine, page 332

WHAT I LOVED

– Christine Prusik is relatable. She has anxiety and she’s been looked down on by her male counterparts in the FBI. Despite this, she is focused on the job that she has to do.

– The background of the serial killer is fascinating. The way he carries out his evil act and why he commits the crime send chills down my spine. I even delved into his condition by reading more articles about it. It was something that I had never heard of.

– The pacing of the story is just right for me. I kept on turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.

– The twist, in the end, was unexpected.

WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE

– Some parts of the story were unbelievable. For instance, there was a point when the serial killer was almost caught up but Christine let him go away. Considering the gravity of the crime, I thought she would have questioned everyone in the vicinity of the place where the suspect was deemed to be staying.

– There was one sentence that was not necessary. It obviously describes what’s going to happen next. I think removing that sentence cannot affect the whole story. I think it’s better for readers to draw their own conclusions.

SUMMING-UP

Marguerite Richards’ Tiktok video made me believe in his father’s book, Stone Maidens. In the video, I could feel the love and appreciation she had for her father. As someone who grew up without a father, her words touched me deeply. If Lloyd Devereaux Richards were my father, I would do the same to show him the same love and appreciation. The video was so heartwarming that it went viral.

But, is the book any good?

I didn’t expect much from the book after reading some reviews before the Tiktok video. Some enjoyed the story, while others didn’t. However, I was surprised to find the story of Christine Prusik a pleasure to read. She exudes a strong female lead character but she’s relatable. She is intelligent and resourceful, highly skilled, and persistent despite her struggle with anxiety, being underestimated by her male counterparts, and the setbacks she encountered along the way.

I also find the serial killer and his proclivities fascinating.  He displays the complexity of the human brain which is capable of great things, but it can also be a source of great harm. Mental disorders can drive people to commit acts of violence. What’s even more intriguing was his relationship with another person, as their mysterious actions contributed to the shocking twist at the end. I didn’t expect that I would keep turning the pages until the end.

Personally, the book was enjoyable but it also had flaws. Some parts are unbelievable and predictable. I was pulled out of the story when Christine encountered the serial killer for the first time. I believe she could have caught him sooner, but then the story would have been over too quickly.

I also found one sentence to be unnecessary. It felt like I was told what to think, rather than letting me come to my own conclusions. This somehow affected my excitement for the story.

On the whole, Stone Maidens is a unique and exciting suspense thriller that reveals the intricacy of the human mind, the politics and traditional constructs in the male-dominated nature of law enforcement, and the power of parental influence. The characters are well-written but the plot was predictable. However, the story is still enjoyable. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in police procedure, strong female lead, and the complex nature of human beings.

FURTHER INFORMATION

TikTok

Book Information:

Stone Maidens by Lloyd Devereaux Richards

Published on November 6, 2012, by Thomas & Mercer

324 pages (Kindle)

Find it here:

Goodreads

In Farming Grace: A Memoir of Life, Love, and a Harvest of Faith, American novelist, Paula Scott,  bares with courage and honesty the turmoil in her life between her childhood and the time she found God. It’s not her intention to bring their family secrets out in the open but to tell their redemption. 

She started sharing about her childhood on their farm in the Sutter Buttes, California, where she was taught to be tough. Her family was Catholic. Then, she went on to tell about her life in Reno, Nevada, and Chico, California where she worked as a waitress. In Reno, she started substance abuse that scared her so much that she decided to go back to their farm. 

Further on, she detailed the peaks and valleys of her relationship with her husband, Scott. Many times she wanted to file a divorce but there was something that stopped her. The turmoil in her marriage and in herself paved the way to her spiritual awakening. With the help of a pastor, she finally found stability in life through her newfound relationship with “the God of the Protestant books”. Her husband, Scott, also became a Christian. 

Farming Grace: A Memoir of Life, Love, and a Harvest of Faith is well-written and I enjoyed some parts of it.  For instance, I like how she narrated the part when she went home after knowing her parents were trying to kill each other. She was still in college at the time. In the morning, she heard gunshots. I braced myself for the worst as I imagine how she described her parents’ bedroom if indeed they were shooting at each other, blood on the walls and broken shards of glass everywhere. But when she checked it out, everything was fine. I was relieved. She found her father on the porch with his shotgun shooting a woodpecker. Her mother who was a nurse was already at work. 

On the other hand,  I have to take the part about having visions from God, hearing voices and speaking in tongues with a grain of salt. I  know unexplainable things do happen, and I respect the author’s spiritual journey that opened her eyes to the true meaning of her life.

Another thing, Paula Scott was in her early thirties when she started searching for God. I realized that there is something about reaching thirty. Whether you are going thirty, in the early or late thirties, at some point, a question suddenly pops in your mind, “What is the purpose of my existence? What is life? Why are we here.” Eckhart Tolle, for example, was 29 when he became enlightened. He then wrote the book, the Power of Now, to talk about the most important thing in our life and that is our relationship with the present moment. 

I would recommend Farming Grace: A Memoir of Life, Love, and a Harvest of Faith to anyone who is interested in mysterious spiritual experiences such as having visions of God and evil,  glossolalia, and spiritual warfare. 

Discussion Questions

1. What are the 2-3  major themes in the book and how did the author show them?

2. Who needs this book in their life and why?

3. Before reading, how did you feel towards the book? Did it change as you read it?

4. What information surprised you? Why?

5. How did this memoir reflect on your own life?

Further Information

Title: Farming Grace: A Memoir of Life, Love, and a Harvest of Faith

Author: Paula Scott

Genre: Memoir

Publisher: West Butte Publishing (September 3, 2019)

Publication Date: September 3, 2019

Print length: 254 pages

ASIN: B07VBCNV8D

Buy on Amazon

Quotes

First Line:

 “Rain fell sideways.”

Hi, book lover!

This is the first part of my reading journey with The Casual Vacancy by J.K Rowling. Needless to say, Rowling is very famous for her Harry Potter series which garnered millions of readers and fans around the world. I enjoyed the HP series so much and I admire her storytelling and superb writing. 

As we all know, Harry Potter is targeted towards children ages 9 to 11, but the book is also enjoyed by adults. And then The Casual Vacancy came. It’s so different from the fantasy stories that Rowling conjured in the popular series. The book said that this is the first novel of Rowling for adults. I am excited to experience reading this book and share my real-time thoughts as I dive into the story. 

I picked this book because it’s JK Rowling and I want to see how different it is from her other writing. 

Also, I have some amusing thinking. Here in the Philippines when you say parish it is usually related to the Catholic church. I had an impression before that this book was about a priest. But l was wrong. A few days ago, I bumped into a viral video of Jackie Weaver with other town councilors. Then, I realized it’s like a political body in a town. Sometimes I have to really do my own research rather than just conclude what the term means. It’s a learning experience for me. 

Casual Vacancy is about a small town in England whose local council died, leaving an empty position that holds power coveted by some. Who would be the taker of this position?

After reading 12% of the book, I got to know some of the characters, the place, and the state of affairs that gave a glimpse to the conflict of the story. The characters are fascinating with their peculiarities, beliefs, and judgments. The setting is idyllic with the hills surrounding the town, cobbled streets, and Victorian houses. Lastly, the political atmosphere that revealed the true ambitions of the people in Pagford piqued my interest in the story’s development. I am looking forward to what will happen next. 

Memorable Quote

Krystal’s slow passage up the school had resembled the passage of a goat through the body of a boa constrictor, being highly visible and uncomfortable for both parties concerned.

This line made me chuckle. 🤭

Thoughts and Reflections

Power in any form is a game-changer. It changes the dynamics among people in a certain area. But it doesn’t stay permanent in one person, it transfers to another that could turn things on their heads. This change shakes the status quo and reveals people’s true colors. 

🙋‍♀️ Question

Do you like the Harry Potter series? Which HP book do you like the most?

Feel free to share in the comments below!

Join me next time as I share more about my journey in reading The Casual Vacancy. 

Loic Ekinga Kalonji, a Congolese poet, storyteller, and a screenwriting student, expressed the ebb and flow, the pain and pleasure in his life in this book, How to Wake a Butterfly. The author wrote about “the different stages in life, from childhood memories, trauma, heartbreak, and new-found love.”

His poetry and fiction sheds light on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being human with the use of a surrealist approach to storytelling. His works appear in Type/Cast Magazine, Ja. Magazine, Poetry Potion, and The Kalahari Review. He received an honorable mention award from JK Anowe for Praxis Magazine Online for his chapbook Twelve Things You Failed at As A Man. He currently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. (How To Wake a Butterfly – Odyssey Books, 2021)

My Thoughts 

Life is a series of ups and downs, love and loss, endings and new beginnings. This is the realization that came to my mind after reading How to Wake a Butterfly. The free verse poems that are composed of carefully-chosen words awakened sentimentality and acceptance of the verities of life that make Loic’s poetry engaging. 

Written during the lockdown, Loic was compelled to reflect on his life and transformed his emotions into words. I am thankful to have read his poems because it made me contemplate on my life as well. My dreams, heartaches, laughter, tears, challenges and achievements came before my eyes. What has become of me? 

I appreciate this book so much as it is a reminder that despite life’s pain, there is beauty and freedom; I just have to find it in myself, struggle until I make peace with my past and my flaws, emerge from the chrysalis of change and self-discovery, and fly like a butterfly. 

Among the poems in the book, the most memorable one for me is entitled “Mutilate” , which is about his mother leaving them.

“I’ve found no comfort, son.

I left for you, because sometimes, 

To save the hand, you cut off a finger.”

The sacrifice of a mother is painful but necessary for the well-being of her children. In turn, seeing the children turn into successful individuals is a great blessing. I saw the video of his mother that Loic posted on Twitter on May 31, 2021. In the video, her mother’s love and gratitude  could be felt.  Also, it goes without saying how proud she is for her son. 

“The day has come. God blessed me a lot. I got a copy of the book my son wrote… When you read this, you’re gonna get tears on your eyes.”

Kudos to you, Loic Ekinga, for making your mama proud. 🙂

My Rating: 5/5

Discussion Questions

1. What did you learn from this book?

2. Has this book changed the way you see yourself?

3. Discuss some of the questions this book raises. 

4.How did the author express his emotions through words?

5. Which passages of the book are the most gripping? Why?

Thank you Odyssey Books for the chance to review this book. I understand that I would give it an honest review.

Further Information

Title: How To Wake a Butterfly

Author: Loic Ekinga

Genre: Poetry

Publisher: Odyssey Books (May 26, 2021)

Publication Date: May 26, 2021

Print length: 89 pages

ASIN:  B095MG2DRB

Quotes

References: 

How To Wake a Butterfly – Odyssey Books. (2021, March 23). Odyssey Books. https://www.odysseybooks.com.au/titles/9781922311306/

Loic Ekinga on. (2021, May 31). [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/1stLoicYouKnow/status/1399286831380930564

In her debut novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens, an American author and zoologist, lays open the influence of abandonment and prejudice on a girl who strived to survive in a North Carolinian marsh, the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, the only place she knew as home after her family left her all alone. Kya grew into a strong-willed, perceptive, and intelligent woman who was shunned by most people in town for her wild, rugged life. Two men fell in love with her but their love was not enough to save her from loneliness. 

The murder accusation threatened her to be away from the only thing she had, the marsh; it was her mother; it was her only family. The marsh can keep secrets but could it save her?

After topping the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2019 and The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2020, Where the Crawdads Sing continues to stay in Amazon Charts, the New York Times Best Sellers, and Indie Bestseller Lists. Eleven million copies are already sold around the world. 

***

Kya fended for herself when her family left her in their shack when she was six years old. The truant officers tried to put her in school where she could have decent food and learn reading but she slipped away from their hands. Kya grew up living on grits and selling mussels, and eventually smoked fish, to Jumpin’, the owner of the gas dock and bait shop located between Barkley Cove and Kya’s place. 

As years went by, she grew into a beautiful young woman that captured the heart of Tate, the young man whom Kya met in the marsh when she got lost when she was seven years old. The eleven-year-old Tate accompanied her to her shack. At 18, he made the first move to get close with Kya. When he found out that Kya couldn’t read, he brought her discarded textbooks including advanced biology books that sparked the beginning of her love for studying the living organisms in the marsh. In the end, they fell in love but their romance was cut short when Tate left for college, leaving Kya devastated. 

She found herself in the arms of another man, Chase Andrew, the famous football player in their town. With the promise of marriage, Kya gave in to Chase’s desire to deflower her. Feeling loved, Kya was ready to break out of her cocoon, meet his family and friends, and blend in the society. However, the promise of marriage and the idea of having a life with Chase were all fantasy when she saw his arm around the shoulders of another girl in a store. She also read in the newspaper the news about Chase’s upcoming wedding. Her heart was shattered again, resigning to the truth that she was meant to live alone. 

Then, on October 30, 1969, Chase’s body was found by two boys passing by the Fire Tower with their bikes. An investigation was made and the early statements pointed to Kya as the suspect. In the trial, some witnesses pinned Kya down and others swore they saw her go out of town for two days. After everything was considered, the jury found Kya not guilty. 

Fast forward to Kya at sixty-four years old. She had lived a happy, fulfilling life with Tate, her husband, and two children. She had also devoted her life to biology and writing. One evening, when she failed to return home after collecting samples in the marsh, Tate found her on a boat in a lagoon, lifeless. After the funeral, Tate went to the shack to get her will and birth certificate but she found none. Instead, he found two things: one that surprised him, the other that did not. 

Thoughts…Thoughts…Thoughts…

I now understand why Where the Crawdads Sing got 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 131,998 ratings. Delia Owens impressively embroidered the events together into a tapestry of surprise that left me stricken with different emotions of shock and disbelief. Kya grew on me as I turned every page, feeling sorry for what she went through from the day her mother left her to the day she was on trial for murder. However, the ending put me in a place where I had to make a decision whether to continue to be on her side or not.  

One of the themes touched by this novel is the lack of motherly love which, I believe, to be very crucial to a person’s growth. A little girl waiting for her mother to walk down on the lane by their shack pinched my heart. Having this image in my mind made me say how could a mother leave her children all by themselves in the hands of her drunk, ill-tempered husband. It was later explained why but still her reason was not enough to just abandon her children. 

Furthermore, some people find it hard to believe that a six-year-old girl can survive by herself. As far as I’m concerned, this is actually possible. Children who are born in poverty are forced to act like adults to take care of themselves and their siblings. A child needs to be brave, observant of what adults do, and smart in order to survive and Kya had those characteristics. 

Where the Crawdads Sing is highly recommended for those who love mystery. It’s a page-turner that would leave you gaping in the end. 

Discussion Questions

1.What do you think about the title? 

2.Describe the dynamics in Kya’s family. 

3. Is it plausible for a six-year-old child to survive in the shack in the middle of a marsh?

4. What are the other parts of the story that you find unrealistic?

5. Was the author able to stall the mystery until the end of the novel? In what way?

Further Information

Title: Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (August 14, 2018)

Publication Date: August 14, 2018

Print length: 379 pages

ASIN: B078GD3DRG

Buy on Amazon

Quotes

First Line: 

“The morning burned so August-hot, the marsh’s moist breath hung the oaks and pines with fog.”