The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential...in Business and in Life by Leo Babauta

I've been seeking out more books on minimalism and living with less.

Babauta tackles how we live and how to achieve our goals and get rid of the excess that distracts us. A pretty fast read with some very practical tips.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown is another really, really good book on figuring out what we want to focus on in our lives.

Morningstar: Growing Up with Books by Ann Hood

Ann Hood writes a short ode to the books that shaped her. An easy read.

It prompted me to think about the books that shaped my life as well.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

I just discovered Agatha Christie within the last several weeks when my friend, Grace, mentioned that reading some Agatha Christie was making her happy. Wow! I can't believe I've lived so long without reading Agatha Christie. What a treat!

I am thinking of seeing the movie now.

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter Solstice is the surprise fourth book following the Winter Street trilogy. What a welcome surprise and satisfying end!

I read the Winter Street trilogy when I was at home recovering during the fall. Thanks to Boomer who made numerous trips to the library to check out books and who could remember the order of books in this trilogy. 

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

16-year-old Aza starts investigating the disappearance of a local man in order to receive the $100,000 prize.

I love how John Green tackles mental health and grief and loss in a way that is heartfelt and non-stigmatizing.

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

This is fiction and in the format of a diary of a woman who quits her job and moves back home to care for her ailing father.

When I read a book and I find details that don't make sense (like sliding a piece of pizza under a door), I find myself getting skeptical.There were a few moments like that in this book.

Overall, an okay read, but hum.

Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

One of my favorite classes in high school was a Humanities/Art History class. I was looking forward to reading Isaacson's Leonardo da Vinci but thought I'd be on the wait list for months until I could get it. I was so surprised to see it just sitting on the shelf in the New Book section. I spent the next couple of weeks devouring it. It's 624 pages, so not a light book to lug around. What a fun and educational read!