Bookin' through October

I slowed down a little bit on my reading this month since a lot of my reading was about pregnancy and other things, but I still managed to finish two books!

Memories of Heaven by Wayne Dyer
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My mom gave me this one when I was having a particularly sad time, thinking about how I wish my dad was around for us to tell him about our pregnancy. And then my mom shared that, although it's not in the way I'd thought about and hoped for, that she was sure my dad had already met MG's and my little one, and that this book might help me feel that too.
It's a bunch of stories about children who mention their time before being born either being with God, picking out their family, or being with relatives that were deceased before the child was even born. 
I know that not everyone is religious, or even spiritual, but I'm definitely spiritual and this book, especially the first half just made me feel comforted that although my dad might not be here in the physical form, to hold and love on my baby, that I'm sure he did at some point. I'll be curious to see if our baby has any of these same stories to share with us. 

I gave this one 3.5 stars because I loved the beginning, and by the end it felt like a lot of the same stories over and over again. 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This one I got from my friend Christy and was immediately intrigued when she raved about how good it was. 
The brief synopsis is A.J. Fikry is a bookstore owner and has gone through some hard times, and is hardened by the world. Two events happen to him that change his life forever.
I won't say anymore because I don't want to ruin it. But this book is sweet. It's about life, love, and if you like books, it has a very unique way of tying in books throughout this one. 

I gave it 4.5 stars and definitely recommend it for a good read! I think I read this one in about 2 days because I couldn't put it down.

Tears may have been shed while reading both books. Blame it on the quality of the books or the pregnancy hormones. Either way, I liked them both!

Hoping I can make it through a few more next month, but I was glad I found two feel-good books this month! 

16 comments:

  1. I came across The Storied Life one day and now I'll have to go back and pick it up because I love your review of it!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  2. I too saw A Storied Life at the Library but passed it by. That's what I love about sweet reviews like yours, I realize I may have passed up a goodie and I'm going back to get it!!

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  3. I loved AJ Fikry...what a wonderful book. That other one sounds so sweet too and definitely not something I had ever really thought about!

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  4. I loved AJ Fikry. Try Elsewhere. It's a YA novel by the same author. I cried my way through that years ago.

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  5. glad you enjoyed AJ Fikry. one of my absolute favourites!

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  6. That first book sounds really amazing! I may have to check it out.

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  7. I always took comfort in the fact that I truly believe my mom and Hadley spent all that time up there together before she came down here. It's so hard though - I'm here for you if you ever want to chat about it.

    As for pregnancy reads – have you read Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy? It is HILARIOUS. I read the entire thing in like 2 afternoons because I could not put it down. So funny!

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  8. AJ Fikry was one of my favorite books of last year. It's a great one!

    Thanks for linking up with us.

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  9. A Storied Life is on my TBR but I had forgotten what it was about. :) So I'm glad to see another review because it sounds so good and maybe something I need to read soon!

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  10. Haha oh pregnancy hormones! I'll be crying at a show or something and I'll say "it's so sad!", and my husband will say "no, you're just pregnant!" lol!

    I have the AJ Fikry book on my shelf and keep meaning to pick it up sooner and later - I don't think I've heard anyone not like it!

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  11. Memories of Heaven sounds super interesting and I've seen it on a couple of lists, definitely going to check that out. A Storied Life also sounds good, may have to add that one too :)!

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  12. The AJ book has been making the rounds...I will get there one day!

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  13. Oh Jenn, I MUST read that Memories from Heaven book... it sounds amazing! I'm adding this one to my list now.

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  14. I love love love the AJ Fikry book, and I sobbed like an idiot because what happens to a character happened to a family member in my life (don't want to give spoilers.)

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  15. I have been wanting to read The Storied Life forever and just haven't gotten to it yet. I need to soon!

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