Tomorrow, September 1, is our second oldest daughter's 40th birthday, so today, we took her to lunch to celebrate. We got to see her, her husband and all of the grand children who are still home, so we had a nice visit with the whole family. It was a very happy day!
I managed to complete eight books in August, which is pretty good for me. Here is what I thought of each one.
1. An Ocean of Courage and Fear by Jerry Borrowman ****
Genre: historical fiction
Format: Audiobook/Deseret Bookshelf +
This is a fictionalized account of the crew of the USS Salt Lake City, a World War II Naval Heavy Cruiser from December 7, 1941 to August 1944. The battles and events of the war in the Pacific and the Salt Lake City's involvement in then, are based on real historical facts. Some of the characters in the book were sailors who actually served on the Salt Lake City but other characters were fictionalized, although based on actual people who lived the events that transpired during WWII. This book was interesting and the storyline moved along, although sometimes, it seemed to jump around too much, leaving some gaps in the plot. I gave the book 4/5 stars.
2. Second Class by Batya Ungar-Sargon *****
Genre: Nonfiction - Sociology/Economics
Format: Audiobook/Libby Library Loan
In this fascinating and thought-provoking nonfiction book, the author interviews scores of working class Americans and let them tell their stories of the pursuit of the "American Dream" in their own words. Do they make a living wage? Do they have the opportunity to own their own home? Do they have medical care? What role do unions play in prosperity for working class Americans? Which political party is most in tune with the opinions and needs of blue collar workers? Does more education really give someone an advantage in life? As those workers the author interviewed revealed their own experiences and opinions, an authentical picture of struggles and triumphs in the pursuit of the "American Dream" is revealed. This is probably a book that everyone should read, especially in this election year. This is one of my favorite kinds of books because is not at all boring, but actually makes the reader feel like he or she is listening in on a conversation with someone they may know or interact with on a daily basis. I gave the book 5/5 stars and recommend it to anyone who wants to know what many Americans who keep our nation running are really thinking, doing and working towards.
3. Understanding Our Evangelical Neighbors by R. J. Mouw & R. L. Millett ***
Genre: Religious nonfiction
Format: Kindle
This book was another in a series of books published by a Christian publishing house that I do advance copy reviews for. Other titles in the series include Understanding Our Catholic Neighbors and Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors. The book was interesting and instructional but because Evangelicals differ so widely in their actual doctrine, practice, and interpretation of scripture, it felt like I was reading about a group that really didn't exist. I'm not doubting the faith and sincerity of those who identify as Evangelical, I'm just saying that there is so much diversity that it is hard to pin down specific beliefs and practices, and the book (which was written by an Evangelical scholar) reflects that. I gave the book 3/5 stars on Goodreads.
4. The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer ***
Genre: Christian nonfiction
Format: Audiobook/Libby Library Loan
This is pretty much typical Joyce Meyer. She has lots of scriptural advice and examples based on her own life. I usually enjoy Joyce Meyer books, but I listened to the audiobook of this one and the voice of the reader was not calm or soothing at all - more like the voice of an old woman who smoked way too long. If you can overlook the voice of the reader, this book is a good review of basic Bible principles that help us "fear not" and "cast our cares on God." I gave the book 3/5 stars on Goodreads.
5. False Flag by Joy Pullmann ***
Genre: Socio-Political
Format: Hardbound (own)
I purchased this book, because, as a public school teacher, I am concerned and even alarmed at the number of students and teachers who are becoming "transgender." I am fairly socially conservative and am very much against surgeries that would mutilate and permanently disfigure and sterilize young people in the name of transitioning to a gender other than their true biological gender. Parts of this book do an excellent job explaining and documenting how "Queer Theory" has gotten such a hold in our society - especially in our education system. I found much of what I read very troubling, because I have already seen it in the real world where I work as a teacher every day. Parts of the book, however, were poorly written and seemed to have little to do with the topic of the book. The right-wing extremist (think Project 2025) ending chapter offered no real and viable solutions and seemed not to even have been properly proofread. Because of this, 3/5 stars is all I can give this book. It has some important, well-documented information, which, unfortunately is poorly presented.
6. Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy ****
Genre: Fiction
Format: Audiobook/Libby Library Loan
This book is a lovely story of a lonely elderly woman whose life changes drastically for the better when she finds and adopts a little mouse. The book is set in England and the narrator of the audiobook had a delightful British accent which made the story come alive. I enjoyed listening to the story in my car and in the classroom during my prep hour. The story had a rather abrupt ending that left me questioning the final resolution. I gave the book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.
7. Best Day Ever by Nathan Glad *****
Genre: Nonfiction biography
Format: Paperback (own)
This wonderful book was written by a 17-year-old boy who is a student at the high school where I teach. He also has Brittle Bone Disease, in fact he has the most severe case of this condition of anyone currently living. Nathan cannot walk and spends his days in a wheelchair. He is the size of a small child. His life expectancy is unknown, but he probably will not live into adulthood. With all of these things and more going against him, Nathan would surely have plenty of reasons to be unhappy, yet he is one of the most happy and upbeat people ever. His happiness and positive, upbeat outlook is the subject of this excellent little book. The book is well written and easy to read. Nathan's positivity is contagious, even through the pages of his book. As I read about his experiences, I reflected on my own life, counted the blessings that are mine and committed to look for look for the good and stop dwelling on unhappy things. I gave the book 5/5 stars on Goodreads and recommend the book to everyone!
8. The United States of Trump by Bill O'Reilly ***
Genre: Political/Historical/Biography
Last month, I read Kamala Harris' biography, The Truths We Hold, so this month I am giving equal time to her opponent by listening to this audiobook. Bill O'Reilly, former Fox News personality, wrote the book, which is part Trump biography, part psychological analysis of the former president, part analysis of the 2016 election in which Trump beat Hillary Clinton and part history of the first portion of Trump's term. The book was published in 2019, so it does not cover the 2020 election or its aftermath. The book fascinating in parts and I feel like I learned a lot about Donald Trump and why he is the way he is. Because the author of the book, is also a friend of Trump's and a former conservative pundit at Fox News, there is a good deal of whining about fake news, the biased press. O'Reilly is also mildly critical of Trump for some things, but overall the book is not very objective and favors Trump, which is what I expected. I gave the book 3/5 stars on Goodreads.
The things that made me happy during the past couple of days were small and random, but they added up to equal several good and happy days.
1. What are you best known for in your family or among friends?
I hope that I would be known for being a follower of Jesus, a woman of faith, and a person who cares deeply about others - especially my family and friends.
2. Were you popular in school?
I was on the school newspaper in high school, and was the editor my senior year. I was also in the student senate for a while. I had a group of friends, but I wasn't especially popular, nor did I have any desire to be.
3. Would you rather take a drive in the country or shop in town on a day off?
I don't really enjoy shopping. A drive in the country sounds nice if there was a nice hike at the end. I don't particularly enjoy driving just for the sake of driving, but I do enjoy road trips to a destination I want to be at.
4. Are you a member of any societies, clubs or associations or were you at any time? Did you enjoy them?
As I mentioned above, I was on my high school newspaper staff and loved that. I was a member of the an honor society (Phi Betta Kappa) in college. Later, I was a member of a professional organization for public relations practitioners. Currently, I am a member of the Utah and Granite Education Associations, which is basically our teacher's union. I am in the union mainly for the legal protection it affords teachers. I am also an active member of my Christian church as well as the church's women's organization. I love being active in my church.
That's all for now. I'll be back again soon with more entries into the August Happiness Challenge.
Until next time,
😊Deb💖
"Friendship improves happiness by
doubling our joys and dividing our grief."
~anon.
If you have read this blog for a while, you know that sometimes, I struggle with depression and anxiety, especially when I am tired, stressed and overwhelmed. Getting ready for and going back to school has made me feel all of those things, and honestly, I have been having a hard time keeping a positive outlook. This August Happiness Challenge, has come at the perfect time for me and has helped me consciously and intentionally look for things each day that lifted my spirits and made me feel happy and grateful.
Here are the things that have brought me happy moments and made me feel grateful in the past three days.
