Mary Vogelsong's Blog, page 15
January 23, 2019
Currently Listening To…
January 21, 2019
Currently Listening to…
This is a fascinating journalistic story. The actions of a few individuals caused a plague of addiction and death in SW Virginia. It’s like a butterfly moved a wing and all these mighty repercussions are still taking place.
January 18, 2019
January 11, 2019
Here’s a Cool Contest to Enter!
I just entered to win some of the Best Books of 2018 from @ERBks! You can too: http://ow.ly/uQGE30neSaM
January 2, 2019
Shoutout to Ava!
Shoutout to my new friend Ava of HeyYoAva.com fame, for graciously pulling me through the wormhole into the world of web page setup and RSS feeds. Ava, you’re the best!
Ava is an Amazon Author. Check out her books here .
January 1, 2019
Word for the Day: Lexicographer
One of my all-time favorite books is on sale today for only .99!
A lexicographer is a person who compiles dictionaries. That profession would be high on my list if I were not a writer. The Great Passage is a book about putting together a dictionary–and so much more.
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December 31, 2018
My Favorite Reads from 2018
The following books are my personal favorites, chosen from those I’ve read during 2018. Not all debuted in 2018. In fact, the majority are older, some by several years, but still wonderful books.
Did you enjoy a favorite book this past year that you think I should have included? Mention it in the comments!
KEY:
5 STAR TOP 3 Blue
5 STAR Pink
4 STAR Yellow
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The Edward trilogy above is about an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome (or in more recent vernacular, who is neuroatypical or neurodivergent). Edward’s hyperfocus on areas of interest, inability to release perceived wrongs, and other characteristics described in the book closely parallel my experience with a neuroatypical individual. 5 STARS for this series which shows Edward’s growth as a person.
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Scott Bolzan is a retired pro football player, businessman, and airplane pilot and he suddenly has no memories – at all – after falling and hitting his head. 5 STARS
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You’ll find this story of Pocahontas more realistic than the Disney version. I recommend the audiobook. The narrator has taken care to correctly pronounce the many Native American place names still used in Virginia today. 5 STARS
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David Eden injudiciously travels to a dangerous part of the world but defies his low odds of survival, first by hiding who he is (Jewish), then by forming caring relationships with peoples of all faiths before they learn the truth of his identity. 5 STARS for this non-fiction story.
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Charles Martin’s The Mountain Between Us is my third Top 3 Favorite Book for 2018. 5 STARS
December 30, 2018
2018 Personal Favorite Books
Scary, Inspiring, Engrossing. Not unlike The Glass Castle. 5 STARS
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Sometimes growing up is hell, but life gets better in adulthood. 5 STARS for Sam Hell.
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Malcolm Gladwell takes a unique look at what allows us to succeed. 5 STARS
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Trevor Noah’s existance is the product of the union between a white man and a black woman, a crime where he was born. 4 STARS
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Based on the corrupt TN adoption program run by Georgia Tann, this fictional story looks at one family torn apart and reunited decades later. 4 STARS
December 29, 2018
More Personal Favorite Reads from 2018
A physician takes a look at preparing for the practical aspects of aging and the loss of autonomy. 5 STARS
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Part social science, part environmental observations, part true thrilling drama, this book would easily earn 5 STARS, even if I hadn’t visited Tangier Island a couple times myself.
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Francine Rivers is an inspirational writer who blends just the right amount of page-turning story with Gospel truth, resulting in her characters’ transformation, modeling the same way faith can change her readers’ lives. 5 STARS
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Reading Mark Batterson’s book is like taking a faith infusion! 5 STARS
December 28, 2018
Personal Favorite Books from 2018
This is a profoundly sad but acutely relevant human rights book. (Remember Otto Warmbier?) One of my top 3 books for 2018. 5 STARS
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This was a fun book because I live within a couple hours of the storied Greenbrier Hotel and it was entertaining to imagine a little girl meeting all her famous guests. 5 STARS
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Yes, bestselling author James Patterson also writes kids books! 5 STARS
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If you are looking for a wholesome series with a little romance, the Green series is good. 4 STARS
