Reading Challenge-October Update

I spent (almost) all October with Inspector Gamache, the mystery series by Louise Penny that I can’t stop reading. The stories are so engaging, thought-provoking, surprising and strangely comforting. That’s not to say these murder mysteries don’t have dark turns, scary moments and heart-pounding suspense.  Because they have all that too. I read a total of 7 books in September. They included books 5-9 of the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. The Beautiful Mystery was my favorite, it was set in a remote monastery in Quebec. It was truly a BEAUTIFUL mystery. I forced myself to read 2 non-Louise Penny books this month. They were surprisingly similar. Five Things I love about the Inspector Armand Gamache Series by Louise Penny. Inspector Armand Gamache. He commands leadership, not through power (which he has) but through kindness, restraint, thoughtful reflection and observation. It’s refreshing to read about someone who is governed by kindness, respect, wisdom, and patience.  These aren’t always the qualities of leadership that are written about. Penny makes a strong case for rethinking what leadership qualities and character are most effective. Three Pines. Three Pines is the small, almost hidden, appearing on no map, village that time seemingly left behind. It is the place where most of the stories are set. I’m a small-town girl at heart.  Three Pines is appealing for many reasons, but the people are what I love the most. The people who make up the community we come to know (and love) in Three Pines are diverse, flawed, interesting, talented people.  They practice hospitality with grace. People are accepted for who they are, flaws and all. It’s beautiful. Wisdom. I don’t often find myself underlining or pondering sentences or quotes from fiction books.  In Every book I’ve underlined something that is profound, meaningful or thoughtful.  “The four sayings that lead to wisdom: I was wrong I’m sorry I don’t know I need help” – Louise Penny “Life is choice. All day, everyday. Who we talk to, where we sit, what we say, how we say it. And our lives become defined by our choices. It’s as simple and as complex as that. And as powerful. so when I’m observing that’s what I’m watching for. The choices people make” ― Louise Penny, Still Life The characters.  The only other series that I have felt as connected to the characters is, of course, Harry Potter. I’m 9 books into this series and I love continuing to learn more about Inspector Gamache, Claire, Peter, Gabi, and Oliver. With each story, we come to know more about the joy, pains, and character of the people who make up the stories. Each book is like reconnecting with old friends. The Bistro in Three Pines.  It’s a place I want to spend my time.  The Bistro is a delightful meeting place in the center of Three Pines. They serve French pastries, licorice pipes, antiques, a warm fire, comfortable chairs, hot cider with cinnamon sticks and freshly baked bread.  Louise Penny writes about food in a very inviting way.  I did read two other books this month, not authored by Louise Penny. A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.  This is the memoir of Joan Didion’s first year after the surprise death of her husband.  It was a lovely, heart-breaking book. This was my first book by Joan Didion. She reminded me a lot in her style, pace and voice of Madeleine L’Engle.  “A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty.” ― Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking My final book of October was, The Rock That Is Higher: Story as Truth by Madeleine L’Engle.  I started this book last year and had not finished it.  I was drawn back to this book after reading the Joan Didion one.  Both women are professional writers who take their craft seriously.  They were married to artists (actor/writer). They have affection for their Episcopalian roots and the liturgy and the Book of Common Prayer echo ever so gently in both of their writings.  Both live and write in New York. “One of the hardest lessons I have to learn is how not to be judgmental about people who are judgmental. When I see how wrong somebody is—how shallow it is to look at the Resurrection as a mere, explainable fact—when I see only the mistakenness of others, then I am blinded to their being children of God, who are just as valued and treasured as are those who more nearly agree with me.” ― Madeleine L’Engle, The Rock That Is Higher: Story as Truth Enter your email to subscribe– It’s only ever used to notify you of new questions from The Art of Powering Down.

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