It’s technically July and August book review day. No reason to get caught up in the details, though. Some months I crank through multiple books. Other months, I only make it through one. And given that I only one read one book last week, I’m including the podcast that COMPLETELY sucked me in last month that took up all of my listening free time.

So, let’s start with the pod.

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling. The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling is an audio documentary that examines some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author. In conversation with host Megan Phelps-Roper, J.K. Rowling speaks with unprecedented candor and depth about the controversies surrounding her—from book bans to debates on gender and sex. The series also examines the forces propelling this moment in history, through interviews with Rowling’s supporters and critics, journalists, historians, clinicians, and more.

(Description from Apple podcasts)

I could not listen through this fast enough. It was FASCINATING. I tangentially remembered this period of time where J.K. Rowling made the comments that were discussed in this pod, and how upset some people were with her. But if I’m honest, I paid it very little attention. I truthfully came into the pod with an opinion already formed, and I found myself having such a better appreciation for all of the viewpoints. Truthfully had me walking away with a newfound appreciation for examining my own opinions and beliefs. Any time that we are not willing to truly listen to a viewpoint different than our own with a mindset of seeking to understand, we lose. Both individually and as community.

Can’t recommend this podcast listen highly enough!

I’ll be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara.

For more than 10 years, a mysterious and violent predator committed 50 sexual assaults in Northern California before moving south, where he perpetrated 10 sadistic murders. Then he disappeared, eluding capture by multiple police forces and some of the best detectives in the area.

Three decades later, Michelle McNamara, a true-crime journalist who created the popular website TrueCrimeDiary.com, was determined to find the violent psychopath she called “the Golden State Killer”. Michelle pored over police reports, interviewed victims, and embedded herself in the online communities that were as obsessed with the case as she was.

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark – the masterpiece McNamara was writing at the time of her sudden death – offers an atmospheric snapshot of a moment in American history and a chilling account of a criminal mastermind and the wreckage he left behind. It is also a portrait of a woman’s obsession and her unflagging pursuit of the truth. Utterly original and compelling, it is destined to become a true-crime classic – and may at last unmask the Golden State Killer. 

(Book descriptions from Amazon)

I had heard of the Golden State Killer, but again, hadn’t paid it much attention before I read this book. The author was writing this book at the time of her death, and it was finished based on her notes and investigative reporting. The writing was very reminiscent of reading an investigative report, meticulously combing through evidence, piecing together theories. At the time of the author’s death, the killer had still not been caught. It wasn’t until a short time later after the publishing of this book that the killer was identified and brought to justice. Most fascinating of all, to me, was how the serial killer seemed to disappear for years with no crimes. Living a normal, mundane life despite his past history murdering people…

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Found it a bit slow at parts and hard to follow given the breadth of the subject she was covering. If you’re a true crime fan, I’d bet that you’d love it.

The Story Teller by Jodi Picoult. Jodi Picoult’s poignant number one New York Times best-selling novels about family and love tackle hot-button issues head on. In The Storyteller, Sage Singer befriends Josef Weber, a beloved Little League coach and retired teacher. But then Josef asks Sage for a favor she never could have imagined – to kill him. After Josef reveals the heinous act he committed, Sage feels he may deserve that fate. But would his death be murder or justice?

The last time I read a Jodi Picoult book, I think I was in high school. And I remember LOVING it. But also bawling my eyes out. She is without a doubt a wonderful story teller. I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to follow. The characters were interesting, and it clipped along it a fast pace despite being pretty lengthy. Did not anticipate the ending at all. That’s all I’m going to say. 🙂

Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish.

When parenting authorities Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish sat down to write the national best seller How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, they found they could not contain their chapter on sibling rivalry. No matter how much they tried to pare down their advice, they found the subject inexhaustible – and parents agreed!

Siblings Without Rivalry guides the way to family peace and tranquility with humor and compassion for both parents and children. Action oriented and easy to understand, it’s packed with sensitive yet sensible ways to turn quarreling siblings and frustrated parents into an open, communicative family.

I can’t remember who told me about this book. But whoever it was I remember told me that it was the best thing they read before bringing a second baby home. And given that we’re three deep now, it seemed like this subject was going to be very relevant to us.

Just two words. So good. So good that after finishing it for the first time, I’m going back and listening to it for a second time immediately. Of all the parenting books I’ve read lately, this has been the best and most relatable. Highly recommend!

That’s what I listened to the past couple of months! What had your attention that I need to add to my “want to read list??”

My 2023 Books:

• January:
  • Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff
  • Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
• March:
  • The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
  • Spare by Prince Harry
  • Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
  • The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
• March/April:
  • The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
  • Cribsheet by Emily Oster
• June:
  • Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
  • The 5 Love Languages of Children
  • Remarkably Bright Creatures