February 2023 Book Update

Happy end-of-February! We made it through the shortest month of the year and read some good books along the way.

In a mere 28 days, I finished another 6 books for the 2023 Reading Challenge!

I was pleased to read one of Neil Gaiman’s classics that I regret not reading sooner. I also spent half the month reading non-fiction books in an effort to gain some new knowledge, which I believe I did.

I also was able to buy a few books from my local second-hand bookshop and then donate them to a Little Free Library near me. I can’t believe there are 8 of them within about 1 mile of my front door now.

I’m still excited to continue the challenge and seek out some new books that I might not have found without the prompts. Here’s to more good books to come!

The Omnivore’s Dilemma

#22- that has won an award

by Michael Pollan

I’ve read some of Pollan’s works and have always been impressed. I like learning about food, nutrition, agriculture, and the world around me. It took me quite a while to read this one because it is very dense in information, and I needed time to digest it before moving on. I’d recommend this one to those wanting an inside look at how the food on your dinner table made its way there.

One Rough Man

#43- someone else chooses for you

by Brad Taylor

My husband chose this one for me because he knows I love the Mitch Rapp series. One Rough Man is the first in the Pike Logan series. It has a sense of adventure and danger that makes for a good thriller, but without the charms and wit of Vince Flynn’s books. Still a good read and I’ll keep an eye out for others in the series.

It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything

#48- about a STEM topic

by Kate Biberdorf

Science is in everything. The average person doesn’t truly get the opportunity to understand and appreciate the little things that make everything work. Biberdorf does an excellent job of explaining basic chemistry concepts and then incorporating those ideas into relatable examples. There’s a bit too much of her personal life habits and day-to-day than I would have liked. A little more science and a little less diary entry style would have helped.

Neverwhere

#44- with a character who has an unusual name

by Neil Gaiman

I can’t believe I’ve never read this one before! It’s a classic Neil Gaiman book that has been well-loved for years. Since I finally did purchase a copy from my local secondhand bookshop, I am immensely pleased with it. For the challenge, I have no trouble claiming that there are several unusual names in this book: Door, Anesthesia, Islington, or Lamia would all count.

The Only Woman in the Room

#31- that’s historical fiction

by Marie Benedict

I’ve grown to enjoy historical fiction over the years. History was my least favorite subject in school, but I suppose I’ve matured to enjoy a good narrative that also teaches me a bit about world history. This is based on the real-life of Hedy Lamarr, the Austrian-born American actress. She was not only an amazing on-screen/stage presence but she also helped invent a wireless signal-hopping device that would help in the war efforts and in many future technologies we enjoy today.

The Road to Sparta

#24- about one of your hobbies

by Dean Karnazes

I’m a runner. Not an ultramarathon like Dean Karnazes, but I do enjoy the hobby of running several times a week. In fact, I’m training for my second half-marathon right now. Karnazes is inspiring to many runners because of his relentless dedication to the sport and his unending ability to reach new heights. His fourth book blends running with Greek history and culture.