It’s Back to School time…Here’s 10 Reading Excuses that Don’t Fly or Read On Sistah : )

1. Saying you don’t have time - Empty distractions time will rob (set a goal to read a little every day. Even if it is just a few sentences)

2. It doesn’t matter what I read - Set the bar high - be a reading snob (we become what we consume. So many great options. Follow book review youtubers you trust or The Recap Book Chat Podcast for some great recommendations)

3. I can’t remember what I read. Reading w/o reflection is like taking a shower w/o soap (book journaling and book clubs help loads in the remembering department)

4. I’m in a reading rut, challenge yourself-you are not a dope! (Start small with something simple and fun to get the gears rolling- try audio books)

5. I’m waiting for the perfect mood - Progress not perfection is the right direction (I believe you can learn something from every book, not just the ones you love.)

6. I’m behind…Comparing your reading journey to others spoils the connection (Comparison steals your joy, everyone has their own pace, be sure to honor yours.)

7. I’m too tired/wired - Read anyway something will stick (Studies show it is super healthy for your brain to read before bed. Be sure to use a blue blocking booklight.)

8. I only have one speed quick quick quick, learn to savor slow, (try some classics! They were written in a much slower time and have a way of making the reader slow down as well)

9. No, I can’t explain what I read in a simple way, but AI can so what the hay (try some kid lit, it is written in easier to explain ways but can still pack a punch)

10. I’ll wait for the movie, NOT at all groovy (so many books that have been turned into movies have been altered from what the author originally intended. Why not do both! You will appreciate it in a more indepth way and can see if it lines up with what the author intended.)

There is a reader inside all of us. We often suppress this desire to curl up with a book and a cup of joe or tea because we (insert excuse here) ________. Don’t fall into the trap! We tend to do what is important. Carve out some reading time, your brain will thank you!

Booklight - hooga

Reading Journal - Amazon.com: Reading Journal: For the Love of Books, A Book Journal and Planner for Book Lovers to Track, Log and Review

Greetings! Today, Kate and Sheila dive in recapping the book of Joshua!

This scripture is just as powerful today as it was in Joshua’s, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.” 1:9. Followed by …”choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Spoken like a godly man with a purpose!

This book packs quite a punch! Here’s an acrostic on Joshua to get us going.

Jericho-epic battle!

Over and over he’s told to be strong and courageous

Served the Lord wholeheartedly

His mentor was Moses

Unwavering leadership-Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua

Asked for the sun to stand still

We gleaned so much from reading Joshua and we hope you did too. Thank you for joining us!

Have a blessed day!

PS Notice there is a curse in 6:26 about rebuilding the city of Jericho. It was fulfilled 530 years later when Hiel lost his firstborn and his youngest in 1Kings 16:34.

This novel is set in an interesting way, devoting chapters to Penelope and individual members of her family, but also to more secondary characters such as Antonia and Dannus (the bright spots). Each snapshot gives characters their own unique voice.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamonde Pilcher has a dual timeline, WWII and present day which was 1987. Penelope's three children were a bit hard to take. Olivia seemed the most sensible, although loaded with the “I am woman hear me roar” vibe, at least she was not greedy like her siblings. Nancy and Noel were unlikeable and self-absorbed.

Pilcher's writing is unique in that she uses the senses extremely well. Her ability to make readers hear the ticking clock, smell the food being served, hear bird’s song, and even feel the importance of plants as a symbol of growth highlight the best parts of the book. Penelope did not have an easy life, her husband ran off with his secretary leaving Penelope the kids and his gambling debts to pay off.

Penelope grew up in a loving and welcoming home with a famous artist for a father. Nancy and Noel are eager to sell the beloved painting of Lawrence Stern called The Shell Seekers. Penelope ponders to herself, “perhaps she had not expected enough of them.” “I have given them all I can and they always want more.” Pilcher painted a powerful picture of ingratitude in this novel.

The first sentence of Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina is: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” The Shell Seekers shows the tension families have when wills collide. Won't you join us for the ride?