One of my goals for 2020 is to read 45 books this year. That equals 3.75 books per month. Some months might have two books, others five, others four or one or whatever. But either way I’m confident in my goal and excited to share what I read. Here’s what I read in March:

1. Emma by Jane Austen was a re-read but I wanted to get it done in time to watch the 2020 adaptation and then pandemics hit and while I could spend $20 to watch it at home, at this point in my life, I’d rather wait until it’s $5 to rent since I’m not having the extra benefit of the large theater experience. Planning a wedding makes you really focus on budgets, ya’ll. But anyways, Emma is great. It’s not my favorite Austen novel (I’m a weirdo who likes Northanger Abbey because it’s soooo dang snarky). I appreciate Emma as a character because she really does mean well, even if she’s so trash at showing it and that is something I can relate too which is why I’m so thankful for the many Mr. Knightly’s that have come and told me, “It was badly done, indeed!” If you’ve never read Emma, I’d encourage you to do so! It’s enjoyable and clever (as all Austen novels are) and a welcome jaunt in the English countryside during these times.
   Rating: 3.5/5
   Audio Length: 14 hours and 45 minutes
   Genre: Fiction - Classic

2. Insider Outside by Bryan Loritts is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s his experience as a black man in white evangelical churches. He is honest and authentic with his feelings and provides so many helpful ways for churches in America to move towards true diversity. It was thought-provoking and painful but ultimately really helpful. Not only does it challenge race but it also hit on some other ideas that permeate evangelical churches and can cause unnecessary strife and friction. I would highly recommend this one to anyone, especially to hear another perspective of race and Christianity in America. I think the idea that hit me the most was his quote, ”Privilege is never the problem, it’s the stewardship of privilege that’s the issue.” Before talking about how Jesus was the most privileged of all, being God’s son, but that He used his standing before God to bless and honor others. So how can I do the same? Not only for people of a different race but also all people around me. How can I steward what God has given me to glorify Him and bless others?

   Rating: 5/5
   Pages: 192
   Genre: Nonfiction - Race

3. The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher L. Heuertz if you know me, you know I’m not huge on the Enneagram and I still stand by that. But I figured humility is good so maybe I’ll give a book a go. What I appreciated about this book was Chris’ focus on childhood wounds, triads and how the numbers work together, and using your type as a tool to grow. “The English word personality is derived from the Latin word for “mask.” Simply put, our personality is the mask we wear. Taking off that mask, trying to get behind the mask, is the work of the spiritual journey. A mark of spiritual growth is when we stop polishing the mask and instead start working on our character.” For him, the Enneagram is all about growth and figuring out what past lies have contributed to who you are now and how can you grow away from a specific number into a more whole being. And the part I really liked was how he connected growth to the practices of silence, solitude, and stillness. Because I do want to grow in those practices and hear God’s voice more so to have him outline different ways people might engage in those practices has helped me grow. I also appreciate any book that has this line, “Being able to caricature nine kinds of people might be an interesting dinner party trick, but it only reinforces the reductionism of categorizing individuals, which in the end dehumanizes everyone.”
   Rating: 3.5.5/5
   Pages: 272 pages
   Genre: Nonfiction - Spirituality

4. Becoming by Michelle Obama was an absolute treat. It was light on politics which is my least favorite subject so that was a win and it was honest, authentic, and interesting. Michelle Obama is a national treasure and a wonderful storyteller. She chronicled her life from childhood to today with compassion and grace, not mincing the hard times and only highlighting the positives. I would recommend this book to anyone because it was like just hanging out with a warm women who in telling her story, is really encouraging you to be who God’s created you to be and worry less about naysayers and trials but to be resilient through life with dignity and love.
   Rating: 4/5
   Pages: 426
   Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

5. The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace is a book of poetry and yes, I still don’t like poetry. But again, we have to push ourselves to read things we normally wouldn’t and blessedly this book was short. Poetry critics probably hate it but since I’m neither, I will say this. It is not my genre but it was helpful for me to read emotionally raw works by someone who has experienced trauma so that I can have more compassion to people I know who have walked through similar things. Poetry, as much as I dislike it, helps express emotion in ways prose probably can’t and while I may not have experienced loss or abuse in the same ways as my friends or the author - I now feel like I have a better understanding of their experiences. I think this level of vulnerability should always be honored. Favorite poem:
   my boy?
   he is even
   better than
   books.
   Because he is. He is ever so much better than Messrs Knightly, Tilney, or even Darcy. He’s better than Gilbert Blythe or Elend Venture because he’s real. And he’s even better than escaping into books because he helps me find the beauty in every day life.
   Rating: 3/5
   Pages: 156
   Genre: Poetry