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 May:

1. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro was one that I’ve been intending to read for a while now after it was recommended by my future brother-in-law. I’d read Ishiguro back in college when I dove into Never Let Me Go. His writing is beautiful and I appreciate that he can transcend different genres while staying true to his themes and vision. The Buried Giant probably isn’t for everyone although maybe it should be. I realized my disdain for Arthurian legends while reading it, so if that’s not your genre either, I understand. Thankfully, the crux of the book wasn’t about Arthurian legend, instead it was about forgetting and memory and how societies often choose forgetfulness in order to move on. It asks whether forgetting is better than remembering. Even if I’m not a fan of the vessel, the theme is one that I think is important to consider and dwell on — especially in this time. Are we better off forgetting the things that hurt us?
   Rating: 4/5
   Pages: 317
   Genre: Fiction

2. wild embers by Nikita Gill is another book of poems because around here — we challenge ourselves to read genres we hate. haha. I read Gill last year and really enjoyed her book, so when I saw wild embers at Goodwill, I knew I had to snag it. Essentially my review would be the same as last year. We differ in worldview so there will always be parts that aren’t congruent with my thinking but ultimately that challenge is helpful to me. She also is brilliant at challenging stereotypes and societal norms in good ways and her words are often wildly encouraging to me. My favorite poems were:
   
   Some days,
   I am both wolf and woman
   and I am still learning
   how to apologize
   for my wild.
   
   The way you love
   passionate and all encompassing
   Is not something you should be ashamed of.
   If they could not handle your passion
   If they were scared by it
   If they now make you feel guilty
   for loving them too much
   don’t you dare allow them
   to make you doubt the courage
   you carry like the sea in your soul.
   
   You are not too emotional or weak.
   your courage is determined
   by the room in your heart
   to love over and over again,
   despite having it broken
   by so many who were unworthy of you.
   
   

   Rating: 3/5
   Pages: 147
   Genre: Non-Fiction

3. You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan has been on my to-read list since before I even met Adrian. Back in early 2016, I read The Mingling of Souls by Matt Chandler and The Meaning of Marriage by Tim & Kathy Keller, and because I was on a kick of reading Biblical marriage books, I added this one to the list and then promptly forgot to read it. The Chan’s are, in my opinion, modern day Bonhoeffers. They do not sugar coat, they are maybe a little radical, and they absolutely love God and following Him. You and Me Forever reads less like a marriage book and more like a call to discipleship. It is bold and it is a solid kick in the pants. While they personally lean more complimentarian than I would, the reminder to pursue Kingdom life above all else (even marriage!) was helpful as I transition into the next chapter. The lower rating is just because the Keller’s book is just so good and thorough and touches on similar subjects just more fleshed out. But don’t get me wrong — I love a good Bonhoeffer kick in the pants. And their commissioning prayer at the end of the book will for sure be hand-lettered and hung on our walls.
   Rating: 3.5/5
   Pages: 191
   Genre: Non-Fiction

4. Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons was for me the perfect practical addition to everything God has been teaching me recently, especially in this COVID season. Her basic argument is that there are “four rhythms that help us replace stress and anxiety with life-giving peace and purpose and help us nurture and sustain emotional health.” The rhythms are broadly, rest, restoration, connection and creation and each rhythm is broken down into small practical steps for cultivation. For example, resting includes Sabbath but also digital detoxes, as well as silence and solitude, etc. Restoration includes making sure we’re fueling and moving our bodies as well as creating space to play and so on. It was wildly practical but steeped in so much research and thought. If you’re new to these ideas, this is a great starting point and if you’ve read a lot about resting, etc. but find yourself overwhelmed with theory and not able to put these practices into action or aren’t seeing the fruit, I’d recommend picking this up and going through the reflection questions at the end and incorporating these into your daily life.

   Rating: 4.5/5
   Pages: 304
   Genre: Non-Fiction

5. Boundaries in Marriage by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend was fantastic. It was wildly practical and helpful. Not only would I recommend this to any married couple or anyone about to be married, I’d recommend it to anyone. The Boundaries books are so vital and Boundaries in Marriage taught me a lot about interpersonal relationships (even outside of my relationship with Adrian). It covers conflict and ways to move forward through that so well and is another great reminder of how to pursue Kingdom living within the context of marriage and life. If you’re not familiar with Boundaries, I would highly recommend learning about them and implementing them in your life! Wildly helpful and important for free and healthy living!

   Rating: 4.5/5
   Audio Length: 9 Hours
   Genre: Non-Fiction