The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson

audio, Everand/Scribd

I think this is a very valuable book and I enjoyed the structure of it. It follows the life stories of three African Americans who were part of the Great Migration between 1915 & 1975. Each section tells a bit of each person’s story in a specific time frame and then has additional historical material to provide context. I chose to read this book because for history in school this year we are studying the years 1900-modern. The Great Migration was a major development in American history and culture. It was interesting to read about how the migration was impacted by the world wars and the Great Depression. Obviously, one of the main drivers of the Great Migration was the poor treatment that African Americans received in the South and there were several stories in the book given as examples that were very hard to listen to. I think those are important stories and facts to remember but, oh, the depths of human depravity. I can’t understand how you could treat another human being with such cruelty. And yet I know that similar or worse things still happen in many places and given the “right” lie and the “right” impetus I firmly believe that such things could happen on a large scale again. Humanity apart from Christ is still deceived and prone to all manner of evil; we have not eradicated evil in our day with our veneer of civility and modernity and tolerance. I think that’s the hardest part of these stories for me- many of the perpetrators of violence were also professing Christians. I just can’t wrap my mind around it.

The gross cruelty and violence were mainly in the early part of the book. As the story shifted north and west with the migrations of the protagonists there were still examples of discrimination and injustice that were hard to read but not as gut-wrenching. All three protagonists found some measure of success through their migrations. One man built a thriving medical practice and a place in society (Dr. Robert Foster). The other man worked hard as a porter on the railroad and was able to buy a home that he both lived in and leased out (Mr. George Starling).

I think the story that resonated with me the most was that of Ida May Gladney, the only female protagonist. She and her husband worked hard in the South as sharecroppers and then migrated north and ended up in Chicago. They eked out a living through various odd jobs until finding a measure of stability and buying a house. In many ways, Ida May had the hardest life portrayed in the book with the least amount of opportunity but, as the author traces each life to its end, Ida May has the happiest life. She had a long and faithful marriage, her children avoided many of the perils of moving to the city, she remained an active participant in her church and was portrayed as drawing strength from her faith in God, she had an active community of friends, and she remained a light to those around her even as her neighborhood became a center for gang activity. She’s not a perfect example but an inspiring one.

The book is big (almost 23 hours on audio) and I caught several spots where stories or quotes were repeated almost verbatim. But if you’re looking for a sweeping look at a large swath of American history and African American culture I would recommend it. I read one of the author’s other works, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, a couple of years ago and found that interesting as well. I’m not exactly sure what actions to take or to recommend in response to the information but, if nothing else, it makes me more aware and compassionate (I think).

Lions to the Rescue! (Tree Street Kids #3) by Amanda Cleary Eastep

audio, Everand/Scribd

This is such a great series to read with the kids. It’s been really fun and teaches good lessons. And it’s set in the 90s so it’s a fun throwback to my childhood.

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

hardcover, library

Several, several years ago I read Station Eleven by this author and it’s a book that I’ve thought of ever since. I’m not even sure I could tell you a synopsis of the book but I remember liking/being intrigued by it. Then this spring I was in a Barnes & Noble and saw this book. So I found it at the library and read it in just a couple of (very rough) days. I can’t give you a synopsis of the book because I think that’s how this author is. Her books are interesting and break barriers (like, in my brain). It’s fiction, kind of science fiction. I don’t think I liked it as much as I remember liking Station Eleven but I might not like Station Eleven as much now either. Both end and you want there to be more details and closure. And so you keep thinking about the books.

Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage, and Survival by Velma Wallis

ebook, Everand/Scribd

This was a short book that was interesting and beautiful to read. Don’t be a grumble-pants!

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

audio, owned Audible

We listened to the new edition narrated by Andy Serkis as a family. Stubby read The Hobbit and all of the Lord of the Rings series last year or earlier this year so he has the most recent memory of it. Mr. McGoozle and I have read them before but it has been quite a while so it’s fun to reconnect with it. Squeaky was a bit scared at certain parts but we also listened while traveling at Thanksgiving so she slept through a good amount of it. A very fun read!

You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News by Kelly M. Kapic

audio, Everand/Scribd

I think this book is one I will be recommending a lot. It is not the book I thought it was when I started it but it was very good. It encapsulates in one book a lot of the themes I’ve been reflecting on over the past couple of years- God’s character, rest & work, life in community. And it had some interesting statistics on our modern age that have me thinking and re-thinking the path I want to chart with our family. I think I will be buying a hard copy and re-reading it. I love the convenience of audio but I don’t love hearing something insightful or interesting and not being able to write it down.

The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry

audio, Everand/Scribd

A fascinating book in both content and structure! Perhaps a bit gruesome and Mr. McGoozle was a bit confused and maybe concerned when our dinner conversation one evening was largely about “bog bodies” after the kids and I had started the book that day. But bog bodies are fascinating. And this book was a very interesting blend of history, writing process insight, and historical fiction. Highly recommend!

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

hardcover, library

Stubby read this one for school last term and I did not pre-read it but I did read it. I thought it was interesting and highlighted a part of history I did not know much about (especially the Mexican-American deportations in the 1930s).

Seven Days that Divide the World: The Beginning According to Genesis & Science by John Lennox

audio, Spotify, 36%

The Story of Christianity, Volume II: The Reformation to the Present Day by Justo L. Gonzalez

paperback, owned, 71%

Mystery in Crooked Creek Woods (Tree Street Kids #4) by Amanda Cleary Eastep

audio, Everand/Scribd, 13%

Listening with the kids

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody

audio, Everand/Scribd, 38%

Listening as a family