December Reflections

I read 29 books in December.

Books read and reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews

98. Unsinkable Cayenne. Jessica Vitalis. 2024. [October 29] 304 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [verse novel, historical fiction, realistic fiction, mg fiction, coming of age] 

99. All the Beautiful Things. Katrina Nannestad. 2024. [October 30] 352 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, mg historical, mg fiction, world war II] 

100. Let It Glow. Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy. 2024. 292 pages. [Source: Library] [mg fiction, winter holidays, 3 stars, friendship, family]

101. Still Sal. Kevin Henkes. 2024. 256 pages. [Source: Library] [j fiction, j realistic fiction, family, school, 5 stars] 

102. Christmas Eve love Story. Ginny Baird. 2024. 416 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [adult romance, mostly clean romance, holiday, Christmas, time loops, fantasy]

103. The Velveteen Rabbit. Margery Williams. Illustrated by William Nicholson. 1922/2014. Random House. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars] [fantasy, children's classic]

104. Quagmire Tiarello Couldn't Be Better. Mylisa Larsen. 2024. 240 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [mg fiction, realistic fiction]

105. Grenade. Alan Gratz. 2018. 270 pages. [Source: Review copy] [3 stars] [historical fiction, world war II, mg historical]

106. Little Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens. (This is a lightly adapted/abridged edition). 1843/2024. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, illustrated read aloud, classic]

107. The Long Winter (Little House #6) Laura Ingalls Wilder. 1940. 334 pages. [Source: Library]

108. The Christmas Box. Richard Paul Evans. 1993. 128 pages. [Source: Bought] [4 stars, family, Christmas, sentimental]

109. Doomsday Book. Connie Willis. 1992. Random House. 592 pages.  [Source: Book I Bought]

 

Books read and reviewed at Young Readers 

157. All at Once Upon a Time. Mara Rockliff. Illustrated by Gladys Jose. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy, picture book, humor] [5 stars]

158. Barbie in the 1960s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter books] 

159. Barbie in the 1970s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter books]

160. Barbie in the 1980s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter books]  

 161. Barbie in the 1990s. Elizabeth Andrews. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [nonfiction, early chapter book]

162. How To Draw a Brave Chicken. Ethan T. Berlin. Illustrated by Jimbo Matison. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, humor, picture book]

163. I Am Wriggly. Michael Rosen. Illustrated by Robert Starling. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book]

164. Merry Whatmas? Eoin McLaughlin. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar. 2023. 34 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book, holiday, animal fantasy, friendship]

 165. Genius in a High Chair. Rosemary Wells. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [picture book, family, learning to talk]

 

Books read and reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

57. Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Dane Ortlund. 2020. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] [3 stars] [christian nonfiction, theology, devotional]
58. The Eclipse of God: Our Nation's Disastrous Search For a More Inclusive Deity (And What We Must Do About It). Erwin W. Lutzer. 2024. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [christian living, culture, theology]
59. Daily Liturgy Devotional: 40 Days of Worship and Prayer. Douglas Sean O'Donnell. 2024. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, devotional, prayer, christian nonfiction]

60. Bible Translations for Everyone: The Guide to Finding a Bible That's Right for You. Tim Wildsmith. 2024. 192 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, christian nonfiction, books about the Bible]
61. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Barbara Robinson. 1972. HarperCollins. 128 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, children's book]
62. Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life. Paul David Tripp. 2024. 488 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, devotional, christian nonfiction]

 

Bibles read and reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible


26. King James Version. Center Column Reference. (Compact) Zondervan from circa 1977. God. 1494 pages. [Source: Bought]
27. NKJV (Verse Art) [ISBN: 9780785291589] God. 1982. 1568 pages. [Source: Bought]

 

Totals for the Year

Books Read in 2024	365
Pages Read in 2024	110354
January
Books read in January	36
Pages read in January	6875
February
Books read in February	38
Pages read in February	9731
March
Books read in March	39
Pages read in March	6730
April
Books read in April	32
Pages read in April	9367
May
Books read in May	21
Pages read in May	10246
June
Books read in June	24
Pages read in June	8253
July
Books read in July	25
Pages read in July	3980
August
Books read in August	23
Pages read in August	8603
September
Books read in September	34
Pages read in September	7874
October
Books read in October	39
Pages read in October	21829
November
Books read in November	25
Pages read in November	8506
December
Books read in December	29
Pages read in December	8360

 

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

November Reflections

In November I read twenty-five books.

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews:

91. Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret. Benjamin Stevenson. (Ernest Cunningham #3) 2024. [Source: Library] [adult fiction, adult mystery, series book] [4 stars]

92. Uglies. Scott Westerfeld. 2005. 425 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [YA dystopia, YA fiction, YA speculative fiction] 

93. Superman: The Golden Age #1 Jerry Siegel. Joe Shuster. 2016. (Comics are from June 1938 through December 1939.) 392 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [comic books; graphic novel; superheroes; action]

94. The 100 (The 100#1) Kass Morgan. 2013. 323 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, YA dystopia, YA fiction, YA romance] 

95. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (Harry Potter #7) J.K. Rowling. 2007. 759 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [YA speculative fiction]

96. Out of My Dreams (Out of My Mind #3) Sharon M. Draper. 2024. 320 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, MG Fiction, MG Realistic fiction]

97. Lifeboat 5. Susan Hood. 2024. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, verse novel, historical novel, based on true events, world war II]

Books reviewed at Young Readers

146. Mr. Santa. Jarvis. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [4 stars]

147. Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho. William Boniface. Illustrated by Julien Chung. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

148. Christmas at Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling. Illustrate by Ziya Gao. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

149. The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World. Elisa Boxer. Illustrated by Alianna Rozentsveig. 2024. 41 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction; j nonfiction] [5 stars]

150. Fox Plays Ball (I Can Read!) Corey R. Tabor. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early reader, I Can Read, series book]

151. Santa's First Christmas. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Sydney Smith. 2024. [October 22] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [picture book, Christmas, Santa]

152. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book]

153. Board book: Persuasion: A Colors Primer. Jennifer Adams. Illustrated by Alison Oliver. 2024. 22 pages. [Source: library] [3 stars] 

154. The Most Boring Book Ever. Brandon Sanderson. Illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 4 stars, unreliable narrator, read between the lines] 

155. Board book: Dog's First Christmas. Natalie Nelson. 2024. 28 pages. [Source: Library] [board book, Christmas, pets, babies] [4 stars]

156.  Santa Mouse Finds a Friend. Michael Brown. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, Christmas] [3 stars]

 Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

52. The Seaside Homecoming (On Devonshire Shores #3) Julie Klassen. 2024. 400 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars]

53. In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions Through the Psalms. Dane C. Ortlund. 2021. 416 pages. [Source: Borrowed]

54. The Coming Golden Age: 31 Ways To Be Kingdom Ready. David Jeremiah. 2024. 240 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [christian nonfiction]

55. Daily Doctrine: A One Year Guide to Systematic Theology. Kevin DeYoung. 2024. 432 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [theology]

56. Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Prayers and Petitions Through the Ages. Jonathan W. Arnold (editor) Zechariah Carter (editor). 2024. 345 pages. [Source: Library] [Prayer, devotional, christian nonfiction, history] [5 stars]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible


24. Topical Chain Study Bible. New American Standard Bible. 1977. 1983 for the Topical Chain Study features. God. Thomas Nelson publisher. 1660 pages. [Source: Bought]

25. ESV Large Print Personal Size. God. 2016 edition text, 2020 publication. 1952 pages. [Source: Bought]

 

Books Read in 2024	336
Pages Read in 2024	101994
January
Books read in January	36
Pages read in January	6875
February
Books read in February	38
Pages read in February	9731
March
Books read in March	39
Pages read in March	6730
April
Books read in April	32
Pages read in April	9367
May
Books read in May	21
Pages read in May	10246
June
Books read in June	24
Pages read in June	8253
July
Books read in July	25
Pages read in July	3980
August
Books read in August	23
Pages read in August	8603
September
Books read in September	34
Pages read in September	7874
October
Books read in October	39
Pages read in October	21829
November
Books read in November	25
Pages read in November	8506

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

October Reflections

In October, I read thirty-nine books. 

Books Reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews

76. Dogtown (A Dogtown Book #1) Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. 2023. [September] 352 pages. [Source: Library] [Animal fantasy; J Fiction; MG Fiction] [5 stars] 

77. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. J.K. Rowling. 2003. 912 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [mg fiction; mg fantasy; series book]

78. When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary. Alice Hoffman. 2024. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [mg historical fiction; mg fiction; world war II] [5 stars] 

79. The Hotel Balzaar. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Julia Sarda. 2024. [October] 160 pages. [Source: Library] [illustrated chapter book; magic realism; j fantasy] [4 stars]

80. The Dead and the Gone. Susan Beth Pfeffer. 2008. 336 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [YA dystopian; YA Science fiction; YA Fiction] 

81. We'll Prescribe You A Cat. Syou Ishida. Translated by E. Madison Shimoda. 2023. 297 pages. [Source: Library] [novellas; international fiction; adult fiction; cats] [4 stars] 

82. Classic Retellings: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens ADAPTED by Tanya Landman. 2024. 120 pages. [Source: Library] [mg fiction, ya fiction, adapted classic] [3 stars] 

83. The Phantom Patrol (Billy Boyle World War II #19) James R. Benn. 2024. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [adult historical; adult mystery; world war II]

84. What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust (Flavia de Luce #11). Alan Bradley. 2024. 298 pages. [Source: Review copy] [adult mystery; series book] [4 stars]

85. The Legend of the Last Library. Frank L. Cole. 2024. 288 pages. [Source: Library] [MG dystopia; MG post-apocalyptic; MG fiction] [3 stars] 

86. The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story of the Menendez Family and the Killings that Stunned the Nation. (Updated Edition) Robert Rand. 2024. 376 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, adult nonfiction, true crime, biography]

87. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6). J.K. Rowling. 2005. 652 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

88. The Last Dragon on Mars. Scott Reintgen. 2024. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [MG fantasy, MG science fiction] [3 stars]

89. Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop. Joshua S. Levy. 2024. 256 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Speculative Fiction; Friendship; MG Fiction] [4 stars]

90. I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24) Lauren Tarshis. 2024. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [j historical fiction, j fiction, series book]

Books Reviewed at Young Readers

131. Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever! (Pizza and Taco #8). Stephen Shaskan. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [graphic novel, early reader, series book]

132. We Are Up A Tree (The Dog and Pony Show #2) Jeff Mack. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early reader, graphic novel]

133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories (Bear and Bird #3) Jarvis. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book; animal fantasy; friendship] 

134. La La La: A Story of Hope. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Jaime Kim. 2017. Candlewick. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book, wordless picture book]

135. Good Rosie. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. 2018. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars] [graphic novel, early reader]

136. Anne Dreams. (Anne Chapter Book #6) Kallie George. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book, adapted book] 

137. Are You Small? Mo Willems. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book]

138. Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat. Li Chen. 2024. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [graphic novel; j mystery; j fiction; j friendship] 

139. ABC Learn with Me: Touch and Trace Nursery Rhymes. Editors of  Silver Dolphin Books. 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [board book] 

140. Sensory Ocean. Rose Harkness. Carlo Beranek (illustrator). 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars] [Board book]

141. Sensory Pets. Rose Harkness. Carlo Beranek (illustrator) 2024. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [Board book] 

142. My Book and Me. Linda Sue Park. Illustrated by Chris Raschka. 2024. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [picture book]

143.  The Book That Almost Rhymed. Omar Abed. Illustrated by Hatem Aly. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] [5 stars]

144. The Little Chefs: Three Stories by Rosemary Wells. 2024. [October 22] 80 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] 

145. Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine. Seth Fishman. Illustrated by Mark Fearing. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture book]

Books Reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

46. Tracing God's Story: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. Jon Nielson. 2024. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] [christian nonfiction; theology] [5 stars]

47. Strong: Psalm 1. Sally Lloyd-Jones. Illustrated by Jago. 2024. 18 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book] [4 stars]

48. Festival Days: A History of Jewish Celebrations. Chaim Raphael. 1990. 144 pages. [Source: Bought] [nonfiction] [3 stars]

49. Trekking Toward Tenacity. Chris Morris. 2024. 187 pages. [Source: Library] [parenting, mental health] [2 stars]

50. Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion. Allie Beth Stuckey. 2024. 224 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [christian nonfiction]

51. Waiting for Christmas. Lynn Austin. 2024. 288 pages. [Source: Library] [novella; christian fiction; historical fiction; holiday; Christmas; romance] [3 stars]

Bibles Reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

21. CSB Baker Illustrated Study Bible. God. 2019. 11, 411 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

22. King James Version, Center Column Reference. Nelson 4505 BG. 1120 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

23. Legacy Standard Bible, Giant Print Reference. 2023. [July] 1984 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible] [5 stars]

Totals for 2024

Books Read in 2024	311
Pages Read in 2024	93488
January
Books read in January	36
Pages read in January	6875
February
Books read in February	38
Pages read in February	9731
March
Books read in March	39
Pages read in March	6730
April
Books read in April	32
Pages read in April	9367
May
Books read in May	21
Pages read in May	10246
June
Books read in June	24
Pages read in June	8253
July
Books read in July	25
Pages read in July	3980
August
Books read in August	23
Pages read in August	8603
September
Books read in September	34
Pages read in September	7874
October
Books read in October	39
Pages read in October	21829

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

September Reflections

 In September, I read thirty-four books! I also rediscovered the joy in reading. I took the advice of friends and chose to reread some favorites to help get me going again.

Books reviewed at Becky's Book Reviews

65. Legend. (Legend #1) Marie Lu. 2011. 318 pages. [Source: Library] [YA Dystopia, YA Fiction, YA Romance] [5 Stars]

66. The Dark Skies: A WWII Thriller. Deron R. Hicks. 2024. 336 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Fiction, MG Historical Fiction, MG Mystery] [3 stars]

 67. Tig. Heather Smith. 2024. 160 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Fiction??????? MG Realistic Fiction?????] [4 stars]

68. Life As We Knew It. Susan Beth Pfeffer. 2006. 337 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Fiction, YA Fiction] [5 stars]

69. The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. Terry Pratchett. 2001. HarperCollins. 242 pages. [Source: Library] [Animal Fantasy; MG Fiction] [4 stars] 

70. Batman The Golden Age, Volume 1. Bill Finger, Gardner F. Fox, Whitney Ellsworth, et al. 2016. 411 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

71. Not Nothing. Gayle Forman. 2024. 288 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Historical Fiction] [3 stars]

72. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. J.K. Rowling. 2000. 734 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] 

73. Westfallen. Ann Brashares and Ben Brashares. 2024. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [MG speculative fiction, MG science fiction, MG dystopia, TIME TRAVEL, alternate history]

74. Pearl. Sherri L. Smith. Illustrated by Christine Norrie. 2024. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [Graphic novel, historical fiction, coming of age, world war II] [4 stars] 

75. Mouse and His Dog (Dogtown #2) Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. Illustrated by Wallace West. 2024. 336 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [animal fantasy, j fiction, illustrated chapter book]

 

Books reviewed at Young Readers

114. The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith. Dean Robbins. Illustrated by Susanna Chapman. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction picture book] [5 stars]

115. Catside Up, Catside Down. Anna Hrachovec. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, concept book] [5 stars] 

116. The Dictionary Story. Oliver Jeffers. Illustrated by Sam Winston. 2024. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book] 

117. I Really, Really Don't Like Parties. Angie Morgan. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book] 4 stars]

118. [Board book] Be More Cat. Seb Davey. 2024. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]  

119. Pizza for Pia (Ready to read level 1) Betsy Groban. Illustrated by Allison Steinfeld. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [early reader]

120. Nothing Fits a Dinosaur.  (ready to read level 1) Jonathan Fenske. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early reader, bath time]

121. Nothing Scares a Dinosaur. (Ready to read level 1). Jonathan Fenske. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, bedtime, imagination] [4 stars]

122. (Board book) Let's Put That Away: My First Book of Organizing. Clea Shearer. 2024. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

123. Board book: D is for Dogs. Greg Paprocki. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

 124. The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe. Shannon and Dean Hale. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early chapter book, illustrated chapter book, series book, fantasy]

125. You're The Pumpkin In My Pie (Board book). Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Vanessa Port. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] 

 126. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks Touch and Trace (board book). Richard Scarry. 2024. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

127. Tacos. Frank Asch. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars] [picture books]

128. Board book: Let's Eat (An All Are Welcome Book) Alexandra Penfold. Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. 2024. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

129. Board book: I Love You Berry Much! Rosamund Lloyd. Illustrated by Kat Uno. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] 

130. Roar for Reading. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

 

Books reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

42. Shepherds for Sale. Megan Basham. 2024. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian nonfiction] [4 stars]

43. Knowing God's Truth: An Introduction to Systematic Theology. Jon Nielson. 2023. 320 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars]

44. Saved by the Matchmaker. (A Shanahan Match #2) Jody Hedlund. 2024. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

45. Joni Eareckson Tada. Kristyn Getty. Illustrated by Hsulynn Pang. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book biography]

Bibles reviewed at Operation Actually Read Bible

19. New American Standard Bible (1995 text) Large Print Pew Bible. (Lockman Foundation). 1995/2005. 1267 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

20. NIV 1984, Thompson Chain Reference Bible, Large Print. God. 1984/1991. 1273 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

 

Totals for 2024

Books Read in 2024	272
Pages Read in 2024	71659
January
Books read in January	36
Pages read in January	6875
February
Books read in February	38
Pages read in February	9731
March
Books read in March	39
Pages read in March	6730
April
Books read in April	32
Pages read in April	9367
May
Books read in May	21
Pages read in May	10246
June
Books read in June	24
Pages read in June	8253
July
Books read in July	25
Pages read in July	3980
August
Books read in August	23
Pages read in August	8603
September
Books read in September	34
Pages read in September	7874

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews