5.  The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson

I loved this book.  Set in eastern Kentucky, it combines two interesting items in the history of the region.  If you love the power of books and feel compassion, this is a book to read. It goes a little too Jane Austen at the end for me, I wanted the protagonist to take the teacher's spot. Also, the fat equals bad implication hurts my feelings; it's not unlike some of the other prejudices the book addresses.

I ran across the title when researching my eastern Kentucky ancestors. My direct ancestors left that area eighty years earlier than this story was set, before the coal industry exploited the area so much.  This story describes the setting and gives insight into how people interact, any time or place.

4.  I read a book by a person I am acquainted with.  I don't want to review it here, just want to remind myself. 

2020

I liked keeping track of the books I read in 2018.  Then last year I quit in the spring.  I think I will keep a 2020 list here.

1.  The first book I read this calendar year is Girl with a Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier. It was on the bookshelf I want to empty and then get rid of. I bought it at the used bookstore a while back when a friend and I said we were going to read some art history based fiction. At first I didn't give it enough credit.  I sometimes avoid historical fiction that makes up stuff about actual people. It is good, though, in my opinion, just don't think it is much about the actual Vermeer or this girl. The coming of age feelings, the relationships between especially the women, and the way people feel about their financial spots are all so delicately treated. It left me thinking. I just watched the movie.  It is visually beautiful. All the acting is good, and Essie Davis (my favorite, Miss Fisher!) brings Catherine's feelings out very well.  I think watching the movie after reading the book is the way to go, though. Otherwise, you would miss some things.  Besides, the ending in the book is better.

2.  Breasts: The Owner's Manual by Dr. Kristi Funk was my second read.  Someone dear to me is dealing with chemo and told me about it, and I checked it out of the library.  It is more entertaining and easy reading than I would have thought. Despite the scary topic, she is positive and even funny. There are dozens of risk factors for BC, some preventable and some not.  I am going to try to take her advice on healthy eating and exercise to heart. The very end of the book has some details I skimmed over; that is more for someone diagnosed.  I would recommend this book to almost anyone, especially women.

3.  While I was at the library, I checked out Peter Walsh's Enough Already! Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You. He is another positive character.  I thought it was worth reading.  I wouldn't sort the categories of my life quite the same as he suggests, but that's fine.