Bookstack, March-April (+ Some Terrific "TWOs")
What I'm reading, watching, and listening to.
The past TWO months have been a little crazy as I finish up editing, publishing, and will soon be launching my book, Empty-Nest Joyride: Hope, Love, and Purpose on the Road to Contentment. So, with limited time for reading, I only finished TWO books!
But also, for the past TWO days, I’ve had my TWO grandkids, ages almost five and almost TWO—at times a little terrible 🤣, but mostly cute and terrific! If you’ve ever tried to write a newsletter (or read a book, or keep an orderly house, or get dressed, or go to the bathroom…) with TWO very active kids under five, you might understand why getting this letter out to you—on time—is an amazing feat! (Also, I wonder…how did I ever survive having four kids, 8 and under??)
Because I have only TWO books to share, I’ll give you a few more gems to add truth, beauty, and goodness—or at least a little entertainment—to your life.
*BookStack, vol. 8, Mar-Apr, 2025 📚
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend. I don’t think I read Huck Finn in my youth, but I remember watching the old reel-to-reel film during an assembly at school (and possibly on “Family Classics” with Frazier Thomas—IYKYK.) I wanted to read the book James, and since I knew it was based on The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn, I thought it would be good to brush up on “all things Huck.”
As a speech-language pathologist, one of the most fascinating things to me was the many different dialects of the time period (something Mark Twain took great care to study), along with their social implications. The novel itself was okay, but it was too far-fetched and long-winded for me at times. Still, it was thought-provoking to imagine how it may have entertained previous generations. Many editions are available, but if you’re listening to the audiobook, the one narrated by Norman Dietz was very well done. (Audiobook)
James (Percival Everett) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly Recommend. This book is an excellent, creative retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim (a.k.a. James), the runaway slave. Percival Everett frames a vibrant story with new plot lines, more page-turning suspense, and the heartbreaking reality of slave treatment in the South in the 1800s, just prior to the Civil War.
Again, as a speech-language pathologist, I was intrigued by the black characters’ code-switching, and thought it genius that Everett uses the dialects Twain crafted to introduce another slant on language and culture. He also touches on blacks “passing” for white and the complexity of emotions it introduces. Although the plot doesn’t line up seamlessly with the Huck Finn novel, it is far more engaging. With scenes of lynching, murder, beatings, and rape, this book is not a walk in the park (or a float down the river), but it’s far more realistic, captivating, and heartrending; allowing the reader to consider the deep wounds slavery has left on our nation. (Hardcover)
And that’s the (very short) Stack!
But wait 🖐️, there’s more!
Here are a few more gems I’ve been watching, reading, and listening to.
TWO winners to watch 📽️
Severance: My husband and I don’t often find shows we’re both into (he doesn’t watch much TV), but we were both addicted to this off-the-wall thriller. It reminds us of “Lost” with its bizarre, mysterious world. In this drama, the characters’ brains have been severed, resulting in the inability to remember their home life when at work, and to recollect their work when they are at home; a fascinating concept that brings up all kinds of questions! Streaming on Apple TV.
Conclave: If you’ve paid attention to any news lately, you know the papal conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor will begin soon (May 7th). The movie Conclave is a fictional account based on the events that take place during the conclave. We thought the movie was enlightening, very suspenseful, and touched on many themes of our fallen human nature and God’s ultimate divinity. Even though the story is fiction, it’s a good conversation starter! (Note: nominated for 8 academy awards; won Best Adapted Screenplay.) Streaming on Peacock.
TWO newsletters I subscribe to (and never skip reading!) 📝
Cathy Lawdanski writes as “The Retired Empty Nester.” Each newsletter covers what she considers the three pillars of a fulfilling midlife, i.e. Service, Learning, and Fun. She has such great ideas and links in each letter, that I always look forward to seeing what she’ll come up with next. You can get her newsletter HERE, OR subscribe and get her helpful Medical Grab and Go Folder Checklist, HERE. I love getting Cathy’s weekly updates. Who doesn’t enjoy someone who’s serious about fun?
If hospitality is your thing (or you wish it was), or you’d like to be more mission-minded for Christ, you need to read (and listen to) Sue Donaldson at Welcome Heart. Sue has a newsletter, podcast, Facebook community, and has written several books. In my mind, she’s the queen of hospitality with many neighborhood gatherings, recipes to share, and stories of God’s saving grace. Sue’s style is fun, vibrant, and full of life!
Note: I met both of these ladies at the Treasure Island retreat I attended last September. They’re as genuine in person as they are online!
TWO podcasts for minding your midlife 🎤 🎧
I’ve been listening to several empty-nest/midlife podcasts lately since I’ve been looking for podcasters willing to interview me. There are several good ones that discuss topics like caregiving (sandwich-generation style), menopause, parenting adult children, retirement repurposing, and more. I hope to eventually share them all, but for now, I’ll start with these TWO:
Sandwich Season Sanity with Ruthie Gray, is a new venture for this podcaster who just made a switch from talking about online marketing to bringing P.E.A.C.E to midlife moms. Ruthie’s Christian viewpoint, personal experience, and touch of humor are a breath of fresh air each week. As a side note, Ruthie led the Treasure Island retreat I attended in Florida last year that spurred me on to finish my book. (Thanks, Ruthie!)
Women in the Middle (Loving Life After 50) with Suzy Rosenstein, has engaging episodes on topics relevant to midlife women. Suzy is bubbly, honest, and—as a wellness coach—a wealth of inspiration for women in midlife. I am excited (and a bit nervous) that she accepted my pitch to be a guest on her show, which will happen later this month (stay tuned for details). In the meantime, if you’re a “woman in the middle,” check out this podcast!
It’s your turn! 🫵
I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading, watching, and listening to. Do you have any recommendations?
If you’ve read, watched, or listened to any of my suggestions, I’d love to hear what you thought!
Linda, these are the good old days when the grandkiddos come and our lives are turned upside down! That you found time to write a bit is awesome.