This month I took in a mix of fiction and nonfiction, discovering some classics and rereading some of my old favorites while delving into topics from poetry to Christianity to psychology. The mythic currents that flow between are always of interest to me. And as current events become more and more dire, I need to find some meaning in all the hellish events that are confronting us. The underworld is rising up, but it helps me to remember there are guides who have been through this phenomenon and can help us to navigate it.
What’s giving your life meaning this month?
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Reviews
- Frances Hodgson Burnett is well known for her children’s books, but The Shuttle, one of her adult novels, is also worth a read.
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is an essential text in light of today’s racial tensions, and what they reveal about our human struggle.
Other Books Read
A Primer for Poets and Readers of Poetry by Gregory Orr- The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer – reread
- He, She and We by Robert A.. Johnson
- Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis – Reread
- The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald – Reread
- Sources of Christianity by Bastiaan Baan, Christine Gruwez, and John Van Schaik
- Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones – Reread
- Living Your Unlived Life by Robert A. Johnson and Jerry M. Ruhl
- Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu – Review to come
- The Kingdom Within by John A. Sanford
Other Features and Events
- I reviewed my classic reading progress in Classics Club Year Four.
- I also participated in the Classics Club meme, featuring Jean from Howling Frog Books.
- I asked How do you get rid of books?
Shared in the Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer, the Month in Review linkup at The Book Date, and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 
You look like you’ve read some great books. Hope your next read is a good one too!
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Thanks Jenea. It has been a good reading month.
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Looking forward to your thoughts on Uncle Silas, what a story that was!
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It was quite something!
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Hi,
Great reading month. I’ll be checking out your
titles. Have a great day!
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Thanks Sherrie, you too! Happy summer reading…
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It looks like you read an interesting mix of stuff. I hope you have a good July!
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Yes, it was an interesting mix – now to decide what to take along on vacation. Have a great month.
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You did fantastic! Happy July!
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Thanks Freda, I wish you a good month as well.
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I enjoyed seeing your list of all you read in June. I recently came away from a book sale with Till We Have Faces and am looking forward to it as I haven’t read a lot of C.S. Lewis’ work. I understand what you mean about hellish events. I continue to struggle with finding a balance with what’s happening and how much I want to be informed. I hope that you have a great vacation and that July is a great month for you!
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Ooh, I really hope you like it. It’s my favorite book by him.
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I love that you did so much rereading this month. It makes me want to think about having a month where I focus on rereading. I think I’ll do that! Hope July is good and the world settles a litttle.
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I love rereading – it’s so reassuring in perilous times.
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I really loved The Blue Flower. One of those short books that packs in so much, I am in awe of writers that can do that (and I still remember the Bernhardt which makes me smile!)
I am also keen to hear what you think about Uncle SIlas. I read it a few years ago. Super gothic, right?
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Ultra gothic! I admit to being somewhat puzzled about the central crime, but will have to post in a way to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t read it.
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Woah, “What’s giving your life meaning this month?” That’s a great question! I feel like I’ve been too busy recently to sit back and enjoy the ride. I know I need to off load some things so I have time to do the things I want to do. I think I’m going to start asking myself that question to stay on track!
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The busy-ness of our daily lives can be an obstacle to finding meaning, when there’s no time to even think about it. I hope you can do some helpful off-loading.
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Lory, you’ve been doing lots and lots of reading! In June, I also read a Christian non-fiction, Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey for my church’s June book club meeting. Happy reading in July! 🙂
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A bunch of these were books I’d been reading for a long time and finally finished … and some others were very short. But I feel a sense of accomplishment anyway. Enjoy your summer reading!
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Looks like we have some similar tastes in books; I am enjoying exploring your site! Invisible Man is essential – agreed! I need to look into this Classics Club… sounds like something I would be into!
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I’m glad you agree about Invisible Man. I can’t believe it took me so long to read it, but this was the right time.
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Great mix of genres this month. I researched more about the end of time based on the Bible and what it means because of all the terror and natural disasters seemingly happening more and more. I feel I have a better understanding now. I might check out some of your nonfiction books. I haven’t read a classic since school.
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We do seem to be living in an apocalyptic time, which to me means we need to open our eyes to what has been all there all along, but hidden from conscious awareness. We have to step up to a new level of responsibility and co-creation within the natural and social worlds, and it’s not easy. I’m glad there are wise people and books to help me negotiate these challenges.
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The primer poetry book looks really interesting. I used to write poetry when I was younger but haven’t done it in years. Might have to try my hand at it again!
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I recommend the book – it has some very interesting exercises, and is not at all stuffy or pretentious. Enlightening for readers, as well as writers of poetry.
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