Lisa notes

In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.
– Mortimer J. Adler

The Stories We Make Up

It was someone else’s receipt. His name was Mr. Brewer.

He left his library receipt in the library book, Because Internet, that I had just checked out. I eagerly looked at his list.

• When you catch someone reading a book in public, do you strain to see what it is?
• Do you glance at the titles on your friend’s bookshelves?
• When fellow bloggers share their favorite books of the year, do you eagerly click the links?

I like seeing what books other people choose. I can make up personal stories when I see their reading choices. Do you do this, too?

Books on Mr. Brewer’s receipt included:

• Because Internet—Mr. Brewer is curious about life. He’s an internet user and finds it interesting to learn why people communicate the way they do online. (Maybe he’s also an Enneagram 5 like me?)
• German for Travelers—He likes to be prepared. He’s planning a trip to Germany (at least pre-coronavirus; his books were due 2/5/20). He doesn’t want to be caught by surprise in Germany, so he’s reading up on it here.
• German at a Glance—He also wants to speak the language some. Say a few words. Maybe he already speaks it a little German but needs to brush up on it.
• Easy Spanish-Step-by-Step—Mr. Brewer is certainly industrious. Maybe he’ll also journey over to Spain while he’s in Europe. Might as well learn a little Spanish, too.

There are alternate stories, of course. But this one satisfies me. I tore the receipt up.

And wondered what stories people make up about my reading choices. . . .

Here are books I recommend from May. See all my recommended books here. Draw your own conclusions about my personality by the books I favor.

Nonfiction

1. Upstream
The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen
by Dan Heath

I would rather prevent a mess before it happens than have to clean it up afterward. This book explains SO many implications this simple concept has in our daily lives.

I’ll always read Dan Heath’s books. He’s an excellent nonfiction writer who includes lots of stories and facts with such clarity like none other. This book will make my top 10 list for 2020.

Read coronavirus implications from upstream and downstream thinking here. 

2. Thinking, Fast and Slow
by Daniel Kahneman

Kahneman explains about the two ways we think: the intuitive level (he calls it System 1) and the more logical level (System 2). Understanding this about ourselves has long-lasting implications. Another top 10 book for the year.

I see this book referenced in many other books I read. Now I understand why. Even though it took me months to finish it (I read it slowly), it was worth it.

3. The Truth about Us
The Very Good News about How Very Bad We Are
by Brant Hansen

We all like to think we’re a good person, right? In a fun but serious way, this book steps on our prideful toes. It helps us understand that none of us are as good as we unrealistically think we are. But God has us covered anyway. It’s liberating. And inspiring.

I’ll be chewing on this book for a long time. And re-reading it, like I did Hansen’s Unoffendable. (Could I have finished three top 10 books for 2020 in this one month???) Full book review coming soon.

4. Braving the Wilderness
The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
by Brené Brown

I first read this book three years ago. But I finished it again this month with my book club group. It’s worth mentioning again.

It’s as relevant as ever.

As we saw the country strongly divide over politics the past few years, we’re now seeing it divide again through differing reactions to the coronavirus fallout. Brené helps us understand how to stay connected to each other in the wilderness, even when we disagree.

Reading Now

• Beartown
  by Fredrik Backman
• Because Internet
  Understanding the New Rules of Language
  by Gretchen McCulloch
• Write Better
  A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality
  by Andrew T. Le Peau
• I’ve Seen the End of You
  A Neurosurgeon’s Look at Faith, Doubt, and the Things We Think We Know
  by W. Lee Warren
• You’re a Miracle (and a Pain in the A**)
  Understanding the Hidden Forces That Make You You
  by Mike McHargue (Science Mike)
• Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire
  The Guide to Being Glorious You
  by Jen Hatmaker

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What good book are YOU reading this month? What does it say about you? Do you like looking at other people’s bookshelves? Please share in the comments.

More books I recommend