What a ridiculous month it’s been! School ended on Friday after a whirlwind last four weeks of testing, during which I worked about 12 hours a day each day, plus more on weekends. I am truly blessed to have a job I love, but the last month wore me out. If that wasn’t hard enough, I am also moving this Thursday, so I’ve been packing and painting and otherwise stressing myself out.

I did, however, read a few books! I’m slowly working my way through Stephen King’s 11/22/63, all 849 pages, and I think I may actually finish it and read one additional book in June. But first, here’s what I read in May.

• The Secret Keeper (Kate Morton) – Kate Morton’s books are long, but this one is probably my favorite of her works that I’ve read.
• Calling Me Home (Julie Kibler) – loved this story about an interracial relationship in the 1930s
• Strong and Weak (Andy Crouch) – great commentary on leadership
• Bel Canto (Ann Patchett) – I liked this one alright, but it was a little boring for me. I didn’t connect with the characters.
• Giddy Up, Eunice (Sophie Hudson) – I am so fortunate to be on the launch team for this book.  I got an advance copy (it comes out this Tuesday) and read it in two days.  This book is so good! I laughed, I cried, was impressed with its depth, and remembered all the dear women in my own life.  Get this book!
• Still Life (Louise Penny) – I’m in a readers’ Facebook group called “SortaLiterary” and so many members have raved about this book. I did not like it.
• A Man Called Ove (Frederik Backman) – This is the best fiction I’ve read so far this year.  I love Ove (pronounced Ooo-va), the world’s most loving curmudgeon.  In my mind he looks like my grandpa.

Year total to date: 45.