August’s Books in 25 Words.

Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness (Hardcover) – Ingrid Fetell Lee

Energy, Abundance, Freedom, Harmony, Play, Surprise, Transcendence, Magic, Celebration and Renewal. An intriguing book, but the detail was a bit of a slog in parts.

Growing Up Aboriginal In Australia – Anita Heiss (ed)

Thanks to the brave contributors who shared their stories, showcasing diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives. Heart-breaking but hopeful, this is essential reading for all Australians.

The Hazel Wood – Melissa Albert

The dark and macabre stories of her grandmother’s Hinterland stories start to bleed into Alice’s real world. Surprising twists and turns I didn’t see coming.

Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone – James Martin, S.J.

Helpful insights on connecting with God with a variety of prayers. Includes chapters on hearing from God and dealing with roadblocks in our prayer life.

The Life We’re Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World – Andy Crouch

Reliance on technology can cause other vital parts of ourselves to atrophy if we’re not careful to nourish and honour our humanity, vulnerabilities and all.

Homecoming – Yaa Gyasi

Two estranged sisters and their respective lineages, traced through the generations in Africa and America. Interesting structure, narrative that is heartbreaking and uplifting by turns.

Roar: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life – Stacy T. Sims and Selene Yeager

“Women are not small men.” Lots to think about in terms of smart training, fuelling and recovery to offset the hormonal fluctuations experienced by women.

The Night Country (The Hazel Wood, #2) – Melissa Albert 

Another dark and engrossing tale of Alice and the “stories.” Finch’s story seemed compressed. I would have liked more of his experience. Ending seemed rushed.