It’s the last Friday of the month which means it’s time to share books that are currently illuminating my life. But, before I get to my reading stats, I want to tell you about a HUGE commitment that has me quaking in my page-turning, book-loving boots! I am not buying any books until January 1, 2025! Instead, I’m shopping from my personal bookshelves.

Before you feel sorry for my book-deprived soul, I get to pick from 77 titles! Yes, you read that right—77 books! 56 are physical copies sitting on my bookshelves and 21 are hiding in my Kindle! When I purchased these books, they were at the top of my TBR list filling me with anticipatory excitement, but instead of reading them, they’ve been keeping each other company on my shelves. It’s time for these books to get attention, too!

Here’s what I plan on reaching for first when I go on my bookshelf shopping spree:

• I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

• The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin (middle grade)

• A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko

• Barking with the Big Dogs by Natalie Babbitt

• Horse by Geraldine Brooks

If you shop from your shelves, what book would you reach for first? Let me know in the comments! I’m sure we can create a stellar TBR list that isn’t filled with the latest shiny books.

This is the first time I’ve made a public commitment to pause my book-buying, Amazon-clicking habits. I’ll report back in January! Pray for me!

Now, let’s get to my current reading stats for the past month.

Best Nonfiction

The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi. I love this book and have annotated it like crazy. This is a kind and gentle way to create space for scheduling life like a balanced human. I wish I had read this years ago. It’s a soothing balm in a world of productivity overload.

Best Middle Grade

Ferris by Kate Dicamillo. This book is a gem filled with quirky and lovable characters who moved me to tears. The theme is loss, but also new life and friendship.

Best Hybrid Book (Kids/Adults/Extended-Length Picture Book)

Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah. Born a Crime is one of my favorite memoirs so I’m a big Trevor Noah fan. This book is a sweet delight for readers of all ages, highlighting a naughty boy who is good inside, but surely puts his mama through trials and tribulations. I have a feeling this is also somewhat autobiographical.

Best Graphic Comic

I Will Judge Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider. This book is a beauty and I read it on a wonderful Sunday afternoon. It seems perfect for my current season—shopping from my bookshelf instead of buying new books. Snider is also the author of Poetry Comics which I adore.

Currently Reading

• The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich (for a book club).

• The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price (for our women’s writing and art retreat).

• The Perfectionist’s Guide to Letting Go: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler (for another book club).

Lorrie’s Little Free Library

For readers living in Palos Verdes, here are three middle-grade books that will magically appear in my Little Free Library tomorrow morning! Happy reading.

• A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga. This is brand new and getting lots of praise!

• Yours From the Tower by Sally Nicholls. This is an epistolary (letters) novel that’s perfect for older elementary girls. The cover alone is a reason to pick up this book.

• Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah. See the note above from my current reads!

Our library is conveniently located on BASSWOOD AVENUE between Silver Spur Elementary and Peninsula High School.

Light’s out. Lorrie’s out.

But before I sign off, I hope you’ll leave a comment about the books that are currently illuminating your life.