A Well Read Life

Far From the Madding Crowd Pt. 1

I've recently re-read one of my favorite books of the last twenty years, Far From the Madding Crowd. I have to admit that I started reading it with some trepidation. Would I love it as much this time as the last? I am happy to report that I loved it as much, if not more, on this reading. Join me as I introduce part one of this sweeping, tragic romantic classic.
Bookshop.org affiliate link to today's book:
Far From the Madding Crowd

The Dean’s Watch with Whitney Boroski

If you've listened to the podcast for a while, you know that Elizabeth Goudge is one of my favorite writers. Her writing is so peaceful and calming. So, you may not be surprised that I'm featuring one of her books again on the podcast. Today I have my friend Whitney Boroski on the podcast to talk about The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge. Whitney has some beautiful insight into this rich story, and I can't wait for you to join us in our conversation.
 
Affiliate link to The Dean's Watch on Bookshop.org:
The Dean's Watch

Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy

Today I'm sharing another favorite read from 2022, Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy by Rumer Godden. Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy is the story of Lise Fanshawe, a former prostitute, Madame, and murderer. Lise enters the religious life of the Sisters of Bethany after being released from prison. Her life is a beautiful story of salvation and redemption. 
 
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Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy

The Devil’s Advocate

One of my favorite books that I read this past year was The Devil’s Advocate by Morris West. The Devil’s Advocate is the story of a dying priest sent to a rural Italian village to investigate a man for possible martyrdom and sainthood. What follows is a novel rife with mystery, intrigue, and the depths of human nature.
Find me at- awellreadlife.com
Affiliate link to Bookshop.org:
The Devil's Advocate
 

A City Of Bells

Today I’m sharing A City of Bells by Elizabeth Goudge. Set in the fictional cathedral town of Torminster. It is the story of Jocelyn Irvin, his family, friends, neighbors, and their life in this quaint English village. When you read it, prepare for cozy bookshop scenes and a meditative look at one’s vocation in life. Elizabeth Goudge is one of my favorite writers. (I have covered two of her books in previous episodes—-and I’m planning many more in the future.) She filled her works with hope and goodness that too often is missing from our contemporary literature. I hope you come to love reading her books and experience the comfort and peace found in them.
My website
A City of Bells
Sister of the Angels
Affiliate links to Bookshop.org-
Wildoak

Fall Reading Recap

Today I'm giving a behind-the-scenes peek at the books I read this fall. These are books I haven't shared on the podcast yet, but a couple of them that I will share soon in full-length episodes. This season included some of my favorite books of the year, and I can't wait to share more about them in the new year!
Books mentioned in today's episode:
The Mousewife
The Kitchen Madonna
Affiliate links to Bookshop.org:
Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy
Mouse House
The Great Divorce
The Devil's Advocate
The Genesis of Gender
 
 

Never Let Me Go with Karen Schwind

My friend Karen Schwind joins me on the podcast to talk about Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go. We both enjoyed this haunting novel immensely, and there was much to discuss with this short but rich book. I hope our conversation will inspire you to read the book, too.
Bookshop.org affiliate links to books mentioned in the episode:
Never Let Me Go
The Remains of the Day
A Gentleman in Moscow
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denosivich
August 1914
The Ambassadors
A Test of Wills
And Then There Were None
4.50 From Paddington
Gilead
Abide With Me
War and Peace
Dr. Zhivago
The Secret Keeper

Out of the Wilderness with Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence

Today I'm thrilled to have my friend Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence on the podcast to talk about her book Out of the Wilderness: My Journey to the Land Called Heaven.
Out of the Wilderness: My Journey to the Land Called Heaven
An Everday Mama Finds a Passionate Life
Living an Empowered Life Personally and Professionally
Olga's Etsy Shop
Olga's Blog

Boy by Roald Dahl

I'm wrapping up my series on Reading Like Kathleen Kelly today with Roald Dahl's memoir Boy. It is one of my all-time favorite books, and I can't wait to share it with you.
Roald Dahl Museum
Krokan Ice Cream Recipe
Affiliate links to books mentioned in the episode:
Boy
Going Solo
The Witches
Danny the Champion of the World

The Shoes Books

It's time for the next installment in The Reading Like Kathleen Kelly series. Today I'm sharing about Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. Two delightful books from the Shoes Books canon, famously mentioned in You've Got Mail. They are the perfect books to cozy up with this season. Enjoy!
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Ballet Shoes
Theater Shoes
Dancing Shoes
Skating Shoes