All the books I’ve read this year

I’m copying a post I saw on Unlikely Words a few days ago, because I think it’s an interesting idea. I, too, read many more books in 2015 than in previous years. At the end of last year, I signed myself up for the Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge, aiming for 12 books in 2015. This also motivated me to track everything I read (excluding picture books, because I’ve read about 10 million this year alone). I’m happy to note I far exceeded that goal and read 26! I have reviewed some of these here at The Edifying Word, but many others I have not, mostly because I just started this blog this fall. The books here are in the order I read them. I’m still reading, so I may finish another one or two by the end of the yar, but here’s where I stand now. Here goes:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (READ THIS!!)

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

The Joy of the Gospel: Evangelii Gaudium by Pope Francis

Martha Washington: An American Life by Patricia Brady

Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman

At the Water’s Edge: A Novel by Sara Gruen

Africa in My Blood: An Autobiography in Letters: The Early Years by Jane Goodall and Dale Peterson

The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan

Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet Lerner

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown (another really great book)

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb (what an incredible girl! another good one)

Love and Loyalty on the Loire: A Tale of Medieval Hearts Divided by Battle Lines by Gwen Holbrook (and edited by yours truly – check it out!)

Water for Elephants: A Novel by Sara Gruen

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (probably the best book I read all year)

Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

The Private War of Corporal Henson by E. Michael Helms

The Hungry Ocean: A Swordboat Captain’s Journey by Linda Greenlaw

Days of Ragnarök: end of the gods (Volume 1) by Tyler Woods

What have you been reading? Let me know in the comments if you’ve read any of these, or if you have any suggestions for me for 2016!

Inspirational Quote: Pope Francis (I love him, remember?)

I have a good childhood friend who I don’t see very much (maybe even less than once a year), but who sends me a gift every Christmas without fail. Even though we don’t even talk often, she has a knack for sending me really meaningful gifts that touch my heart and remind me that I am loved, even from afar. This year is no different. She sent me a mug and prayer card commemorating Pope Francis’ visit to NY, a Rosary ring, and a bottle of Holy Water blessed by Cardinal Dolan (apparently the Holy Water blessed by Pope Francis sold out in a day). On the back of the mug is this quote:

“The family which experiences the joy of faith communicates it naturally. That family is the salt of the earth and the light of the world; it is the leaven of society.”

– Pope Francis, October 27th, 2013

It is a beautiful quote that conveys a message I pray my family can live out.

Thank you, Pope Francis, for your words. And thank you, Katie, for your friendship and your gifts.

Editing, Reviews, and More!

As I’m sure many of you have noticed, I have had a “services” page up for quite some time. I have, however, been making some changes to what I offer as time goes on. Most importantly, I’d like to highlight changes to my pricing:

Instead of charging a flat, $3 per page rate, The Edifying Word now charges between $1 and $3 per page, depending on the work requested.
Basic proofreading services start at $1 per page and the rates will increase as the services become more complicated.
The $3 per page rate included all services: structural, content, and copy editing, as well as proofreading.

Book review and beta reading services remain free of charge.

I’ve made a few other administrative changes that may not be obvious:

The Edifying Word has a new domain name: theedifyingword.com. (Don’t worry – theedifyingword.wordpress.com redirects here, so it will still work.)
I have a new email: kristin@theedifyingword.com. Please email me – I can’t wait to hear from you!

Also, coming soon:

I’m working on a “testimonials” page where I will share comments from clients who have been pleased with my work.
A logo for The Edifying Word is in the works. I’m so excited to be working with Meghan Calabro of 200 Spring! Check her out!

I look forward to working with all of you! Please pass along the word to anyone you think may appreciate my services.