An Open Book: April 2024

The only books I finished in March were children’s books that I read to my 2-year-old, and while I considered posting a list of them as my March edition, I didn’t. Because, to be honest, I was too lazy to drum them all up and type them all out. But let me tell you, there were A LOT of Maisy books we read.

Fiction

The Enigma of Room 622 by Joel Dicker

I loved this one; it had all the ingredients of my cup of tea: mystery, romance, the Swiss alps, hotel murder. There was a part of me that hesitated reading it because of its 3.9 rating on Amazon, but I think that score is unfair. The story is gripping, and while I agree that there were unnecessary parts that could’ve made it a shorter read, I think overall it was hard to put down.

It does skip around from different time periods, but I enjoy those kinds of stories, so it didn’t bother me. By the end, I was sad that I wouldn’t get to ‘spend more time’ with the characters. I’d definitely like to read more of Joel Dicker’s books.

PS: The English version of this book is translated from French (the author’s native language).

Non-Fiction

Trusting God in the Present by Fr. Jacques Philippe

Before I received the book, I didn’t realize it was a compilation of snippets of other books Fr. Jacques has written, including Interior Freedom and a book about St. Therese.

His books never disappoint and always bring me right back to what matters. There were two concepts that rocked my world:

1. He says all trials are a trial of faith, hope, and/or love. I reflected that most of my trials are trials of faith. I lack trust in God regularly.
2. Instead of asking God why something horrible is happening, ask God how he wants you to show up in that moment. Fr. Jacques says you may never get an answer to the question “Why?” But you will always get an answer to “How can I show up? How am I being asked to grow in virtue here?”