Disclosure: I received these books to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions about what to read are mine.

I’m really glad I had the chance to read The Hutterite Diaries. My only knowledge of the Hutterite community comes from the show that used to play on National Geographic. On the show, the Hutterites displayed little spiritual conviction; most of their actions were influenced by fear of retribution from “the elders” or whatever religious leaders they followed. In contrast, The Hutterite Diaries show a true sense of communal living, where members care for, and deeply love, each other. Contrary to the TV show’s claim that Hutterites discourage education, the Canadian author (Linda Maendel) was well-educated, having traveled twice to study abroad. She mentioned Skyping, modern farming equipment, and cell phones. It’s clear that the Hutterites are comfortable living with, and using, technology when it suits. The chapters felt somewhat disjointed, because there was no rhyme or reason to segue into the next topic. Still, the author’s writing flows with gracefulness. The photos included in each chapter helped to connect the text to the mental image. The Hutterite Diaries is worth a read on a warm summer day!

The Art of Losing Yourself is a hard book to read, due to the wide-open emotional wounds that Carmen bears. Outwardly, she seems to have it all, as the successful face on a Florida news show. She has a great husband, nice house, and seemingly perfect life. What lies beneath all of that? A woman teetering on the edge of a severe breakdown. When Carmen’s previous life comes crashing down around her ears, she doesn’t handle it very well. Although our lives are different, I deeply related to Carmen. My brother was left with my alcoholic father while I was in college, and I felt powerless to help him out of one bad situation after another. There were times I considered having him live with me, but didn’t feel prepared to take care of an at-risk teen when I was so young myself.  Those feelings of guilt and failure made a harsh comeback as I read The Art of Losing Yourself.  I’d like to say that the book wraps things up in a nice, neat bow, but it doesn’t. Be prepared for some stomach lurches and non-closure.  It’s an excellent read, though, and well worth the time.

So, today is my 40th birthday. My BFF and college roommate just called me a few minutes ago to wish me a happy day; she asked what we’re doing to celebrate. I had to laugh a little when I explained all the things we’ve done today (go to the library, eat at Chick Fil A, and swim) because they were all things to entertain my kids. Then tonight, we might squeeze in a quick dinner before my son’s tee-ball game. She and I had a good chuckle as we commiserated – things just change when kids come along. Sarah Parshall Perry, author of Sand in My Sandwich: And Other Motherhood Messes I’m Learning to Love, gets that.  She has a friendly, upbeat tone to her writing, despite the fact that she juggles a seriously tough career, pretty heavy-handed home life, and somehow writes books on the side.  Two of her sons are on the Autism Spectrum, so life gets pretty rocky at times.  I’ve only worked with ASD kids at school, but I can understand how difficult and exhausting it must be to deal with it on a daily basis as a parent. Some parts of her book are hilarious, even if I do have tears of compassion misting my eyes while I read them. If Sarah lived next door, she and I would be the best of friends. When we could find the time to talk and be friends, of course.