February Reading Recap

I want to start a monthly book recap of the books I have read the previous month, something short and sweet to discuss the wonderful world of books and to give a little rest from the chaos of the world. So far this year I have read 15 books and they have all been incredible in their own way. I am starting this a little late and bypassing January but I will list my favorites from the month of January. I hope you enjoy this little break for the normal and discover new books to read.

February Recap:

Book 1: The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab

A phenomenal book and now on my top favorite books. This story follows the life of a young girl that makes a fateful deal for immortality to escape the life she was destined to live and the wish granted turns out to be a curse of sorts where she is forgotten by everyone. You follow along this journey with Addie through her life, discovering herself, struggling with life and existing. It was beautifully written and incredibly inspiring to be grateful for the moments in life we have that are not forgotten and people that we get to grasp and hold onto. Just amazing!

*****5 stars

Book 2: Death Valley by Melissa Broder

Unique story that I was not expecting. This story follows a writer looking for inspiration in the desert while her father is sick, fighting for his life and her spouse suffers from an illness. She is faced with a challenge to escape death and her delicate psyche. It was an interesting story of a woman feeling emptiness and navigating her emotions. I enjoyed the difference in this novel that I don't typically see in others.

****3.5 stars

Book 3: The Witching Tide by Margaret Meyer

Loved, absolutely loved this book. This book follows Martha, the village midwife, a mute herbal healer. It is placed in the 17th century in a village, a witchfinder arrives starting a stir of panic. It is a beautiful story of women, sticking together, staying strong through the trials and persecutions. Very impactful and enlightening to what it was like to be a woman in those times, being accused for simply being female. I was enthralled with Martha's character and her strength.

*****5 stars 

Book 4: Nature Spirits and Elemental Beings by Marko Pogacnik

One of my new favorite spiritual books. This book talks about the spirits and beings in nature and their role in the world. The author does a fantastic job at describing these beings and provides sketches as well for how he interpreted them. It is full of information and provides a guide and pathway to learn to communicate and connect with these nature beings ourselves. I thoroughly enjoy this book and all the knowledge within it.

*****5 stars

Book 5: Plant Spirit Medicine by Eliot Cowan

Another fantastic book on the healing power of plants. This book follows Eliot on his journey of discovering ways to communicate with nature spirits in order to harness their healing abilities. It is filled with stories of his healing journey and his work in helping heal others. It is a guide to learn how plant spirits can directly communicate with us and help us. There are interviews with people from different cultures and tribes that share their own unique way of using the same plant healing power in a different way. Very unique and inspiring to connect with nature around us.

*****5 stars

Book 6: The Holistic Way by John C Scott

This was a really short read and a refresher on living a balanced and mindful lifestyle. It was a guide to living more mindful and healthy in harmony with nature. Filled with simple ways to practice a more holistic lifestyle. This is a good book for those that are wanting to start a more holistic lifestyle or for those that already live a more natural way to provide a bit of a refresher.

****4 stars

Book 7: The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace

A lovely poetry book that is about a princess that becomes her own savior. It is laid out to depict the resilience of women and how we learn from the pain and suffering. Beautiful poetry.

****4 stars

Book 8: Earth Power by Scott Cunningham

This was a reread for me and proved to be one of my favorites again. This book is all about the magic in nature. It is filled with information on each element and methods to connect and use the energy in nature to help bring positive change into our lives. Such a great read.

*****5 stars

Book 9: Earth, Air, Fire and Water by Scott Cunningham

This book is a continuation of Earth Power, provided more information and methods to connect and use natures energy. It had more insights and information to expand on topics and elements presented in the first book. I enjoyed this book as well but the first one is my favorite. You can read them separately, together or out of order.

****4 stars

February was a good reading month and filled with many nature based books that just spoke to my spirit and made me feel more connected to the earth around me. A few books in January that I have to mention that became my all-time favorite books.

January

Book 1: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Absolutely amazing! This book was just incredible and one of my favorites now. It follows a housemaid during 1666 when the plague hits her village. This story is about self-discovery, navigating challenging times and loss, avoiding persecution and aiding the sick with medicinal knowledge. It was everything I would want in a book, just loved it! It was so incredible written and provided an ability to deeply connect with the main characters. It was inspiring, sad, nerve wracking and mystical.

*****5 stars

Book 2: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

Another phenomenal book that made its way to my top favorites list. This story follows this girl, Esme, through her life as a child growing up with her dad working with others to write the Oxford Dictionary. Her world is surrounded by words and their meanings. She becomes obsessed with words, learning them and collecting a few for herself. As she gets older she discovers some words are being misplaced or discarded and she begins to stow them away. As a young woman, she doesn't want the life expected of women in those days and she sets on her own path. This story is so incredible and I think about it constantly since reading it. So inspiring, encouraging and moving! Absolutely adored this book!

*****5 stars

I hope you find one or more book that speaks to you and encourages you to read. I highly recommend the nature based books and my 5 star rated books. Happy reading, with all my love and light.

(Also I have a Youtube video up on this post on my channel @Earthingup)