The Deeper Themes I Look for When I Read

and why reading fiction lights me up

You know that satisfied feeling you get when you finish a good meal? How about the goosebumps that come when you see a cool performance? And maybe the excitement that mounts in your chest when you are about to partake in your favorite activity?

I get these feelings regularly, by reading books! Those experiences are great, but they can be hard to come by when you are home the majority of the time, teaching and caring for your children.

And that’s why I read fiction daily. To experience life fully, I want to have those satisfied, goosebumpy, excited feelings even in the midst of the daily grind. Scripture fills my soul, nonfiction feeds my mind, but good fiction opens my heart and reminds me what it is to experience being human.

These are some of the things I’m looking for when I read. (Articles before 2025 follow more of a critique layout. 2025 and beyond are more reflective.)

📚 A 4.5- or 5-star Book

Why has a book earned the privilege of getting it’s own reflection article? What has made rise above the rest? No ratings will be given here, only recommendations.

If you want to see ratings of all the books I read you can follow me on Goodreads.

🌸 Feelings Evoked or Lessons Learned

Often a book earns a top spot because it evokes emotion. If there are tears, goosebumps, gasps, sighs, humphs, or giggles, you will hear about it here!

🧠 Connections Made to Other Topics

Sometimes I come across scenes, characters, or events in a book that make an excellent example of my other interests. So you could potentially see me relate a book to Charlotte Mason living, German New Medicine, or homeopathic remedies.

🦉Who Would Like This Book

There is a reader for every book and a book for every reader. Hopefully I can help you decide if you’d like to try reading the book or not.

✒ Reflection

If I’m feeling especially on the ball, I may also suggest a journal prompt or thought question inspired by the book to get you thinking and processing your own life and experience.