Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an imaginative tale of Charles Dickens’ inspiration for A Christmas Carol, one of the most beloved stories about the meaning of Christmas. Similar to A Christmas Carol, this historical fiction novel also has themes of hope, love, generosity, and forgiveness. I found Mr. Dickens and His Carol to be the perfect book to read during the days leading up to Christmas. Continue reading
2024 Thoughtful Reading Challenge
Reading challenges are fun ways to expand the scope of what you typically read by introducing you to new authors and genres. Book Thoughts from Bed has hosted an annual book challenge for several years now, and I have enjoyed discovering books I might not have otherwise read. For example, some reading challenge gems I read in 2023 include: Continue reading
Book Review: The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard
In The River of Doubt, author Candice Millard focuses her researching and storytelling prowess on Teddy Roosevelt’s ill-conceived exploration of the Brazilian rain forest following his ego bruising, failed attempt to secure a third term as President of the United States. The story is enthralling because of its glimpse into Roosevelt’s larger than life personality as well as its details about the journey and what the men of the expedition were up against by taking on an unexplored section of the Amazon jungle. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: The Spy Coast: A Thriller by Tess Gerritsen
The Spy Coast is an engaging new thriller and the first installment in author Tess Gerritsen’s The Martini Club book series. Retired CIA operative Maggie Bird’s past catches up to her in the bucolic town of Purity, Maine long after her retirement from the agency. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to face the intrigue alone – other agents who also retired in the area relish the opportunity to give her a helping hand. Continue reading
Documenting the Magic of Reading: The Art of Keeping a Reading Journal
Reading a great book can be a magical experience that introduces you to fascinating characters and transports you to unique settings. But what about after you’ve finished the book? How do you hold onto the insights and emotions that the story evoked? That’s where book journaling comes in. Continue reading
Book Review: The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
The Hotel Nantucket is light and deeply entertaining, with just the right amount of romance, food, intrigue, interesting characters, food, and the supernatural to make it a page turner. Not just a “beach read”, The Hotel Nantucket is escapist literature that can satisfy your need to immerse yourself in something not so heavy for a while. Continue reading
6 Fun Book Club Ideas to Add More Energy to Your Meetings
Book clubs are a fantastic way to socialize while discussing one of my favorite topics – books! And there are a wide range of book club formats, ranging from serious literary discussions to casual free-for-alls, and everything in between. Continue reading
Book Discussion: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in Tolkien’s beloved Lord of the Rings fantasy novel. First published in 1954, amazing storytelling, memorable characters, epic adventures, and fantastical worlds have rightfully given The Fellowship of the Ring staying power. Continue reading
29 Top-rated World War II Novels for Fans of Historical Fiction
There’s a good reason World War II fiction is such a popular book genre. The war was a classic case of good versus evil, with both heroic and haunting moments to read and write about. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, narrated by Rich Orlow
Ordinary Grace is historical fiction at its finest. Author William Kent Krueger artfully weaves a coming of age story set against the backdrop of one eventful and tragic summer in small town America in 1961. And Rich Orlow is the perfect voice of a man looking back on that summer and describing its influence on his life. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 