I completed my reading challenge – a goal to read 10 books this year. Yay! But, of course that doesn’t mean I’m going put all the books aside for the rest of the year. Reading has really helped me reduce my screen time, allowing me to “escape” into a story instead of mindlessly scrolling. Below are the books I read in April and May.
CAGED LION
Author: John Howard Steel
My Rating: 4 stars
Synopsis…
Part biography, part history, and part memoir, Caged Lion untangles for the first time Joseph Pilates’s opaque life story and the perilous journey of his exercise program known the world over as Pilates.
This is the story of Joseph Pilates, a gifted man who immigrated to the United States at forty-three with no assets or credentials. He not only invented an exercise regimen – which today is practiced by more than ten million people – but in the process, reinvented himself.
via Amazon
My thoughts…
I’ve become a fan of Pilates over the past few years. There is something about the practice that is all encompassing and almost a form of meditation for me. From the movements to the breath work, it’s more than just an exercise. I also love how I feel afterwards. I’ve always struggled with posture and Pilates has helped me stand taller and feel more aligned in my body.
I came across this book after Robin from @thebalancedlife mentioned it on her podcast. What an interesting read. As I’ve mentioned before, I like reading about people’s lives and this was no exception. Joseph Pilates was an interesting man with an even more interesting, and mysterious, background. This book is told from one of Joseph’s former students, where he describes how he met Joseph, where Pilates went after he died, and the impact the practice had on his own life.
GLORY ROAD
Author: Lauren K. Denton
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Synopsis…
At thirty-eight, garden shop owner Jessie McBride thinks her chances for romance are years behind her and, after her failed marriage, she’s fine with that. She lives contentedly with her fiery mother and her quiet, headstrong daughter. But the unexpected arrival of two men on Glory Road make her question if she’s really happy with the status quo.
via Amazon
My thoughts…
A comfort book set in the South. It gave me a bit of Hope Floats vibes with the story revolving around three generations of women. Also, a touch of Sweet Home Alabama as it relates to the love interests. A predictable story, but I enjoyed it none the less. I’d be interested in picking up another one of Denton’s books when I’m looking for a breezy, feel-good read.
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