Since I've been reading a lot less this year I decided to change how I do my monthly reading lists. Some months I may still share several books that I've loved, but I also want to do some more interactive lists where I can share my thoughts as I read a new release that I am excited about and that I think you lovely ladies are excited about, too.
So follow along for updates and my thoughts as I read How To Walk Away by Katherine Center!
Update #1
Wow. Wow. WOW. This book starts off intense. I had to pause a few times in just the first 50 pages to collect myself because it was really emotionally difficult to read. I think the reason for that is because it's one of those "It could happen to anybody" types of situations. One minute Margaret is on the cusp of everything she ever dreamed of. She graduated college, is about to start a wonderful job, and just became engaged to the love of her life. Things couldn't be more perfect for her, until everything changes in one single moment. It's difficult to swallow how one single event has the power to change everything. It happens everyday. It could happen to me or you. The thought of that is terrifying. So while I can already tell that How to Walk Away is going to be an emotional rollercoaster, I cannot wait to see where the story goes. Bravo to Katherine Center for creating dialog and content that has the ability to draw out so much emotion from a reader so early on!
Update #2
Holy appreciation. This book has me appreciating every little thing. There have been a couple lines that stood out and really resonated with me. One in particular, that I won't include as to not give away any spoilers, is a situation that you and I take for granted and don't give a second thought to, but here is brave little Margaret hoping and praying for this simple little thing to "impress us all". It is incredibly humbling and breaks my heart all at once.
Update #3
I had to pace myself and not finish this book in one sitting like I was so tempted to do. This touched my heart so deeply. Katherine Center did a wonderful job creating a moving story that inspires and humbles. I think my favorite line that brought me to ugly tears came after Katherine was having a really difficult day and she really just let all her pain show "It's the trying that heals you. That's all you have to do. Just try" I think that's true of anything. You can be going through the most difficult situation of your life and usually there is nothing in particular that will fix it. It's truly the trying that heals you.
This book is about CHOOSING happiness. It's about how even when you are handed the most difficult cards in life, you can choose to make the most of it. Margaret is a likable character that I think we all strive to be like. When she is hit by tragedy, she tries to get back up. When her heart is broken, she tries to be happy anyway. When she is faced with family issues, she pushes through. When the person who is supposed to be helping her isn't exactly helping in the way she thinks she needs, she tries anyway. And we get to go along the ride for those moments when she does give up. We get to feel the struggle with her. And then in true Margaret fashion, she dusts herself off again and we get to experience that as well.
This book is about CHOOSING happiness. It's about how even when you are handed the most difficult cards in life, you can choose to make the most of it. Margaret is a likable character that I think we all strive to be like. When she is hit by tragedy, she tries to get back up. When her heart is broken, she tries to be happy anyway. When she is faced with family issues, she pushes through. When the person who is supposed to be helping her isn't exactly helping in the way she thinks she needs, she tries anyway. And we get to go along the ride for those moments when she does give up. We get to feel the struggle with her. And then in true Margaret fashion, she dusts herself off again and we get to experience that as well.
I recommend this book to absolutely everybody. There are so many wonderful things to be taken away from this story. It changes you. It makes you want to try harder. It makes you want to appreciate the little things. I think the greatest gift this book will give though, is understanding. A deeper understanding for those struggling. And we really need more of that in the world
Officially on sale today!
