Dracula

Dracula, by Bram Stoker

5/60 | Started 12.23.25 • Finished 01.21.26 | 3.75 stars

It's possible that I'm not cut out for classics... or maybe just not gothic literature? I picked this up by recommendation from a new reader friend and it wasn't really what I was expecting. I did enjoy the way the novel is arranged around journal/diary entries by the various characters. I guess I just feel like it was super slow-moving until the final scene, when everything happens lightning quick. The story centers around the enigmatic figure of Dracula and his interactions with Jonathan Harker and two women, Lucy and Mina. It takes Lucy's tragic death for Dr. Van Helsing to discover that there is a vampire at work. He then bands together with Jonathan, Mina (now married to Jonathan), Dr. Seward, Quincy Morris, and Lord Goddalming to root out Dracula and put an end to his evil ways. Dr. Van Helsing is clearly THE hero, though all of the other characters are heroic and brave in their own right. I'm sure this one is more accessible than some of the other classics out there language wise, so maybe if you're looking for one you can manage, this would be an option.

Black Beauty

Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell (abridged by Lisa Church)

5 stars

"This book is about a horse named Black Beauty who has many different owners. Some treat him kindly and others treat him poorly. One man who treated him poorly, didn't care when one of Black Beauty's horseshoes was loose when they were going down a rocky path. It flew off but the man didn't care. That led to his hoof being cut. One of the owners who treated him kindly was Jerry, who gave him the right amount of food and didn't overwork him. At the end, Black Beauty goes back to an old home and is treated kindly all over again, staying there for the rest of his life. That was my favorite part."

Carolyn, age 8

Advent for Exiles

Advent for Exiles, by Caroline Cobb

4/60 | Started 12.01.25 • Finished 01.20.26 | 5 stars

This first-time offering from Caroline Cobb for advent really hit the spot for me. So much so that when Christmas came and I was behind, I just kept reading until I was done rather than putting it off to try again next year. Cobb focuses on our unnatural separation from God as a result of the fall, and how that exile is partially redeemed through the coming of the Son at the first advent - ultimately at his second. I appreciate her knowledge of the meta-narrative of scripture, and how it's all pointing forward to the hope of the gospel. She approached the topic of exile with compassion and even with a sense of urgency, both for the gospel to bring hope and for the Lord to come again! Each reading was accompanied by lyrics from one of her songs, some scripture to read, and followed up with some kind of application or exercise. Readings were not over-extended and I found each day's entry to be fresh, though all are connected by the theme of exile.