Legislative Update

by Rep. Denley Loge

My husband and I recently debated the definition of “reading,” and whether or not audio books count. I say they absolutely do. The audio book is exactly the same as the written book and requires roughly the same investment of time, the listener learns the same information as the person who uses their eyes or fingertips to read it…why wouldn’t it count? I wish I had the attention required to listen to books, but sadly, I’ll be twenty minutes in and realize I have no idea what’s happening cause I’ve been in my head. What do you think? Do audio books count as reading?

Of the 15 books I read in December, nine were four stars or better, or not books I’ve previously read this year and discussed. Here they are, in no particular order:

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is a contemporary historical fiction that’s medium-to-fast-paced, emotional, and reflective. It’s a coming of age story as told to daughters by their mother. Very clever and sweet, it has Patchett’s no-nonsense voice and unbelievably power to keep the story moving. A page turner.

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is a medium-paced historical fiction book that’s literary and informative. I thought it went a bit too long, but the amount of research that goes into her books is phenomenal. There’s so much cultural and political background that I can’t help but be impressed.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is a contemporary literary fiction that’s fast-paced, dark, funny, and tense. I was completely in love with the book until roughly 2/3 of the way through when it started to get a little ridiculous. Luckily it saved itself at the end. Highly recommend to anyone in the writing/publishing industry especially as so much of what goes on is unbelievably believable.

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck is a contemporary romance that’s hilarious, lighthearted and medium-to-fast-paced. If you love When Harry Met Sally, this is the book for you. A modern re-telling of the classic with all the sass and humor of the original and added twists and spice. If you like your romances tame, this is not the book for you.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first in a fantasy series that’s medium-to-fast-paced and adventurous. Character names you can pronounce, a world with rules that make sense, exactly the sort of fantasy books I love! I want to be a dragon rider, without all the pain and training, please. If you like dragons and war, if you like superheroines and spicy romance, this is the series for you! And the second book in the series is already out so you don’t have to wait a lifetime to read No. 2 if you love this one.

One-Sentence Journal by Chris La Tray is a collection of poems and essays by Montana’s newest Poet Laureate. The book is reflective and slow-to-medium-paced with beautiful imagery and moving prose. If you enjoy Chris’ newsletter on Substack, you’ll love this book.

The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr is a nonfiction craft book on writing memoir. It’s slow-paced but informative and reflective. A master in her field, Karr breaks down all the things writers don’t always consider when writing about themselves or the past. A wonderful primer for the memoirist.

Wildam Field Guides Western Montana by Taylor Bruce has just been updated and is a medium-paced nonfiction account of what to do and where to stay in Western Montana…sort of. It’s more a book for, by, and about Montana and the history and articles are fascinating. It’s printed in impossibly small print, but totally worth the brief amount of time it requires.

I’m currently reading:

-The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

-The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

-Holding Fire by Bryce Andrews

How about you, Whatcha Readin’? Drop me a line and let me know, or a picture of your current book pile. No matter how you read, or what you read, I wish you all the best books in 2024 and beyond.

Sunday Dutro is an avid reader and eBook convert living in Thompson Falls with her beautiful family and an enormous “to be read” pile. Reach her at [email protected] or sundaydutro.com.