100 Books: 5 Books Which Jumped Out

Out of 100 books read, here are five that jumped out and stuck with me — and why.

The Fellowship of the Ring. I’ve reread this one annually since 2002. I have a real appreciation for Meriadoc Brandybuck as an undervalued leader — his preparation to help Frodo and the other hobbits leave the Shire demonstrates valuable leadership qualities centered on caring for your team and being prepared.

Radical Inclusion by David Moinina Sengeh. This one prompted reflection on how fear drives so many of our actions, and the difficulty of stepping beyond comfortable positions.

The Iris Woodmore Mystery series. Accessible entertainment that still explored substantive historical themes — suffrage, trauma, reproductive rights, and healthcare in 1920s England.

The Surgeon’s Daughter and The Girl in His Shadow by Nora Beady. These extended my reading boundaries through historical fiction addressing the evolution of medical procedures and women’s professional participation in medicine.

And I have to acknowledge Agatha Christie’s extensive bibliography — I appreciate both the historical perspective (including the racism that existed at the time) and the consistent entertainment her mysteries provide on a leisurely walk.