Everything I Read in February

I read even less books this month than last, but you know what? I read, and I read some weighty (though helpful) stuff. Here's my list:

6) Abdi's World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun by Abdi Abidrahman—Talk about a man who loves running! Abdi Abidrahman had run in five Olympics as of the writing of this book. As of 2/3/24, he had lined up for a sixth trials. Wow! A Somalian refugee who came to Tucson at age 16, Abidrahman, or “The Black Cactus,” as he likes to call himself, is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to training, and to life. He doesn't keep a training log. He is humble—respectful, and even complimentary of competitors. He is big into fashion. He is Muslim, but speaks little of the details of his faith, even in the book, and as of right now, is partnered with, but not married to feller runner Diane Nukuri. He is also a bit of a fashion person. The book is not about much of that, but rather Abdi's joy in and life as a runner. With clips from interviews and a few photos, this is really just a fun, joyful read. The sage advice Abidrahman gives about keeping healthy, though, stands out, especially in light of those who had to pull out of the 2024 Olympic Trials due to injury. Abidrahman knows what it takes to stand the test of time as a runner, and that is how he has, and continues to make a life of running.

7) Surprised by Motherhood: Everything I Never Expected About Being a Mom by Lisa-Jo Baker—This was a relatively short and easy read, a memoir detailing the author's decision not to have children due to childhood wounds, and later decision to have, and even embrace children. With a style similar to that of Ann Voskamp, the writing is soothing (though less verbose). The lessons the author shares about grief and marriage and parenting are poignant. The story is obviously not over, and the author has written other books (none of which I have read). The refreshing nature of this book does make me wonder what the rest of her memoirs are like. Maybe a surprise for another time?

8) Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen—Another solid book by author Jennie Allen, this explores how thinking one thought—the ability to change thought, can change the whole negative thought spiral. Allen bravely shares about her own struggles with negative thinking and how focusing on Christ and things of Christ bring freedom. With integration of neuroscience and neurobiology with Scripture, this is both an interesting, and convicting read. It might be a lot about the head, but it's also about the heart, and having a heart aligned with Jesus about all else.

9) Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness [Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included] by Pooja Lakshmin, MD—This is not a Christian book, and it definitely has some social justice/self-focus themes I cannot endorse. With that being said, it is a very helpful book for considering what is needed to nourish self in order to nourish others. Written by a female psychiatrist and for women, this book explores the societal pressures placed on women, the paradoxes of trying to be “good” at work and home, faux versus real-self care, and more. The book contains helpful exercises for values work, as well as some ACT and DBT coping skills. This book gave me a lot of food for thought and I would recommend it to women who are able to tolerate some things they may not include or endorse for their own self-care.

10) Beyond Basketball: Coach K’s Keywords for Success by Mike Krzyzewski with Jamie K. Spatola—West Point graduation and former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) shares in this book words that mean something to him. He accompanies each with anecdotes from him life and coaching. Less cohesive than a book, this is best rest bit by bit, rather than all at once. With a focus on character, this would be a great book to read from before sports team practices or other like gatherings.

11) Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski by Ian O’Connor—A tome of a book, this biography chronicles Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s life from his birth to immigrant parents to his last NCAA finals game. Raised a Duke fan and in awe of “Coach K’s” reign, I wanted to read this book to learn more about the inspirational leader. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to find loads of profanity, often in quotes from the man himself, along with accounts of rage that included breaking things, struggles to apologize, inability to accept criticism, and at times, being a sore loser. Coach K did have a 47 year college career at Duke, coaching though back surgery, a breakdown, and the replacement of both hips and knees. He had a reputation of being honest in the recruiting process. Many noted his gifts of collaboration and leadership. He really did love a lot of people, especially his family, who played primary roles on his home team for all his years as a coach. In sum, Coach K is a man, a man whose humanity this book reveals. Though a professing Catholic, this book, in all its thoroughness, doesn’t point to true saving faith, and so that is my prayer after reading this book: that the great Coach K will come to salvation through Jesus so that he may one day live under the great reign of the eternal God.