Life Lessons for the Overachiever I Never Was: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IX

 

WHAT I LEARNED WHEN I ALMOST DIED: How a Maniac TV Producer Put Down His Blackberry and Started to Live His Life
Chris Licht

"Chris Licht had always been ambitious. When he was only nine years old, he tracked down an NBC correspondent while on vacation to solicit advice for a career in television. By the time he was thirty-five, he landed his dream job: a fast-paced, demanding spot at the helm of MSNBC's Morning Joe  -  one of the most popular shows on cable TV. He felt invincible. Then one day Chris heard a pop in his head, followed by a whoosh of blood and crippling pain . . . .

Another one of those "4 for a Dollar" library finds, this one seemed like it might have some significant life lessons that I could learn vicariously, and yes, I guess it did. The majority of the book told Licht's story, and it was an interesting read. The "lessons learned" mostly resided in the last couple chapters, and they were significant for the author's Type-A personality and driven nature. For me...I was pretty much already there just because of my temperament and upbringing. It feels noteworthy that Licht was encouraged by a friend to write the book before he even had a sense of having learned anything through his experience: He even came up with the title at that lunch, knowing fully that I didn't yet have the answer to the question. Still, it was a worthwhile read. 4 out of 5 stars.

First Line: Lately, if I happen to be looking through my address book for a phone number, I'm apt to stop when I come across the name of someone I haven't been in touch with for a while.

Page 56 / Line 5: Cerebral aneurysms are balloonlike bulges in the walls of arteries, which are the high-pressure freeways that deliver blood from the heart throughout the body, as opposed to veins, which return blood to the heart at lower pressure.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: To sit passively and bemoan bad luck solves nothing.

Last Line: What a great evening.

One Surprise After Another: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VIII

 

JACK & JILL
James Patterson

"In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed in his Georgetown pied-a-terre. The police turn up only one clue: a mysterious rhyme signed 'Jack and Jill' promising that this is just the beginning. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. homicide detective Alex Cross is called to a murder scene only blocks from his house, far from the corridors of power where he spends his days. The victim: a beautiful little girl, savagely beaten  -  and deposited in front of the elementary school Cross's son attends.

"Could there be a connection between the two murders?"

My answer to this question? Well, duh. But then I read the book and  -  spoiler alert  -  the only connection is that Alex Cross worked both of them. I will say that my well-of-course response wasn't the last time my plot expectations were wrong. Patterson knows how to write a twisty tale, to be sure. I especially appreciate that the longest chapters were still only 4 or 5 pages. Even if several chapters in a row were part of the same "scene", he breaks everything down into digestible beats. Probably what made it so easy to turn the first two Alex Cross thrillers into movies. Fair Warning: There seemed to be a bit more R-rated language in this third installment, but at least it was character-driven and believable...not just for the sake of making it "grittier."

First Line: Sam Harrison swung his agile body out of the silver blue Ford Aerostar, which he had parked on Q Street in the Georgetown section of Washington.

Page 56 / Line 5: I kept seeing her brutalized face.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Always appear to belong, to fit in, and soon you will .

Last Line: Until next time.

Surprise Treat on the Title Page: This library find was autographed by the author!

"For Penny-- Hope this keeps you guessing, J Patterson"

Hey, Dewey, What'd You Read for Lent?: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VII

 

HEAR THE SAVIOR: Readings for Lent and Easter Based on the Words of Jesus
Kristin Saatzer

"Famous last words are important as they draw our attention to the heart and soul of the speaker. What could be more important at Easter than being drawn into the heart of Jesus through his own words? In this devotional journey to Calvary, you will prepare your heart for Easter by examining the last words of Jesus, as well as his first recorded words in ministry, and crucial ones in between."

I bought this while attending The Well Conference for Christian Creatives last year and have been looking forward to February 18, 2026, through Easter ever since. Saatzer doesn't only focus on the final words of Jesus (i.e., the sayings spoken from the cross), but several key phrases from throughout his earthly ministry. There's a page or so of personal commentary, a quotable quote relevant to her take on what Jesus said, and a couple questions or further Scriptures to think/journal about. Not a bad way to walk through the 40 days leading to Easter at all.

I admit to having a personal shortcoming when it comes to reading plans like this. I seldom slow down and savor any of the thoughts presented. I squeeze in the day's reading so I can feel like I lived up to a commitment. That is solely MY fault, and I am a lesser man for treating this book that way.

First Line: I began the year 2020 with plans to start and finish my second book.

Page 56 / Line 5: One that required a Savior.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: But the unpredictable Savior did not play the brutish game of bigotry.

Last Line: I thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit living in me and that You will be with me always.