February is a short and often gloomy month, so it felt appropriate to read Great Expectations for the first time. It’s a long coming-of-age story, full of Dickensian characters and coincidences.

In the afterglow of reading a really good book, I tend to search for related podcast discussions and non-snooty book reviews. This episode of the Backlisted podcast provides a humorous yet sincere discussion of Great Expectations, Mr. Dickens, and even some sad, sad attempts at musical-theater adaptations.

Meanwhile, here are this month’s books:

Week 1: What Unites Us by Dan Rather

Dan Rather’s been around forever. Just about, anyway.

In this book, he brings together stories from his childhood, early adult years, and on through to present times to drive home his point that even when times feel bleak, chances are very good we’ll pull through and be the better because of it.

His decades of travel as a journalist give his tales a remarkable Forrest Gumpian feel.

Mr. Rather, by the way, is a hoot on Twitter. It’s nice to see this “old timer” take to it so naturally.

Week 2: A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

This is a particularly good book to read during a pandemic. It’s a compact, non-preachy advice book.

The author lost her mom at a tender age. Anna was just 19 and realized quickly that none of us has a moment to waste in this life’s journey.

Packed with beautiful photographs, this book only has about 50 pages of text. It’s a simple guide written to remind us all how beautiful life truly is.

Week 3: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

When I told Dad of my plan to read the Folio Society edition of Great Expectations he’d gifted me, he shared something I didn’t know.

“Mom’s grandfather had named her favorite uncle ‘Pip’ after the main character in Great Expectations.”

It’s nice to know that both sides of our family have, for generations, enjoyed Charles Dickens. He was Dad’s father’s favorite author, too.

Just last weekend, Great Expectations was trending on Twitter. It was mentioned by many as their favorite – and least favorite – book that was required reading in high school. Some of those who placed it in the “favorite” column mentioned reading it multiple times and liking it more with each read.

One great suggestion from the aforementioned Backlisted podcast is to read the book slowly, following the calendar of the original release. Great Expectations was serialized in Dickens’ weekly All the Year Round periodical, starting on December 1, 1860, with the final chapters running in August of the next year. Someday, maybe when I’m as old as Miss Havisham, I’ll have to give that a try.

Week 4: The Ditchdigger’s Daughters by Yvonne Thornton, MD

This is a memoir well worth reading for so many reasons. Perhaps I’ve got “too much brudders,” but this ditchdigger father had “too much daughters,” and was determined to raise them right.

The middle of five daughters, Yvonne, tells her story of growing up in the 1950s and ’60s in a mostly white neighborhood in New Jersey.

She doesn’t sugar-coat her life’s story, but outlines the amazing success the family had as the Thornton Sisters performing group and, at the same time, studying to be doctors. She also describes how the family suffered through money struggles and never lost their determination to break prejudicial barriers.

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As we move on to March, it’s time to learn more about my Irish ancestry.

Might even have to read something by this witty fellow:

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