Each month around here, I tell you all the books I have been reading. Why? Because choosing books to read can be hard and everyone needs a little book inspiration from time to time.
I love to read. Books are my thing. We read a lot around our house. We talk about books. We listen to books. We read books and then watch movies. I am a big believer that loving good books is contagious. All you need some really good inspiration.
You can catch up on favorite book posts here.
I challenge myself to read a certain number of books each year. I try to mix it up between fiction and nonfiction. Up until a few years ago, I never read fiction. In 2010, I challenged myself to read 10 fiction books in one year. After that year, I was hooked. Fiction is now a regular part of my reading rotation.
I am linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy. If you looking for some more book inspiration, head over here! On to the report!
BEHOLD THE DREAMERS
by Imbolo Mbue
Jende, a Cambodian immigrant living in Harlem, came to America for dreams of a better life for his family. He is ecstatic to get a job as a driver for an executive at Lehman Brothers. Balancing a demanding job and the challenges of transitioning to life in the US is tough for Jende and his family. Jende learns that with great success comes dark secrets and strained relationships. When Lehman Brothers collapse, Jende's world, and his marriage almost fall apart. He and his wife have to make impossible decisions to survive.
The characters in this book are well written. I was instantly drawn into the plot. This book will leave you cheering for Jende and is an eye-opening look into life as an immigrant in the US.
BREAKING BUSY
by Alli Worthington
Alli Worthington is a mother of 5 and Executive Director of Propel Women. In Breaking Busy, Alli tells the truth about what busyness really does to our spirit, bodies, and relationships. With hilarious stories and refreshing candor, Alli helps us really find happiness. This book is not a boring or shaming read. It is practical, fun, and transparent.
EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY
by Peter Scazzero
Peter Scazzero, husband and pastor, discovered the hard way you can't grow spiritually unless you grow emotionally. With candid stories and grounded truth, Scazzero hits all the right points in this book. He talks about the 10 symptoms of emotionally unhealthy spirituality and how to really grow spiritually. Being a long-time ministry spouse, this book really hit home for me. It helped me put a name to all the inconsistencies and frustration I've observed in ministry leadership and community. In the same way, it has really challenged me to make sure I"m growing in healthy ways, not superficial ones. Put this book on your list of "MUST READS" for next year.
YOU WILL KNOW ME
by Megan Abbott
Devon Knox is a gymnastics prodigy and Olympic hopeful. For her parents, Katie and Eric, no cost is too high to see their daughter reach the Olympics. They have leveraged everything they have to see Devon compete at the highest level possible. All seems to be going well until the unthinkable happens, the death of a man from their gym. The Knox family is turned upside down dealing with this shocking death. I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It is a fascinating in-depth look into the dark side of competitive gymnastics.
What are you reading right now? What are you loving?