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 are contagious. All you need some really good inspiration.
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'm on a mystery kick around here. I just can't get enough mystery novels these days. Isn't that how reading goes sometimes? You get stuck on a genre and just can't quit!
I keep finding myself researching more good mystery novels. Do you have a favorite mystery novel? I want to know what it is!!!
I am linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy. If you looking for some more book inspiration, head over here! On to the report!
Rachel is walking with her eight year-old son in the woods when he suddenly disappears. The police investigate. Search parties tirelessly look for her son. Rachel's newly ex-husband and his new wife make this tragedy even more complicated. Rachel can't keep it all together. Her life is coming undone. This triller is well done. It is not overly graphic. The characters are gripping the twists and turns of the plot are engaging. A great read for the sitting by the pool or a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Eleanor is a mess. She knows it. She is constantly late and disorganized. She vows today will be different. She will take charge of her life. She will workout. She will shower and get dressed. She won't swear. Before she can put this new plan into action, her day takes a wild turn. Fans of Simple's book Where'd You Go Bernadette will recognize the same candor and wit only Maria Semple can provide. This book is laugh out loud funny and moving.
Okay all you Fixer Upper fans, the Magnolia Story is so fun. This book is the how Chip and JoJo became a household name. It is funny, engaging, and captivating. I mean what can Chip and Jo not do? I think I read most of this book aloud because the stories are hilarious. My kids begged for more! Yes, even my kids loved this book! I love learning about how businesses start and grow. Their story is not what I thought. It is about risk and faith and believing in each other even when life looks bleak.
What are you reading?
Nell is twenty-six and never gone to Paris. She plans the perfect get-away to Paris with her boyfriend. When he doesn't show at the last minute, she realizes her perfect, overly controlled life is anything but enjoyable. Even though she just wants to pack up and go home, she forces herself to stay and enjoy Paris. She learns more about herself than she knew. She is independent and confident. This is the most adventurous weekend of her life!
Suffering, Flourishing, Authority, and Vulnerability. How to do we make sense of those things in our churches, our ministries, and our communities? How do we help others grow? How do I grow?
Andy Crouch explains that flourishing people are strong and weak. They travel down unexpected paths of both strong and weak circumstances. They do not inflict suffering on others in order to grasp for power. Instead they use the authority given to them to be vulnerable. They risk to help the weak.
We do great harm to one another when we inflict pain in order to get a certain response or result. This is not what strong leaders do. Strong leaders recognize their power and risk for the benefit of others. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Learn about the Cricut Scoring Wheel versus the Cricut Stylus. What is the Cricut Scoring combo wheel? How do you know when to use the Cricut scoring wheel? Can you use the Cricut scoring wheel with a Cricut Explore Air? And so much more!