What I’m Reading – January

One of my goals this year was to read at least 50 books. To keep me on track, I thought I would post once a month to share what I have read so far. I would love to hear about what you have been reading as well. Most of the books I grab from the library come from online recommendations. I’m always looking for new books to put on my list, so hit me up with your favorites!

1. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I picked up an old paperback copy for ten cents at a flea market in Missoula last summer. I felt like this is one of those classics that just needs to be read, and I was right. This book is beautiful and painful and eloquent and a must read.

 

2. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Truthfully, I’m not finished with this book. I didn’t want to rush through it, so I’m reading it alongside some of my other books a little at a time. I would put this book in the same category as Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott which is to say I’m loving it so far.

 

3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder is the fictional story of August Pullman and his first experience with school. As a fifth-grader with severe facial deformities, Auggie just wants to be treated like everyone else. The story is told by Auggie, his classmates, and his family giving perspective from every angle. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for my kids to read it when they’re older. This is a story of compassion and friendship that would impact any young reader.

 

4. The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

From Amazon: “Two and a half years after an unspeakable tragedy left her a shadow of the girl she once was, Nastya Kashnikov moves to a new town determined to keep her dark past hidden and hold everyone at a distance. But her plans only last so long before she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the one person as isolated as herself: Josh Bennett.

Josh’s story is no secret. Every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space. Everyone except Nastya who won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But as the undeniable pull between them intensifies, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.”

I didn’t love this book as much as I thought I would based on recommendations. While I enjoyed the storyline and the characters, the book just felt a little long and drawn out for me.

 

5. Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa Jo Baker

I love Lisa Jo Baker’s blog, and I even had the pleasure of meeting her last February, but nothing prepared me for how much I would love this book. Lisa Jo weaves the story of growing up in South Africa with her journey to become a mother in rich detail that made me cry, laugh, and shout, “Me too!” at the same time. Late one night, as I neared the end of the book, I looked over at Jeff with tears in my eyes and said, “I knew she was a good writer, but THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.” Buy this book for all of your mom friends.

 

6. Restless by Jennie Allen

I read this book last summer, but I didn’t get through all of the workbook exercises. I decided I wanted to read it again before going to this year’s IF:Gathering, and I’m so glad I did. Restless takes you through multiple exercises that weave all the seemingly random threads of your life (gifts, people, places, suffering, passions) together into a beautiful God-given purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, I highly recommend going through this book.

 

Currently reading:

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lisa TerKeurst

 

 

What are you reading? What should I add to my list?