Here’s what I’m currently reading (and have recently read) . . . .
A few game changers, a few to get lost in, a few to inspire!
Present Over Perfect / This goes on my favorite list for 2016. I’m certainly a Shauna Niequist fan, but this one is tops for me. As a reader I’m learning that we find ourselves in other’s stories. Ours are not the same, but there are flecks that resemble strongly. There are many beliefs that we believe the same and many lies we’ve collectively bought into a long the way. Shauna’s story of being a workaholic who is on the road more than she is home, differs from mine, but what is very much the same is this driving theme of responsibility. Being the responsible girl who spends a lifetime, earning, proving and clawing at the elusive prize of being “good enough.” Part of my journey this year has been to untangle myself from the web and illusion of perfectionism. This book has been one of many that has helped me on my journey (at this point I call my self a recovering perfectionist). The two words that I’m carrying from this book are connection and community. In this season of my life and for the rest of my life what I’m really after is connection and community not perfection and performance.
Longbourn / It’s no secret that I love Jane Austen and historical fiction for that matter. Longbourn is the story of the servants in the Bennet household, of Pride and Prejudice – the downstairs if you will. They are faint characters in the Pride and Prejudice, but they are the ones that keep the household afloat. At the time I was looking for a fiction book that had good writing, character development and a story I could get lost in. This was a little slow at the beginning, but I carried on as I got caught up in the characters (good character development) and had to find out what happened. I did enjoy Jo Baker’s writing. Have any of you read any of her other books? Which would you recommend?
Big Magic / If you are a creative type you will love this book. It’s kind of like a creative devotional if you will. This book is one that I will keep coming back to for advice and motivation. There are so many stories of artists and writers and creatives from days gone by that lived ordinary lives but did extrodinary things. Not because they felt they were special or unique but because they had a story to tell or art they wanted to create and for them this was the only way to live. The biggest takeaway – for me- in this book is that if you have an idea, it is likely a story that needs to be told. And if you are unable to tell it, it will move along to someone else.
Simply Styling / I love a good design book. Beautiful photos to inspire and get my creative juices flowing as well as to give me a little nudge to change things up a bit in my house. This is the prettiest design book I’ve seen in awhile and I have to say I’m extra excited about it because my friend Kirsten wrote it. Chances are you’ve heard of Kirsten’s super popular design blog, Simply Grove! Kirsten is a superstar when it comes to styling – I watched her work her magic in my house (you can see photos here)! While I love to redcorate, I find styling the best (and most affordable) way to make updates that can have a big impact and this book, is giving me some great pionters and inspiration!
Falling Free / Shannan is such a great writer. She has a way with words…they sort of dance into sentences. I started reading this book late in the night, with my little book light contraption and had to make myself stop because I didn’t have a pen to underline. I wanted to underline wisdom and I wanted to underline good writing. I think the tagline in her title says it all….”Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted.” Just that line conjures up an anticipation and anxiousness to read on. All of our journeys are different and yet, I’m finding, very much the same. My life is turning out not the way I expected it to and I think that is the case for most of us. We can fight it or embrace it and live the life we were meant to live. I’m learning much from Shannan’s life.
The House Between Tides / I’m not too far into this book, but I’m taken by the landscape and setting of the book which is deep in the Highlands of Scotland. The story revolves around an old home that holds a secret. The home was once owned by a famous, and eventually, troubled painter in the early 1900’s. It’s sat in ruins for years, but eventually a distant relative inherits the house and finds herself solving a mystery. The story goes back and forth between modern day and days gone by. A bit like a Kate Morton story – and well, she is my favorite.
The Giver / I’m reading this book with my 11-year-old. It’s a fascinating tale of a colorless community that everyone conforms to and at a certain age everyone is assigned a job. The main character, Jonas, begins to learn about the secrets behind his community. I’m always fascinated by these types of tales and a little creeped out by them.
Truly Madly Guilty / Honesty, not my favorite Liane Moriarty. It’s a good one to check out at the library….regardless, I still love her writing and story telling skill. I love all Liane Moriarty books, but my favorites are probably The Husband’s Secret and What Alice Forgot.
Against All Grain Celebrations This is the first cookbook I have by Danielle Walker and now I’m really wanting her Meals Made Simple cookbook. I can’t wait to try a few recipes for the holidays. Last year I missed out on so many things, like Pumpkin pie! Not this year!
Savoir Vivre: The Art of Fine Living / This pretty book was sent to me recently and I can’t wait to spend a Saturday reading through this book by the famous French Ladurée. It’s filled with lovely illustrations and tips on how to be at one’s best in any situation.
TELL ME …
What are you currently reading or what you have recently read? As you can see I love books!
A few more of my book recommendations here!
Also, This is the book I’m about to pre-order!
| You can SHOP all of the books in this post right here |
