Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. - Charles W. Eliot
IN 2019...
Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy! by Barbara Johnson
All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg
Walking With Miss Millie by Tamara Bundy
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle
IN 2018...
I found this lying in a box to be sorted through and thought I'd pick it up and revisit my childhood. A sweet and wholesome perspective on life as a female first-grader.
Book 1 of a three-part illustrated memoir. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about her time in San Luis Obispo, California, and her growth as a woman. She intentionally made room for her passions through the challenging times. Blessed by her courage to share her talents with others.
How I loved this book. The gorgeous watercolors, the list of favorites featured by various designers and artists...Kate's fresh insight on classic American style resonated with my taste for old cars, striped shirts, and strappy sandals in the summer.
"I'm convinced that seeing the bad in the world and in people isn't difficult or wise or insightful - it's lazy. Finding the good in every scenario typically takes a lot more work. But the rewards of peace and joy and hope are so worth the effort." Love his proclivity for optimism and courage :)
I believe it was Anne's daughter who said she reads this volume once a year. I enjoyed Anne's thoughts on womanhood and the changing of the seasons in nature and in one's life.
This was required reading from work as part of our onboarding process. Bottom line: take ownership for your role at work. Easy and short read with good nuggets to pocket.
One of our married small group selections this year. My husband and I had read this book years prior, but going through it again with other couples was definitely fun and refreshing.
I was so excited to read this since I was such a fan of Bob's first book, Love Does. If there's one thing Bob Goff knows how to do, it's inspiring others to love people well. Easy five stars.
In the late 90's I was introduced to Og Mandino's "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by a couple we partnered with in a multi-level marketing company. So long ago, ha! Well, his writings made an impression and I came across this book at work recently and was intrigued. One of the best volumes I've read in a long time. A great stocking stuffer because of its pint size, too.
Rusty is a pastor from Valencia, California who is a close friend of our pastor's and was invited to speak earlier in the year. Love his humor and message of staying in close community with others.
A library selection that I truly enjoyed. I had admired Misty's journey in the ballet world from afar and was glad to get a closer glimpse of her courageous steps towards the title of female Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City, the first African American to achieve this title in 2015. This was a Young Reader's edition that I didn't intend to check out originally, but am so glad I did.
Susan Branch! I've been savoring her books for the past 2 years and I'm grateful that there are many more to digest. Her illustrations and true life stories are delightful! According to the Danish, the word 'hygge' means a mood of coziness and comfort; Susan's books are just that.
I don't know how I learned of Jamie. Possibly through social media. Her upbeat nature and noted podcast influenced my desire to search out her new book. She is a braveheart, inviting us in to her personal tale of heartbreak, then triumph through Christ.
When memoirs include travel chronicles and whimsical illustrations, it's difficult for me to turn away. I picked this up at the library excited to be whisked away through the author's journals of her time in France. Perhaps it was not what I expected or perhaps I didn't love her writing style, but this was a bit of a challenge to finish.
I feel like it took forever to complete this book. I now know that it's because it required so much application from my heart and mind. Not a book to zip through. Lucado gently maps out God's way of dealing with anxiety and fear through a bounty of scripture and wisdom. Short read with a study guide towards the end. I think it's an essential read for our times.
Coach John Wooden continues to mentor and inspire with his legacy of faith and 7 point creed passed down to him from his father. Simple and profound, many today carry this creed around in their pockets just as Wooden did, serving as a guideline for life:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live.
7. Pray for guidance and counsel, and give thanks for your blessings each day.
I like Reese Witherspoon and love Southern culture. This is a beautiful book with Reese highlighting her life in Nashville and nurtured raising in the hospitable South. Lots of authentic recipes to taste and share at your next gathering, too.
Currently reading.
Currently reading.
IN 2017...
Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst
This was a selection for a previous book club I was a part of in California. Lysa deeply and honestly reminds us of our full acceptance in Christ, despite our flaws and our past.
Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado
Chelsea Chambers is separated from her NFL husband and struggling to keep her coffee shop afloat in Texas. All the while, God is mysteriously working behind the scenes. A creatively written novel by bestselling author Max Lucado.
Take Your Life Back by Stephen Arterburn, David Stoop
I absolutely love and respect New Life Ministries with Arterburn and Stoop. I think one can learn so much from listening to their daily radio program. Another brilliant book to help you understand yourself and move forward in healing from past traumas.
The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling
As an approaching empty nester, this quiet title spoke to me. A fictitious, endearing read about an older married couple navigating the trials of life together with Christ.
Love Lives Here by Maria Goff
Maria Goff is a wonderful example of someone being intentional about leading a meaningful life in this world. There are folks who mentor you indirectly and don't even know it. I had the opportunity to meet her husband, Bob, a couple of years ago, who has also written a motivating bestseller here.
The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
Two stories interwoven in one about forgiveness and God's unconditional love.
Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers
A riveting read...perhaps a little graphic in some chapters. I appreciated the message of God's restoration for the broken. Francine is such a gifted novelist. Also enjoyed a bit of the 1950s nostalgia.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
My 10 year old nephew gave me his copy after finishing it. A funny and uniquely-illustrated memoir about Raina Telgemeier and her challenges with wearing braces as a youth. If you wore braces, you may relate.
English Lessons by Andrea Lucado
I love memoirs, memoirs about faith and memoirs about life in Europe in particular - Peter Mayle, anyone? Andrea reflected on both of these themes with fresh insight.
The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell
An inspiring way of creating easy hospitality in your front yard. Yes, you can meet your neighbors and get to know them.
Meet the Austins by Madeleine L'Engle
A family to adore. I plan to purchase the rest of this series, as I'm utterly in love with this household. This is Book 1 of 5.
Over Salad & Hot Bread by Mary Jenson
A tender narration about two female friends and their contrasting seasons of life. I had added this selection to my TBR list, as it was referred by author Barbara Rainey. And how delighted I was to find it recently at my local library's book sale for only a $1.00.
Parisian Chic by Inès de la Fressange
I've long admired Madame de la Fressange's confidence and style. Enjoyed her personal tips and charming illustrations.
New Rooms for Old Houses by Frank Shirley
For those who enjoy classical American architecture, amusez-vous bien!
Creating a New Old House by Russell Versaci
Ahhh...the timeless appeal of older homes.
Winter Story by Jill Barklem
Classic children's literature with warm and cozy themes. My kind of hygge time.
Good Bones, Great Pieces by Suzanne McGrath
Using classic and beautiful pieces throughout the home has always been important to me. I love the practicality of the pieces they've chosen as "essential" to a home, ie: a loveseat and demilune table.
Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory
I remember seeing this movie years ago and being fascinated. I won't give anything away, as this was a pleasant surprise, but I will say that much of life's deep questions are presented and sorted through here. Easy and light read.
My Life in France by Julia Child
I was so encouraged by Julia's journey in cooking. She was fearless, adventurous, passionate! I'm inspired to try my hand at more French recipes.
Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou
Maya offers the gift of wisdom and common sense, sometimes with an old-fashioned southern bent, to those who will take the time to listen. An extraordinary talent.
Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo
Besides the gorgeous illustrations by Julia Denos, the book is such a fun read. 5 stars.
IN 2016...
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