Sounds like some good reading, Stac! Here's my updates:
I read:
Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle and absolutely loved it. Such great challenges to make grace part of our daily rhythm and rethink the way we relate to others, especially those who come from very different places than we do.
Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected on a lot of different aspects of life. A great encouragement to keep pressing on through all of life's messes.
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I've always connected so deeply with Shauna's writing, so I think this will be a permanent fixture in my book collection. Just like with Bittersweet, I'll probably come back to this one again and again. Learning to rest and care for ourselves in certain seasons is so important!
Waking Up White by Debby Irving. This one is an incredible reflection on what is looks like to recognize your privilege as a white person living in America. By being so transparent with her own experiences and her own journey, Debby is so easy to relate to and helps the reader to wrestle with the tough topic of racism in America without the sense of accusation/guilt I think so many of us dread. I finished feeling empowered with strategies and insights to shift my perspective rather than overwhelmed and ill-equipped to have such desperately needed conversations. In my mind, this is a must-read! I will caution, though, that it's not a fast read... at least it wasn't for me.
Ruined by Ruth Everhart. Another powerful must-read that speaks to the #MeToo movement. In this memoir, Ruth unpacks her journey with faith, the church, and abuse after she is raped as a college student at Calvin. As the church today continues to seek ways to respond to the #MeToo movement and speak out against abuse in the church, Ruth's perspective is so important.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle. I read this one before going to see the movie this winter. A classic book that didn't necessarily translate the way I wanted it to in the movie. But it was definitely great to re-visit a book I hadn't read in years and read it with fresh eyes.
I just started Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan and so far, I've found Kelly's stories to be raw and compelling. In some ways, I related so closely to what Kelly shares, and in others, I see stark contrast between my life and hers. I've enjoyed thinking through both sides and searching out practical tips for going deeper in the conversations I have with friends and family.
While it hasn't exactly been one book per month, I'm on track for 12 books this year, so I'll take it :)
Thanks for posing this question, Staci. Let's do some book swapping to help me get to my one book/month goal for 2018... not the most ambitious monthly goal, but it's a start.
I'm starting Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle this month.
Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker is on the docket for February (or sooner if I am faster than I imagine with the first book).
Maybe my March book can come from some suggestions here :)
Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist is another favorite of mine for when life feels heavy. I'm sure I've read it three times in the last 5 years because it's just so full of empathy and encouragement that has seemed so appropriate for every heartache.
Have you listened to the series of podcasts she did to go along with the book? I've listened to the first few and they're delightful... no surprise. The very first one with Jen and Shauna Niequist and is absolute gold. I highly recommend it.
Absolutely! I'm so guilty of picking up a book with the best intentions and then getting halfway through it and just trailing off. By the time I stumble across it again, I have forgotten what I read months ago and just let it fall by the wayside. I've always been one to do well with rules & deadlines, so this is my challenge for 2018 :)
Posted in: Halfway Through 2018: Books You've Read or Hope to Read?
Sounds like some good reading, Stac! Here's my updates:
I read:
Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle and absolutely loved it. Such great challenges to make grace part of our daily rhythm and rethink the way we relate to others, especially those who come from very different places than we do.
Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected on a lot of different aspects of life. A great encouragement to keep pressing on through all of life's messes.
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I've always connected so deeply with Shauna's writing, so I think this will be a permanent fixture in my book collection. Just like with Bittersweet, I'll probably come back to this one again and again. Learning to rest and care for ourselves in certain seasons is so important!
Waking Up White by Debby Irving. This one is an incredible reflection on what is looks like to recognize your privilege as a white person living in America. By being so transparent with her own experiences and her own journey, Debby is so easy to relate to and helps the reader to wrestle with the tough topic of racism in America without the sense of accusation/guilt I think so many of us dread. I finished feeling empowered with strategies and insights to shift my perspective rather than overwhelmed and ill-equipped to have such desperately needed conversations. In my mind, this is a must-read! I will caution, though, that it's not a fast read... at least it wasn't for me.
Ruined by Ruth Everhart. Another powerful must-read that speaks to the #MeToo movement. In this memoir, Ruth unpacks her journey with faith, the church, and abuse after she is raped as a college student at Calvin. As the church today continues to seek ways to respond to the #MeToo movement and speak out against abuse in the church, Ruth's perspective is so important.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle. I read this one before going to see the movie this winter. A classic book that didn't necessarily translate the way I wanted it to in the movie. But it was definitely great to re-visit a book I hadn't read in years and read it with fresh eyes.
I just started Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan and so far, I've found Kelly's stories to be raw and compelling. In some ways, I related so closely to what Kelly shares, and in others, I see stark contrast between my life and hers. I've enjoyed thinking through both sides and searching out practical tips for going deeper in the conversations I have with friends and family.
While it hasn't exactly been one book per month, I'm on track for 12 books this year, so I'll take it :)
Posted in: What Books Are on Your 2018 Reading List?
Thanks for posing this question, Staci. Let's do some book swapping to help me get to my one book/month goal for 2018... not the most ambitious monthly goal, but it's a start.
I'm starting Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle this month.
Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker is on the docket for February (or sooner if I am faster than I imagine with the first book).
Maybe my March book can come from some suggestions here :)
Posted in: What Books Are on Your 2018 Reading List?
Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist is another favorite of mine for when life feels heavy. I'm sure I've read it three times in the last 5 years because it's just so full of empathy and encouragement that has seemed so appropriate for every heartache.
Posted in: What Books Are on Your 2018 Reading List?
Have you listened to the series of podcasts she did to go along with the book? I've listened to the first few and they're delightful... no surprise. The very first one with Jen and Shauna Niequist and is absolute gold. I highly recommend it.
Posted in: What Books Are on Your 2018 Reading List?
Absolutely! I'm so guilty of picking up a book with the best intentions and then getting halfway through it and just trailing off. By the time I stumble across it again, I have forgotten what I read months ago and just let it fall by the wayside. I've always been one to do well with rules & deadlines, so this is my challenge for 2018 :)