What I’ve Been Reading

While I’m busy not writing so much right now, I’ve been catching up with a long-lost love of mine – reading. I don’t know exactly what caused it, but I went through a several years’ long funk in the book reading department. This year, I was determined to change that since I knew I’d have a lot more down time with nursing a baby. Also, I got a Kindle for Christmas from my parents, and it has made reading one-handed in the middle of the night infinitely easier.

I fought the idea of an eReader for a long time, but the fact is, I am reading far more books than I did with those good old fashioned paperbacks. In case you’re new to the eReader scene, let me encourage you to check out the website eReader Girl. It lists daily deals on free or discounted eBooks, and I’ve gotten a ton of books to add to my library for next to nothing.

I thought I’d share a few of my favorite reads of this year for those of you who enjoy a good book. If you’re an avid reader, you probably already read many, if not all, of these long ago, but I’m like 5 years behind all books that are not by Francine Rivers. So this list is more for those recovering from a non-reading phase. Oh! And I totally recommend stealing Crystal Paine’s idea of starting a Pinterest board to keep track of all of the books you read in a year. It’s a big motivator for me to be able to add a new book to my list so I can go back and cheer myself on for reading 14 books so far this year! Go me! 🙂

1. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic. I know, I know. The awesomeness of this book is old news to many. Jen told me to read it 2 years ago when it came out. It sounded good, but I was in that reading funk, and I kept putting it off. I’ve decided that it’s for the best that I didn’t read it until I had a 3 year old and a 2 month old. Any season of motherhood that includes an infant comes with an element of chaos, and I needed to read it right. that. minute. in my life. It’s encouraging, it’s convicting, it’s short. All of those things that are important to moms of little ones. Rachel writes like she’s a friend sitting down and talking to you about what’s happening in her life, and I love that! I have started reading her newest book, Fit to Burst, as well, and it’s great so far, too.

2. Impact my Life: Biblical Mentoring Simplified by Elise Pulliam. This was an eReader Girl find that turned out to be great! My passion for discipleship/mentoring grows with each year I’m alive and learning how Jesus did things. It’s an easy read, and I plan to use it as a guide when I start my own mentoring group with girls in our youth department at church. No sense in reinventing the wheel when Elise has done such a great job doing the leg work and presenting it in this book!

3.Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try Hard Life by Emily Freeman. I’ve heard Ashley talk of this one often, and I really wanted to read it. It was a fantastic book! I sent out texts to several friends when I was only a few chapters into it saying, “You must read this!” This book is for all of those girls who find security in being “good” or following rules or pleasing others. It gives a lot of food for thought, and a part of me wished I’d discovered it a decade ago before I learned much of its contents the hard way. Sometimes learning through experience is the best way, however, and I still felt encouraged by this book because it will always be my flesh-inspired tendency to lean toward the “good girl” way of thinking. Thank God for grace!

4. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle. This was my most recent book to read, and I LOVED it so much! I can’t count the number of times I laughed out loud as I related to Melanie’s stories about potty training, throwing sand, and countless other accounts of those stories that can only originate from being around a small child. It is more than just a a laugh out loud book, though. I felt encouraged by her message as well, and I can not recommend it highly enough.

What books have you read recently that you would like to recommend? I’m officially taking recommendations since I love reading again.

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