I added quite a few new genres and authors to my reading list this year. Some of the new styles and voices moved me in new ways while a couple of authors I’ve respected for a long time continued to make their mark on my heart. Here are the five titles that inspired or stuck with me the most when I look back on all that I read in 2018.
The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace
I used to be scared of poetry. I associated poetry with analyzing it for assignments or memorizing it when it rhymed. If I was ever asked to write it, I’d panic because I wasn’t sure how on earth I could get across a message while following all of the rules or implementing all of the terms that came with it. As I’ve grown as a person and a writer, I’ve come to let go of trying to find all of the terms in poetry and focus on the message instead. It’s only then that editing for the lyrical elements makes the writing something to value.
The Princess Saves Herself in this One is a compilation of small, intentional poems that tell the story of the author. I appreciate this book because it promotes a freedom that I’ve come to believe writing gives people. The author was brave enough to write her story while embracing creativity and promoting hope. Those are all things I can get behind.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I first learned of this book’s existence when I saw a Netflix movie was being made about it, so I put it on reserve at the library and waited patiently to read it before watching the movie. I enjoyed it because it a well-written historical fiction novel set during World War II, but my favorite feature is that the entire story is told in letters. I have a soft spot for letter writing, and when someone takes the time to tell a story through letters, they will pretty much always win me over.
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
This was one of those books that quickly hooked me. The storytelling, the writing style, the plot, and the message were all powerful. How to Walk Away deals with the importance of taking charge of your own life’s story, even when you’re faced with difficulties brought on by other people’s mistakes. It speaks to the truth that life is not about being perfect, but it can be beautiful even when tragedy squelches your dreams.
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
This was one of the first books I read in 2018 by one of my first favorite authors. I’ve read most of Francine Rivers’ books, and what I appreciate most about her work is her ability to develop her characters to tell the story. Additionally, she shares her own story as well as her faith, which in turn encourages my faith. Redeeming Love will always be my favorite book of hers, but she always finds a way to nod towards that redeeming love in each of her books. In a world that is starved for genuine, God-given love, The Masterpiece is a refreshing love story.
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
I’ve been a fan of Brene Brown’s work for several years now. Each of her books comes at just the right time in my life’s journey, and Dare to Lead is no exception. While we do not agree on every single point, I have learned so much from her work, and am grateful for all of the ways I’m better for it. This book is the culmination of all of the research that Dr. Brown has completed over the course of 20 years, and I appreciate how concisely she gets across her points while skillfully weaving her personal stories into it for relevance and practical application. We are all leaders on some level, and this book is a must-read for not only personal growth, but also for those whom you currently find yourself leading.