In January, I set a goal to read 52 books this year. I was unemployed and ambitious. My life has changed since then. However, the goal has not changed. Needless to say, I’m a little behind. But it’s August and I’m halfway!
Sometimes I intentionally seek out books. Other times I just read whatever I can get my hands on. I read eBooks on my Kindle Reader (it’s a free computer download). If I hated a book, I’d tell you. Must reads are books I believe everyone should read.
Scale:
* This book was a waste of my time.
** It was ok.
*** This book was pretty good.
**** I liked this book a lot.
***** I’ll read this book again.
1. On Ice by Red Evans ***
A very clever piece of fiction that involves a nephew, stranger-turned-friend, and smelly dog hauling a dead body across the country in kiddie pool in the bed of a truck.
2. Lethal Remedy by Richard Marby ****
This novel was good but it did seem unnatural at times. Amber loved this book, though.
3. Just a Minute by Wess Stafford *****
Must Read. Here’s my full review of the non-fiction book by the president of Compassion. It’ll change the way you look at children.
4. The Victory Club by Robin Lee Hatcher ***
Set in WWII, this book tells the stories of four women at home. I love the short chapters and how characters wrestle yet some parts seemed cheesy or cliché.
5. To Live is Christ by Beth Moore ****
Grab a Bible and dig in!
6. Jade Green by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor **
I found this one on a friend’s bookshelf when I had no money to buy my own books and no library card. At first I didn’t like how fast it ended but now I think I do.
7. Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola *****
The second book in the Southern Fried Sushi series. I’m really enjoying the series and can’t wait for ‘Til Grits Do Us Part to come out this fall. I also got to interview Jenny and reviewed Like Sweet Potato Pie.
8. Radical by David Platt *****
Must Read. It was great the first time I read it while in China, but I wasn’t exactly the target audience. Reading it again ten months later, I got a lot out of it–again. I rarely re-read books but this one will be read again.
9. Michal by Jill Eileen Smith ****
10. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith ****
11. Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith ****
My only problem with Biblical fiction is that sometimes I want to read it over the Bible.
12. Katie the Lady Bug by Jesse Roberts ****
No child should have to grieve but this book explains grief in ways to help children express their feelings. Here’s an interview with Jesse Roberts.
13. Wait No More by Kelly Rosati & John Rosati ****
This book is for people who are willing to plunge into the adoption abyss and come out on the other side stronger (and probably with a larger family). Here’s my review.
14. Aura’s Journey by Barbara E. Northup ****
A beautiful non-fiction story about a Deaf Honduran girl with no hope or communication skills prior to age six when she came to the US to attend school.
15. Walking by Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark by Jennifer Rothschild *****
We did this one in a women’s Bible study at church. I wish I would have read it sooner.
16. Writing a Winning Proposal: Fiction by Michael Hyatt *****
I’m not quite to that stage in writing life yet, but it never hurts to be prepared.
17. Love Does by Bob Goff *****
Must Read. It’s so simple yet so profound. Here’s my review.
18. You are a Writer: So Start Acting Like One by Jeff Goins (eBook) *****
It’s a great read for writers or writers who aren’t ready to call themselves that yet. I read it twice. Here’s my review.
19. Platform by Michael Hyatt ****
A great resource for anyone who wants to be someone in today’s world.
20. Life Plan by Michael Hyatt (eBook) ****
I need to spend a few more hours with this book.
21. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster ****
This book took me way longer to read than it should have. I’m willing to read it again but it needs to be with a group. (Any volunteers?)
22. Let’s Write a Short Story! by JH Bunting (eBook) ****
This is a great eBook for writers. It’s not out yet but you can sign up to get a notification when it comes out.
23. No Longer a Slum Dog by K. P. Yohannan ***
Even though I’m well-acquainted with the horrors of poverty, this book left me speechless.
24. When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy ***
I’m a little ashamed to admit that I’m 23 and hadn’t read this yet. It’s geared for a younger audience but it’s still applicable to my life.
25. Wrecked by Jeff Goins *****
Ok, so I haven’t finished Wrecked yet. I’m savoring every page because it’s my story. College wrecked my life.
26. The Night the New Jesus Fell to Earth by Ron Rash
I haven’t finished this collection of short stories yet either but I’m reading some of them for the second time. I love Rash, and the way he melds a variety of short stories together in this book reminds me of the Canterbury Tales.
Based on this modge-podge of odd books, what should I read next?
What have you been reading?
Me again. The FTC requires that I tell you that I use some affiliate links. This means that sometimes I am compensated in the form of high fives, books, cents, and other various fun things because I promise to write a review or because you click links and buy products. All opinions are entirely my own and I only recommend products I love, books I’ve read, and ministries I believe in. Let’s be real: I’m trying to make a living writing so every little bit counts. Thanks!
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