12 Books and a Cookbook

I’ve been reading up a storm in the past month. A one-two-three knockout punch of triple-digit temperatures and oppressive humidity plus high allergy levels has kept me and my asthma under house arrest. Therefore…plenty of reading time.

In actuality, I’ve read or started many more books than this. A number of tempting-looking books did not deliver enough to interest me, and I no longer feel compelled to finish every book. I know, I know: Younger Me is shocked at Current Me’s “no need to finish” development. Who knew I was capable of loosening up like that?!

At any rate, I’m left with twelve smashing books and a lovely, lovely cookbook to recommend to you this month. Included are two Christian non-fiction and ten fiction. We have mysteries, a political thriller, and several emotional looks into family dynamics. Let’s talk books!

When you click the book image, you’re clicking my affiliate link. I earn a small commission with each purchase, at no extra cost to you. These funds help defray blog expenses and will hopefully someday be a bonus to our family finances. 

Christian Non-Fiction

The Life Giving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson 

This is the best book I’ve read in ages about creating a warm, welcoming home for family and friends. The focus is on creating a place of belonging for those who enter. I borrowed it from the library and loved it so much that I plan to purchase a copy.

 Different: the Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him by Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson

Oh, I wish I’d had this book when I was raising my children! If you’re a parent, a teacher, a Sunday school teacher, a Youth Group Leader…if you’re a person who loves kids…this book is for you.

Nathan was a difficult child, full of unbounded energy, no volume control, and a bundle of anxieties and quirks. When he was fifteen, he was finally diagnosed with severe OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and several learning disabilities. This book is an honest look from two perspectives. Nathan tells of his struggle to comply and fit in; his Mom shares how overwhelmed she felt by the challenges he brought to their family, and of her determination to love him well. This is a must read!

Fiction

 The President is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

Wow! Prepare to stay up into the wee hours of the morning and remain on the edge of your seat! This political thriller was a real page-turner; I stayed up way too late until I finished. This President is everything we want in a leader: strong ethics, exemplary character, wise, strong, and unafraid. Sign me up! I’ll vote for this guy. The story will keep you guessing until the very last page.

 Belgravia by Julian Fellowes

If you loved Downton Abbey, you’ll enjoy this period story. A secret marriage–or was it a marriage? A hidden child, misunderstandings, deceptions, heartbreak, sorrow, and love. It’s exactly what you’d expect from the author who brought us Anna and Mr. Bates downstairs, the Dowager and Lady Mary upstairs. Enjoy!

 Bleachers by John Grisham

I expected a legal drama, and found myself back in high school. Where I came from, high school football was king. Our homecoming week was an all-town event complete with decorating competitions in merchants’ windows and a parade down Main Street (Devil Pride is Hot Tonight!). The bleachers were always packed. Always.

This book is a fascinating look into how small town football can impact everyone: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I enjoyed it, and I think you will too. If you’re looking for a book to entice your football-loving husband, this could do the trick.

 A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Ah… this tender, heartwarming portrayal of a Muslim immigrant family is haunting. You will be moved by the struggles of each individual to assimilate into their new culture while holding on to what is meaningful in their old. The tensions that arise in the family unit are poignant, as is the desperate desire to belong when you feel you can’t. This book wrestles with what it means to be a family, and the love that transcends all.

 Clock Dance by Anne Tyler

I’m a fan of the slow moving, introspective novel, and Anne Tyler tends to deliver for me. She writes about multi-faceted, flawed people and the choices they make along with the unexpected consequences. This latest novel explores how our parents’ personalities influence our choices, and how sometimes we live our lives without examining our true motivations and desires, often with unpleasant consequences. I liked it and recommend it, although it’s not in her top four for me. (Curious? Here are my favorite Anne Tylers: Back When We Were Grownups, The Amateur Marriage, Digging to America, and The Beginner’s Goodbye.)

 Flight Patterns by Karen White

Oh, I liked this! This is a quiet family story that slowly unspools a trail of secrets and deceptions. I especially enjoyed the focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. The author has a number of titles out; I’ll be looking for more from her!

Mysteries!

I’m still marching through all Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson mysteries. I read four this month, and enjoyed every one. You’re not going to go wrong with any of the Hannah Swensen books. Here’s a link to the whole shebang.

One Cookbook

 Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

I read cookbooks just as I read novels, cover-to-cover. Cookbooks with sweet stories to go along with each recipe are my jam, and this cookbook does not disappoint. Joanna feels she is paying homage to her relatives and her culture as she cooks; this resonates with me because that is exactly how I feel. I love the connection I feel to my grandmas, great-grandma, and great aunts as I cook the foods they prepared throughout their lives.

Although I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet, I still highly recommend this cookbook for the respect and importance it gives to nurturing our loved ones. I’ll let you know when I actually try out a recipe!

There we have it! 12 Books and a Cookbook for July’s reading. What’s the best book you read in July? I can’t wait to hear all about it!

If you enjoyed this post, I have many more book recommendation posts in my archives! Click here and you’ll find all my links with book reviews! If you want even more book-related posts, click here!

Post Linked Up with Modern Mrs. Darcy!