15 Fantastic Books I’m Loving
15 Fantastic Books I’m Loving…and I Think YOU Will, Too!
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I’ve read a number of “WOW” books in the past couple months, and I can’t wait to share them! If you’re in search of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Christian Literature, or Children’s Literature recommendations, I’ve got you covered. There are a number of thought-provoking books that would make outstanding book club selections, too. Let’s get to it!
15 Fantastic Books I’m Loving
Children’s Literature
Some Writer! The Story of E. B. White by Melissa Sweet
This enchanting biography of beloved children’s author E. B. White is delightfully illustrated and also has numerous photographs. One of the most charming biographies I’ve ever read, I believe this book is for readers of all ages. Get the behind-the-scenes scoop of some of the most loved classic books.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
On my recent visit to my grands, we enjoyed this as our read-aloud. The children loved it and eagerly looked forward to story time. An adventurous mouse, a friendly little boy, and a shiny toy motorcycle provide excitement and sweet lessons in generosity, independence, friendship, and forgiveness. There are two sequels to the story, but we didn’t finish those. Here’s a link to The Ralph Mouse Collection. It’s also available as an Audiobook audio collection and a DVD collection. We watched the movie during our pizza picnic in the living room!
Fiction
The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman
I am intrigued by the author’s tangled nuances as she delves into complicated family relationships and the long shadow cast by old hurts and misunderstandings. A thought-provoking story of two sisters set in WWII. I highly recommend this novel, as well as her debut novel The Two-Family House.
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
Warning: once you begin this book, you will not be able to put it down. This is one of the most haunting stories I’ve ever read. It is the story of three generations of Palestinian women, written by the daughter of Palestinian immigrants. It took my breath away. I’ll never forget it.
“You’ve never heard this story before. No matter how many books you’ve read, how many tales you know, believe me: no one has ever told you a story like this one. Where I come from, we keep these stories to ourselves. To tell them to the outside world is unheard of, dangerous, the ultimate shame.”
This would be an outstanding book club selection.
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
A gripping suspense novel that will pull you in from page one. When a young woman signs up for a psychological study, she begins a desperate and dangerous game of cat and mouse. This writing duo also brought us the spell-binding book The Wife Between Us, another suspense novel I highly recommend.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Based on a true story, this is a heartbreaking WWII tale. When Lale Sokolav, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the Concentration Camps, he’s put to work as a tattooist. As he tattoos numbers on his fellow Jewish prisoners, he is faced with a multitude of moral dilemmas. This book contains language and horrifying and brutal crimes…as well as a beautiful love story.
Pride & Prejudice: A Book to Table Classic by Jane Austen with recipes by Martha Stewart
Ohhh, so fun! You know I’m a devoted Jane Austen fan (Jane Austen | Favorite Authors). I have multiple editions of her books, and the last thing I needed was another…but whatever!
This edition is so very fun and enjoyable to read. The pages are beautifully decorated, and the book is full of recipes to go along with the events in the book. I know you would enjoy this book, and it’s also an excellent gift idea for your Jane Austen fan friends.
Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge
Looking for fun and light-hearted? This is your book! A fun re-telling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility with a modern spin. Bonus: the plot centers around a TEA ROOM! I’m swooning over here. 😉 Anyone may know my regard for tea.
Christian Fiction
Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix
This gritty Christian novel tackles the issue of emotional abuse, neglect, and manipulation in a ministry marriage. Troubling and though-provoking, this would be an excellent pick for a Christian book club. Discussion questions are included in the back, and there is a lot to discuss here.
Memoir
A Dream Called Home by Reyna Grande
A heart-felt and riveting memoir about an undocumented child immigrant who battles a life of poverty and abuse to find her place in America as an adult. It’s important to me to expand my understanding of the immigrant experience. My family and friend circle has been blessed immeasurably by those who immigrated or who were born to immigrants, both legal and undocumented. I want to speak with wisdom and compassion to those who have struggled with issues I have never experienced. This book does contain some language. While I found this book valuable, I actually think you should begin with her work The Distance Between Us. That book opened my understanding immensely.
Christian Non-Fiction
Woke Church by Eric Mason
The subtitle reads: “An Urgent Call for Christians in America to Confront Racism and Injustice“. Eric Mason is a conservative Evangelical black pastor, and he writes about racial injustice and unity in the church. An eye-opening book full of practical ways to effectively proclaim the Good News of Jesus, meet pressing needs, and build common ground for Gospel engagement. I guarantee you will be glad you read this book.
Creating a Beautiful Life by Elizabeth George
An inspiring book about making day-by-day, minute-by-minute decisions that add up to the life you want. Elizabeth George is a favorite author of mine. Here’s link to Elizabeth George | Favorite Authors.
Non-Fiction
Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron
I’m not an athlete. Are you? Although this book is written by a world-class Cross Fit coach, its lessons apply to everyone. It’s full of helpful tips to clarify your next step, remove obstacles that can be removed, and lessen the impact of obstacles that cannot be overcome. Encouraging and motivating!
Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner
I’ve decided that I’m looking for less, not more. Are you overwhelmed and disenfranchised with a life full of “busy” and “more”? If the answer is yes, then this is the book for you! Full of lovely and relaxing photos, it’s a thoughtful discussion of the dangers of pursuing “more” and how to choose a different path.
Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith
Snuggling up with a cup of tea and this lovely read is my idea of an ideal afternoon! Full of gorgeous and inviting photos, it’s all about creating a cozy, welcoming home on a shoestring (and mostly using what you already own!). A pleasant and relaxing read.
Your turn! What’s the best book you’ve read lately? I can’t wait to hear about it.
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