I snagged this photo right before we headed out for a trip to South Carolina this summer. I forgot to include a couple books in the photo and have since returned some to the library without finishing and picked up some different ones.
I was determined this summer to get back into my love of reading. Armed with a dusted off Goodreads account, my just-very-ok library, and fresh recommendations, I gathered books. Many had to go back too soon (really library, a week?) and a few I devoured very quickly.
Here are the books I’ve read this summer:
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
A real and raw glimpse into a broken, beautiful family in poverty. Although a little heartbreaking, I loved how the perspective of the little girl (the author) changed as she aged, the stories shifted from the lens of a child to an adult over time. I’d recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Read it.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (not pictured)
This book made me a little weepy after just being in France, Spain, and Amsterdam. I have a new awareness of WWII and this book showed even more what it was like to live in these times. Enjoyed the focus on emotion and relationships during the war and especially the woman’s role.
HYGGE 25 Secrets From the Danish Art of Happiness, Getting Cozy And Living Well by Emily Parker
Short, sweet, and inspiring. After our Europe trip, I’ve been so inspired to live the way they do. Slower, better, more beautiful, not hectic, cheap, or forced.
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron (not pictured)
I’m a little obsessed with personality profiles, it’s true. I’ve loved the Meyers Briggs test for so long, but this year I have been trying to learn more about the enneagram test, which has been more confusing for me. This book really helped me to understand it more. I may have to look for this one at half price books because I think the descriptions of the nine personality types are very helpful. I also love the Christian perspective in this book and the healthy vs. unhealthy versions of your personality.
Here are the books I’m currently reading:
aka: books I had to return back to the library before finishing
How to Celebrate Everything by Jenny Rosenstrach
I love reading Jenny’s blog, and the dinner table and celebrations are a big deal in our home, so her books have been on my list for a while. I only made it half way through this book before having to return it to the library, but I loved how the book read with a fun combo of stories, recipes, and photos. It’s a great book to add to your bookshelf because it includes useful recipes and some ideas for family rhythms that I’d especially love to keep going back to. I’m going to add it back to my library hold list soon to help prepare for a quiet family fall and winter at home. I also want to pick up her other books too, Dinner: A Love Story is already on my hold list at the library.
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
Another one of the many books I’ve started and haven’t finished. This is another one I want to read through this fall. I love, love, love hygge and everything about it. This book influenced all of the changes in our home this summer and inspired me to change areas in my home so that I can love each space. Definitely add
Toilet Training in Less Than A Day by Nathaniel Azrin
This book is extremely dated, but the concepts are solid and worth reviewing. We attempted some potty training this weekend and while it wasn’t too successful, we plan on reviewing this book and trying again this next weekend. Send your prayers and tips, I’ll give an update soon.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
I’ve been working on this one for years and am struggling. I think I’ve read the first three chapters several times. I know it’s a favorite of so many, tell me to keep going? I’m hoping to make it a few more chapters in and if I can’t get into it then I might have to move on.
No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel
I just need to buy this book to keep on hand, it’s filled with so many good points on discipline. We’re getting into that toddler stage and this book has been so helpful. I have this one and their other book, The Whole-Brain Child on my list to purchase.
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
This is actually a book that I am currently reading. It’s a little ironic that this was the first one I picked up this summer to read. After a water accident, trying to return it to the library, them calling me saying they didn’t want this moldy, wrinkly book back, and finally stubbornly keeping it, I’m currently finishing it. It’s just what I need right now in this moment and I’m soaking up all the reminders to leave behind busy-ness in pursuit of presence.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (not pictured)
I just started reading this one. I’m all in with the WWII books, I can’t get enough and am making my husband proud.
Felicity by Mary Oliver (not pictured)
Jordan bought this for me recently after an argument. He knows gifts are the way to my heart, and this book of poems was a good one. I’ve been reading a one or two in the morning with my coffee and it has been a wonderful way to start the morning.
I didn’t realize how many books I’ve picked up this summer. I’m trying to slow down a little now and learn to work our library system so that I don’t get too frustrated with it and stop getting books like last year. The moldy book situation almost did me in. Thankfully Jordan took care of it, not that he was the reason for the situation or anything… And I now have a good line up that I know I’m already interested in for the fall. Anyone have any more suggestions for good reads on establishing rhythms at home?
Also, if you’re looking for book suggestions, my sister-in-law is someone I always go to.
