Books I've Read May-August 2017

Hands Free Life
by Rachel Macey Stafford
This was great, y'all. I had to overlook some of her sappier tendencies (and this is coming from a sensitive and sappy type) but the underlying message and encouragement oozing from each page had me. There were practical applications for each of the habits she mentioned and forgiveness on each page. Start where you are and really live your life. I found myself being so much more intentional and I've really taken stock in what's important in my life. I'm thankful I read this.


Cold Tangerines
by Shauna Niequist
This book was like talking to a friend. I want to be her friend. She struggles with so many things I can relate to - weight, pride and connection to name a few. Many of the things she wrote left me vigorously nodding my head and agreeing with her wholeheartedly.


Present Over Perfect
by Shauna Niequist
A couple of girlfriends and I did an online study with this book. I've known about Shauna for a long time but had not read any of her work. After seeing the first video I knew I was going to love her. And I do. She's just the right balance of real and honest. She's not too funny (which is intimidating to me! Like, I LOVE Jen Hatmaker, but we could never be friends - she's too witty and hilarious. She'd get bored with me fast!) but she's humorous enough that I still like her. And this particular book took me a loooong time to finish due to the time it took me to digest it all.


The Same Kind of Different as Me
by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
This was interesting and sad and inspiring and encouraging all at the same time. I especially found Denver's portion of the story fascinating and gut-wrenching, but without Ron's part of the story Denver's may never have gotten told. It was worth the read. I like a story about unlikely friendships.


Of Mess and Moxie
by Jen Hatmaker
Jen comes through again!! She is so amazing and I love her books. Everything about it is so real and so relatable. I laughed and cried and laughed some more. Whether you are dealing with marriage issues, parent issues, raising children or just being a woman in today's culture I think you'll love it.


Bittersweet
by Shauna Niequist
I cannot say enough about Shauna Niequist. We really could be friends in real-life. I love reading about her life and her experiences. This was another winner.


Amelia Jayne and I continue to listen to audiobooks together. This summer we've listened to the majority of the How to Train Your Dragon series - books 4-9 to be exact. There are 12 in the series, so we're almost finished! It's been much better than I expected. The story lines have taken an intricate and sophisticated turn. I've been really impressed and have thoroughly enjoyed them. She and I have been reading the Boxcar Children series together during her "homework" time - we're on the second book right now - Surprise Island.