My Favorite Reads of 2014, Part 1
I originally set a goal to read 26 books this year, which is a book every two weeks and was about all I could manage last year, when L was still so little. I got off to a slow start, and by the time March rolled around, I’d only read one book. I kicked things into high gear in May, though, and when I realized I was picking up speed, I upped the ante to 52 books instead of 26. To date, I’ve read 31 books, three books ahead of schedule. A few were sort of duds (not bad, but not worth 4 or 5 stars either), but most have been worth my time. I want to share with you the best of those.
In trying to bring reading back into my daily life intentionally, I’ve realized something: books make me happy in a way few other things do. As a new mom, it was hard to make room for books in the same way I’d done in the past, but man, am I ever glad reading is back in the front row of my life.
I spent much of the past three years reading nonfiction, mostly memoirs and food writing with some spiritual growth-type books thrown in, but lately I’ve rocketed back over to the fiction side of things, initially because I was looking for comparable titles for my own novel (other books that are in the same category), which petered out rather quickly, and then later because I discovered Elin Hilderbrand. I guess you could say I’ve been on a fiction kick, which is probably why I’m three books ahead of schedule. Fiction almost always goes faster than nonfiction. All the same,the majority of my favorite books this year are nonfiction pieces that have rocked my little world in big ways. I tried to choose just five, but couldn’t. Forgive me.
Favorite Reads of 2014, Part 1
Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider
Tsh’s community blog, The Art of Simple, is one of my favorites. Her latest book is about all the things I want my life to encompass: living simply, travel, family, business ownership. If you want a life that’s balanced and removed from the rat race of our culture, this book is for you.
A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman
Emily, who blogs at Chatting at the Sky, writes about how we are all artists created in the image of God, who is himself an artist. I can’t tell you how much I needed this book, how deeply it reaffirmed for me that writing is my thing. My art. If you have any doubts at all about how you are spending your one life, read this book. I promise, you will come away stirred up, inspired, and encouraged.
Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey
Since my earliest church experiences, I’ve struggled with the traditional role of women in the church. Because my own gifts are not of the backseat kind, I wrestled with the belief that women belong in the background. Jesus Feminist provided thoughtful answers to those old questions, helped me to take a renewing breath, and shored up my confidence in a God who loves his daughters without end.
The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand
I am listing The Matchmaker here because it’s Elin’s latest release, but the truth is that I have absolutely and totally loved all 10 of the books I’ve read by her thus far. I’ve tried to slow down a bit and take breaks between books because I’m running out. {Sob!} Her characters and their problems are realistic and intriguing, her writing is engaging, and you’ll fall in love with the island of Nantucket.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I read this because I wanted to know what all the hoopla was about. At first, it felt a little too angsty. It took me back to my Lurlene McDaniel days. I’m not usually in the mood for teenage angst, even the rightful kind. But the last three pages – which contain some eloquent universal truths about life and death – are worth it. And you simply can’t help loving Hazel and Gus.
The Rules of Inheritance by Claire Bidwell Smith
This lovely memoir – the writing is just simply fantastic – about losing one’s parents early in adulthood touched me deeply. Mostly, it made me think about my own life and the legacy I want to leave for L. The kind of mother I want to be. It reminded me that every day is a treasure, and should be treated as such.
The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
One of the endorsements on this says it’s “The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor.” I couldn’t agree more. I like a good dose of YA every now and then, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series. I’m waiting for Book 3, The One, to arrive in the mail.
Delancey by Molly Wizenberg
Molly Wizenberg’s blog, Orangette, is the first blog I ever followed. I adored her first book, A Homemade Life, and have re-read it multiple times. This, her second book, about the pizzeria she and her husband opened in Seattle, isn’t as engaging as her first, but I still enjoyed it – and am convinced I never want to open a restaurant of my own!
Delicious by Ruth Reichl
Former Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl’s first attempt at fiction is as delicious as its title. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, and I truly hope this is not her last novel.
Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo’s first book is a bittersweet and encouraging treatise on motherhood and all its ugly beauty. It uplifted and encouraged me in every way.
Friends, I hope this has given you something new for your book list. If you would like to see my entire 2014 reading list, you can visit me on Goodreads, which is where I keep track of what I read.
*Note: the books recommended in this post are purely based on my own opinion and are in no way the result of any kind of paid promotion. I have not provided links to any place the books can be purchased because I do not want to promote any one retailer.
Cheers,
