In a post I wrote last week, I commented that I was reading a book that I just couldn’t get into and needed suggestions for new books to read. Well, you guys delivered on the suggestions (check out the comments if you’re in need of ideas) but in reading your comments, I realized how many GREAT books I’ve read lately!
So for today’s post, I thought I’d put together a list of 10 things I’ve read recently, from books to poems to articles, that I think YOU should read!
FICTION BOOKS
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – oh friends…I am a huge Kristin Hannah fan (my favorite book of hers of all-time is Magic Hour…but wait…The Nightingale too) and The Great Alone did not disappoint. I found myself completely drawn into this story and perhaps what I loved most is how much imagery and visualization it brought to my mind. I don’t usually think in pictures (I’m much more of a word person) but this book had my imagination running wild.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – this is one my grandmother insisted that I read on our shared Kindle and I’m so glad that I did. This book kept me so engaged and was a nice change of pace when it comes to storyline. It’s beautifully written and full of twists and turns.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman– I listened to this one on Audible as I was driving back and forth to Tennessee for my yoga teacher training. I will admit that it took me a bit to get into this book but the longer that I listened, the more hooked I became. This book was just really different but very endearing. And the ending was phenomenal.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine – this was a much lighter read than the books I mentioned above but one that totally sucks you in and is so twisted! I finished this one in just a matter of days.
NON-FICTION BOOKS
Becoming by Michelle Obama – this memoir is a MUST. Seriously, if you read nothing else on my list…read this. I found it fascinating to read Michelle Obama’s story of growing up in Chicago’s Southside as well as her career, marriage, family and political journey. I was blown away at moments by how radically truthful she was about her goals and ambitions as a woman while also balancing motherhood and having to give so much of herself to supporting her spouse. This memoir felt real, honest and relatable.
Educated by Tara Westover – I don’t even know how I can adequately articulate how deeply this book touched me. It’s such a raw and honest telling of a life that is so far removed from anything that I can imagine. And how Tara Westover was able to find a different path out of it is truly awe-inspiring.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis – I was unfamiliar with Rachel Hollis until I read this book but I pretty much love her now. This book is nothing earth shattering or new when it comes to taking the reins on your life, career and happiness but it’s presented in a really relatable and motivating way. I listened to this book on Audible and finished it in just a few days. It was a great reminder/kick in the butt for me on many levels.
Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller – this book had been recommended to me several times by various therapists over the years and was recently brought back to my attention when it was mentioned in a podcast that I was listening to. I went to purchase it on Audible and realized that I already owned it. Ha. Attachment is something that I have been thinking about a lot when it comes to motherhood and also adult relationships, and this book is so enlightening about the subject. It breaks down the whole theory of attachment and the science behind it and categorizes attachment into three styles: anxious, secure and avoidant. DEFINITELY recommend checking this one out whether you are in a relationship or not!
POETRY + PROSE
Inward by Yung Pueblo – I just have to quote the Amazon description here…
A collection of poetry and prose that explores the movement from self-love to unconditional love, the power of letting go, and the wisdom that comes when we truly try to know ourselves. It serves as a reminder to the reader that healing, transformation, and freedom are possible.
It is absolutely beautiful.
I Am Her Tribe by Danielle Doby – I follow Danielle Doby on Instagram and adore her work and words. I knew that I had to own her book. She writes from such a radically true, vulnerable and raw place that it’s almost unbelievable. There is no part of her writing that feels like a lecture in what to do or how to live, it’s more of an honest telling of trials, tribulations, brokenness, feeling, repairing and so much more.
And there’s your 10. I hope you read what resonates with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the above titles if you have read them or after you do.
Do you prefer fiction, non-fiction or a mix of both?
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I’m mostly non fiction, but trying to change that. I need to get out of “always learning” mode, and embrace reading for pleasure again. Thanks for the recos!
I totally get that. As a general rule, I listen to non-fiction (audible, podcasts) and read fiction! That mix works great for me!
Some great recommendations here! A few I’ve read and a few others currently on my “to read” list.
I like both fiction and non-fiction. I probably read 80% fiction and 20% non-fiction most years.
I’m always a big fan of the 80/20 mix! 🙂
I tend toward non-fiction, but I do enjoy a good fiction read sometimes. I have read Becoming and Educated and LOVED both of them. Adding Attached to my to-read list, sounds interesting!
It is super interesting!
I just finished Daisy Jones &The Six last night and am sooooo sad it’s over, I absolutely loved it. Think Almost Famous / Fleetwood Mac / A Star is Born vibes. Yeah…I KNOW…SO GOOD.
I’ve read most of these books in your post but am dying to read Becoming…it’s on my list!
Okay…we have to talk. I started Daisy Jones and the Six last weekend and for the first time ever…I returned a Kindle book. I HATED the interview writing style. I was so sad because I know it’s a great book but I just couldn’t get past it. I tried so hard. I found myself reading Goodreads reviews in the middle of the night to see if I was crazy. Apparently it’s a very polarizing style that she wrote the book in! For me, the constant switching made it impossible for me to “get in a flow” with reading.
Enjoyed this post! I love Kristin Hannah too. Now I have a few more books to add to my never ending list. I’d like to recommend to you a book by Amy Morin called 13 THINGS MENTALLY STRONG WOMEN DON’T DO.
Just added this to my Audible wish list. Thank you!
I love a good list of book recommendations, thank you for sharing these! I’m so glad I popped onto your blog today and saw this post. I have a hard time finishing some non-fiction reads, but I’m all about listening to non-fiction books on long drives.