4 Books I Recommend – August 2017
Here are four books I recommend from what I read in August. Once a month we share our current reading lists at Jennifer’s.
Books I Recommend
1. Reading People
How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything
by Anne Bogel
If you wonder about the strengths and weaknesses in the most popular personality typing systems and quizzes (Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, 5 Love Languages, etc.), this book is the perfect primer for you. Blogger, podcaster, and author Anne Bogel (also known as Modern Miss Darcy) presents a great breakdown. I thought I already knew a lot, but I learned so much more in this book.
“Truly knowing yourself is one of the hardest things you can do, but it’s also one of the most valuable. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll begin to see the payoff.”
My review here of Reading People
2. The Happiness Prayer
Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today
by Evan Moffic
Such an inspiring book. Rabbi Evan Moffic shares a 2,000 year old prayer practice in 10 disciplines that can be practiced by anybody, every day. I’ll be re-reading this one and looking for more books by Moffic.
“Our presence can also symbolize God’s presence. . . .
We make God’s invisible presence visible when we are there for one another.”
My review here of The Happiness Prayer
3. The Turquoise Table
Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard
by Kristen Schell
Yes, it’s another book on hospitality. But this one is very laid-back, and focuses more on relationships than anything else. It might not take a whole book to make the point, but author Kristen Schell does share lots of personal stories of her own and of her friends.
“Hospitality begins in the heart, not the oven.”
My review here of The Turquoise Table
4. Small Victories
Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace
by Anne Lamott
This is classic Anne Lamott. It’s a collection of stories of her life, some that make you laugh, some that make you cry, and all that make you think. She shows us that victories, however small, do come and deserve to be celebrated.
“Nothing can be delicious when you are holding your breath. For something to be delicious, you have to be present to savor it, and presence is in attention and in the flow of breath.”
Reading Now
- The Light Between Oceans
by M. L. Stedman - The Tiger’s Wife
by Téa Obreht - Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder
Tips and Tools to Help You Take Charge of Your Life and Get Organized
by Susan C. Pinsky - The Power of Moments
Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
by Chip and Dan Heath - How to Listen So People Will Talk
Build Stronger Communication and Deeper Connections
by Becky Harling - Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?
And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House
by Alyssa Mastromonaco
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What good book have you read lately? Please share in the comments.
My books on Goodreads
Previous reading lists
I’ve heard such great things about the Turquoise table and Anne’s new book is on my list too. Love the variety in your recommendations….
Also enjoyed Anne Bogel’s book — particularly her tips for getting good data from an inventory and THEN putting it to use to become a better version of ourselves.
Hi Lisa. I also like to post book reviews each Monday. I reviewed The Turquoise Table recently and found it inspiring and positive. “Reading People” looks like a good one for my to-read list. Thanks for sharing!
I just finished the Living Water Series by Stephanie Landsem…The Well, The Thief, and The Tomb. Highly recommend.
Always love your lists, Lisa! I just finished Russia Rising by Mark Hitchcock and have started Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. There is also “the stack” of course that awaits, but I will limit myself to only what I just finished and just started. (You always add to my list!!)
These all sound good. I just read Michele’s review of Reading People and I think that one sounds particularly interesting. I hope you’re enjoying The Light Between Oceans- I read that earlier this summer and loved it. I’ve recently enjoyed reading Deeper Waters by Denise Hughes.
wow I scored three out of four of these books read or to be read. I like Anne La Mott but had trouble getting into that one for some reason. I ordered Turquoise Table and preordered the Happiness Prayer – based on your recommendations. We are going on a cruise in Sept and I thought they would be great reading material. haven’t read the first one though will check it out. Love your book lists.
Love this list Lisa. I’m reading She’s Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst right now. Great book.
Looks like a thought-provoking list!
I loved The Ocean Between Us. Hope you’re enjoying it!
These sound wonderful Lisa! Thanks so much for sharing and have a wonderful week!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#RaRaLinkup
I’ve been curious about the first three, but didn’t know about the Ann LaMott book! Will have to check that out. I’m reading Anchored In by Micah Maddox and Only Love Today by Rachel Macy Stafford. Want to read She’s Still Here by Chrystal Evans Hurst.
I too am fascinated by our personalities and by how much they impact our lives and our relationships. I’ve gotta read that book —
As you know, I recommended The Turquoise Table. I’m getting excited about putting those tips into action. We’ve made our first step: we’re now officially living in Arizona, but have a few weeks before our own home is ready.
I remember your review of The Turquoise Table and thought it sounded compelling. I’ve heard The Light Between Oceans is good. That last title definitely looks interesting!
Thank you for sharing these books. I will add them to my ever growing list. I love to read and have taken to listening to books to get as many as I can into my life.
It’s amazing how much time you have to read. I don’t have that luxury yet. 😉
I need to read more on hospitality. I want to have people over more, but it seems to take so much work. I prefer laid back and to let my husband grill 🙂
There are so many good books out there! Thanks for sharing these.
Thank you. I want to read three of these 🙂
Maybe you pushed me to do so 🙂
Lisa, I have read over ten books this summer but all fiction and most beachy fiction!!! My mind is mush. Next big thing is Write 31 Days so reading will be sidelined for a bit. Thanks for the recommendations though.
I have GOT to get the Reading People book. I’ve always enjoyed personality studies. And Anne Lamott is one of my favorites. Her writing is always a bit like a splash of cool water – refreshing. Thanks, Lisa.
You have some interesting titles on your list! Especially love the look of Reading People and How to Listen So People Will Talk.
Thanks for sharing, and enjoy September!
Oh yes I want to read Anne Bogel’s book and must watch for when it comes out – I have heard her reminding us of it on her podcast.
Looks like a great line up of books!
Thank you for the book suggestions. I am adding Small Victories to my list.
Ooo I’ve heard about Reading People! I’ve just gotten into listening to her podcast– I’m looking forward to reading the book when it comes out.
“Reading People” really is an interesting book. I hope you enjoy it, Anna! I’ve been going through my notes again today to write a book review on it this week. I think I need to re-read the whole book instead. 🙂