7 Books I Recommend—February 2023

“A library is infinity under a roof.”
– Gail Carson Levine

Here are 6 nonfiction books and 1 novel I recommend from what I read in February.

[See previously recommended books here]

NONFICTION

1. The Lives We Actually Have
100 Blessings for Imperfect Days
by Kate Bowler

This book contains 100 beautiful blessings, so you’re sure to find one for for whatever type of day you’re having. You’ll feel less alone and more seen in your imperfect everyday life.

[Read my book review of The Lives We Actually Have]

2. How to Human
Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us
by Carlos Whittaker

Carlos Whittaker is an authentic, witty, and wise Christian man who is doing his part to create more unity in our country. In this book he emphasizes how we can all come together as fellow human beings instead of fighting amongst ourselves.

[Read my book review of How to Human]

3. White Evangelical Racism
The Politics of Morality in America
by Anthea Butler

Anthea Butler doesn’t play around. This is a hard-hitting look at our history and our present condition of the church (specifically the white evangelical church) in America. Her words may sting a bit, but they’re important to hear so improvements can be made. 

4. The Light We Carry
Overcoming in Uncertain Times
by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama writes with such humility and grace that you feel like you’re talking to your neighbor next door instead of the former first lady. She is honest and open and mature. This is a beautiful follow-up to her 2018 award-winning book Becoming. 

[See these quotes from The Light We Carry]

5. The Love Prescription
Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy
by John Gottman, PhD and Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD

How can you keep your relationship healthy? While there’s no quick fix, this book provides seven simple practices anybody can add to their daily routines with their partner. I highly recommend it. 

[See all seven practices from The Love Prescription]

6. The Office BFFs
Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There
by Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey

This is both a funny and an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the American sitcom The Office, written by two of its stars, who truly are best friends. It includes lots of great stories and photos. 

[Read more about The Office BFFs]

FICTION

7. Anxious People: A Novel
by Fredrik Backman

Jeff and I both loved this quirky story of a sorta bank robbery gone awry. Fredrik Backman does an amazing job of intricately weaving this cast of characters, revealing a little at a time throughout this novel. As soon as I finished it, I had to return to the beginning of the book and reread the first few chapters again with my new knowledge of the ending. 

WHAT I’M READING NOW

• Humankind
  A Hopeful History
  by Rutger Bregman
• Barkley
  A Biography
  by Timothy Bella
• Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?
  Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World
  by Brian D. McLaren
• Soulbroken
  A Guidebook for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief
  by Stephanie Sarazin
• The Dance of the Dissident Daughter
  by Sue Monk Kidd
• Home Again
  by Kristin Hannah

What good book do YOU recommend? Please share in the comments.

sharing at these linkups

• ← The Love Prescription {A Book a Day 28}
• On the Blog—February 2023 →