8 Books I Recommend – June 2019
Every month I share the best of the books I just finished. Here are eight books that I recommend from this month’s books.
Books I Recommend
NONFICTION
1. 168 Hours
You Have More Time Than You Think
by Laura Vanderkam
Along with her newer book Off the Clock, this one—168 Hours—is also helpful to better use the time you have. Laura gives you lots of numbers about the hours that are typical for housework, taking care of children, etc., but without judging or suggesting comparison.
[click here if you can’t see 1-Minute Book Review]
2. Women Rowing North
Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age
by Mary Pipher
My age (56) doesn’t necessarily bother me, but I do think about it a lot these days. This book gives me a jump start on the next phase of aging. And with great hope.
“Most women become increasingly happy after age fifty-five, with their peak of happiness toward the very end of life.”
“The older the person, the better her mental health tended to be. Women’s happiness ratings were consistently higher than those of men. Recent census data from the United Kingdom finds that the happiest people are women aged 65–79.”
3. I’d Rather Be Reading
The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
by Anne Bogel
Such a fun read for book lovers! I relate to SO many of the things Anne shares about common habits among people who love to read. Highly recommend if you love books.
“I’m the sum of all these bookish memories. My head is so full of musings and insights and ideas from books that I’m not sure who I would be or how I would think if they were all taken away.”
“Shakespeare said the eyes are the windows to the soul, but we readers know one’s bookshelves reveal just as much.”
4. The Hoarder in You
How to Live a Happier, Healthier, Uncluttered Life
by Robin Zasio
I’m not a hoarder (unless you count my digital pictures; I’m paralyzed by the quantity). This book inspires me to continue decluttering. Written by Dr. Robin Zasio, a psychologist on A&E’s series Hoarders (which I can’t watch—too overwhelming), this book offers lots of real-life examples (with such compassion) and lots of good advice to get us over the humps of accumulation.
“It is not wasteful to get rid of something you don’t need. You are not responsible for making use of everything that crosses your path.”
5. Outliers
The Story of Success
by Malcolm Gladwell
What makes some people succeed and others not? And what defines success anyway? As is typical with Malcolm Gladwell’s books, you get solid data but also well-told stories.
“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”
“Planes are safer when the least experienced pilot is flying, because it means the second pilot isn’t going to be afraid to speak up.”
6. Almost Everything
Notes on Hope
by Anne Lamott
I enjoy rambling through Anne Lamott’s writings for her wit, her insights, her authenticity, her spirituality. She’s not for everybody, but she makes me laugh, cry, and think.
“I rolled my eyes: Oh, you again. It was my mental roommate.”
“She and some of the old-timers secretly pray upon waking, ‘Whatever,’ and pray before falling asleep, ‘Oh, well.’ The lesson here is that there is no fix. There is, however, forgiveness. To forgive yourselves and others constantly is necessary.”
7. Born to Run
(audiobook)
by Bruce Springsteen
I listened to the audio version of this memoir written and read by Bruce Springsteen. (Usually I do NOT like the author to read their own book, but in this case, it was delightful.) I’m not a huge Springsteen music lover, but wow, he has a way with words. He’s brutally honest about his struggle with depression through the years. Well-written and well-read.
Fiction
8. Nine Perfect Strangers
by Liane Moriarty
Nine people sign up for ten days at a health resort. Not the best novel I’ve ever read, but interesting enough to entertain me and push me through all 453 pages. Liane Moriarty is a good storyteller.
READING NOW
- Before We Were Yours
by Lisa Wingate - Glorious Weakness
Discovering God in All We Lack
by Alia Joy - I Let You Go
by Clare Mackintosh - The Myth of a Christian Nation
How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church
by Gregory A. Boyd - The Enchanted Hour
The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction
by Meghan Gurdon
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What good book are you reading this month? Please share in the comments.
My books on Goodreads
More books I recommend
sharing with Anne
I’ve been curious about I’d Rather Be Reading. I’ll have to add it to my wishlist. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Wow, Lisa, I’m impressed by how much you are able to read in a month! I’ve been reading Eugenia Price’s St. Simon’s trilogy of books recently – Lighthouse, New Moon Rising and The Beloved Invader – fantastic historical fiction with an emphasis on Christian faith. If you like this type of book, I’d highly recommend them.
Blessings!
I always enjoy your book recommendations! I’m slowly making my way through I’d Rather Be Reading and enjoying it too, and I also enjoyed reading Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane this month.
I hope you enjoy Before We Were Yours. Well, enjoy might be the wrong verb. But it’s a compelling story, especially since it’s based on a true one. Lisa does a great job writing it as it may have happened and in a way that captures attention.
Lots of these sound interesting!
I always enjoy your book lists and reviews and you look to have some great choices this time around. I am currently reading Between the Tides by Patti Callahan Henry whom I discovered while reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis with Linda Stoll’s group. On the non-fiction side I am reading Mike Levin’s new best seller, Unfreedom of the Press, that is quite good and interesting. (I usually have a fiction and a non-fiction going at the same time.) At the moment I cannot name the other books I read during June, but they would include all of Lisa Wingate’s Tending Roses series. She is also someone I enjoy reading. Have a great end to June and a super July!
Thank you, Lisa. Anne Lamott’s book, “Almost Everything” seems intriguing.
Loved your video Lisa and maybe I need to take a look at least one of those books. I enjoyed I’d Rather Be Reading and probably would enjoy dipping into it again.
I always enjoy your book lists. At the moment I am reading … Rees Howells: Intercessor by Norman Grubb and Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown. Not yet finished with either but both are wonderful so far.
Thanks for more TBR books!! I know I will like the books one as well as “Women Rowing North.” Thanks again, Lisa!! You are my “official” librarian!
I am always inspired after reading your book recommendations, Lisa. I read the Anne Lamott book and liked it. I am a fan of hers (usually). The Women Rowing North book looks so interesting and the one by Malcolm Gladwell too. I am interested to read what you think about the Myth of a Christian Nation and Before We Were Yours. They are on my radar too!
Lisa,
I always have to pop in for your book recommendations. You haven’t led me wrong yet and with summer beach time coming, I’m looking around. I am glad to hear (“Women Rowing North”)that I am embarking upon my “happiest” years as I cruise toward 60 lol. One of the very first concerts I went to in the 70’s was Bruce Springsteen. I may have to listen to his book just for old time’s sake. Thanks for sharing…
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thanks for sharing this list, Lisa. They all sound interesting. Many blessings to you!
Born to Run sounds like a good audio book. Thanks for sharing this list.
So many good ones to pick from, Lisa! But your video on the first book about time management really captures my interest the most. I don’t feel like “I never have enough time,” but I do feel like my time is probably used up in a lot of useless ways. I need to take stock of what I spend my time on and this book might be just worth the time I spend on reading it! Thanks for all of these, my friend!
some of my favorite writers are on your list this month. I have read and like her times – Laura Vanderkam – but find she begins to repeat herself quite a bit. OH< I hope I don't fall into that trap with my writing but imagine I have. Ever notice how you notice someone else's flaw it reflects on your flaw. wow, just realized this, ouch!
Since I am writing a memoir about our life I think I will check out Springsteen book. I just finish a memoir by Peggie Carlson, delightful read, did in in a couple hours. She is one of the first women to get her pipefitters license for the Minnegsco, a Minnesota natural gas utilities. It’s funny and insightful since she is not only first women but she is black. I remember taking a job at a Hussmann’s Refrigeration Factory in the 70. I was some of the first women to get hired there since World War II. Since it took jobs from men I got my tires on my car sliced twice and few other things happened. I have never worked with anyone black or Mexican so that was an education for me. I am, or was a very fast worker and had never been up against someone who tried to slow the work down on purpose. Like I said it was an education. Good read.
What a great diverse reading list!
I felt that way about 9 perfect strangers too; cute but not the best. I think I’d really like I’d Rather Be Reading. That pretty much sums up my life!
You don’t like the Boss? ?
It’s rare when I’ve read one of the books you’ve read… but Outliers was an awesome book! Keep it up, my reading hero!
Sounds like some pretty interesting books. I love to read as well. My favorites are Amish romance novels and anything written by Karen Kingsbury.
Amish romance novels are so popular right now! I’m glad you have tapped into a genre that you can enjoy. Reading can bring us such pleasure when we find the right books for us.
Completely agree with your assessment of Annie Lamott; will have to keep an eye out for her latest. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I loved I’d Rather Be Reading! I was able to go to see Anne talk about it during her book signing in Texas. So cool! And I need to look into 168 Hours. I am always wanting to increase productivity so that sounds like a great book for me!
How cool that you got to hear Anne talk about her book. I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. It made me smile page after page to see how much I related to what she was saying. 🙂
Oooh, I loved Women Rowing North! Mary Pipher is a jewel. And I love Anne Lamott and her blunt humor.