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.
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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
