I love to read. Always have, and probably always will. I can spend hours getting lost in a library. I love to escape by curling up with a good book, a fluffy blanket and a cup of mint tea. I keep a sticky note on my Macbook with a list of books I want to read, and the number is getting close to 200. I have a lot of reading to catch up on when I get home in two months.
I’ve been reading on my Kindle app on my iPod this year, although I typically only download the free books because I’m a firm believer in not spending money on books when you can check them out at the library for free. (I did treat myself to a few new books recently to spend my thoughtful birthday Amazon gift card, thank you Ellen!) We have several good books that have been thoroughly passed around our squad this year, and many of them have impacted my life greatly.
So if you’re looking for a good way to spend a lazy Fall evening, here’s my top recommendations:
Shauna Niequist: Cold Tangerines & Bittersweet. Her new book, Bread & Wine: Finding Community and Life Around the Table, comes out in April 2013! Shauna is one of my role models. She is funny and vulnerable, loves to bake and appreciates a good glass of red wine, is a talented writer and speaker, and works hard to keep her priorities in order 1. Jesus 2. family 3. everything else. Nope, I’ve never met her, but I stalk her on Twitter and follow her blog religiously so I feel like we’re old friends. You can read her blog on her website or follow her on Twitter @sniequist.
Donald Miller: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Through Painted Deserts, Blue Like Jazz. Miller is a Christian writer out of Portland, and another of my inspirations for coming on this trip and “living a good story” with my one and only life. I can’t wait to watch the new Blue Like Jazz movie!
Katie Davis: Kisses from Katie. Katie moved to Uganda at the age of 19 and has an incredible story. Here's her blog link: http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
Katie and all of her adopted Ugandan daughters.
David Platt: Radical. I read this in Honduras and posted a blog with a few of my notes from the book.
Shane Claiborne: The Irresistible Revolution. I’m not sure I would be on the World Race if it weren’t for this book. It literally changed my life and made me want to DO something with my faith instead of just say I believe in God. Shane runs the Simple Way Ministry in one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
Francis Chan: Crazy Love, Forgotten God and Erasing Hell. Chan founded Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, CA, and I love to listen to their weekly podcasts. You can find them free on iTunes.
Brennan Manning: The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Furious Longing of God (was free for Kindles on Amazon a few weeks ago, not sure if it still is or not). Manning’s books Abba Father and All for Grace are on my list. All of Manning’s books are focused on the wonderful and free grace of God, which is probably why I love them so much.
Tim and Kathy Keller: The Meaning of Marriage. Whether you’re single, in a relationship or married, this is a great read. I learned a ton about the type of marriage I want to have one day, as well as the type of friendships I should have, from this book. He has another book, Reason for God, which I’m looking forward to reading soon.
Immaculee Ilibagiza: Left to Tell: This is an incredible, heart-breaking, true story of the Rwandan genocide and one woman’s unwavering faith in God in spite of the horror taking place around her.
Todd Burpo: Heaven is for Real. A little boy’s astounding story of his journey to Heaven and back.
Here’s a list of books I haven’t actually read yet but I’ve heard great things about from others on my squad:
Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
Traveling Mercies and Some Assembly Required by Anne Lamott
Daring Greatly and I Thought It Was Just Me by Brene Brown
Praying for your future husband by Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Redeeming Love and a Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam
All of the above are Christian authors because that’s mostly what I’ve read this year, but my favorite genre is actually chick-lit. If you ask me, there’s nothing better than a bubble bath, a yummy smelling candle, a big glass of wine and a girly book. Two of my favorite authors have new books out: The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner and Where We Belong by Emily Giffin.
I recently signed up for the website www.goodreads.com.
You can rate books and it will give you a good list of recommendations.
If you’re looking for a good documentary I highly, highly recommend Nefarious. It’s an eye opening film to the global sex-trafficking trade.
Finally, here’s two blogs I love:
My boyfriend Caleb moved to Xi’an, China about a month ago to teach English. His blog is really funny and gives good insight to what it’s like for an American to teach and live abroad.
Stephanie May recently finished the World Race and now works for Adventures in Missions in Georgia. She is a beautiful woman, writer, photographer and storyteller. You can follow her on Twitter @smay15.
Hopefully at least a few of you found this helpful. I would LOVE to hear your book and blog recommendations as well! Leave a comment with some of your favorite books and I’ll be sure to add them to my list. And if you live near me and want to lend me some of your books come December, I promise I’m a fast reader and I’ll return them quickly!
Happy reading!
