My Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far

It's July 1, 2021, which means we are halfway through the year! 

I have read 49 books so far... it is really killing me that I didn't make it to an even 50.

While I haven't been blogging about books or posting my reading material to social media, rest assured I am still reading.

In 2021, I have gone back to thrillers (I can handle them again now that 2020 is over) but I am still shying away from WWI and WWII historical fiction.

I have also enjoyed reading a ton of rom-coms. They may not make my "Best of" lists, but trust me when I say I have plenty of make-your-heart happy fun reads to recommend. Just ask! 

6 months down, 6 months to go!

My favorite 6 reads for the first 6 months of 2021

The House of the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

I cannot find the words to explain how much I loved this sweet, strange fantasy. I went into it without knowing anything about it and it delighted me chapter after chapter. 

I love it so much I spent a ridiculous amount of money on these corresponding pencils (profits benefit The Trevor Project).

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

Sue Monk Kidd, author of The Secret Life of Bees, is a wonderful storyteller. This is a historical fiction set in biblical times. It tells the fictional story of a woman who married Jesus Christ and what that would have looked like during the time.

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth is quickly becoming one of my favorite domestic thriller writers. They aren't too scary, and they have multi-faceted characters. Her latest is another winner that focuses on a pair of sisters who are a little too co-dependent.

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner

I read a lot of memoirs (actually, I love to listen to memoirs). This one stands out because it is one that left quite an impression. When you read as much as I do, sometimes books start to blur together. This one will never blur and won't be forgotten. It is about a survivor of the polygamist Mormon LeBaron cult. It is a very rough read, but it shows how much strength and resilience Ruth has.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

There is a reason this one ended up in Reese's Book Club, but it is NOT for the faint of heart. The first few sentences will make some ladies clutch their pearls in shock and horror. With that being said, it is a romance, unlike any romance I have read (aka not a rom-com). It is a tough read, and it gets dark fast. Even so, I could not stop reading it. I also really appreciated how it featured a character with chronic illness (migraines) in a realistic light. 

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr

My last pick is nonfiction. If you grew up in church and were taught why women shouldn't preach or wear spaghetti strap tank tops, this book explains where those ideas came from. Hint: not the Bible. I learned a lot as I read it, and I am glad I read it while my kids are still young enough to use my new knowledge to teach them.  

I read 127 Books in 2018. Here are the 18 I recommend.

This was an absolutely fantastic reading year! I read all the time all year long. I read genres I usually don't and I stepped outside of my comfort zone.

Part of the reason for my big number is largely in part of my Book of the Month subscription and my discovery of the joys of listening to audiobooks when in public rather than dealing with the public.

I know you don't have all day, so I am sharing my 18 favorite reads this year using ten words or less for each. Let's get on with it.

My Favorite Books of 2018

Beartown - Friday Night Lights for hockey. Favorite read of the year.

The Chilbury Ladies Choir - Historical fiction novel told through letters with sassy strong women.

An American Marriage - False accusation, jail, marriage whoas. The book and audio = incredible.

The Woman in the Window - Hitchcock throwback thriller set in modern times. Creepy page turner!

The Music Shop - My heart swelled with this music shop love story.

How to Walk Away - An accident + hospital stay + hot Scottish physical therapist

Inspired - Inspired me to read the Bible in hopeful new ways

All We Ever Wanted - "Me too" rich kid and rich parent drama

Whiskey & Ribbons - About a fatally wounded cop, his wife, and his bff

Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win - Female in politics drama with a very abrupt ending

Rush - The Help meets Greek Like

The Wedding Date - Romcom about a couple pretending to date for a wedding

Calypso - The latest work of satire by humorist David Sedaris

The Library Book - Part nonfiction, part true crime about libraries and a fire

The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Outstanding fantasy for middle grades - full of magic

Last Christmas in Paris - Bawled my eyes through this love story told through letters

Almost Everything - Latest by Anne Lamott - almost everything she knows for sure

The Summer Wives - Soapy historical fiction with dynamics of the rich and poor


What books did you read and love in 2018? Tell me!

My Favorite 16 Reads of 2017

I read 90 books this year! While a few ended up being disappointing, most were quite enjoyable. But, it is super challenging to narrow down a list of 90 books to a small list of my favorites. Keyword here is "my." There will be plenty of people who disagree with my decisions. However, I created this list by thinking about which books stood out to me and which ones I safely recommend to my friends. Without further ado, here's my list of The Best Books of 2017.

The 16 Best Books of 2017

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A beautiful delightful work of fiction - stick with it even if you think the concept is slow at first. My full review

The Child by Fiona Barton

You will not be able to put down this crime thriller which has plenty of good guys to cheer on.

The Party by Robyn Harding

You will hate the women in this book, but you will love the plot! Juicy and fun fiction. My full review

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Eye-opening nonfiction about the unjustness of the criminal justice system following a case similar to To Kill a Mockingbird in the same setting. My full review

Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

One of my favorite writers - she makes the everyday seem extraordinary. My full review

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

The language of the book will sweep you away in this love story about senior citizens.

American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse

This was my favorite audiobook of the year. I was completely drawn into the chaos and her investigative journalism.

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford

It's got a world's fair, a brothel, and a tragic love story. My full review

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

A political affair told from the viewpoints of the mistress, the mother of the mistress, and the wife.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Thought-provoking, incredible fiction about the choices women make as mothers.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances by Ruth Emmie Lang

This book was different than anything I've read before featuring a boy raised by literal wolves. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy. My full review

When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

A heartbreaking story for fans of the show Friday Night Lights (or small towns where football rules).

The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

Comic books, biracial relationships, the South, long-held secrets. 

So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

Nonfiction piece about the ways social media and the internet have become the new public stocks where people earn their Scarlet Letters. 

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown

Maybe the most convicting book I have ever read - and the most difficult to apply in real life (but all the more reason to try)

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

He's still got it. My full review

*You can purchase these books from Amazon by clicking the titles. These are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

10 Things Saving My Life Right Now

What Is Saving My Life Right Now

Last week was rough – and not just for me. It was a week that left me reeling. But, it was also a week filled with innumerable gifts. For instance, in the midst of a tragic week where many people senselessly lost their lives, I got to celebrate the upcoming arrival of new life at dinner club.

So, anyhow, I thought I would post a few of the things that helped me get through last week and I hope they may help you too.

1. My new pink hair. Now that I have accepted that I will be working from home, I no longer feel the need to look professional. And, it’s fun.

2. Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks by Annie Spence (the audiobook). This book is a collection of love letters and break up notes to books. You guys, if there was ever a more enjoyable audiobook for a book nerd like me, I don’t believe it. It has made me laugh and made me clap.

3. Blue Q Socks. I love socks. I love when my socks can convey a secret only I know. And, Blue Q socks are perfect for hiding a little subtle message under your jeans. *Some are inappropriate. There's your warning.

4. The Mindy Project. I have a love/hate relationship with this show. But, this is the final season, and Danny is back, so I am ALL IN.

5. Broadway tickets. On a bad day this week, I took five minutes to go ahead and purchase excellent tickets to the upcoming production of the Phantom of the Opera for my husband, myself, and our son (who LOVES the musical). It’s not until February, but I am already excited.

6. The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers: Spiritual Insights from the World's Most Beloved Neighbor. Y’all, this book spoke to me on so many levels and it provided some needed healing to my soul. I had no idea prior to reading this book that Mister Rogers was an ordained minister or that he used his tv show as a way to spread Christ’s message of love. I want to be Mister Rogers when I grow up.

7. New Fall TV Shows. My husband and I are steadily making our way through the new fall television shows and eliminating and adding to our watch list. He loves Orville – I HATE IT. But, we both agree The Good Doctor is excellent.

8. My job. I know that sounds silly, but I have always said “If they would pay me to go to school, that’s what I would do.” And I feel like I am kind of doing that now – researching, learning new stuff, and writing essays all the time. And, I found out I am a "Top Rated" freelancer through Upwork!

9. LUSH has a subscription service. Do I even need to explain this? Just click here to find out more.

10. My dinner club. We started meeting for a Bible study, which evolved to books about faith & dinner club. There is something really awesome about meeting together with women from different backgrounds with different beliefs and breaking bread together. I think that is a little bit like what heaven will be like - a mishmash of people, laughing, crying, and eating together.

So, what about you? What has been saving your life lately?