I love a good reading list... especially when there is so much you can learn from the books as well as apply to your life. I typically lean towards reading nonfiction books: self-help books, Bible studies, cookbooks, health, recently the history of education etc,... Sometimes if I need inspiration or perhaps even just a break, I'll grab a fiction book that's either love stories, tea mysteries, traveling, finding one-self, etc,...
This summer I jumped around quite a bit, gathering recommendations from different sources and other books, and to be honest I was quite surprised I managed to read this many given the time I have being a wife and mom (I usually read when the baby naps or at nighttime before bed).
Here is the list if you'd like to check out any of the books yourself... they were all SO good and inspiring in their own way and I truly recommend them for your reading as well! Below is a little summary of what they were about... Happy Reading!
1. The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
This novel is actually a fictional allegory to the Bible, meaning it's a fictional story that uses the plot, characters, events, and the setting to symbolize moral and spiritual ideas. For so many years I had been hearing about it being such a great book for Christians to read and so I finally gave in and checked it out. I'll be honest the old English language was a bit difficult in the beginning (moreso than the King James bible I read) and I almost gave up. BUT the story was so compelling and I needed to find out what happened to Christian in it, that I found myself up at 2am most nights and couldn't put it down.
This book made me laugh, smile, and cry to all of the symbolism to a Christian's life. Incredibly written, with beautiful lost old English language. John Bunyan definitely knew his Bible to create such an amazing plot and connect it with real biblical verses and history. 10/10 a must read. You won't be disappointed you did.
2. What is a Woman? by Mary Kassian
With all of the confusion in today's society about genders, gender roles, identity, womanhood, and truth... this book was beautifully written to answer the question the world is too afraid to answer. This book is filled with biblical truth written in a compassionate way... affirming that God's design is still good and worth embracing. Truly a book every woman should read to help stand firm in God's Word with His wisdom and grace.
3. The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer by Jenn Simmons, MD
When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, we changed many things in our lifestyles... and I began reading many different books, not only to help her but also for myself.
Dr. Jenn (a breast surgeon of 20 years that left the field to become a functional and integrative doctor) offers a functional medicine and holistic approach to understanding, treating, and also recovering from breast cancer.
It goes into the medical terms that conventional doctors don't often explain, and also gives so much information as to how to protect yourself from breast cancer and also ways to help holistically if you have a diagnosis already. It gives so much hope as to having a different path than what is usually offered. I learned so much from this book!
4. Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins
This was a sweet and funny memoir about the author's day to day raising and homeschooling her nine children. Filled with stories, poems, faith, morning time, and her encouraging words... it reminds mothers how quick the childhood years go but how incredibly important and beautiful it is to value truth, and lifelong learning in the home.
5. The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Makenzie
This book is a guide for parents of children of all ages and explains how important reading aloud helps in building deep relationships, boosts their academic success, and also forms strong family bonds. It helps children with their imagination, creativity, and is also so fun and wonderful expanding your world by learning and reading together at home. I had heard about this concept but didn't realize it was a whole movement!
I can recall reading The Giver to my younger brother when he was little every night for a few weeks, and it became our favorite thing to do right before bed. To this day he still says he remembers vividly and loves that book because of me reading it to him aloud.
6. Be Your Child's Pediatrician by Rachel Weaver
I got this book as a guide to keep when I want to know what to do should a sickness arise without having to be fearful and rush to the doctor right away. It's a comprehensive natural health guide that teaches parents about nutrition, how to use herbal remedies, and how to care and treat childhood illnesses. While I'm grateful we live in a time that we have doctors and the emergency room, I also think it's our responsibility and right to learn how to care about our bodies naturally and with other methods as best we can. A great book to have on hand!
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