I was able to complete 6 books in July. I wanted to get in 7 or 8 but that didn’t happen. I did read several really awesome books this month. If you are looking for recommendations and interested in prioritizing your reads, here is how I would stack rank them:
1. Carry On
2. Hillbilly Elegy
3. Home Front
4. Unglued
5. The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi
6. I’ve Been Thinking
| 2018 July | Title, Author, Genre | Rating | Notes |
| Kindle | Home Front by Kristin Hannah, Fiction | 5 | I love Kristin Hannah’s books and this one did not disappoint. I finished it on Independence Day which seemed appropriate. While the primary theme in the book is about two married people falling back in love, there are other major themes dealing with modern war, family, and raising young children and pre-teens. It would make an excellent book club read because there are so many conversations that this book evokes. A must read for anyone who has military family/friends, curious about PTSD, or enjoys a page-turner. |
| Audible | I’ve Been Thinking: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life by Maria Shriver, Self-Help | 3 | This makes for a quick easy listen. If you are short on time to listen to books then give this one a try! The way this book is written allows you to easily complete full chapters in small time segments. It is written as if it were meant for audible – sound bites. I wish Shriver would have shared more about her personal struggles but overall, she was encouraging which I believe was her intent with this book. I recommend for the working, God-loving woman. |
| Kindle | Carry On: A Story of Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family by Lisa Fenn, Memoir | 5 | Who doesn’t love a sports story that ends in a ‘win’? This book will make you stop and recognize all your blessings and encourage you that a little effort of giving back can make a difference. This true story is fascinating because of the optimism and bond of two handicapped young men. Fenn explains her journey into understanding their world and becoming their support system as they are launched into adulthood. The themes worth discussing in this book are endless. This is a must read for anyone with a pulse – sports enthusiast or not. |
| Audible | Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance, Memoir | 5 | Poverty is a real issue that is hard to understand when you are not truly experiencing it. I loved Vance’s description of his own experience and how he overcame it. He challenges one’s perception of poverty which is worth the exploration. Vance provokes the analysis of poverty – why it is hard to overcome, unprejudiced, and influenced by geography. I recommend for all. |
| Audible | The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Rabbi Jason Sobel and Kathie Lee Gifford, Christian, Travel | 3 | Gifford retells her journey to Israel and explores the Bible’s meaning through the Hebrew culture. I liked listening to this book because it was read by the authors and the passion in the message could be felt. I struggled with focusing at some points because of the depth of understanding one may need about the Bible to entirely stay engaged. Regardless, I found this book intriguing and I overall enjoyed it. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in history, Jesus, and understanding the genesis of the stories in the Bible. |
| Paperback | Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa Terkeurst, Christian, Self-Help | 4 | This book struck a chord with me as a woman, mother, friend, and spouse. The only reason I am not giving it a 5 is because I think men would not relate to the emotions explored in this book. I most enjoyed the actionable steps Terkeurst gives to help overcome the struggle of letting our emotions get the best of us. She shares scripture, science, and her own personal experiences to encourage a healthier and more productive response rather than ‘stuffing’ or ‘exploding.’ A Christian woman who wants to handle her raw emotions with integrity would enjoy this read. |
Amanda Ray 