September/October Reads
One of my most asked questions is “how do you have time to read?”
The easy answer is I want to read, so I do. I have two books on my nightstand at any time, usually a nonfiction and a lighter read of some genre. I read them while trying to get Judson down at night. Or I may read while watching him take his bath at night. I always have a Kindle book going as well. I read it when I’m blow drying my hair, waiting for Liam at a practice, or any down time I may have outside of home. I might have an Audible book going as well, particularly if I’m on a road trip. The point is it is how I prefer to spend my downtime, not on a phone or watching TV. You just find time to do what you enjoy.
The last two months have been filled with some great reads and some okay reads. A few I would absolutely say go read right now! Let me share them with you!
I read a lot of books with the sole purpose of learning something. I very much appreciate someone who can deliver information in a manner that is both engaging and enlightening. Justice Thomas lived a hard life that he is clearly grateful for. His family situation was less than ideal, but his family turned what most today would use as an excuse for failure into a reason for success. There is much wisdom in this book. I highly recommend it!
This is my most recommended read on this post! America remains the world’s greatest land of opportunity, but too many Americans have lost sight of the values that made it work. Patriotism and civic responsibility have weakened. Families and schools too often fail to teach discipline, character, and personal responsibility. Hard work and self-reliance are losing ground to entitlement and dependency. I love that Bill O’Reilly argues that the answer is not another government program; It is a return to informed citizenship, strong families, honest education, meaningful work, generosity, self-respect, and a willingness to put country and community ahead of self. Read this one!
This book begins with the personal story of Dr. Jeremiah’s bout with cancer. It is an honest account of what he went through after receiving that diagnosis. Yet throughout this whole account, he tells of the anchor of his soul. Jesus Christ, who never left him, who was always there, in spite of the emotional ups and downs he experienced. He brings out the fact that just because we are Christians, we are not exempt from heartache, sickness and trouble. He shares that Jesus has said in HIs Word that in the world we WILL have tribulation because we live on a sin sick planet, but that He has overcome the world.
I have read a few of the Left Behind books before – and have watched all the movies – but I reread this first one again when I began teaching a prophecy unit this fall. I needed a refresher on the fictional creative license the writers take on how to potentially bring these stories alive. This series covers the events of biblical prophecy surrounding the end times, encompassing the rapture and the seven-year period known as the tribulation that follows.
Evergreen: Discover the Joy in Every Season
This sweet read reminds us to enjoy everyday living. To slow down and savor the season of life – and the season of the year. Lots of references to nature and life guide this story to make you think about intentional living. This would make a great coffee table book or Christmas gift!
Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of PanAm
I think all of you know how obsessed I am with 1960s and the era of the space race. But I also have a deep appreciation for aviation and the earliest pioneers of the sky. The PanAm stewardesses fascinate me. These girls wanted more out of life. Many of them were college graduates who were not yet engaged, more or less what women went to college for, or were not ready to begin domestic life. They knew there was a “middle” for them, and they passionately pursued it. In this book, I particularly enjoyed the stories of PanAm’s involvement and risk in the Vietnam War. I devoured the pages where the girls lived in Hong Kong or their frightening experiences in Africa. This was a quick and delightful read for me.
I have read this book 3-4 times over the last ten years. It is always the reminder that I need. Many people believe in God. But how many of us actually believe HIM. We want our way when we want it. That’s when we stop achieving and experiencing the life that God says we can have. I have read all of Beth Moore’s books, and I appreciate her honesty about her struggles with trusting God.
Keep the Faith: How to Stand Strong in a World Turned Upside Down
Every day, everyone in the world faces challenging moments and circumstances. When times get tough, people often ask, “Why is this happening to me?” I know I have said this a thousand times. Nothing comes into our lives that God doesn’t know about. He allows the good and the bad, easy and hard to bring about transformation. One caveat: this book has a LOT of copied and pasted excerpts from When Your World Falls Apart. It was almost like it was meant to make additional money from a previous book by making you buy a new one. I didn’t like that.
The call to live for eternity is more important than ever for us all. I found this book at Barnes and Noble when the boys and I were in Huntsville for Space Camp. I read a little about it and immediately bought it. I think about eternity a lot. Most people should probably think about it more. I appreciated how the author encouraged the reader to be eternity minded and know that we are all meant to live for more. But not more of us. It is an invitation to get to know the God of eternity more deeply. Life is fragile, and we desperately need a Savior.
The space nerd in me loved this quick read. Modern science allows viewers to see farther into space than ever before, and every step draws them closer to the God who breathed each star into existence. If they will stop to notice. In Indescribable, the authors intertwine devotional insights with remarkable scientific facts that awaken both mind and spirit.
I LOVED this book. Wow. Bill O’Reilly really is the best-selling non-fiction writer of all time. He can back it up. His research and storytelling are unmatched. In Confronting Evil, O’Reilly explains the struggle between good and evil and the choice that each of us has to make. But many of us look away and ignore the evil, don’t we? He recounts the deeds of some of history’s most evil people: Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Henry VIII, and more. This is a must-read for any history lover and free thinker.
There is no better book than a book about books! I have enjoyed all of the Katherine Reay books I’ve read. This story was no different though it took a while longer to develop. I did enjoy it, and I’m glad I persevered. This is an intertwining story of four women and the mark one leaves on the other three’s lives. The bookshop was the perfect setting and brought the women together in a beautiful way. Their friendship developed through experience, love, books, and dedication to the woman who brought them together. I felt as if I were part of their circle!
I hope you found one book that interests you. There are so many good ones to choose from! I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading in the comments. Tell me below!
