I read a lot of books. And I love it! Reading has been a hobby, pursuit, enjoyment for me for years. What I have read has changed over the years but the love of reading and learning has been the same.
While what I enjoy reading varies depending on the day, there are a few books through the years that I still love, still talk about, and still recommend. And I want to keep talking about them here. :)
I should tell you I’m not all into happy endings. It doesn’t bother me if a story/novel ends sad as long as it makes sense. I do not enjoy predictable, everything-ends-in-a-perfect-bow type stories. Real life is sad and hard and difficult. I like realism with a dose of hope. So the books listed below are not guaranteed to be happy. You’ve been warned.
“Remember” by Lisa Genova (non-fiction)
I learned so much from this book! It was not only interesting but easy to read and helpful. Genova writes about why we remember, why we forget, and how to remember things better in an almost conversational way. She inserts stories and examples that are relatable and explains the workings of our brain in a way the average reader can understand. Highly recommend.
“Everyday Faithfulness” by Glenna Marshall (Christian living)
This book was published in 2020 and I read it twice in that year. It is such an encouraging reminder that a faithful life of serving God starts today. You don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to be faithful. It comes in small, consistent ways that grow over a lifetime.
“Humble Roots” by Hannah Anderson (Christian living)
Humility is a topic I’ve studied at different times and consistently need to be reminded of. Anderson pairs facets of humility and what it looks like with nature examples and it’s a perfect combination.
“Parenting” by Paul David Tripp (Christian living)
I was very convicted and encouraged by this read. It was full of practical advice and biblical wisdom. While Tripp did mention how he parented in certain situations, I felt he always brought it back to biblical guidelines and didn’t hold himself as the perfect parent to emulate.
“Blitzed” by Norman Ohler (non-fiction)
I’ve read a lot of World War II books but this one blew my mind. The use of drugs in the Nazi regime is staggering and it makes so many things make sense. I was literally cringing as I read parts of this; it’s amazing what a persuasive person can convince others to do or what to inject into their bodies.
“Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys (fiction)
This novel was heartbreaking but so well written and truly gripping. The changing point of views and the unraveling of each person’s story was perfectly paced and climaxed in a way you won’t forget. A forgotten part of history that needs to be remembered.
“We Were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter (fiction)
A World War II novel. This one is based on the author’s family and follows their remarkable journey from Europe to South America, separated then together but in devastating ways. It was a book I wanted to devour because it was so well written and interesting but I wanted to slowly savor to make it last.
“A Place to Hang the Moon” by Kate Albus (young adult fiction)
With the feel of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, this book seems like a classic although it’s relatively new. Meet three children, looking for their forever home amidst the uncertainties of London in the early days of World War II. Trundled off to the country, their foster home is less than ideal but the village library and kind librarian keep hopes alive that someday, they’ll find a place to belong. Beautifully written and appropriate for all ages to enjoy.
“The Swallow’s Flight” by Hilary McKay (young adult fiction)
The lives and experiences of four young people during World War II from very different perspectives. Each fighting their own demons and discovering their worth and purpose in a changing world. Themes of friendship, courage, kindness, and doing the right thing make this a winning story for boys and girls alike.
“The Light Between Oceans” by M. L. Stedman
I have found you either love this book or hate it! Set off the coast of Australia after World War I, a lighthouse keeper, recovering from war, and his wife, desperate for a child, embark on a journey that will test them in unimaginable ways. How far would you go to fulfill your deepest wish? And what would you sacrifice to do the honorable thing?
I could certainly go on. And perhaps I will in a future post. Have you read any of these? I’d love to hear what books you can’t stop recommending.