The Life She Wanders

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Books I've Been Reading Lately

One of my goals for 2019 was to read more. A simple goal but something I definitely wanted to improve on from previous years. I’m proud to say I’ve started the year off strong and am doing much more than last year! I’ve been loving starting and/or ending my days cuddled up on the couch reading. It’s so relaxing and allows for a calm start and/or end to the day.

I recently wrapped up three amazing books that I had to share with you. There’s a little something for everyone in this list and these books will certainly not leave you disappointed! So without further ado, here are the books I’ve been reading lately!

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE - by Celeste Ng

I don’t typically read fiction books but I had heard SO many great things about this book that I had to see for myself. Y’all, this book did not disappoint one bit - I could not put it down!! The way the characters developed and were described, I felt like I could picture them clearly in my head. You almost start to feel yourself in the characters throughout the book. The way the quaint little town and homes were described, I felt like I was there myself and could picture every curve of the road or layout of the living room.

The book, though fiction, sheds light on many important topics in today’s world including: the heavy weight of keeping secrets, the struggle to maintain perfection in an effort to avoid disaster, the development and search for one’s identity, and the emotional job of being a mother.

The book continued to pull me in the more I read and I enjoyed the way in which Celeste wrote the book making it come full circle: present disaster, back story, back back story, back to the back story, present disaster. I highly, highly suggest you check out this book!

YOU ARE A BADASS EVERY DAY - by Jen Sincero

Many of you probably are familiar with Jen Sincero and her badass series of books. If you aren’t…you’re missing out! This is her newest book and it pulls together points from her two other books into easily digestible bits. Think of the book as your accountability buddy! The book serves as a guide to help keep your motivation strong and your quest for transformation completely unstoppable. It’s about living your best live each and every single day!

One of the things I enjoyed about this book is that it is not something you have to sit and read page by page, cover to cover. You can select a page/prompt to read each day and reflect on or you can open to a random page and focus on that. These little informational bites, affirmations and quotes she includes in this book are simple and to the point but powerful and get those wheels in your mind spinning. From topics on confidence and excuses, to drinking more water or a quote that says “I’m. Fucking. Doing. This.” [which I circled, highlighted, starred, all the things!], this book will open up your eyes to important life topics in a clear and concise way. Definitely a great book to add to your list! Thank you to Viking Books for the hardcover copy!

IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY - by Lysa TerKeurst

This book is incredibly eye opening and inspiring. Lysa’s vulnerability in sharing her real life struggles throughout this book create added authenticity to the topics discussed. This book is about finding your strength and courage during difficult bumps in the road. With all of my concussion, health and life things going on - this book seemed extremely fitting and I have really been able to relate to it.

I enjoy that at the end of each chapter, Lysa includes a “Going to the Well” section. This section recaps the main points from the chapter, includes scripture that aligns with what was discussed, provides prompts for you to relate the chapter back to your life, and a prayer. I have certainly found myself flipping back through to these pages to find related scripture and prayers for what is going on in my life on certain days.

There is also a section at the back of the book that contains scripture for/from each chapter in a summary form. I also enjoyed the section at the back of the book that has scripture for various times in your life when God seems silent and isn’t answering your prayers. It is broken down by a lie, a truth and what to remember for each scenario. If you are going through any difficult time in your life - no matter how big or small - I highly encourage you read this book!

There you have it, the three books I’ve recently read that I highly recommend! I have a few books lined up next that I’m excited to dive into that deal with thinking and success so I’ll be sure to give ya’ll my reviews on those books. I’m also anxiously waiting for Rachel Hollis’ new book to come out soon [if you haven’t read Girl, Wash Your Face - do it!!]. Have you read any good books lately that I should add to my list? If so, share below in the comments!

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