Books I Love (and think you will, too)
In recent months I’ve learned two things contribute greatly to my overall happiness: being engrossed in a good book, and having my hair styled. If I have those things going for me, I can conquer the world. I’d also like to note that I’ve never felt more southern than I did when writing that statement.
I wanted to share a list of my favorite books and ones on deck to read. I’ll keep this post updated, so go ahead and bookmark it (no pun intended) and check back often. Also, send me your recos!
Favorite Fiction Reads
Love the One You’re With, by Emily Giffin
I love all things Emily Giffin. She’s the author of Something Borrowed and Something Blue, which you should also add to your list – but Love the One You’re With takes the cake in my book. I read this shortly after college while living in New York. My heart was at war with itself and I felt like this book was written specifically for me. The book bounces back and forth between Atlanta and New York – which again, was very fitting for me. It’s a quick + easy read if you’re a tired mama looking for an “escape” of sorts in the evening.
Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
This was a recommendation from my best friend, and I have to admit I was super skeptical after reading the back of the book browsing the aisles of Target. I had to push through the first few chapters – but then the writing and story completely captivated me.
One Day In December, by Josie Silver
Such a fun one! This was a recommendation from you guys on Instagram and I really enjoyed it. My only hesitation with it is its similarities to Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin – which I’ve already called-out as a favorite of mine. But regardless, I still really enjoyed and would recommend for those of you that love a good love story. It’s an easy and quick read – great for the beach!
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
This is the only book I’ve ever read in one sitting. I was on a bus trip to a college swim meet – and one of my favorite people from that era suggested I give it a read. It’s good for the soul. And one that I think every person can benefit from reading.
The Light We Lost, by Jill Santopolo
Full disclosure – I’m only a third of the way in, but it’s worth sharing! I have a thing for books that touch on the different loves in one’s life. Candidly, I’m not big on the “there’s only one person for everyone” mentality – and I enjoy reading stories that shed light on falling in love more than once and the pain + heartache that comes in tow. My only “meh” about this book: it’s a lot of “he said” and “she said”. The style of writing feels a bit choppy – but still one worth reading.
Atonement, Ian McEwan
Big fan of stories that pull at your heart-strings. Read the book, then watch the movie. I’m fascinated by this tale of romance, and the way the story’s heroine offers forgiveness.
Favorite Non-Fiction Reads
Captivating, by John + Stasi Eldridge
Ladies: read this. Mothers: have your daughters read this. Mine certainly will when the time comes. I read this years ago at the recommendation of my best friend who also was the leader of a small group I was in. It spoke to me on so many levels and really shined a light on the life I wanted to lead.
Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis
Unpopular opinion coming. I think this book is just OK. But I still think it’s worth reading. Candidly, her writing isn’t groundbreaking and a lot of her examples/personal anecdotes rub me the wrong way. But there’s no denying the fact that she’s wildly successful and she’s done SO.MUCH.RIGHT. Haters are going to hate – but I’m willing to bet if you read this, you’ll have a sense of motivation you didn’t before. Note: skip the follow-up, Girl, Stop Apologizing. It’s a lot of the same. I couldn’t finish it.
Anxious for Nothing, by Max Lucado
I haven’t kept it a secret that fall 2018 was a rough one for me. I still want to share more details around those months – but long story, short: I suffered from my first full-blown anxiety attack. My lifelong friend visited shortly after and gifted me this book. I needed it. I craved it. It comforted me, and I think if you suffer from anxiety at any level, it will comfort you, too.
Up Next on My Nightstand
I know I’m forgetting some – because, well – my memory is crap. And sidenote: I absolutely have read every single Nicholas Sparks book known to man, and love them all – BUT, I’m trying to use this list to branch out a bit.
I’ll continue to update with favorites and would love to hear from those of you that pick up any of these books for the first time!
Photo credit: Alea Moore Photography