With summer coming to a close, it seems like a perfect time to share my three favorite books read in this season. Here they are (all non-fiction), listed in no particular order …
Wherever the River Runs by Kelly Minter.
I adore Kelly Minter. Her previous book and bible studies are nothing short of amazing! This gem of a book ranks as one of my favorite of hers to-date. Kelly captures her various trips to the wild land of the Amazon through essays marked with vivid descriptions of the river, rainforest, and most importantly, the people who live there. Her account humbled, inspired, and left me with a desire to go out and do some good. Right. Now. I love books that move my heart and propel me forward in my faith. If you’re looking for something to empower you to “go and serve,” then this is the one for you!
Let’s All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs
“Brave” seems to be the theme of the latter part of this summer season as I have been taking the steps to do more with the dreams God has put in my heart, specifically with regard to my career and my blogging, creating, writing pursuits. So when I heard about this book via another blog, I knew I had to get it, and I devoured it while on our Pacific Northwest adventure. I compare reading Annie’s words to talking with your best friend over a good cup of coffee. She tells her own stories of courage, while encouraging you to go after the thing God is calling you to do, using your own unique gifts, resources, skills, and talents. This book speaks truth and wisdom that I, personally, so needed to hear in this season. It’s been over a month since I finished and I keep referring back to quotes and Scriptures she mentioned. If you’re struggling with being brave and going after that thing in your life you feel you have to do more than anything, read this book! It’ll be just the thing to reignite your courage and fire you up!
This. book. Simply stated, I LOVE this book, so much in fact that I read it in just two days. My heart for this blogging space is to tell stories and share things that are encouraging, life-giving, true, lovely, hopeful, inspiring, and influential in helping others to ‘live the good life,’ and Nish’s words confirmed for me that doing so is a powerful way to reach out to people, make a difference, and gradually change the world. In reading this, I’m inspired to be a better not only a better story-teller, but also a better listener, and learn essential truths from others. As a social worker, it also made me want to further develop in my abilities to use the power of story in advocating for social justice and ultimately, social change. I look forward to opportunities where I’ll be challenged with doing so for the betterment of those who are marginalized, yet who hold so much wisdom and grace that the rest of us need to hear.
What books have you enjoyed this summer? Any good recommendations for fall?
Happy Reading, friends!