I’ve recently read a few really great books that are definitely worth a read for anyone at any age and I thought it’d be a shame to keep them to myself! Let’s not waste any more time and get this rolling.
1. "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert
You've probably heard of the bestselling book “Eat, Pray, Love,” and this book is written by the same author and deserves the same recognition. This is a book I’d encourage anyone to read whether you’re a boy or girl, young or old (yes, even if you’re 99), big or small. Okay…you get my point. Read it. Life is about passion, creativity, love, self-expression, creating your own opportunities, etc. This book encouraged me to work on my dreams, get creative, and focus on what matters. No, you don’t have to be an art major or an artist to read this. Just try it and you’ll see what I’m taking about. It’s a quick read too :)
2. "I Said Yes" by Emily Maynard
Bachelor fan? Bachelorette fan? No? Well you don’t have to be. This amazing woman was on both of these reality TV shows, but don’t let that turn you off from hearing her story! I was on the fence about Emily's personality and intentions when she was portrayed on reality TV but that’s not her; that’s Hollywoods version of her. It’s very engaging and you will learn a lot. Yes, Emily is a wonderful Christian woman but she doesn’t push her faith on you. She’s real and honest and you’ll love her, I promise!
3. "#GIRLBOSS" by Sophia Amoruso
Nasty Gal. There, that should've got your attention. Sophia is the CEO and creator of the online store everyone loves, Nasty Gal. Personally, Nasty Gal is way out of my price range as it may be for you too, but that doesn’t mean the girl isn’t spot on with her passion and energy. Sophia's humor is absolutely enticing. "A girlboss knows when to throw punches and when to roll with them." This book is great if you want to be an entrepreneur, but it’s also great if you’re just trying to live life. Sophia says it how it is and she worked so incredibly hard to get to where she is now, and that’s a message all of us need to hear. Even if you don't know what a "girlboss" is, you'll want to be one. Nothing will happen if you just sit in that chair and read my articles. So, get to work...but start by reading this book! As Sophia says, "Life is short. Don't be lazy."
4. "Nights in Rodanthe" by Nicholas Sparks
I LOVE Nicholas Sparks, #LOVE. I’ve read just about all of his books, and reread some. This book stood out. It confused me at the beginning because he jumps around with stories but after the first couple of chapters, it’s addicting. I read it in two days (only because I was stuck in the car for a total of 13 hours on a road trip.) Yes it’s a romance, but it does have a moral. The strength and love these characters show is especially rare and positively touching even though it’s not young romance.
5. "The Guardian" by Nicholas Sparks
Okay, I originally didn't include this particular book in my list but I finished it last week and fell in love with it, and I couldn't possibly leave it out. Nicholas Sparks is known for the romance in his novels but this book shocked me when I discovered it was mostly a suspense/thriller. This is one of those books where the first half is almost dreadful but then it picks up and you literally can not put it down. Read this if you want to escape reality for a few days.
Let me know if you read any of these or if you have other suggestions. I’m always up for a new book!
That’s all I’ve got for you today!
God bless,
