Great Books to Read on Spring Break (or Anytime!)

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At the beginning of the year, I set a book reading goal of 36 books for the year. While I feel certain that I typically read more than 36 books in a year, I haven’t tracked the number of books I’ve read in a year in a very, very long time. I do have a list of the books I read in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. Isn’t that funny? My mom kept them and I still have them. Since you probably don’t care what I read in 1st through 3rd grade, I’ll give you a peek at what I’ve been reading since the first of this year. Check out my list of great books to read on spring break (or anytime!)

1. I Want God: Forever Changed by the Revival of Your Soul

I Want God is the first book I’ve read written by Lisa Whittle. I was truly challenged to think differently in my walk with God and while it’s not a long read, it did take me a few weeks to get through the book as I kept pausing for a few days to digest the richness. When the book ended, I definitely felt challenged to pursue God with more passion. Highly recommend this book!

2. Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity

My friend, Jen, brought this book over to me at coffee one day. I’d never read a book by Jen Hatmaker, but I had read her blog on various occasions. The book blew me away; I loved her writing style and who can’t love her quick wit? But more than that, this book will make you rethink your way of living out faith. I was privileged to meet Jen Hatmaker at the If:Gathering in February and oh, I CANNOT wait for her next book: For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards.

3. Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way

There is so much about this book to tell you that I cannot possibly write a short paragraph of my thoughts. God graciously gave me the opportunity to meet the author, Laura Sobiech, and talk with her about the valley our family walks since my daughter, Taylor, has a rare, terminal neurologically degenerative disease. Laura was so gracious to share her wisdom with me for a few minutes. I will simply tell you that I cried my eyes out, literally, much of the time on planes, as I read this book. My fellow travelers most likely wondered what in the world was wrong with me, but I didn’t even care.

4. The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible

Mark Batterson has held my fan vote for a long time. Since his book, The Circle Maker, I’ve enjoyed his straightforward style of preaching principles and interesting mode of storytelling. Mark has an awesome way of pointing out unique points to passages of Scripture I’ve read time and time again. His books challenge me to think outside of my own little box and encourage me to remember that I cannot put God in a box.

5. Scary Close: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy

With raw honesty, Donald Miller takes us on a journey to enjoying personal relationships. Scary Close was the first book I’ve read by this author and it took me a little while to adapt to his style of writing. There’s no doubt Donald has a huge fan club for a reason; he’s a great writer. The book was easy to read and kept me turning the pages.

6. Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life

I know I keep giving rave reviews, but Living Well Spending Less is both inspirational and practical. If you need a little guidance for your daily life, then this book will help you organize your home, set up your finances, and balance your life. Ruth’s raw honesty from the beginning of the book sets the tone for authenticity through each chapter. At the end of this book, I felt very empowered to make a few small changes that have turned out to make a huge difference.

7. Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After

I can’t wrap my head around the total amount of debt this family had before they became the King and Queen of Free. Cherie Lowe and her family found themselves $127,482.30 in debt, not including their mortgage. They hadn’t bought a yacht, blown it on designer clothes, or purchased a mansion. It was all the everyday expenses of life. I read this book to find the inspiration to focus on paying our family’s debt. My husband and I made some decisions at the end of last year in order to focus on paying off debt, though we don’t have anywhere near what the Lowe’s had when they began to slay the debt dragon. I’m excited to see if I can implement some of Cherie’s strategies to help us reach our family goal.

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, especially the “Books for Future Enjoyment” board, if you want to see the books that make my “want to read” list. I’d love to hear from you today!

What have you read so far this year or what are you reading right now?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Rachel

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. Erin Barret says:

    Wonderful suggestions, thank you! I’ve been helping my parents look for some books that they can take on their vacation, and these will be great for them! A friend of theirs also suggested “Holy Fool, Holy Father” by Nicholas A. Marziani Jr. I’m looking in to it as well, http://www.holyfoolholyfatherthenovel.com/, and I thought I’d share the recommendation! Thanks again for your suggestions!

  2. Thanks for the book recommendations,Rachel! I’ve only ready one of these (Ruth Soukup’s – and it was good!), so I’m looking forward to adding these to my list. I’m hoping to go on a “reading spree” the next couple of days. 🙂

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