What I'm Reading in 2016 ~ Volume 5

For some reason, it seemed like I couldn't quite find a groove when it came to reading good books this past month.  Here are the books I started and quickly stopped:

Bossypants by Tina Fey ~ I've heard this recommended several times, so I thought I'd give it a a try. However, I felt like every single sentence was an attempt to be funny, and I just couldn't do it. (I had a similar experience with Amy Poehler's book Yes Please.) 

Presence by Amy Cuddy ~ I read a few pages of this book and then was inspired to watch her TED talk (because it's the second most watched TED talk ever). I loved the talk and the idea behind the book, but once I'd watched the talk, I was no longer interested in investing the time into this book.

Hip to Be Square by Hope Lyda ~ This was mentioned on the What Should I Read Next podcast and I looked for it in our local library system. It wasn't there, so I ordered a cheap copy off Amazon. I don't remember specifically why I couldn't get into the book, but I couldn't. I ended up donating it to our church library, so at least I still have access to it in case I decided to give it another try.


Now on to the titles I did read....

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanthi ~ What happens when a neurosurgeon at the height of his career is diagnosed with cancer? Paul wrote this memoir to document his story of how he came into his career and then found himself the patient and on the receiving end of treatments. The epilogue, written by his wife, had me in tears.

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay ~ This was a delightful book about two sisters who desperately need to men their relationship and be there for each other despite their past. Although most of the book takes place in Seattle, I was pleasantly surprised to read about a few references to Hood River, OR, a favorite place of mine to visit on weekends.

Small Matters by Greg Nettle and Jimmy Mellado ~ The authors of this book believe that every child is at risk and that every child matters. Children living in poverty are at risk of hunger, disease, sex-trafficking and more. Children living in wealth and abundance are at risk of obesity, entitlement, self-absorption and more. Greg Nettle is the president of Stadia Global Church Planting (an organization committed to making sure every child has a church) and Jimmy Mellado is president of Compassion International (a ministry committed to working through the local church around the world to release children from poverty in Jesus' name). What a powerful combination to have these two men and their ministries working together on behalf of children around the world! You can read more about this book here.

The More of Less by Joshua Becker ~ Authored by the creator of the hugely popular blog Becoming Minimalist, this book delivers a powerful message of living life to the fullest with less stuff. My introduction to the concept of minimalism came through Joshua's writings and I find his story and motivation to be so inspiring. You can read my review here.

Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup ~ I had the opportunity to receive this book for free in exchange for a review and so I did. There really was no new information for me in terms of decluttering, but I liked Ruth's approach and appreciated that she dedicated time and space to address more than just physical clutter. You can read my review here.

Chase Away Cancer by Ellie Poole Ewoldt ~ This was another book I received in exchange for a review. Ellie's two year old son was diagnosed with a rare and agressive cancer, and she wrote this memoir about their journey. It's never easy reading these heart-breaking, yet heart-warming stories of tragedy and faith, but it's also encouraging to see the hope that can emerge in such dire situations. You can read my review here.

Love, Ruby Lavendar by Deborah Wilkes ~ This was a read-aloud with my girls and it was a delightful story. I really liked the format and we all enjoyed the book.



I'd love to know if you've read any of these titles and what you think of them. I'd also love to know what you are reading now....

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for Quick Lit