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It’s been a hot minute since I shared Book Recommendations, please excuse my late posting. I’ve had a host of fabulous reads to share with you for some time now and am so glad to finally be doing so.
You can see a list of all BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS by clicking HERE.
I hope you find something to love, my friends. Happy summer reading!
Table of Contents
- The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Gregory Boyle5 STARS
- A Brilliant Night of Ice and Starsby Rebecca Connolly4 STARS
- Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trailby Ben Montgomery4 STARS
- And There Was Light: The Extraordinary Memoir of a Blind Hero of the French Resistance in World War IIby Jacques Lusseyran5 STARS
- Finding Dorothy: A Novelby Elizabeth Letts4 Stars
- The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Motherby James McBride5 STARS
- The Outlaw Noble Saltby Amy Harmon3 STARS
- Where Lilacs Still Bloomby Jane Kirkpatrick3.5 STARS
- Tending Rosesby Lisa Wingate3.5 STARS
- The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movementby Sharon McMahon5 STARS
The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness
by Gregory Boyle
5 STARS
I adore Gregory Boyle’s books. This is the third in the series and is just as enlightening and soul lifting as the others. It always takes me several months to make it through these books. I read slowly, just a few paragraphs at night before I go to bed…and oh, can I just tell you. It feels like medicine for the soul. Truly. While this particular book had a few principles I don’t agree with fully, Boyle’s promotion of “extravagant tenderness” for ourselves and others is truly remarkable. I love the short stories he interjects throughout the book about his “Homies” their individual stories of recovery and the light that comes into their lives when they remember who they really are.
Such a great read!
A Brilliant Night of Ice and Stars
by Rebecca Connolly
4 STARS
This was such an interesting book! I was deeply moved by the unique perspective offered through the eyes of the captain of the Carpathia, the ship that rescued Titanic’s survivors. He had so much quiet strength. I loved that the author included many direct quotes from his own personal writings. What stood out most was his reverence for God and the humility he maintained in the face of such tragedy. A fantastic read!
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
by Ben Montgomery
4 STARS
This was such a fun and inspiring book to listen to. I loved that the narrative switched back and forth from Grandma Gatewood’s infamous 2,000 mile hike (at age 67!) and her early life as a wife and mother. She had so much grit and commitment. I loved it.
And There Was Light: The Extraordinary Memoir of a Blind Hero of the French Resistance in World War II
by Jacques Lusseyran
5 STARS
What an incredible story! I was amazed over and over again at his resilience, his ability to use his powerful mind and other hightened senses to make up for his lack of eye sight. I loved his perspective on joy and fear and his connection to God. Such a great, great read.
Finding Dorothy: A Novel
by Elizabeth Letts
4 Stars
This is a historical fiction piece about the author of the books, The Wizard of Oz, told through the eyes of his wife. It was charming, and so interesting! The time period flips back and forth between the couples early married life (during the depression era), and the film set for the the epic movie. Such a fun read, especially for lovers of the classic movie.
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother
by James McBride
5 STARS
Such an excellent, moving book. The chapters alternate between James McBride and his mother, written in memoir style. It was fascinating, and I especially loved the mother…for her grit, determination, and love of Jesus.
The Outlaw Noble Salt
by Amy Harmon
3 STARS
I love Amy Harmon and can always count on her books being clean, with an engaging story and a great dose of history along the way. This story is about Butch Cassidy and the Sun Dance Kid. Not one of my typical historical fiction focuses, but so enjoyable, none the less.
Where Lilacs Still Bloom
by Jane Kirkpatrick
3.5 STARS
This was a sweet and inspiring story. My neighborhood book club read it this month. It’s about Helda Kleger, a German immigrant who had a passion for gardening and specifically breeding Lilacs. Her family story is told, along with the telling of her horticultural feats. I wished the writing had been a bit better, but overall, I enjoyed knowing about Helda and her perseverance.
Tending Roses
by Lisa Wingate
3.5 STARS
I loved this sweet little book. Though the plot is predictable, it’s full of great “life lessons” and insights. It’s about motherhood, and balance and loving the simple things in life. The main character is a young mother with an infant son. She and her little family move in with her aging grandmother to help her prepare to move to a retirement home. It’s a gentle, worthwhile read.
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement
by Sharon McMahon
5 STARS
I’m not sure what to say about this incredible book that could possibly express how amazing it is. I enjoyed every story and found each of the “unsung American heroes” not only inspiring but so, so real. McMahon does a fabulous job portraying not only each persons strengths, grit and contribution…but their flaws as well. There were many stories that focus on parts of history I was unfamiliar with, and I found it very intriguing. It’s so good!
