I ended up reading quite a few books last year–although I didn’t finish my initial list. I just couldn’t seem to get through the classics I planned to read, but there is always next year…right?!! Anyway, here are my nine favorite books from 2013.
This book is a collection of stories from the author’s life, and I love it! It inspired me to live a life of “whimsy”. I read several of the chapters to my oldest daughter, and we just laughed and were amazed at Bob Goff’s life. It pushes you to consider your own life–and how you can go beyond the humdrum of everyday. Love doesn’t just sit. Love does!
I’ve known for a long time that I’m an introvert, but I have never really considered my introversion as a strength; instead, I’ve tried to hide it or ignore it. This book opened my eyes to the who, what, when, where and why of being an introvert. It completely changed how I view myself–and gave me insight into some of the burn-out and struggles I’ve been facing over the past few years. Though I didn’t agree with everything in the book, it was quite influential in my life in 2013.
This is a book about suffering. It doesn’t address those typical questions–the why or how to get through the suffering. Instead,
This was a short little book, but it was a good reminder to me about unplugging. I’ve struggled with limiting my internet usage sometimes–especially as a blogger, but this reinforced and spurred me to set even more limits around my time on the web.
Sometimes, as a mom with littler ones (although they’ve grown up quite a bit!), I’ve found myself not quite as aware of what is going on in the world around me. This book was an excellent crash course in the issues of our day–and how I can make a difference. It can be overwhelming to look at the needs in our world, but I was reminded to start by helping one person. We can all do that!
Being Okay With Where You Are:
I’ll admit it. I struggle with being an over-achiever. I like to set goals. I like to reach them. When I don’t, it is difficult for me. I push myself so hard–and I burn-out! I know many of you are like that, too. This little eBook was reassuring and a great reminder about the seasons in our lives. Dreams die. Life doesn’t go as planned. Struggles happen. It’s okay to be okay with where you are.
I wrote a guest post on this over at The Purposeful Mom. It was a challenging book for me–it pushed me to ponder much of what I’m doing in my life–and in blogging, too. What is the purpose of a platform? Do I really need one? Am I going to miss out on great opportunities because no one knows who I am, and I’m not being pushy enough? What does it really mean to embrace being unknown in this world, yet known by God? It really stirred up more questions than answers for me, but it was a worthwhile read. I’ll be pondering it for a while.
I read this book aloud to the girls, and we loved it. It’s an excellent classic story that will stick in your heart–and remind you to play the “Glad Game” in all circumstances.
I wrote a series about this book and my struggles with weight, food, etc. Blegh. It’s not my favorite thing to talk about, and it’s a struggle of mine–but Made to Crave was an influential book in my life last year.
How about you? Did you have a favorite book you read last year? Feel free to share! I love getting new ideas for what to read in 2014!!
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