Summer in the Ozarks is coming to an end. In the York household, we didn’t go on any vacations this year. We’re pretty deep in a home remodel right now and decided to stay put. I did however participate in our local library’s summer reading program for adults. I thought it would be a good example for my 3 year old to continue to help instill a love of reading in him. (Both he and his sister also did and completed the summer reading program this year.) Over the past couple years, I’ve entered the program with the goal of reading 5 books. Why 5 books? Because you get a prize. 💓🎁
I’m more committed than ever to reading and happy to announce that I surpassed my goal by reading 6 books. I’m all for watching TV and movies but I forgot how much fun it is to dive into a good book just for fun.
I’m a Christian and try my best to do devotions daily. I enjoy reading the Bible as a way to spend time with Father God and build my faith. It’s an essential part of my life. I also enjoy reading biographies.
When I first met my future sister-in-law (Hi Nik! 👋) she told me that she really enjoyed reading biographies. Back then I couldn’t relate but now I completely agree. Memoirs and biographies are my absolute FAVORITE thing to read. It’s such a neat way to find out what made someone who they are today and learn from their mistakes and life lessons.
This summer, I read the memoir This Is Just My Face, Try Not to Stare by Gabourey Sidibe. She starred in the Precious film as the main character and is also a recurring character, Becky, on Fox’s hit TV show Empire. (Side note: I’ve never seen and have no desire to watch Precious. I’ve read the synopsis on IMDB and every person I know that watched that movie just told me how depressed they were afterward. Why would I willingly watch something knowing that I’ll probably feel bummed at the end?! Pass.)
Back to her book. It’s a great story about following dreams and overcoming obstacles. She also talks about where her confidence comes from and everyone new favorite catch phrase, “self love“. There is some strong language in the book so if you end up reading it, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I also read some other amazing books. Here’s my list:
The Collapse of Parenting by Dr. Leonard Sax
Clutterfree with Kids by Joshua Becker
The Mom You’re Meant to Be by Cheri Fuller
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
Raising the Dead by Chauncey Crandall IV MD
I recommend all of these books. They are all phenomenal reads and aside from Behold the Dreamers are non-fiction. I’ll be doing an in-depth review of one of these and posting it later this week. Safe to say the book I’ll be reviewing was probably my favorite book of the summer.
Do any of you enjoy reading in the summertime? Any recommendations on a great book? I’m always on the hunt for my next great read! Comment below & happy reading! 💁🏿💓📚
Oh and in case you were wondering, my summer reading prize was a key chain tape measure. I love practical gifts so this is right up my alley. 🙂