I have been fortunate to do a lot of reading this year, so I thought it would be fun to share a list of my favorites that I read the first half of the year. Honestly, it was really hard to choose, but I narrowed it down and even have a children’s book I loved. As you can see by this list, I love a good memoir type book or one based on a true story. I’ve intentionally read more fiction this year—some were good and others just so-so.  But I do think reading more fiction this last year has allowed me to rediscover my love of reading. There are so many great authors out there! I’ve already have some great book recommendations from my July reading that I know will probably be on my end of the year favorites list. I hope these will inspire you to read more!

1. A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst. I love a book based on a true story, and this one does not disappoint. It’s based on the lives of a couple who set sail only to be shipwrecked and how they survived at sea. Fascinating!
2. Walking with Sam by Andrew McCarthy. Who knew Andrew McCarthy writes books—I sure didn’t. This is a type of memoir where he writes about walking The Camino with his son. There is some language, but I loved this book and seeing the relationship of a father and son on their adventure of walking 500 miles across Spain.
3. PUMA by Gail Scotes. I know this is a children’s book, but I’m a little partial since my friend wrote it. But more than that, it is a story that warmed my heart about how we all want to belong and have purpose. This is another book based on the true life of a rescue dog.
4. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. I loved this book. It has also been made into a movie starring Sally Fields. The movie was pretty good too, but I’m always partial to the book version. It’s a lovely story of heartache, love, family, and how an octopus helped bring them all together. Get your Kleenex out for this one!
5. You Have a Calling by Karen Swallow Prior. This non-fiction book made me rethink how we interpret calling in today’s Christian culture. Thought-provoking and encouraging.
6. Good People by Patmeena Sabit. This book hooked me from the beginning. There is a bit of mystery surrounding a wealthy immigrant family and you aren’t quite sure where everyone stands. Every chapter is written by various witnesses. I was challenged by this book because it reflects what immigrants experience when they are new to our country. In addition, it made me realize how every person can view something differently even when they witnessed the same event, and their views can change based on emotions and what they hear from everyone else. Highly recommend!
7. Weightless by Rocio Salas-Whalen. As GLP-1s are becoming so prominent and many people I know use them, this book was an excellent resource to better understand the science behind obesity, why these meds work, and what is needed if you take these meds. The first part of the book is a lot of scientific information, and the second half is more practical information. A must read if you or loved ones use GLP-1s.
8. Strangers by Belle Burden. Another memoir…but this one is about a woman whose husband leaves her and their children during COVID without explanation. They are an extremely wealthy family, so parts of it are intriguing. But I think the author told a difficult story very well. This book is not malicious or gossipy, but the simple story of her heartbreak and enduring the loss of what you thought would be your life.
9. Keeping Company with Jesus by Christine Hoy. This book touched some tender places in my heart because I could relate to much of her journey. Christine is another friend of mine, and this book is excellent. So many pages in my copy are highlighted and underlined. If you struggle with striving, pushing, and need to learn to just keep company with Jesus – this book is for you.
10. Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry. This was a sweet novel about sisters coming together to save the family bookstore. If you are looking for a summer feel-good book, this is one for you.

Happy Reading!