I look forward to sharing the books I’ve read every month. Reading is one of my very favorite things to do.  It’s a way for me to both relax and connect with the world around me. I’m always looking for book recommendations! Please share what you’ve been reading lately in the comments.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas


I hesitate to call books “important” because that seems like too much pressure. But ‘The Hate U Give’ feels important to me. I picked it up in an effort to understand what our little Elijah may face someday, as he grows from a darling little black boy into a black man. 
This book covers racism, classism, poverty, and the conflict we’re facing over and over again in this country between law enforcement and the people they’ve promised to protect. I couldn’t put it down. I finished the book still wishing I had the answers we need. I don’t have any answers. But I do know we need less judgment, and more understanding; less hatred and more concern for every life, on both sides of this issue.

It’s a YA book, so there’s typical teenager angst/drama mixed in, too. 


(Big, big warning: the language in this book is strong. Lots and lots of swearing. I am often able to glance past that when I read, but if language really bothers you, you should probably steer clear.)








My Antonia by Willa Cather

This was perhaps my favorite read of the month.  It felt like Little House on the Prairie, but for grown-ups.  I loved the tone, loved the characters, and loved how little Antonia’s life played out over the years.  A great story, well told.

Redwall by Brian Jacque


The big kids and I have been slowly working our way through this read aloud.  We started it in the fall and set it aside for some Christmas books and read a couple other things before we got back to it. It’s a grand adventure story, a battle between good and evil and has sweet, lovable characters. That hits just about every requirement for our family.  We loved it!

Joan of Arc: Warrior Saint by Jay Williams


We’ve been learning about Joan of Arc in our homeschool and I wanted to dive a little more deeply into her story myself.  This book was a quick read, a great overview. I didn’t feel too slogged down by details. I read it in a day.  If you’re interested, this is a great documentary we watched about her.

Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

Brene Brown has my heart.  Her books are so eye-opening, so down-to-earth and full of applicable examples. I love being able to see how to apply her principles directly into my life and relationships. Braving the Wilderness was powerful.  One particular quote that I loved has been bumping around in my brain since I read it, “People are hard to hate close up.  Move in.”  Such truth!  I wish everyone in the world right now could read and really understand that.  Move in.

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

I listened to the audiobook and I’d highly recommend reading it that way. This book is about Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection.  It is written from the perspective of the Roman centurion who crucified Him. Through the book we meet many of the key players from Christ’s life: His disciples, those who witnessed His miracles and those who received His miracles.  I really enjoyed this book.  It gave me so much to think about and really brought the stories to life for me.  One complaint I’ve heard is that the stories are repeated multiple times from different characters.  I can see that now, looking back, but it didn’t bother me while I was reading it.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah


I’m finding myself more and more drawn to books about people of color, trying to gain an understanding for the trials my Elijah will face someday.  Trevor Noah’s story is incredible and he tells it in a funny, engaging, somewhat irreverent voice.  Loved this book.  (Warning: Language)

Mary Poppins

This is one of the very few instances where the movie is better than the book.  Like, MUCH better. The book is just weird.  We’ve read it before, but re-read it for our family book club this month.  My 9 year old son loved it and begged for more.  Looking forward to showing him the movie! It’s been a long time since we’ve watched it as a family.

Head to Modern Mrs. Darcy for more Quick Lit Reviews.

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