Five Fascinating Books I Finished in October

I’ve been in BOOK HEAVEN this month and can’t wait to tell you about it! Here are five fantastic books I devoured this month:

.

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garret Graff

.

.

Rating: 10/10

Review:

This book was captivating. Since the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I’ve been binging on shows and books about this day in history.

What I loved about this book is that it gives so many different stories of the people who were directly impacted that day.

.

Love Does by Bob Goff

.

Rating: 10/10

Review:

I read this book about five years ago and loved it SO much. I saw it on my free Hoopla app and decided to listen to it this time. Bob Goff reads the book and it’s fun to listen to him tell such fascinating stories about growing up, his teenage and college years, meeting his wife, adventures with his kids, and interesting stories with friends. Each chapter has a little life lesson as well – all about living a life of LOVE.

.

Clara Barton by Janet Benge

.

.

Rating: 10/10

.

Review:

I’d heard of Clara Barton in connection with the Red Cross, but never knew much about her. Wow, what a fascinating life!

She was a SUPER SHY young girl, so her parents encouraged her to become a teacher. Though she was INCREDIBLY nervous at first, she learned that she was really good at it! She quickly learned how to connect with her students, and they loved and respected her. Clara taught for many years, and even helped get free public education started in states that didn’t have it yet. 

Reading (or listening to) stories like this gives me hope for each human. Clara was a simple girl that noticed a gap/problem, then filled the gap and helped solved the problem. We can do great things by starting small. 

I’m thankful for women like Clara. She carved the way for a woman like me! She was a leader before women were allowed to lead. She was hard-working, creative, respectful, but bold. 

I listened to this book on my free Hoopla app and recommend it for moms and their daughters. Listen to it together.

.

Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole

.

Rating: 10/10

Review:

As I closed this book, I held it in my hands with deep appreciation. I am so grateful for this author and her words. Oh, how I needed to hear them. I wish I would have read this book 3 years ago when I moved to Minnesota and felt completely…anonymous. 

Jesus lived 90 percent of his life anonymously! And yet, look at the impact He made in the world and for eternity. 

Don’t despise anonymity. Learn during that season, grow in that season. God has not forgotten you. 

I underlined almost half of this book. It was so incredibly powerful. I was in tears many times.

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. I read it slowly to savor the words. It’s a book I’ll go back to because the message is so important and so beautiful.

Read this if you feel anonymous, if your dreams haven’t been realized, or if you are in a new town and feel unknown. 

Here are a few points that I loved from this book:

• Why would Jesus announce the birth of his precious son with a full angelic choir, then hide this priceless gift for three decades?  Because what is hidden is not unimportant.
• God’s first public words to Jesus were not directional (go there) or instructional (do this) it was relational: THIS IS MY SON!  And He spoke affirmation before Jesus had ever done any good works.
• Every day, we invest in a future we cannot see. Time is not really spent. Instead, it is invested in a future we cannot see. 
• Choosing what is right not only makes a difference today, it makes a difference that compounds exponentially to bless our future.
• Jesus could stand strong in public because he stood still in private. He intentionally pursued quiet places.There is healing in stillness. 
• Strength is not given, it is grown.
• Savor the anonymous season. Respect it’s potential.

.

Funny How Life Works by Michael Jr.

.

• 

• 

Rating: 10/10

Review:

WOW! What a funny, yet powerful book! I couldn’t put it down. Michael is such a great performer and storyteller. Each chapter tells a (usually funny) story from his life with a POWERFUL life lesson or action step for the reader.

Micheal Jr. included great quotes throughout the book:

Sometimes, would tell a story, then say, “Scan this to watch it.”

.

Thanks for reading the reviews of these great books! Have you read any of these or another good one? Leave a comment and let me know what to read next!

Click here to read my favorite books of last year.

Each of these books are affiliate links which means if you purchase on, I may get a small commission. TIA!