Hey there, bookworms! I’m excited to share on some amazing books about remarkable women from history. These are regular women doing seemingly small stuff that ends up changing the world. Thanks to Janet Benge’s fantastic biographies, we get a front-row seat to tales of grit, courage, and downright heroism. These women prove that you don’t need a cape to be a hero; everyday actions can rewrite history. So, grab your favorite blanket, a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into these stories that’ll leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer the world. Who’s eady to join me on this literary adventure?
Note: If you have a library card, you can download the Hoopla app, and listen to all of these for free.
Once a painfully timid child, Clara was as bold as a lion when it came to helping others, whether working as a teacher with the most challenging children, helping natural-disaster victims, or comforting dying soldiers.
Clara fought for U.S. approval of the Geneva treaty for the care of war wounded, organized the American Red Cross, and dedicated her life to its service. Her courage and compassion impacted thousands of people around the globe – black and white, Christian and Muslim, Spanish and American, Confederate and Union. An incredible story of service and sacrifice (1821-1912).
From the time she was 6, Harriet resolved to escape slavery and move north. Little did this little girl know that one day, she would lead hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
Even huge rewards for her capture – dead or alive – did not stop Harriet from risking her life again and again in the fight for liberty as the nation spiraled into the Civil War. Whether running from slave hunters, advising generals, or improving conditions in war hospitals, remarkable Harriet Tubman would not be satisfied until every person could experience true freedom. (1820-1913)
Gladys started life as a servant for wealthy families. While at a meeting, she became convinced that God wanted her to go to China. She knew no Chinese, had no contacts in China, and flunked out of a China mission school. Gladys saved up her money and bought a one-way ticket to China. She stood up for women’s rights, inspired prison reform, started a small business, adopted orphans, and won the respect of government officials and civilians alike. Her work in China continues to this day. (1902-1970)
Corrie Ten Boom was an ordinary watchmaker’s daughter when her family was arrested for helping Jewish people hide from the Nazis. They were taken to prison and suffered greatly under the hands of their captors. This book tells how Corrie survived the war and went on to help others by telling them about God’s love and forgiveness. (1892-1983)
Amy, a compassionate woman, dedicated her life to caring for those in need. Initially residing in an English slum, she assisted impoverished women until her health deteriorated. In response to a call, she ventured to a mission hospital in India where she uncovered a distressing reality – baby girls being given away as gifts to temples for forced prostitution. Appalled by this, Amy adopted these girls and established an orphanage, eventually becoming a mother to over 100 girls. As boys joined the fold, she expanded her care to 80 of them and even built a home and a hospital.
At the age of 63, a severe fall left Amy mostly incapacitated and bedridden for the remaining 20 years of her life. Despite her physical limitations, she continued leading her family from her bedside, and prolifically writing books and letters to those around the world. She published 35 pieces of work.
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Don’t these women sound inspiring? And I love that they each started with a simple beginning, responded to a need, and left a big impact on so many lives. (1867-1951)
Here are the first two books I finished in 2024. Both are fantastic biographies of men who showed grit and resiliency in the face of extreme difficulty. Their perseverance paid off and both men succeeded in completely different ways.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed diving into the life of Milton Hershey, the visionary behind America’s favorite chocolate. He grew up very poor and struggled in school – many doubted his potential. This was a powerful reminder that each person possesses unique gifts that may only surface later in life. I was amazed at Milton Hershey’s grit and relentless determination to succeed. Despite encountering many failures in his business ventures, he did not give up. I admired his innovative thinking. When land and buildings were too expensive in town for his factory, he built a factory in the middle of nowhere, and built a town around his factory. He allowed the public to name his town – it became “Hershey, Pennsylvania.” Before he died, Milton gave his earnings away to build homes and a school for children in need.
Review: “The Boys in the Boat” is a non-fiction book that tells the inspiring and true story of the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team and their journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The story primarily focuses on Joe Rantz, one of the rowers, and his challenging life circumstances. Against the backdrop of the Great Depression and rising tensions in Europe, the book explores the team’s struggles, dedication, and ultimate triumph in the face of adversity. The book takes us to the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, where the American team, including the University of Washington crew, faced off against Adolf Hitler’s favored German team. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Brown captures the spirit of determination, teamwork, and resilience that defined the boys in the boat. I highly recommend this book to anyone 15 and up!
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(Side note: I thought I had read “Boys in the Boat” a while back, only to realize I had confused it with “Unbroken.” Both books are set in the same historical era, and while “Boys in the Boat” revolves around a rowing team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, “Unbroken” follows the life of Louis Zamperini, who not only attended the same Olympics but also survived World War II, including a period spent with several “Boys in a boat.”
Despite the mix-up, I thoroughly enjoyed both stories. The tale of the boys in the boat is distinct from Louis Zamperini’s incredible journey, but each narrative stands on its own merits. I highly recommend both books for their gripping accounts of resilience, courage, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.)
A captivating and inspiring tale of exploration, human endurance and survival. It’s hard to believe this is a true story. An amazing book for anyone ages 12 or up.
This book was a breath of fresh air for my soul! It reminded me to slow down and live with intention.
The authors words and methods were simple and life-giving. He doesn’t give you more to do, but plows the path towards less. He shows the reader how to ENJOY this ONE life we’ve been given.
“Through life-giving practices, grounded in the life of Jesus, we gain access to life power beyond our own.” – John Mark Comer
Benjamin Franklin was a fascinating man with so much creativity and wisdom. I loved learning about his life and adventures (and antics)! I had no idea that so many things we use today were thought up by HIM. I loved this story – it would make a great book to read to kids ages 8 and up!
Janet Benge writes amazing biographies. I hope to read every book she’s written because they are written like a movie. Benjamin Franklin was such an interesting man. He was a writer, printer, inventor, and politician. What I loved most about him was that he continually looked for ways to improve himself and the world around him – and was so creative in his approach!
While Sally shines on the screen, her personal life is quite sad. Reading this book reinforces why I put the rule in place to read only books rated 4.0 and higher. This was rated less on goodreads and now I know why. Skip this one.
Review: After reading Katharine Graham’s book last year, I noticed she mentioned Chuck Colson in her book several times – and NOT in a positive light. It wasn’t the Chuck Colson I was familiar with. I was curious about his life and conversion. Once I started “Born Again,” I could not put it down. This book was outstanding. It shares how Colson was an attorney who worked for President Nixon. Colson wasn’t afraid to break the rules and lie ‘for the greater good.’ Those choices landed him in prison. Just before going to jail, he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. While serving time, he saw many gaps and failures in the prison system. From the time Chuck Colson was released from prison, he’s spent the rest of his life creating and running a ministry called “Prison Fellowship.” He fights for prison reform, for the families of prisoners, and teaches prisoners how to live a life differently than the one that led to incarceration. Nearly all the prisoners who go through the Prison Fellowship program never go back to jail, but go on to lead productive lives.
The book explores themes of redemption, faith, and the transformative power of a spiritual awakening in the midst of personal and public crises. It’s an excellent story and worth reading!
Review: With a house full of athletes, I decided to read this book by the great coach John Wooden. I was excited to read that he was from Indiana and was a teacher, just like me! This small book is packed full of life lessons and practical advice. I admire his work ethic and values-driven coaching and approach to life. I’d recommend this book to a high school or college athlete.
Here are some powerful quotes from the book:
Parents often expect teacher and coaches to do what they are not doing at home. Parents must set the foundation of faith and values.
Success is when you work hard to become the best version of you. Did I win? Wrong question. ‘Did I make my best effort?’ Success is a direct result of the self-satisfaction of knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Learn from the past but don’t live in it.
Individual praise can be dangerous. It was given for something done in the past and can take your mind off what you need to do in the present to prepare for the future. The harder you work, the more luck you have.
Valid self- analysis is crucial for improvement.
Promise yourself you will talk health and happiness as often as possible.
Promise yourself to tell your friends there is something special about them and you value you them.
Wear a cheerful appearance at all times.
My role is to help mold character, instill productive principles and values, and provide a positive example to those under my supervision. It’s a privilege to have that responsibility.
Discipline is for correction not punishment.
Focus your effort on what is in your power to control.
Education serves you throughout your whole life. Sports are temporary.
Always try to be the best you can be. Learn from others, but don’t try to be better than them. You have no control over that. Be the best you can be.
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
Review: We say we’re free in Christ, but many of us are still living in captivity–to fear, anger, shame, isolation, unforgiveness, and control. We’re good at faking it around others, but we’re exhausted. Andi Andrew explores how to ‘break free’ in this book.
My favorite chapter was that on fear:
The truth about Fear – fear is the root of anxiety, control, manipulation, worry, anger, shame, insecurity, unbelief, addiction and people-pleasing. Fear is rooted in self preservation. When we doubt the goodness of God, we turn to ourselves for preservation and prosperity. Fear can make us physically sick. Fear is void of the love of God. Are you allowing fear to give you orders or are you silencing it at its first whisper?
Jesus and his words have authority over fear. What are you putting your faith in? Fear is actually faith in the wrong kingdom.
John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you. I don’t give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, because I have overcome the world.”
We don’t go out of the house without wearing clothes. We shouldn’t go out of our house without wearing Christ. If we went out naked, we’d be assaulted by the weather and probably by the police. If we go out without being covered in Christ, we’re assaulted by negative thoughts, discouragement, and depression. Wrap yourself in the love of Christ.
Review: Discovering Paul Brand has been a delight! Although his name eluded me until now, I’m immensely grateful for the introduction through this book and his life!
Paul was born to English parents who were medical missionaries in India. He returned to England at the age of 9 and stayed until he’d finished school. During medical school, he crossed paths with Margaret, and their shared journey led them to become doctors, partners in marriage, and missionaries in India.
Paul’s pioneering work in performing surgeries on lepers, a group often shunned by many, showcases his exceptional dedication and care for the “least of these.” Rockefeller provided him a ‘scholarship’ to travel the world and learn from others – but as he traveled, other surgeons were learning from him and asking him to teach! What he was doing with lepers in India was groundbreaking. His expertise and knowledge even to benefited the diabetic community facing similar challenges.
Towards the twilight of his life, Paul collaborated with Philip Yancey to author several books, which I’ve now added to my ever-growing “to read” list!
What captivated me most was how Paul’s seemingly small acts of faithfulness rippled out to touch the lives of the world’s most vulnerable. His influence, beginning with those in dire need, gradually radiated to transform the entire medical community through his dedicated practice and groundbreaking research.
Review: A fascinating, hard-to-believe real life adventure story of a group of men who set out to explore Antarctica, until their ship becomes locked in ice and eventually goes under. They evacuate to an ice berg with three small boats and whatever materials they could get from the boat before it sank. This book shares the harrowing tail of how they all survived! This fantastic book I recommend for anyone 12 and up.
Review: This 365-page devotional is written chronologically through the Bible. I love the way Susie writes and gives interesting perspectives and insight into God’s world. I recommend this to anyone looking for a devotional!
Review: Because Oral Roberts University is on the list of colleges for George, I decided to read the founder’s life story. It was interesting and full of miracles that happened throughout Oral Robert’s life. Here’s one story from his younger years:
While Oral Robert’s dad was away working, his mom and siblings ran out of food and money. Their mom took them out for a walk and a neighbor invited them in for dinner. Mrs. Roberts declined the invitation because the woman was a widow and had very little. The boys said, “But mom, we are so hungry, why didn’t you say YES when our neighbor invited us to eat with her.” Their mom didn’t explain but replied that God would take care of them. She began thanking God in advance for what He would do. When they got home, there were bags of groceries waiting for them – a full ham, potatoes, and ingredients for fresh bread. That night, dinner never tasted so good as they realized that God had indeed taken care of them.
Review: This memoir, penned by Zig Ziglar’s daughter, defied my initial expectations. Instead of a narrative filled with ‘butterflies’ and ‘sunshine,’ the author candidly recounts a series of unfortunate decisions that brought considerable pain and heartache to both herself and her family. In the face of alcoholism and an impending divorce, she reached her breaking point and initiated transformative changes in her life. The author openly reflects on the profound impact that faith and honesty had on her journey toward health and restoration.
Review: This beloved children’s book revolves around the unruly Herdman children who decide to participate in the local Christmas pageant. The Herdman’s have little knowledge of the Christmas story and challenge the traditional narrative. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is funny, endearing, and most importantly – reminds us of the reason we get to celebrate Christmas. I recommend it for all ages.
Review: This book was so good that it needs it’s own blog post!
Hurry kills relationships, joy, gratitude and appreciation. Wisdom is slow, it grows with time and reflection. There is zero correlation between hurry and productivity. It takes practice to live with attention and awareness. I want to live a grateful life, full of appreciation, wonder and worship. I want to live with freedom and focus. I want to be present: to God, to people and to the moment. The gravitational pull towards hurry is overwhelming at times. Hence this book. Read it! It’s going on my ‘best books of the year’ list and I purchased one to give away. Stay tuned for the upcoming post!
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There are endless parenting books on the market – many good ones, a few really bad (or just plain BORING), and a few GREAT ones! Here are four of my favorites:
This book contains practical ideas and inspiration for raising boys who are honorable, courageous and compassionate.
“We need to start training them now to be ready to take the reins of leadership – to live with integrity, to think outside of themselves, and to value the people around them. We need boys who will use their strength for the protection of others rather than to prey on others. With power and strength comes great responsibility.”
I consider this a must-read for every Christian parent. It’s filled with page after page of Biblical truth and practical encouragement.
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We have this one life, this short time on earth to make our mark and to make life count. We have these children in our care for a blink of an eye. NOW is the time to be engaged and fully present. Now is the time to rise up and be the parent who trains and prepares our children to become the individuals they were created to be.
Susie Larson, author of Growing Grateful kids
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God promises to give wisdom if we ask him. We need wisdom because every child is different. The Lord will show you how to parent each of your children in a way that will help him or her to grow to be the person they were created to be.
This book was written by a parent and psychologist. I found it practical, extremely helpful, and even inspiring. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it so much that I went online and purchased a hard-copy. Topics include respect, chores, homework, helping your child deal with a ‘bad day,’ and building ‘faith practices’ in your home (though you don’t have to be a person of faith to find IMMENSE value in this book)! I highly recommend it to all parents.
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Unsure how to find grace and security in the complex world we’ve inherited, we try to fill up the spaces in our children’s lives with stuff: birthdays, lessons, rooms full of toys and equipment, tutors and therapists. But material pleasures can’t buy peace of mind, and all the excess leads to more anxiety—parents fear that their children will not be able to sustain this rarefied lifestyle and will fall off the mountain the parents have built for them.
Dr. Wendy Mogul, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
To care for the physical needs of others while ignoring their spiritual needs is like giving a hamburger to a hungry man sitting on train tracks and not telling him a train is coming. The Bible calls Christians to care for both physical and spiritual needs, and ignoring either puts people in serious danger.
Natasha Crain, author of Talking to Your Kids about God
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Natasha Crain discusses the evidence for the existence of God, how science confirms the God of the Bible, how Christianity is different from other religions, and how all these things apply to us and the world around us. An excellent book for Christian parents who want to know how to answer their child’s questions. I recommend it to any Christian parent or parent who may be curious about God.
On Sunday we introduced “The Great Lake Rescue” to our community by hosting an Ice Cream Book Launch party. The event took place at our local park. Our invitations were sent to array of friends, classmates, and the esteemed illustrator.
Here’s what happened:
3:00
Ice Cream Sundaes, Root Beer Floats and Popsicles
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
Children’s Drawing Contest with Exciting Giveaways
Coloring Station, featuring custom sheets crafted by the illustrator
4:00
Meet the Four Main Characters – the Egly boys
Live Book Reading
Q and A with the Author and Main Characters
4:40
Giveaways Announced and Prizes Given
4:45
Final Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
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Even with the rain, over 100 people came! The boys, the book, and I felt incredibly loved. One thing that really stands out to me about Minnesotans is how they don’t let the weather bother them. Rain, heat, or freezing cold, they still go out and enjoy life without hesitation.
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I forgot to ask someone to take photos of the event so I didn’t get pictures of everything and everyone, including the illustrator, Alyssa Whetstone. However, here are a few that others snapped and sent to me:
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The Fox FamilyThe Jean FamilyLive readingGeorge and Evie – the best ice cream scoopers!Paul and Jordan- with one of the Giveaways!
Review: This book shocked me with it’s turn from crochety old man to old man who wants to commit suicide! However, as the story unfolds, you get to know this man and come to love him. What I took from this story is that:
If you have a pulse, you have a purpose!
Ove, the main character, did not think his life had meaning, but because he made himself available, he made a positive impact on those around him.
Review: This one will be in my TOP TEN of 2023! Ted read it and gave it to me. I was hooked from the beginning. Now our sons are reading it, and I’m recommending to all my friends with teenagers. It’s a short and easy-to-read book. Each chapter is a story with an extremely valuable life lesson. LOVE THIS ONE!! A MUST READ!!
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3. Good girls guide to murder by Holly Jackson
Rating 8/10
Review: My niece read and loved this book and recommended it to me. It’s a murder mystery that has the reader intrigued from the beginning, and was hard to put down.
Review: A great book from CS Lewis about WHY he believes WHAT he believes.
God made the human machine to run on Him. We can’t be happy without him. There is no true peace without him. Many of us are trying to ‘run’ on the wrong juice.
Review: There are some gold nuggets in this book, but it was buried in a lot of extra reading and research data. I did appreciate the authors warnings about being overly connected to our phones, as well as the value of “device free” time for ourselves and our children.
Having quiet space to think device free, allows us to come up with new and innovative ideas.
Review: A phenomenal book on communication in marriage. Reading this book was like going to a marriage therapy session and just SO good. I HIGHLY recommend it to ALL married couples!!!
Review: I discovered Beth Moore in the 90s and she revolutionized my understanding of scripture. I love the way Beth teaches – she makes the Bible come alive. I was excited to read her memoir, but didn’t love it as much as I love her writing about Scripture.
Review: A fun book I read with my 5th grader. It’s the story of a middle school girl and her Grandpa, a scientist, who discovers a way to reverse aging and becomes thirteen again. I loved the relationship between the “Scientist Grandpa” and “Middle School Granddaughter.” It’s a sweet story about what they learn from each other and how they help each other. The book helps answer the question about whether “reversed aging” is as good as it sounds.
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11. We need to talk by Celeste Headlee
Rating: 9/10
Review: A great book on how to be a better listener and conversationalist.
When talking to someone with different beliefs – stay curious (don’t try to teach or convince them they are wrong). Listening doesn’t mean agreeing, it’s trying to understand.
Review: George and I loved Ground Zero by Alan Gratz, so he picked this one up from his school library for us to read together. It shares the story of three different refugee families leaving their countries to build a better life in a new country. It helped us see some of the challenges and struggles these families dealt with and made us grateful to be born in such a great country.
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13. The boys are back in town by Phyllis Reynolds
Rating: 8/10
Review: Fun and engaging stories for kids ages 8-13.
Review: The author shares lots of interesting stories about the power of prayer. This book inspired me to PRAY! The author also talked about the value in setting goals:
The brain is a goal seeking organization. Setting a goal creates structural tension in your brain which will seek to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be, who you are and who you want to become.
Review: This book was a wonderful story about a young man looking for the dad he’s never met, and an older woman who’s still grieving her lost son. The two meet and their stories intertwine in a beautiful way.
Review: McManus challenges readers to go from self-focused to servant-leaders, and shares lots of great stories along the way. Good book, but I liked The Last Arrow (by McManus) even better.
Review: I read this book with my 15 year-old and we both really enjoyed it. It’s a fiction book that tells the story of a troubled kid whose nickname is “Ghost” who joins the track team. There he finds his place, his ‘family,’ and the discipline he needs to succeed.
Review: This is a must-read for every Christian parent. It’s filled with page after page of Biblical truth and practical encouragement.
Here are 5 of my favorite quotes from this book:
We have this one life, this short time on earth to make our mark and to make life count. We have these children in our care for a blink of an eye. NOW is the time to be engaged and fully present. Now is the time to rise up and be the parent who trains and prepares our children to become the individuals they were created to be.
Prayer is oxygen. We breathe in the fresh life that God offers and breathe out worries and concerns.
Refuse to give your children everything they want, but assure them that God will provide everything they need.
When we take time to play and laugh with our children amidst the stresses of life, we send a strong message that says we believe God is in control and that he is faithful.
God promises to give wisdom if we ask him. We need wisdom because every child is different. The Lord will show you how to parent each of your children in a way that will help him or her to grow to be the person they were created to be.
Review: The only way to read this book is to LISTEN! Bono reads and sings his way through the story of his life. If you are a U2 fan, you will enjoy this book!
Here are two quotes and a story I loved:
“It takes great faith to have no faith.”
Bono
“The world is not so scary, if around the corner someone is waiting to walk with you on the next part of your journey.”
Bono
“When Bobby Kennedy was appointed by his brother (JFK) to be Attorney General, the black community was upset. All of MLK Junior’s associates were complaining. Martin Luther King said, “Can anyone tell me one good thing about Bobby Kennedy?” They said, “That’s what we’re telling you, there’s nothing good.“ MLK told them that the meeting was adjourned, and that their assignment was to go find one good thing about Bobby Kennedy, because that would be the door that would move the civil rights movement forward. When Bobby Kennedy died, he was a champion for civil rights. You don’t have to agree on everything. Sometimes it’s just about finding one good thing. It’s the door.”
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Those are the first set of books I’ve read this year. What about you? What are you reading and what would you recommend? Leave a comment!
If you know me, you know I love a good book. I don’t just read any book though; life’s too short for bad books. Before I begin a new book, I visit Goodreads and do a little research. A book needs a rating of 4 (out of 5) or better for me to begin.
Because my criteria is high, I’ve read some OUTSTANDING books this year. It was hard to choose just TEN for my TOP TEN of ’22. But here they are.
From left to right: Colleen, Kathryn, Shauna, Erin and Abbi
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Review: Though I’ve only met/chatted with Shauna a couple of times – our lives have followed a similar course. We were born the same year and grew up going to the same beach. We both have dads who love to sail on Lake Michigan. We got married the same year, have two sons the same age, and lived in the same part of the country for most of our lives! Maybe this is why Shauna is one of my favorite authors. I own every one of her books. I wasn’t sure I’d like this one as much as some of her others. However, I loved every single page of her newest book.
Shauna and her family moved to NYC around the same time our family moved to Minnesota. Each chapter of this book is a story from her life, and what she’s learning in that story. I deeply resonated with her insights on transitions, starting over, and finding joy. I cried, I laughed, I stopped to think, pray, and express gratitude.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
Get outside and be on the lookout for beauty, especially in nature, read books for comfort. Fresh air helps everything. The world is still good, still beautiful, still interesting and worth savoring. God is still good, still faithful, still kind.
Keep walking, keep loving, keep writing, keep praying. Keep learning, keep forgiving, keep apologizing, keep moving forward. Keep inviting, keep listening, keep opening my arms to all of life.
It doesn’t help to pretend everything is okay. Tell the truth. Allow yourself to be supported by friends and family.
I’m learning home isn’t singular. You don’t lose one, instead, your world and your heart expand with each new home and new set of experiences. The old ones stay and the new ones make your heart and your world bigger.
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This was my favorite book of the year, and I will go back to it again and again.
Review: This is a 40-day devotional that is PACKED with goodness. It would be an EXCELLENT book to start your year.
Here are a couple of great quotes from the book:
Thoughts are like trains, they take you somewhere. Instead of stopping a thought, REPLACE it. You have to actively FEED the POSITIVE and STARVE the negative.
You will FEEL how you speak and FIND what you seek.
Public victory comes from private discipline.
God loves the people in your life so much that He put YOU in their lives. He gave you a means to communicate with them so they could be better off because they encountered YOU!
Review: Part of why I wanted to read this book was because I loved the title. For an Enneagram 7 (the Enthusiast), the idea of “everything sad” being “untrue” just made me smile.
The book tells the story of a family moving from Iran to Oklahoma – written from the perspective of a middle school boy. Because I read it while I had two sons in middle school, I really connected with the author’s perspective and story. It made me laugh, cry, think, and learn. I was filled with joy by the kindness shown by some, and shocked by the cruelty expressed by others.
The book will give a reader an amazing, up-close perspective on what it looks and feels like to be a refugee in America. This book was outstanding, and I recommend it to anyone 14 or older.
Review: This was the first book I read in 2022, and it was a FANTASTIC way to start the year. If you haven’t read it – I recommend it be your first book of 2023 (with Take Back Your Life)! The author is someone I admire and respect. He’s a great teacher and a fantastic writer. I loved his first book, Chasing Wisdom, and this second book is just as good.
The Power of Place is about the value of putting down roots and investing in the place you call ‘home.’
Review: This book shares the beautiful relationship that developed between CS Lewis and Ms. Davidson. They were pen pals, later met and became great friends, and eventually married. I already loved CS Lewis, but this story makes me love him even more. The author did a fabulous job of re-creating their love story. I recommend the audiobook because the narration brings the story to life. It’s free on the Hoopla app.
Here are two quotes from the book that I loved:
God does not love us because we are lovable but because He is Love.
CS Lewis
Sometimes we want to stay and goof off in a mud pit when God has an entire seashore for us to play in.
Review: This narrative unfolds the captivating journey of a young woman transitioning from Islam to Christianity. Her compelling tale resonated deeply with me, serving as a poignant reminder of the unparalleled freedom we enjoy in America and within our Christian faith, especially when contrasted with the experiences of individuals in other countries and adherents of different religions. Exploring our shared faith from a fresh perspective was truly enlightening. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to overlook the profound goodness of God when it has been a constant presence throughout one’s life.
I recommend this book to anyone on a spiritual quest or those 16 and above who identify with the Christian faith.
Review: This memoir delves into the life of a young woman who spent many years in and out of the foster care system. Candidly recounting her experiences, she unveils both the uplifting and challenging aspects of her journey. She is now actively engaged in bringing positive change to the broken system. If you’re interested in hearing a first hand perspective of the foster care system, or hold a genuine concern for the well-being of foster children, this book offers a compelling and insightful exploration.
Review: I read this book with George, and we both decided that Alan Gratz is a fantastic writer! He pulls you into the story and makes you feel like you are part of the adventure. This is fiction, but gives you insight into what it must have felt like to be in the Twin Towers on 911. Great for any reader age 12 and up who may want to know more about what happened on September 11, 2001.
I read this with Clark, and we both loved it. It’s a short book that can be read in one setting. The author writes brilliantly and expresses such beautiful and deep emotion in very few words.
It’s the story of a young boy coming to live with his aunt in Minnesota to escape his war-torn country of Sudan. We felt the wonder, optimism, fear, sadness, and hope through the eyes of the main character (Kek). This would make a great read-aloud for parents and kids ages 8 and up.
Review: An outstanding book written by a survivor of Auschwitz. She writes about her escape “physically” from prison, and how she later learned to escape the prison of the mind. She is the female version of Victor Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning). There are parts of this book that are really hard to read, but it’s also a book filled with hope and redemption.
The sign above the entrance to the author’s prison camp in Aushwitz says: Arbeit Macht Frei, meaning: Work Will Set You Free. Dr. Eger writes:
Work has set me free. Not the work the Nazis meant, but the inner work. Of learning to survive and thrive, of learning to forgive myself, of helping others do the same. When I do this work, I am no longer a prisoner. I am free.
Dr. Eger
Here are a few gold nuggets I pulled from the book:
You can live in the prison of the past, or you can let the past be a springboard that helps you reach the life you want now.
Get the feelings out. Expression is the opposite of depression. You can’t heal what you don’t feel.
You can’t feel love and fear at the same time.
It’s easier to hold someone or something else responsible for your pain than to take responsibility for ending your own victimhood.
Our painful experiences aren’t a liability, they are a gift. They give us perspective and meaning, an opportunity to find our unique purpose and strength.
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You can’t change what happened, you can’t change what you did or what was done to you. You can choose how you live right now. You can choose to be free.
Review: This book is one of the best I’ve read all year and is PACKED with goodness. If you just read one book in the next 6 months – pick this one! Get it for someone you love too.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
Thoughts are like trains, they take you somewhere. Instead of stopping a thought, REPLACE it. You have to actively FEED the POSITIVE and STARVE the negative.
You will FEEL how you speak and FIND what you seek
Public victory comes from private discipline.
God loves the people in your life so much that He put YOU in their lives. He gave you a means to communicate with them so they could be better off because they encountered YOU!
Smile and you’ll eventually feel better. Your body doesn’t know why you are smiling but will respond.
Here is an interesting Ted Talk with more info on this:
Review: I like to read books by successful writers on how to be a better storyteller. This is part memoir and part advice. I found it interesting and helpful.
Review: I read this book because I really want to improve my listening and communicating skills. The author does a great job in educating the reader on the art of listening and how necessary it is for life. This book encouraged me in HOW to be a better listener. I want to read this one again, there is a lot to learn and implement.
