Back and forth. That’s how I go when it comes to books … a little fiction, a little nonfiction, a little paperback, a little audio. It keeps me intrigued, it keeps me learning, and most of all, it satiates my love of books!
Last month I shared my favorite fiction books of the year and today I’m back with a round up of the best non-fiction. Non-fiction holds a special place in my heart, because as much as I like to escape into a story, I really feel like motherhood has turned parts of my mind into mush and reading self-help, research, and spiritual books combat that. I definitely suffer from mental fatigue (four kids in seven years will do that to a girl!),but I 100% believe that read non-fiction plays a role in sharpening my brain. And that’s a good thing.
If you’re looking for a few non-fiction books to pour over this year, consider starting with these …
Holy Labor: How Childbirth Shapes a Woman’s Soul by Aubrey G. Smith
I’ve asked over and over, “Where was this book in 2010 when I was expecting Jemma?” Well, answer is, it wasn’t published until the fall of 2016. Thankfully, I stumbled across it before Eli was born and it quelled all my third trimester angst. I highly recommend this book to expecting mamas.
Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner
Such a beautiful narrative intertwined with design advice and recipes. Months after reading this book I find myself drawn back to that idea of “chasing slow” in my own life and it’s real good medicine for the soul.
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
I listened to this on audio and it was beyond fantastic. While driving I’m all “Amen!” and “Preach, Priscilla!” Planning to buy this in paperback soon so I can re-read (and if you know me, I don’t really re-read books) and write in the margins.
The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Patterson
I’ll loosely paraphrase one of my favorite thoughts from this book … If you’re not praying for the impossible, you’re insulting God. Ya’ll the whole thing is amazing and truly draws you to pray in a new way. Circle up, ladies!
I read ALOT of other nonfiction and in some way, they all had an impact on me. Some made me cry. Some led me to change myself or my relationships. Some added to my to do list. Some let me just be. A few took me months to plug through and others I read in just a few days. It’s the four above though that stood out. They are the true loves of the year and the ones you’ve got to add to your own reading list.