Wednesday Shopportunity: For the Book Lover

So it’s no secret that we are a family of book-lovers. We LOVE to read right down to the youngest one of us. If I could, I would have an inexhaustible book budget so that when I read something I enjoy, I could quick buy it for everyone else I know would enjoy it too. But since an inexhaustible anything budget is pretty much a pipe dream, I get so excited when I can buy books for others. It is possible I enjoy giving them more than they enjoy receiving them… Hmm.

But, as we have a major giving opportunity just about six weeks away, I wanted to share my favorite books to give these days. Several are on my Winter Must Read List– hopefully I’ll make a little progress soon.

Ok–One of my favorite books to give your mom, aunt, or best friend who also happens to be a mom– Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn I have mentioned this one before, and Melanie, aka Big Mama happens to be one of my very favorite bloggers. She writes with true wit and heart, and you will feel as though you’re chatting about the humor and horrors of motherhood at a tiny table at Starbucks instead of reading alone.

AND, Melanie is releasing her second book(a memoir on marriage) on February 4, 2014 and I can only imagine that it will be a total delight, The Antelope in the Living Room: The Real Story of Two People Sharing One Life –So yay!

While we’re on the subject of books to buy your family members– this book by Sophie Hudson is a safe bet for any human being that has even an ounce of Southern in their blood– even if it’s in spirit only. A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon is a light and easy read which will have you reflecting on all the crazy and wonderful idiosyncrasies of your own extended family. Buy it for your grandma, your aunt– whoever!

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist has been at the top of my “to read” pile and as soon as I finish my current book, I will dive right in. I keep hearing wonderful things about it and though I love a good piece of authentic food writing, this seems to be so much more. The little bit that I’ve paged through has made me want to grab a cozy blanket, a cup of something warm and settle in to read every word in one sitting.

Now, I know we’re talking about gifts to buy others– but just for a minute, let’s talk about a gift I want you to buy for yourself. Ann Voskamp has just released the most beautiful piece of Advent Writing I’ve ever seen. The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas contains 25 readings for the first 25 days of December and you will want to relish each one. I had the sincere honor of hearing her in person last month and it was a wonderful experience. She is an amazing writer. An amazing speaker. An amazing mother who has crossed the globe touching others, whether in person or in print. More importantly, she is a woman who is SHINING for Jesus in all that she puts her hands to. So, please, go buy yourself this book! And I dare you to try to wait until December 1st to crack it’s cover; but if you do– we will be reading it together. I’ll bring the coffee.

 

A Million Little Ways, A: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman is my current read. It’s absolutely beautiful. I’m reading it with a highlighter that is quickly growing dry and God is ministering to my soul through this book. Whatever your calling in life, whatever your passion… this book *might* just set you free to live fully in the joy and grace that Christ has given us. Whew!

God is Able by Priscilla Shirer is a relatively short but rich book reminding us of God’s power and provision. My mom bought this for me about a month ago, and it is good. Very good in fact, that I would recommend it to anyone in a situation that seems “too big.”

THIS is the lovely Ree’s new holiday cookbook, and it is HUGE. Well worth the price and what a beauty it is! The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations. I do not own this yet– but every time I go to Costco for spinach or greek yogurt… I find myself wandering past the book table just to flip its’ gorgeous glossy pages.

 

And last, but not least–Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption!! This book is available on Amazon but is unable to be linked to. I was given it recently and hope to start it in a few months. I know many of you have probably read it, but you know me– always late to the party!

Happy Reading and Happy Gifting!!!

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