I love to read and average reading a book a week. Some books are for research for my own writing. Other books were a selection for book clubs I belong to. And I have random other picks as well.
I have chosen just a few favorites as I do every year for you to consider if you are looking for your next good read. I review every book I read and if you want to follow my reviews throughout the year, be sure to click “follow” on my Goodreads profile and you will be notified of each review shortly after I post one.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 star
Thought provoking book that will stay with me for a long time. A few concepts that stood out to me:
Doing hard things – there is growth to be found there.
Boundaries to shield me from fear – it is okay to decline getting together until it I am approached from a place of love.
Humility – sharing my growth can empower others (Glennon empowered me).
Brave, untamed women – we need them!
It is impossible to pull out all the nuggets of this book in a summary because each reader will find gems based on where they are in their own life. I highly recommend the book to my friends and I gave the book to my daughters.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A captivating story written by Ann Patchett and brilliantly read on Audible by Tom Hanks. Siblings Danny and Maeve cannot overcome or let go of their past. Their relationship and their tie to the house they grew up in is complicated. Listening to how they dealt with the key relationships in their lives was interesting to me. I personally have never been thrown out of a house but I have visited homes I have lived in before, often repetitively over years. I could relate to trying to process a life lived in a particular house. I really liked the book and particularly liked Tom Hanks as Danny.
High, Wide and Lonesome by Hal Borland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved being taken back to the early 1900’s life on the plains of Colorado through the eyes of a young boy. The writing was excellent with descriptions so vivid that I could transport myself there and see it with my own imagination.
It felt like the Little House on the Prairie book series but from a boy’s view. Reading the book puts hardship in perspective. It also shows resilience and morals worth modeling. I really enjoyed my time with this book and didn’t want it to end. It will fondly linger in my memory for a long time.
A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death by B.J. Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was beautifully put together. It has tasteful illustrations, handy checklists, and no-nonsense language and advice.
The first section was entitled Planning Ahead. It fit well with my advocacy for not leaving a mess behind when you die. The rest of the book discussed dealing with illness, getting help, getting ready for death and what to do after someone dies. And the resource section at the back of the book is one of the best I have seen.
I have no criticism for this book and it is timely for this period of a global pandemic. Ovations.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I published a new book this year, Essential Denver: Discovery and Exploration Guide. I hope you will check it out!
A look back at previous year’s favorites:
Please feel free to comment below and share your favorite books with me!
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