what I’ve been reading: the BEST of winter 2019

Posted by Alison L Bradley on

Here’s some of my favorite books from the past two months. In other words, these are all books I gave at least an A- to.

You can find more of what I’ve been reading, and all the books that didn’t make this favorites list over here.

What have you been reading this winter? Tell me if you had a favorite in the comments!

When I Pray for You

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I have often had moments where I'm simply in awe of the wonderful child who has been given to me. I look around for someone to share the moment with, someone's eyes to catch with mine, to agree that this moment is worth marveling in. But often, I'm alone in my house or surrounded by strangers too distracted by their own children to notice mine. And in those moments, I try to pause and pray, inviting the Lord into that moment as I soak it up. I thank him for the gift it is to have a front row seat to my children's becoming. I feel the warmth of his pleasure as we celebrate the radiance of this child he's given me, as they sing passionately or twirl in the kitchen or offer kindness to a friend. When I Pray For You has quickly earned a place in my mama's heart. This sweet book gives words to the quiet observations of a parent, celebrating the many moments and emotions of their child, throughout the years. From prayers for launching them into the world, strength and fierce courage, playful pretending, growing pains and more, this book feels like a gift to parent and child alike. I loved reading it to my four year old and almost two year old. They loved the illustrations, especially the dog on most of the pages. I loved the lyrical truth that reflected my heart for my kids, that has inspired more intentional prayers for them. "As I watched you pretend, all alone or with friends, I prayed over you again and again. 'Cause when I pray for you, God knows this is true, every word I whisper is a prayer for me too." A for me. #partner Thanks to @waterbrookmultnomah for the review copy of this beautiful book.

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Of Fire and Lions

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Of Fire and Lions is a look at the life of Daniel that I didn't know I needed. I'm such a fan of Biblical fiction that invites the reader to imagine and enter into the narrative, adding dimension to the familiar. This story spans almost 70 years, and goes beyond Daniel's experience to paint a picture of captivity for God's people. I loved how similar and human the characters were: feeling shame and hiding secrets from loved ones; fearing the future; experiencing the ache of sacrifice from following the Lord. I'm grateful for this telling, that brings creativity and imagination to fill in the cracks left by the Biblical and historical facts. This one drew me in right away and I finished it in a day. A- for me. #partner Thanks to @waterbrookmultnomah for the review copy. #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison

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The Common Rule

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If you're feeling anxious, busy or depressed or are someone who spends too much time in front of a screen, this is a book to offer freedom for you. Already, in the few days of implementing the habits shared here, I've been so grateful for clear my mind feels. Justin Earley is a former missionary turned lawyer, and offers four daily habits and four weekly ones that have helped provide freedom and rest for his soul. The chapters unpack each habit, with Justin’s personal story, ways to start and things to consider. I deeply appreciated his vulnerability and honesty in sharing his story. He is far from perfect, and fails at these practices often. Yet, his humility and humor made it easy to trust his words and the truth he shared here. I also loved how accessible this book felt. In the back, Justin offers ways to adjust the practices for parents, creatives, skeptics and addicts to mention a few. This book came to me at just the right time, as I was growing aware of increasing dependence on my phone in recent days. I'm grateful for the reminder of the impact of our "small" daily habits, and the freedom that comes from transforming our routine in simple ways. I can't recommend it enough. A for me. #partner Thanks to @ivpress for this excellent book.

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Whispers and Wildflowers

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If you're looking for something that you've never heard before, then Whispers and Wildflowers might not be for you. But if thirty days with a gentle friend, encouraging you towards rest and Jesus sounds good, this book will be a delight. I'm loving the time I'm spending in it's pages, as the words invite me towards listening to my own heart & the Lord. Some books impact me because they teach me something totally new. But some books impact me because they remind me of truth that I need to hear again and again. This is one of those. And it feels like a sweet bonus that a hope*writer penned this one! And who doesn’t feel ready for a little taste of spring & quiet hope right about now? A- for me. #partner thanks to @readbakerbooks for the review copy of this lovely book. #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison

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The Secret of Paper and Ink

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It had been a rough morning for my heart. I sat down with this one and a mug of tea in the afternoon…and may have sat there until I finished. 🙈#speedreadingsuperpower This is the story of three women, two modern and one many years earlier, but they are each finding the courage to tell their story. I loved what this book said about truth-telling, especially as part of the healing process. One of the characters is a counselor and feels utterly ashamed for having fallen prey to manipulation and abuse. I love the permission her fictional story offers for being human. Head knowledge doesn’t translate to being able to skip heartache or to being able to prevent pain. This story didn’t surprise me too much, but I didn’t mind the parts I had predicted. I loved the character of Emily and the glimpse of her world 150 years ago. And any book that makes my mouth water with its food descriptions is okay with me! While this one would be probably be considered Christian fiction, so much of the growth and healing was shown instead of spoken, which I loved. The only thing that didn’t feel totally relatable was Sophia’s months of paid time off and her hefty bank account. This wasn’t a huge distraction for me, but I kept thinking about what her grief process would have been like if she hadn’t had the wealth & privilege that she did. A- for me. #partner thanks to @thomasnelson for the review copy of this one! It was a joy to read. #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison

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Harry’s Trees

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden

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I was first introduced to one of my new favorite families as one of my Christmas reads. I couldn’t wait to be reunited with the utterly endearing Vanderbeekers. The second book in the series didn’t disappoint. I absolutely loved seeing everyone six months after the first book. Beyond the charming innocence and whimsy of their childhood, I deeply appreciate the way @karinaisreadingandwriting invites engagement with hard things, like grief, suffering, preconceived ideas about people, transition and courage. This one was such a delight, especially to read in the winter as the Vanderbeekers are sweating it out in summer. I’m already eager for book 3 to come out! A for me. Ps. While you don’t need to read them in order, I highly recommend it. #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison

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Indestructible

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“It takes a long time for change to sink all the way into our bodies. It takes years for change to become cellular, second nature. I have to remind myself of this— that I’m allowed to have my process, that I don’t have to have it figured out all right this minute, that this is the whole point. Showing up. Being in my life with my whole heart.” (129) Ally Fallon writes about her failed marriage and what it was like to fight to be herself again. As someone who knows what it feels like to be gaslighted and emotionally abused, Ally does as phenomenal job at showing how confusing that feels, especially with someone you should be able to trust, and the courage it takes to walk away. I loved how she only told her own story, and didn’t share details that would have held shock value but weren’t only hers. I read this one in a day. It is a gritty, messy, redemptive story. I loved how she didn’t try to make herself look good, but lived her bravery even in how she told the truth in her own story. My only hesitation in recommending this book wholeheartedly is that the “be your own hero” mantra felt a little too loud for me. I’m all for taking responsibility for your own life and believe that only you can do your own soul work. But I also believe Jesus is the only one who can do certain kinds of healing. That there is some brokenness only he can mend. And I felt like I saw Jesus all over Ally’s story. He was in the forgiveness she was offered by a friend she wounded. He was in the kindness of strangers. He was in the timing of certain events. He was in yoga and her showing up to be vulnerable. He just wasn’t mentioned much. A- for me. Ps. My local library bought this book, this very copy because I asked them too! If you didn’t know about this option, consider this a friendly PSA. If your library doesn’t have a book you want, you can ask! Thanks @bucksctylib for buying this one.📚 #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison

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The Map of Salt and Stars

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"No one sees the future," she says. "No one knows what's planned. But safety is not about never having bad things happen to you. It's about knowing that bad things can't separate us from each other. Okay? No matter what happens. Your family still loves you, and you can get through anything if you know that. You're safe with me. With Mama. With God. Nothing can take that away." (177) I loved this book, even as it made my heart ache. To hear a refugee's perspective, from the eyes of an imaginative, curious twelve-year-old felt like a sacred gift. Her story is told along with the story of another girl, far from home, hundreds of years before. I loved the beauty and wisdom about loss, survival and courage found in these pages. The specifics might be fictional, but the truth of this story is far too real. My heart breaks for the devastation that so many have experienced in Syria, and am in awe of the bravery of rebuilding your life. A- for me. PS. Though tastefully told, there is an attempted rape in this story. The spirituality is also a bit of a mixed bag, as both Allah and God are acknowledged by the family. #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison

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The Library at the Edge of the World

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The fictional town of Finfarran, Ireland has my heart. . When I was first introduced to @felicityhayesmccoy in a @hopewriters interview, I knew I wanted to read her books. She was kind, relatable and quite simply, a delight. Her book felt similar. . I loved this troubled librarian’s story, that ended up being about so much more than just her. Hanna herself isn’t warm and friendly, but I loved the glimpses we got beyond her rough exterior. As she began to see past her own troubles, the story also grew with her perspective. . And I have a soft spot for heroines who aren’t young and pretty. This heroine has a grown daughter, is recently divorced and had to move home. Plus, there are all sorts of literary references for any book nerds to enjoy. I especially enjoyed knowing the author’s personal connection with Maeve Binchy and the cameo of one of her books as a library copy returned with a bacon bookmark. I can’t wait to return to Finfarran. . A for me. . #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison #hopewriters

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True You

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“The journey to wholeness and healing, it turns out, does not begin with surgery or even diagnosis. The journey to wholeness begins with admitting you are broken.” . I loved this new book from @michellederusha as she offers a vulnerable look at her own growth process. Her insight into the pruning of trees felt invaluable as it applies to the painful and necessary growth process of our own souls. I deeply appreciated these words, that felt so helpful and validating in my own growth. It is hard work to listen to your life, and to invite the Lord there. “True You” is a beautiful companion for showing up with your own soul and learning to listen to what the Lord is doing there. . A- for me. . #partner what a joy it was to receive a review copy from @baker_book_house and to read a fellow @hopewriters book. My opinions are my own. . #idratherbereading #bookreviewswithalison #hopewriters

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