I absolutely LOVE to read. I love getting lost in a good book and filling my head with new ideas and inspiration for trying new things! I've traveled like crazy this past month and I'm obsessed with how easy my kindle paperwhite is to pack right along. Since I've had a little time during flights to catch up on some good books, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite books, as well as some recommendations from Team Mint Arrow.
And a side note before we dive into the good stuff: is it just me, or is it even better to enjoy a good book while you relax in a cozy sweater?`! This poppy sweater is so good, slightly oversized and comfy, yet really flattering. The poppy color is so amazing, a perfect pull over for these spring nights!
Chunky Sweater
Dark Denim
Paperwhite kindle
Living room details here, here
Photos by Jordan Zobrist
Here are our top reads for you guys! We've included a pretty wide selection so there will definitely be something that interests you.
Corrine's Picks:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – I haven't read all of this yet, but every single time I pick it up I'm inspired to do less with stress and more with intention. It helps you narrow down what's actually important in your life and find happiness in focusing on those things. Super thought provoking and probably the book that's caused the most change in my life the last couple months, other than my scripture study 😉
The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines- If you're a Fixer Upper fan (and even if you're not, yet!), this is a must read! I ate this book up! I couldn't put it down and read it in a couple days over Christmas break, but I want to read it again. Their story of just listening to God and trying to do what's right and be good people warmed my heart and made me fall even more madly in love with these two. It's full of hardship and faith and REAL life struggle and inspiration, and I guarantee you will love it. Rumor has it that if you listen to the book it's even better, because Chip and Jo actually narrate it!
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss- I don't 100% subscribe to everything in this book, BUT, if you're a business owner it's a MUST read. There's just too much goodness in here. Just trust me. And it's a quick read too!
Me Before You – Okay, I could not put this book down! It really was such a sweet story full of hope, love, and despair. A good clean read about LOVE, which sometimes feels like a needle in a haystack these days. If you want a fun vacation read, something to dive into at naptime or just before bed, this is the perfect book. Even if you have already seen the movie, read this book!!
Heidi's Picks:
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown – I love Brene Brown. I have read everything she has written, but this is my favorite. It is all about how learning to be vulnerable helps us learn how to be courageous and brave. This courage helps us to transform our lives and achieve our dreams.
Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls – I am a huge fan of memoirs and was utterly enchanted by The Glass Castle {highly recommend if you've never read}. This book is a true-life novel, meaning it's not 100% true, but it's a fascinating look at life and at a woman that carved out her own destiny in the “wild west.”
Morgan's Picks:
A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman – I know this book has gotten a lot of hype recently, and I totally have to stand behind it! The old man Ove in this book is the grumpy, old neighbor. You end up falling in love with him and the sweet little family that essentially saves his life. It might be a hard (emotional) read for some, but I really enjoyed this book.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – This book is beautiful. Taking place during the Nazi invasion in France, two sisters join the French Resistance to save innocent lives. As the reader you get to see the vantage point of the war from both women; two very different experiences, both tragic and inspiring.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown – Okay, I loved this book. Sometimes (almost always), I have a hard time getting into nonfiction, but this was wonderful! It was fascinating learning about the mechanics of rowing and the true meaning of a team sport. This real life story took place in the 1930's and really pulls at your heart strings. A must read!
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – I have to admit, I just finished this book today, so I'm not exactly sure if I'm including this because it's fresh or because it's a favorite. But I did find myself smiling along, while also feeling heart broken for, Ada, the main character. Ada, an abused child sneaks away from London to live with her brother in the country during WWII. It's definitely meant for younger readers, which can occasionally be nice when you're looking for an easy read. I would definitely recommend!
What are your favorite books you've read recently? Tell us in the comments so we have some new things to try too!
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner. This has to be one of my favorite books of all time!
Oh awesome I will have to check it out! Thanks!!
Daring Greatly sounds like a great book!
I know I can’t wait to read it too now that I know how much Heidi loves it!!
Small great things… A bit if language but a MUST read. Fur everyone
Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the recommendations! Loved Nightengale. Can’t wait to try out more of these. And I can’t live without my Kindle Paperwhite!
It really is amazing right?! I love that you can turn down the brightness if you’re laying next to someone else who’s trying to sleep and you can’t 😉
I love, love, LOVE The Nightingale! Highly recommend.
Ahh so happy to hear you love it too!
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist is a great read!!
Okay I JUST started this book and I’m not far enough into it to say for sure how I feel about it, but so far it seems really good!