We're heading to the beach next week for a much much much needed getaway.
And if you're anything like me, you know that one of the most important things for a beach vacay is great reading material.
These three books have been on my mind for months and I'm so excited to officially pack them into my bags.
1. 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker
I hear over and over again that this book will change your life.
7 is the true story of how Jen {along with her husband and her
children to varying degrees} took seven months, identified seven areas
of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the
modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.
Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. They would spend thirty days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe “seven sacred pauses.”
Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. They would spend thirty days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe “seven sacred pauses.”
So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s
the discovery of a greatly increased God—a call toward Christ-like
simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to become a
radically better existence. {via amazon}
I have to say, I love love love Jen Hatmaker's blog. She is hilarious, conversational, and incredibly brave in all of her writings. I love to hear another Christian mom's take on things and this lady always seems to such an insightful perspective. Pretty excited {and nervous!} to delve into this one!
2. Inferno by Dan Brown
In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon,
is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most
enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s Inferno. Against
this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with
an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art,
secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark
epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . .
before the world is irrevocably altered. {via amazon}
I love Dan Brown. Don't we all?
And I'm been not so patiently waiting for the release of his latest Robert Langdon novel.
It was finally released yesterday and I can't wait to be up in the wee hours of the morning attempting to solve Professor Langdon's latest puzzle. Always a great read for any who
loves mystery, history and action.
3. Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman
It all started when the author, her husband
and 18-month old daughter were out to eat at a cafe in France. She
took a peek around and realized that even though the restaurant was
filled with other families like hers, her daughter was the only one
throwing food, needing constant attention and making the meal
unenjoyable for her parents. Which got Ms. Druckerman thinking: what do
French parents do to raise such polite, calm children?
I've heard nothing but positive things about this book, which shows a variation of parenting that we don't often see in the U.S. anymore. As first time parents of a toddler, J.B. and I are always looking for our footing as to how we want to raise Jake and creating the very best environment for him to grow. Entertaining and educational? Count me in.
So here's to my next few books!
Have you read any of these? Got your own reading for the summer?
Do share!
