This week I finished reading One Thousand Gifts, and it was my second time reading it. And my goodness, the focus of Ann’s book has nestled itself into nearly everything I do and think about and feel. I just love when that happens. If you read OTG, what did you think?
Years ago, I was reading an interview on Ann Voskamp that made me think about my reading process in such a different light. For most of my life, I’ve often read multiple books at once. This drove my dad crazy ;) I hadn’t really thought about WHY I do this, yet reading the interview made me nod my head in agreement:
World Magazine: What do you do when you encounter what’s called “writer’s block?”
Ann Voskamp: When I do it’s important to be reading—three or four different books at a time, so those books begin to have a conversation with each other. Then I begin to engage what that conversation is about, and words come out. If I don’t have words, it’s a sign I’m not reading enough. […]
I LOVE conversation, so this makes perfect sense ;) But back to her response, I haven’t stopped thinking about how I enjoy reading multiple books, which is interesting since I’m in another thick season of writer’s block. (Long exhale. WHY, GOD?)
So what else am I reading? Well, currently Little Women (I adore the cover design) — but I need something new to add to the mix. Here are the categories I’m drawn to: home/decor/art, fiction, and faith-building.
I’m thinking either All The Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth, or The Artisan Soul by Erwin Raphael McManus. (And fun fact: when we lived in Los Angeles, we went to MOSAIC church, pastored by Erwin.)
What books would you suggest? And give me a few, please! ;)
PS. here are 20+ books I’d recommend to you…
Decor: The Nesting Place – Though I’m guessing you have read it.
Fiction: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, The One In a Million Boy, A Man Called Ove
Faith Building: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist, Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer, Abba’s Child or Ruthless Trust or really anything by Brennan Manning, The Inner Voice of Love or anything else by Henri Nouwen
And I am so with you on the multiples books front, though I may take it to far. I’m working on 8 at the moment.
YES to Nesting Place! I’ve also read Design Bloggers at Home, that was a fun read and one I pick up regularly.
Thanks for all the book suggestions, that’s so kind of you!
Also, totally giggling over the 8 books thing, that’s so great. Is that your highest “currently reading” count? :)
Ummmmm I believe you owe me The Glass Castle. I’m going to forget about it before you ever start. (Eye roll).
EYE ROLL, FOR REAL! :}
The Nightengale….top 2016!!
Silly spell check… The Nightingale
My mom and I just talked about that book, like yesterday! I’ll have to get that one!!! xx
I would highly recommend “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is all about creativity and it changed my outlook completely. When I read it there were so many passages that spoke to me so strongly that I had to put it down and think about it for a bit. It is amazing.
Ohhhh, I have that book at home, thanks for the reminder. And I love how much it encouraged you and got you thinking, that’s awesome! xx
I think The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan should be required reading for all Christians.
I honestly haven’t read in SO long. I used to adore reading… now, I tend to try to pick up books, & then do something else. Part of the reason is they tend to be expensive, & when I have extra $$ I buy craft supplies instead of books! :-D That “All The Pretty Things” book looks awesome! I’ll have to add it to my (growing) list!
THRIFT STORES! They have so many good / new books, and $1/each! :)