Hey, fellow bookworms! Are you ready for some quality recommendations for good reads this month? I’ve got you covered! (ha, #puns).
Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Oh, you guys. This book was so captivating. It takes place during WWII so expect a few tears. It’s written from death’s perspective of a young girl who is growing up while the world around her is in turmoil. Her family hides a nice Jewish man, and the two of them develop a friendship. There’s so much more to it, but I cannot spoil anything. You just really need to read it. Trust me on this one.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Some of you may have already read this, but for any of you who haven’t…please take a moment now to head to your nearest library and check it out. Malala is one of the bravest and most inspiring young women (I believe) in our society today. When the Taliban occupied Pakistan and looked down on women being educated, she continued to pursue an education. When she was fifteen, she was shot in the head on her way home to school because of her ‘disobedience’, and so many people didn’t think she would make it. But, she did. Her story of resilience and kindness will leave you so inspired. Seriously, go pick up this read ASAP.
Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
This is a really fun coffee table book, that any of your guests will enjoy flipping through! You’ve probably heard of the photo series, Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton. This is a compilation of some of his best images and quotes from the HONY series. You will laugh, you will probably tear up, and you will be both humbled and inspired.
The Most Excellent Way to Lead by Perry Noble
Most of us have heard of the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13). The general conception is that it depicts how to love your neighbor, your spouse, your friends, etc. While that’s not entirely wrong, Perry Noble points out that 1 Corinthians 13 is actually explaining what it means to be a good leader. He breaks down each attribute of love (“love is patient, love is kind…”) in each chapter and explains why they make good qualities in a leader. Not to mention, he does it with so much comedy! Such a good read.
The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes
I am such a JoJo Moyes fan, her books always have me glued to the pages! This particular book starts off much different from her other reads as it’s set during World War I. It first follows a young girl, Sophie, whose husband is serving in the war, while she runs the family Inn/restaurant with her sister. A new kommandant comes to town and becomes particularly fascinated with a portrait that Sophie’s husband painted of her. The kommandant strikes up conversation with Sophie on a constant basis. When his affection gets dangerously elevated, she risks everything to save her husband. THEN, the book flashes forward centuries later to follow Liv who now owns that painting. When Sophie’s family comes after Liv to re-claim the painting as their own, you learn so much more of the story about what happened to Sophie when she risked everything. I was constantly on the edge of my seat! So, so good.
If you decide to read one of these books, use #JoellesReads so I can see! And as always, if you have book recommendations for me, I would love to hear them!
Happy reading!
All images in this post were taken by Elena Cuellar Photography.
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