Alright friends, it’s high time for a reading update! I chose these gems from my “recently read” list to share with you today, because each and every one of them is rich with insight and worth the read. From compelling novels to life-changing nonfiction, these seven books have changed my life in 2020. Ready? Grab yourself a cup of coffee and let’s dive in…
The Goldfinch // Donna Tartt
I’ve been raving about this book for months and I will keep raving about it indefinitely. Donna Tartt is one of the most talented novelists of our generation. Her books are so rich, it’s no wonder that each of her books takes about a decade to write. The Goldfinch, her most recent work, is about 13-year-old Theodore Decker, whose life is dramatically changed after his mother dies in an art museum explosion. His coming-of-age odyssey sprawls from New York to Las Vegas to Amsterdam, from antique dealing to art crime, and it all revolves around a stolen painting of a goldfinch chained to its perch.
Atomic Habits // James Clear
A practical and easy-to-understand guide to building good habits, one tiny step at a time. James Clear suggests that we work on habits instead of going after goals. The actions we take on a daily basis are the ones that shape our reality. “You do not rise to the level of your goals,” he writes, “You fall to the level of your systems.” Using a plethora of real-life examples and scientific evidence, Atomic Habits will change the way you think about designing your life in practical terms.
Walking on Water // Madeleine L’Engle
You’d probably recognize L’Engle based off her fictional tales (like the A Wrinkle in Time series) but her reflections on faith and art will change your view of everything in life. If you’ve ever found “Christian art” lacking and wondered what it should be instead, this is the book for you. She writes powerfully about the human experience, the theology of art, and why creativity is essential to humanity. We need stories; it’s engrained into who we are as children of God. Powerful and well-written. Definitely will rank on my top ten reads for 2020!
Adorning the Dark // Andrew Peterson
Andrew Peterson (founder of The Rabbit Room) uses his experience in songwriting and storytelling to weave together thoughts on “Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making.” This book, you guys. This book made me want to dance and sing and run through fields of wildflowers—that’s how good and true and lovely it was. The thoughts expressed in Adorning the Dark are refreshing to the soul and inspiring to the mind, perfect for any artist wondering how to pursue the holy art of creativity. If you’re a creative, put this on your reading list.
The Craft of Revision // Donald Murray
The best writing book I’ve read since Stephen King’s On Writing. Murray goes into the nitty-gritty of how to get the writing done, how to write well for your audience, and why real writing happens in rewriting. This book also trumpets the importance of keeping a personal daybook—I actually did a whole post on this subject a few months ago, if you’re curious. For all my English nerds out there…if you’re interested in learning to write well, The Craft of Revision is the simplest and niftiest guide for the job.
Captivating // John and Staci Eldredge
Read this. Especially if you’re a woman. Especially if you wonder what it looks like to embrace femininity in the modern world. John and Staci Eldredge wrote this book’s companion, Wild at Heart, to explore masculinity. Similarly, Captivating dives into the mystery of a woman’s soul. It discusses how the longings of a woman’s heart were created to reflect the image of God. It’s a life-changing book.
Virgil Wander // Leif Enger
Like an indie film in print, Virgil Wander is a great book for escaping into another cozy world for a while. The small town of Greenstone is down on its luck, but things start to change the day Virgil Wander meets a stranger named Rune. Features baseball, kite-flying, fishing, and the art of keeping an old theatre. The story is a nostalgic and beautifully-written exploration of the quirky charm of everyday life.
Thanks for reading! I’ll catch you all next week,
<3 Olivia Grace
