It’s been a long time since I shared what I’m reading (three months, actually, but who’s counting?!). It’s high time for an update! Thanks to the pandemic, my reading game has never been stronger. I uncovered a stack of interesting new reads in the last few months. From empowering memoirs to brooding mysteries, I can’t wait to share some of my favorite books I read this summer.
Once Upon a River // Diane Setterfield
On a dark and stormy night, a stranger bursts into a riverside tavern. In his arms, he carries a dead child who, hours later, is found to be alive. Three families lay claim to the missing child. The story that follows unfolds like a river, twisting and turning. It’s a captivating and atmospheric mystery.
Once Upon a River was a compelling story, and I liked how the slowly-developing character backstories keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a beautifully written book, a masterfully-told story, and I devoured it from beginning to end.
The Thirteenth Tale // Diane Setterfield
Famous author Vida Winter, has given a different life story every time she’s interviewed. Now that she is dying, she invites a young biographer to write her real life story for the first time. What follows is an intriguing gothic tale of secrets and ghosts, drawing heavily on influences like Jane Eyre.
The Thirteenth Tale is one of Diane Setterfield’s early books, so it’s not as well-written as Once Upon a River. Still, the story is mysterious and engaging. There’s a plot twist that changes your perception of the whole story.
Present Over Perfect // Shauna Niequist
Present Over Perfect is an invitation to slow down. What if we replaced our busy productivity for an intentional and engaged life? Although this book wasn’t personally relatable for me at my current stage of life, this is an important book for any workaholics who struggle with perfectionism and “having it all together.”
Ironically, because of the pandemic, the whole world seems to be taking a crash course in being present instead of perfect. For that reason, this book is a timely read.
Bright Evening Star // Madeleine L’Engle
Ever since reading Walking on Water last year, I’m mesmerized by L’Engle’s insights into theology and art. Bright Evening Star is a series of reflections on the mystery of the Incarnation. She interweaves personal narrative with thought-provoking reflections on the gospels. Though it takes some time to get through, it’s a rich and personal meditation.
The Sacred Search // Gary Thomas
Gary Thomas outlines the spiritual equivalent of an SAT test for Christian dating. The good news: the book shares a lot of mindset shifts and factors to consider when you’re dating. The bad news: he has an awfully negative outlook on dating that he veils as “realistic,” and so it can feel really discouraging. Read it, but take his advice with a grain of salt.
Dune // Frank Herbert
I’ve heard Dune described as a towering epic in the sci-fi genre. Here’s the premise: the noble Atreides family is charged with the task of ruling the hostile desert planet Arrakis. When the family is betrayed, the heir, Paul Atreides, is exiled into the desert. He begins a journey to becoming the prophecied “Muad’Dib” of legend.
The story definitely lives up to the hype. It’s an elaborate story with many moving parts and excellent world-building. The characters didn’t feel relatable or likeable, rather they’re used as static chess pieces in a game of strategy. The book is intriguing and well-written, nonetheless. Dune is a masterpiece for sci-fi fans, but not a personal favorite of mine.
The Artist’s Way // Julia Cameron
A must-read for any aspiring creative! The Artist’s Way is a treasure trove of insight into creativity and spirituality. Julia Cameron lays out a twelve-week program to examine your life, uncover creative flow, and discover yourself. Each week, you read one chapter, do daily morning pages, and go on an artist date. I learned so much from this book! Stay tuned for a full upcoming post on some of my favorite concepts and ideas. When you reach the end of this book, you’ll feel renewed in every area of your life.
Educated: A Memoir // Tara Westover
Author Tara Westover reflects on her childhood in a survivalist family, who lived on an isolated farm in rural Idaho. She didn’t start school until seventeen, but for the next decade she pursued education and ultimately earned her PhD from Cambridge University. At the cost of being exiled from her family, she receives an education.
Educated is a clear and honest memoir, weaving personal memories into a powerful message of empowerment. Tara emerges from a background of trauma and abuse, forms her own understanding of the world, and eventually takes control of her narrative. I couldn’t put it down. Without a doubt, Educated was the best book I read all summer.
There you have it! Now it’s your turn: what’s the best book you read this summer?
<3 Olivia Grace
