Confession: I am NOT an avid reader. I’m actually a very slow reader. So, I rarely have time to read a book . . .but these books I read left a lasting impression. If you are looking for a book about . . .
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Inspiration and Hope
Heaven is For Real – I started reading this book before bed one night, and by the next day, I was done. I could not put it down. Normally it takes me at least a week to finish a book, but this was extremely easy to read. It was also fascinating and comforting. From the assurance that all miscarried children are in heaven – to the details about Jesus, Mary (check out the added information in the back – I was only reassured of Mary’s role from this non-Catholic child’s experience) and the Holy Spirit, this book brought me peace and hope. As always – the book is better than the movie!
Humor, Laughter and Dreams Coming True
Instant Mom – I started reading this to hear more about Nia Vardalos’ road to becoming a mother, but soon found an inspiring, funny story about how dreams come true. Nia not only describes her road to motherhood (which is incredibly inspiring) but also her road to Hollywood. She is hilarious and down to earth. Her testimony about her journey to both Tinseltown and Motherhood is enjoyable from start to finish. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone – from those going through infertility, for those hoping and praying for success in their career and for anyone who loves a good laugh!
Hope, Courage, Mercy and Inspiration
Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide CD set
I read this book, but the link above is for the audio CD set – incase you’re busy and want something to listen to in the car. This is actually Immaculee’s second work – the first recounts her experience during the genocide – and how praying the Rosary helped her survive and overcome such an unimaginable tragedy. Led by Faith has a chapter dedicated to summarizing that experience – so you don’t need to read her first book to understand and appreciate Led by Faith. Immaculee, through her Faith in God, forgives the unforgivable. Her account of the Rwandan genocide and her own personal journey to America is more than inspiring. I highly recommend any of her books. I also recommend listening to her talk in person if the opportunity ever presents itself.
Short Stories of Inspiration, Faith and Modern Miracles
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Catholic Faith Stories
There are nights when I just want to read a short story. I love reading true stories from people who experienced something extraordinary and heart-lifting. When I longed to become a mother, miracle stories kept my hopes up and assured me that prayers do get answered and miracles do still happen. I love that I could read as little or as much as I wanted before closing the book and getting some shut eye. It really helped me end my day on the right note 🙂
Powerful, Thought Provoking Fiction
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult had me glued to each page. I could not put it down. I never saw the movie. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good work of fiction. This is actually the only nonfiction book I have on this list.
Have you read any of these books? Which would you recommend?
Sharing this on a link-up at Theology is a verb and Reconciled to you
I love to read (even though I’m a slow reader as well). I’ve always loved My Sister’s Keeper. I highly recommend that you look into reading the Red Tent – it is biblically based (loosely) but it is a beautiful story about women and sisterhood during Old Testament times. Even if you only read a couple pages a night it’s worth your time. Great list!
I’ve never heard of that – so thank you! It’s about time I read a new book! I want to read Unplanned by Abby Johnson – have you read that one? She has a new one out too and I think that would be extremely enlightening as well!
Unplanned is definitely worth reading. I just finished reading Curious Faith by Logan Wolfram who struggled with infertility. She is a Christian writer, but some gems in the book.
Thank you Karen!
Thank you for a few new additions to my kindle wish list. I am always looking for another read or two or ten – LOL.
No problem – I should really read more!!
I am Jodi Picot’s biggest fan so I recommend all of her books actually. I haven’t yet read Heaven is for Real but I think it was a movie, right? We saw that movie once and it was great. Really great – unless I am thinking of a different one. It’s a little boy Colton or Connor who dies and has the after experience and talks about it with his preacher dad…who then tells the entire town and the town doesn’t know whether to believe or not. Anyways the movie was so good I would totally pick up that book too.
Yes, Colton! The book was so easy to read and even better than the movie!
Thank you for this list of inspiring books.
I’ve been reading more comedies lately and need to switch it up.
Instant Mom made me laugh quite a few times! What comedy book do you recommend Joyce? I would love to read one!
This is right on time. Just finishing up the last book on my winter list (I know I’m behind!) and was looking for suggestions on what to read next. Heaven is for Real and Led by Faith sound great! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Glad you like some of my favorites!
My friend Chana Keefer wrote a fantastic book called The Rapha Chronicles, which tells of humanity’s fall through an angel’s perspective.
I love anything Picoult writes! Such a smart woman!
I too am a very slow reader so I don’t read as much as I would like. I have added a couple books to my list because of you, thank you! Right now I am going through Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore. It is more of a 10 week devotional prayer journal than a book, but it has been amazing! There is a daily reading then time to pray and places to add your prayers. Loving it! Thanks for your reviews!
I’ll have to look into that Whispers of Hope – thanks for telling me about it! Thank you for reading my list!