I have always enjoyed reading. When I became a mom though, it become harder to find time to read or actually finish a book. I read plenty of books with my kids, but I still have a desire to read for myself. Some people like to unwind by binging Netflix or getting manicures and those are great choices, but I prefer to unwind by reading a book.
Now that my kids are a little older, I have finally found more time to read, although, I admit there are books I haven’t finished and there are many more books on my to-be-read (TBR) list. Trips to the library aren’t just all about my kids now. I go for me as well. My girls understand that mom wants to look at books for herself and it’s really a beautiful thing.
If you don’t feel comfortable purchasing a book you’ve never read before, our local library systems have so many resources available that it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. For example, if you don’t have time to browse the library, you can reserve a book online and just pick it up at one of the locations with a drive-through window. If you prefer reading e-books or listening to audio books, both the Lexington County and Richland County library systems utilize apps such as Libby and Hoopla, where you can access thousands of books. Just download the apps from your app store. Easy!
Below some books that I really enjoyed and want to pass along. I hope you’ll consider them the next time you’re searching for a new book to read.
1. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
This book is a must read for every parent. Haidt is a social psychologist who explores the dangers of how smart phones and social media are rewiring our youth’s mind and producing mental health problems. He talks about schools limiting or banning smart phone use and promotes more independence, free play and responsibility in the real world.
2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This coming-of-age novel kept me enraptured throughout the entire book. Kya, the main character, has survived for years all alone in the marsh she calls home. When a handsome teen boy is found murdered, the locals all assume the “marsh girl” is the one who committed the crime. But Kya is not at all what they believe…Kya is an intriguing character with a fighting spirit that makes you root for her in every circumstance. This book boasts themes of mystery, coming of age, romance (though it’s not a romance novel), and nature. This is one of my favorite fiction books.
3. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
It Ends With Us (also a movie), explores domestic violence as it tells the story of Lily, a woman who finally feels like she has her life under control. When she sparks a romance with neurosurgeon Ryle, she feels things can’t get any better. But as their relationship progresses, Lily finds herself questioning the direction it’s taking and compares it to her previous relationship with Atlas, her first love.
This book keeps you engaged as you are drawn into Lily’s story; the reader empathizes with Lily’s circumstances and her emotions. Lily’s best friend in the book is a true friend and Ryle is a character that makes you feel bad for him at times and then despise him at other times. Hoover’s writing style is reflective of her own mother’s experience with domestic violence. Hoover’s books aren’t my style but this one’s worth a read.
Note: Be advised there are some spicy scenes in this book.
4. Find Your People by Jennie Allen
Find Your People is a great read about finding your community. As a mom, it can be difficult to find your tribe when you’re constantly putting others ahead of yourself. In this book, Jennie Allen uses Biblical truth, along with scientific evidence and personal stories, to share how loneliness is destructive, and community is what God intended.
What books would you recommend?
