What I'm Reading
I've always been fascinated by the world of books. As a kid, I'd spend hours with my head in a book, or writing my own stories, instead of outside with the other neighborhood kids most afternoons.
As I've gotten older, that hasn't changed. I will stay up until the wee hours of the morning, turning the pages to see what happens to the characters I've become attached to and just can't put it down until I find out what happens.
Here are the books I've read lately:
"Shaken" // Tim Tebow
I started reading this on the plane to Santa Fe, New Mexico last year. I was going for a work trip and was nervous, because it was my first time going on a solo trip. While I was in Santa Fe, it became about so much more than just a work trip. God worked on my heart. He helped me remember who I was/am in Him, apart from my job and the things I want to do. I think a big part of that was because of this book. Tim talks about finding your identity in Christ, rather than the things of this world? What do you do when you lose your job? When you have a health crisis? When that relationship ends? What is the foundation of your life based on? It posed many questions that required me to get back to the basics of me and Jesus. If you let it, this book and the time you spend meditating on it can change your life.
"Paris For One" // Jojo Moyes
I had been reading a lot of non-fiction and this was a nice daydreamy break. It was a fun, lighthearted read of a girl who is planning a trip to Paris with her boyfriend, or so she thinks. But, after getting to Paris all alone, he says he isn't coming. In the end, it's about her taking risks and falling in love. There are also a few other short stories, covering a few different genres, including mystery and of course, romance. Jojo's writing is whimsical and romantic and feels like any book she writes could be turned into a chick flick.
"Girl, Wash Your Face" // Rachel Hollis
Back in 2015, a photo of Rachel Hollis went viral. She was wearing a bikini. But, it wasn't because of the bikini, it was because her tummy was showing, which revealed very real stretchmarks from giving birth to three boys. It was on The Today Show and many other news outlets, and I decided that I wanted to interview her for my college student newspaper I wrote for at the time. I was able to get an interview and to this day, it's still one of my favorite things I've ever done. I started following her blog and her career after that, and haven't looked back since. Rachel is a motivator and goes after whatever she wants in life, but she also shares her secrets on how you can get there, too. She is real and honest and is rooting for you as she tells her own stories of dreams, her marriage, her faith and more. After putting this book down, I was ready to get out my bucket list and vision boards so I could get to work. If you're feeling unmotivated or stuck in your day-to-day, pick up this book and get out of your funk! You'll be ready to make some changes after only a few pages in.
"The Actor's Life" // Jenna Fischer
I'm fascinated by all things Hollywood and I am a HUGE fan of "The Office," so I had to have this book. Luckily, it was a Christmas present and I couldn't have been more ecstatic. As fans, we see the glamorous parts of Hollywood. After a star has "made it," so to speak. But, we don't see when the moments of starvation, the rejections from agents, the insecurities they have to deal with or the making of finding their team (agents, managers, etc.) Jenna is real and honest, but she also gives hope that if you put in the work and the time, it will pay off. While there's still no recipe for making it, Jenna gives pointers about everything from headshots to finding an agent and picking work that is your style. And ultimately building your brand. I no longer act, but in high school I had big dreams of landing on the big screen and becoming a star in Hollywood. This book gives it to you straight about what to expect when you make your way to the City of Angels for TV and film. Even if you aren't into the creative process, fans of "The Office" or of Jenna's should still give it a read for memories on the set and other personal stories. In all honesty, as a 20-something still trying to build a career, I could relate to many things in this book. Also, there's a foreword by Steve Carell, one of my very favorite people.
"What I Know For Sure" // Oprah
We all know Oprah has lived quite the full life. She is friends with and has interviewed some of the world's greatest leaders, artists, actors and musicians. She has built an empire with her magazines, production company, food lines and so on. And over the years, she's acquired many nuggets of wisdom from her own life lessons and conversations with others. It's a leisure read that I'd usually pick up at nighttime, just before bed or in the morning as I'd get ready or drink my hot tea for words of inspiration. Each story was only a couple pages long and would include a lesson Oprah had learned, whether in business or in life. At the end, most of it, is just embracing each day and making it count. Taking risks, loving others, letting God lead, and remembering to pause and see the beauty all around us.
From the Start // Melissa Tagg
This book reminded me of the quirky small towns that I love or like an episode of "Gilmore girls." The charming town of Maple Valley is made up of interesting characters, and inevitably, a love story. A TV script writer, Kate Walker, returns home after hitting a wall with her career and feeling uninspired, and ends up striking up a friendship with her brother's friend and NFL player, Colton Greene, who has been injured on the field and has also returned for some time. It's touching, Hallmark(ish) and just an all-around feel good story. I could not put this down. I stayed up late a couple nights flipping the pages, anxiously awaiting what was going to happen between Colton and Kate. It's smooth and cute and reads like a movie.
If You Find This Letter // Hannah Brencher
This one took me far too long to read, but I'd like to think it's because I was trying to make it last as long as possible. Hannah's words are like a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee on a cold, cloudy day. It soothes the soul and makes you feel like you're talking to your best friend in a cute little coffee shop in New York City, where the backdrop of the non-fiction book mostly takes place. Hannah is a dreamer and a believer and started the movement of writing love letters and leaving them around New York City for strangers to find. It's her journey and struggles of finding her voice, finding her place in this world and helping others. It's encouraging and full of hope this day in age. It leaves you feeling like you just want to go out and do GOOD in the world. It's beautifully written and paints such a gentle picture of how the world really can be if we put in that effort each day.
Faith Forward Future // Pastor Chad Veach
I'd seen friends from church post about this, as well as Chris Pratt, so I decided to order it. It came around Christmas and didn't take long for me to finish. And let me just say, I was highlighting like crazy, because there was so much good stuff. Pastor Chad talks about how God uses the messes and mistakes in our lives for our good and the setbacks that happen are really God's way of leading us to something better. He also discusses prayer; asking God for the big things and letting God truly design your life. It brought up many points for me to think about and pray about.
The Magnolia Story // Chip and Joanna Gaines
Everyone knows Chip and Joanna Gaines as the moguls who took over Waco Texas with their Magnolia Market at the Silos. But, this tells their story in their own words about the beginning days. Chip's crazy ideas, the early days of their relationship and parenting, and God's timing to get them where they are today. Sweet stories and funny moments from the couple and a very relaxing read.
Currently Reading:
"Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" // Maria Semple
I'm reading this for a book club that my friend started and we've had plenty of time. I've just had a hard time getting into it and am really not as far into as I should be to tell you what the premise really is.
"Live Fearless" // Sadie Robertson
Truthfully, I'm blown away at just how much I'm loving this book. Sadie has so much wisdom for being a twenty-year-old. Sadie understands what it's like to live with fear, anxiety and have panic attacks, especially living in the spotlight with her famous family. I also relate with anxiety, fear and panic attacks and is why I was drawn to the book initially. I've been reading over this last week and with each chapter, it has stripped layers off of my heart and has brought me closer to God in such a simple way. Spending time with Him. It's encouraged me to turn back to the Bible and spend time in the Word and back to my prayer life. If you've been struggling with any of these topics, do yourself a favor and get this book. Read it and hold onto its truths and let it lead you back to the Creator.
What are you reading right now?
That's all for now,
Shelby