Here are some of my favorite books of all time with a few simple words, or thoughts, on each. 🙂

 

The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

One of my favorites from Martha Beck. This book has simple practices and a beautiful process for inviting more joy into your life — starting with NOTHING. 🙂 Start on an adventure and end up in a place of more joy, peace, and understanding, by following the process in this book. And if you’d like to join us for a book club to do just that, reach out and let me know!

 

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Becoming who we are is an ongoing process, and I believe that letting go of what others think and who they want us to be can often be harder than we imagined. The pillars in this book are so helpful — and were completely transformed for me as part of an art journaling course online. If you’d like to learn more about the art projects or would be interested in playing with some of them as part of a book club or group, let me know!

 

Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado

This tale of survival helped me while I was surviving the experience of being home with my family while my dad was dying after college. Previously quoted in blog posts, it is a story that touched me deeply and, I believe can have a great impact on the way we choose to live our lives. The one true and genuine life we have in front of us right now. To courage! And to showing up each day for the adventure of our lives, no matter the hardship, setback, or heartbreak it may bring. When it feels like nothing matters; this is the book for you.

 

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

I read this book after my dad died — and I remember scribbling down quotations that brought me comfort. And that helped to to reconcile, and give me a new way of seeing something Ii’d always felt — God’s love as something more than just religion.

 

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

This book gave me such comfort after losing my dad. I could identify with so many of C.S. Lewis’ thoughts and feelings…and there were things he put into words that resonated with my experience, so that it gave me permission to acknowledge, own, and move through my own feelings in a new way. If you’re grieving, have ever experienced grief, or know someone who is, I highly recommend this book.

 

Amazing Gracie by Mark Beckloff

The sweetest story about the furry four legged friends that are actually the ones who save us, instead of the other way around.

 

Honeybee by Marina Marchese

This author is absolutely delightful. I got to meet her while she was on her book tour in Portland, and even got to sample some of her company’s honey! I’ve been fascinated by bees ever since. Part memoir, part informational — everything you could want to learn about bees shared in the most fun and informative way. It’s funny how the things we love can turn out to surprise us and lead us to a very different life than we ever thought we’d lead!