Reads

Reading List by Annelise Rowe
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Blog Inc. by Joy Deangdeerlert Cho

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C U R R E N T L Y  R E A D I N G


A Million Steps by Kurt Koontz


Student's Life Application Study Bible (NLT) — following a plan to read it in one year!

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R E C E N T L Y  R E A D


The Power of the Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
My thoughts on this book: Over the last year, I realized that I was hardly praying at all. And when I would pray, it would be because I desperately needed something. This last year was the first year that Daniel and I shared as a married couple, and while it was a wonderful year, we definitely faced physical and emotional ordeals that we couldn't have seen coming. This book helped me get through those times. From chapters on trials, obedience, priorities, fear, temptation, the past, and anything else that may put up a road block in a husband's path—this book covers it. It shares stories of other couples who have experienced trials and hardship, and shows you how to pray your way through them. So much can be done through prayer, and this book really opened my eyes to that, especially in regards to praying for my husband. I never knew how powerful that could be, and how much it could truly change—and improve—our relationship.


The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
My thoughts on this book: Of all the books I've read this year, this one has been the most helpful. In fact, it has changed my entire outlook and perception of money, budgeting, and income—your most powerful resource. Daniel first read this book after it was given to him by a coworker, and he insisted that I read it so we could get on the same page to make these changes together. One of our biggest strengths in our marriage (before reading this book) was our outlook on our finances and our lack of reckless spending. After reading this book, our views on our finances are even stronger and not only are we taking the steps together to become debt free, but we are both so excited about where our financial future is headed. We have a long way to go to become debt free, but we are taking control of it one baby step at a time. This book is a MUST READ, no matter what financial state you are in. Young, old, little debt, over-your-ears in debt—read this book.


What is the What (audio book) by Dave Eggers
My thoughts on this book: I don't normally advocate audio books as a must-listen, but if you have the chance to listen to this book versus read it, please do yourself a favor and listen to it. The narrator speaks in an accent much like the main character, Valentino Achak Deng, spoke in—it's amazing and really brings the book to life. This book, which is based on Valentino's true life events, is about his refugee journey from Sudan to Ethiopia during their civil war. The story flashes back from present day in America to Valentino's refugee walk and experiences that lead him to this point, where he is now known as one of Sudan's Lost Boys. It's a story filled with humor, heartbreak and terrifying circumstances, all which are recalled with vivid detail. And again, if you can, snag this one on audio book. It's a long one, but it's worth every page (or disc!).


Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge
My thoughts on this book: After reading Every Man's Battle and For Women Only, I knew that this was the next step in the list. Every Man's Battle discusses temptations & issues that all men face, For Women Only talks about how to overcome and help men through their struggles and temptations (which is why it's so important for wives to read), and Every Woman's Battle goes in depth to explore the struggles, temptations and vulnerabilities that women face. From sexual temptation (lust, pornography—yes, women use it—and affairs) to overcoming struggles and living a God-filled life, this book took what I had learned through the other two and combined that with new knowledge and new help to completely transform the way I think and feel about the topics presented and my own struggles. Thinking back to my past, I just wish I had read this book years ago. I wouldn't change where I am now for anything... but this book could have helped me go about everything that I did differently—and without causing so much hurt. I think this book is a wonderful read for any woman who is struggling with any kind of sin—sexual temptation, lust, seeking affirmation from anyone other than your husband, unforgiveness, immodesty and distrust—the list can go on and on. In fact, do yourself a favor and read this book and the two listed below it. And then read The Power of the Praying Wife and watch your life be transformed. If I can do it, you can do it.


For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn
My thoughts on this book: This book gives you insight into the thoughts and actions of men. The author surveyed men of all ages and from all facets of life to get to the bottom of the answers in this book. I actually thought that it was going to give a little bit more of the nitty-gritty details, but I still learned a lot about what makes men—and specifically my husband—tick. Why they are tempted to look at the beauty walking down the street, why they love to come home and relax on the couch after work, why doing a project all by themselves (and without our "advice") is so important... it's all in there. This is a great book for any woman who wants to better understand the thoughts and actions of men, and for a wife who wants to help her marriage by giving her husband the respect he truly needs, and most importantly, deserves.


Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn
My thoughts on this book: Sometimes you run across a journey or path in life, and you receive a recommendation for a book and without hesitation, you know you must read it. I've always been a jealous person, and unfortunately I was communicating that too often in my marriage—most of the time over things that weren't even a big deal. This book helped show me that some of the things Daniel and I struggle with are not uncommon, in fact—every man deals with these issues some sense or another. If you are a man and struggling with lust and temptation, or if you're a woman having issues with distrust, jealousy and suspicion, I highly recommend this book and the strategies presented within it. I also especially loved the Christian background to the book, and I enjoyed it so much that I also plan to read it's sister book, Every Women's Battle


The Stranger Beside Me (audio book) by Ann Rule
My thoughts on this book: This has to be in my top 3 books that I've read in 2013, simply for how disturbing/creepy/insightful/gripping it is. This book is the firsthand account of the Ted Bundy story, as told from the perspective of Ted's long-time friend, Ann Rule. Ann met Ted while she volunteered for a suicide hotline center and they became fast friends. Ann had a budding writing career when the serial murders began happening around Seattle, Washington in the 1970's, and she was contracted to write the book long before she suspected that her close friend Ted was the guilty man behind the killings. The book details Ted's history, the 30+ murders Ted was accused of—including all the gruesome details—and the events along Ted's criminal timeline that ultimately led to his death. If anything, this book has made me more aware of my surroundings, and made me realize how danger doesn't always come in the form of storybook monsters or fanged animals. Danger can be found in the ordinary & attractive man next to you at the grocery store, in the library, at your office. You just never know. Seriously, this book was disturbing, excellently written, and very, very worthwhile.


Heat Wave (audio book) by Richard Castle
My thoughts on this book: The Castle books intrigue me. They're based on my favorite TV show, Castle, in which Richard Castle (a writer) follows Kate Beckett (a detective) to gather information for a murder mystery series. The series, which begins with the book Heat Wave, is "released" during the TV show, and I suppose if you're making a TV show that includes a fake book, you may as well go ahead and make it into a real book (who doesn't want a little extra publicity and money, right?)! So they hired a ghost writer who actually wrote the series under the pen name "Richard Castle." The books are basically just like the TV show—Richard Castle and Kate Beckett (remember, already fictional characters) are portrayed by Jameson Rook and Nikki Heat. It's a fictional murder mystery series based on a fictional murder mystery TV show series... does it make sense yet? Needless to say, I loved the book. It was witty, catchy and played out just like an episode of Castle. I've already put the second book in the series on hold and I plan to read it through to the end.


Under the Banner of Heaven (audio book) by Jon Krakauer
My thoughts on this book: I read Jon's book Into Thin Air in high school, and was captivated by the way he uses words to invoke emotion and tell a story. Originally, I logged into my library account to reserve his book Into The Wild and when I saw this one, I couldn't resist it. It's a detailed look into Mormon Fundamentalists (of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and the principles that drive the religion. It tells of the murders of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter, Erica, who were killed by two FLDS family members in 1984 because of a spiritual "removal revelation" one of the brothers received. It also dives into the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart and how she was held against her will by a man who forced her to be a plural wife until her rescue 9-months later. The topic of plural marriage is also discussed, as well as a background into Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This book was read like a news article, and I went through it very quickly. I never wanted to stop listening, and not only did I find it enthralling, but I learned a lot as well. 


The Paris Wife (audio book) by Paula McClain
My thoughts on this book: Yet another book that has topped the bestselling lists around the world, this biographical fiction follows the life of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson. The book is about their love, his writing, their moves and travels, and Ernest's untimely affair (his first of many) that eventually ended their marriage. This book was actually very hard for me to read (for personal reasons), and it's not one that I would recommend. I don't deal well with the topics of infidelity/affairs/divorce and since this book was so riddled with it, it was hard to listen to it everyday and be happy afterward. Literally, this book made me sad. I know it's been hailed as "wonderful" and a "must-read," but I'd rather listen to sports radio than try to make it through this one again.


The Bell Jar (audio book) by Sylvia Plath
My thoughts on this book: A semi-autobiography with a layer of fiction over top, The Bell Jar tells the story of Esther Greenwood (Sylvia's fictional name for herself) and her downward spiral into mental illness and depression. The book was sad, depressing, and to be honest—a real downer—but should I be surprised? It's a story of depression, after all. It's also extremely saddening that the author committed suicide just a month after this book was originally published. At least the book alluded to a semi-happy-outlook ending. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy it.


Gone Girl (audio book) by Gillian Flynn
My thoughts on this book: This book wasn't on every bestselling list for no reason. It's a fictional mystery about a woman, Amy, who goes missing on her 5th anniversary with her husband, Nick—so of course he's automatically placed at the #1 spot on the suspect list. The book has twists and turns (many of which, I actually did see coming), and is catchy & quick, and I really enjoyed it. Personally, I could have done without all the language and intimate scenes, but I don't feel like it took away from the book at all. I am looking forward to seeing this one in the theaters!


Crazy Love (audio book) by Francis Chan
My thoughts on this book: Have you ever been head-over-heels in love with someone? In this book, Francis Chan details how we can be overwhelmed with love for God. It's inspirational and gives an eye-opening guide to falling in love with the One who loved us so much that He gave His only son to die for our sins. Now that's a crazy love. This book was a quick-read, and wasn't quite as captivating as I'd hoped it would be, but it did help me dive deeper into my Bible and be thankful for everything that I have. It also gave me a new & beautiful perspective to the relationship that I have with God, and the one I want to cultivate and grow.


Love and Respect (audio book) by Emerson Eggerichs
My thoughts on this book: This Bible-based book is about cultivating a marriage that thrives on the love that women most desire and the respect that men truly need. I enjoy books that seek to help change people for the better, and this book is no different. I never realized how many things that I did to Daniel that came off as disrespectful, or actions he would do to me that seemed unloving—and how related each of them were to each other! This book is a great read for those looking to build a strong and faith-filled marriage. 


The Book Thief (audio book) by Markus Zusak
My thoughts on this book: This is the story of Liesel Meminger and her life in Germany during WWII. She is a foster child who steals books in her spare time, and learns to read by candlelight with her foster father. From causing havoc with the neighborhood boys to concealing a Jewish man in their basement, this book tells so many endearing stories and makes you smile the whole way through. To tell you how much I loved this book, let's just say that I wouldn't mind having a daughter named Liesel someday. 


The Black Box (audio book) by Michael Connelly
My thoughts on this book: I have read every single Michael Connelly book in publication. He's my favorite author of all time, and I get totally swept up in the Harry Bosch crime fiction novels. This one was no different, but it especially intrigued me because it followed a story of members in the National Guard, and since Daniel is in the Air National Guard, this one struck a personal note with me. This book is about a murder that happens in the 1992 L.A. riots that went unsolved, until Harry Bosch connects her murder to something more sinister and finds himself back on the case. If you've read any of the Bosch novels, you know it's nonstop and always comes with a slam-dunk ending. 


Killing Lincoln (audiobook) by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard
My thoughts on this book: This was a very interesting read for me, and very different than the usual book I'd pick up. It's a biography about Abraham Lincoln's term in office, and ultimately, his untimely death. I wrote a bit more about the book here. I listened to the audio book, and it was read by Bill O'Reilly, which was interesting because I felt like I was tuning in for an episode of the O'Reilly factor instead of listening to a book. Nevertheless, it was engaging and well written, and an overall good read.


Unbroken (audiobook) by Laura Hillenbrand
My thoughts on this book: Of all the books I have read in 2013, this was my favorite. It's the nonfiction story of Louis Zamperini's life, his fame as a runner in the Olympics, and his WWII journey in the Army Air Forces. This book captured me within the first chapter, and the story of Louie is heartbreaking and so incredible. If you're into war history, biographies, and books that totally enthrall you, check out his book. I also wrote a short post about my thoughts on this book here! If you're going to read one book off this reading list, THIS IS THE ONE! 

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