I hope everyone had an amazing June! Am I the only one who feels this summer feels a tad bit off? Don’t get me wrong, I understand it’s for the best for everyone to socially distance but I was slowly starting to hit a wall. I missed my friends and family this past month so I took a safe and sanitary flight home. It lifted my spirits BIG TIME. These four books helped pass the time on the flights and I thoroughly enjoyed each one of them. I hope you’ll join me in reading these. More details are below!
Book 1: Chasing the Bright Side by Jess Eskrom
This book, in my opinion, is a must-read for all. Jess Eskrom, founder of Headbands for Hope, is the epitome of an optimistic leader. I was first introduced to this radiant human when she was a guest on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s podcast. After listening, I instantly knew I had to get my hands on this book. Jess went through so many trials growing up but her storytelling proves success is not born out of what we learn in school or where we grow up, rather it is with the optimism we bring into each day.
I’ve read a ton of inspirational books about women who’ve overcome their struggles by turning them around and ultimately building a business out of their hard times. These books are my jam! Yet, this novel feels different. This book gives actionable steps to take to make a difference in your own life. It’s raw and real and never once does she mention saving money by skipping Starbucks or waking up at 5am to be successful.
We have the ability to control our mindset and perspective simply by allowing more optimism and gratitude in our lives. Optimism helped Jess overcome her challenges in life and I believe it can do so for me and for you too! If you are looking for a book to fill your cup, inspire you to chase your dreams, and give yourself a better tomorrow then this just may be the book for you. It would be rude of me not to give it 5/5 stars.
Book 2: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
I have to say, after reading this book, I am a total Katherine Center fan! She did it once again with How To Walk Away. This book is about Margaret Jacobsen, a hardworking woman who has her whole life planned out. She will marry her boyfriend, land her dream job, and make her parents proud since her sister couldn’t. What could possibly go wrong? Margaret is living out one of the happiest days of her life when suddenly the optimistic future she has planned gets ripped away in the blink of an eye. She wakes up in the hospital to find nothing will ever be the same again. You can’t help but fall in love with Margaret. She is relatable, funny, and realistic. As a reader, you’ll find yourself wanting the best for her and praying that she can pull through any challenges during this difficult journey.
This book is the perfect beach read this summer. You can easily finish it in one sitting, although I had to give myself emotional time outs. The characters are witty and easy to love/hate. Although, I’m a romantic and would have chosen a different ending, I absolutely adored this book. It’s definitely one of the only fiction books I’ve read this year that made me insanely grateful for the life and abilities I have. If you are looking for a romance novel this summer, then you will absolutely enjoy this one. Battling themes like infidelity, heartbreak, family secrets, and love, I give it 4/5 stars.
Book 3: Everybody Always by Bob Goff
Looking for a book that will have you in tears by Chapter 3? Look no further. Bob Goff is a well-known author, Christian, and father. While reading each of his pages, you will be reminded of this. Goff reveals lessons he’s learned the hard way and how to live a life without fear. For heavens sake, he jumps out of an airplane to impress his son! He shows that the secret to living a good life is simple – love people, even the difficult ones. I always grew up hearing “Love people. Love God. Serve the world” and this book builds on that. Everybody Always shows us we have the power to change the world by loving our neighbor like the Bible tells us to do.
Reading this book couldn’t have come at a better time seeing as the world feels full of chaos right now. Everywhere we turn we are surrounded by people with different opinions and values than us. Yet, instead of arguing or trying to prove we are right, we should just love on them and keep an open mind. Love does not have to be complicated. I sincerely can’t recommend this book enough. I wouldn’t say it is a quick read because I had to stop and underline almost every single sentence and really dwell on the lessons taught. However, I do think it is a life changing book and our world would be a heck of a better place if we all adopted the mentality outlined in it. It’s not even a question in my mind – 5/5 stars.
Book 4: No Exit by Taylor Adams
The book follows Darby Thorne, a college student heading to Utah to say goodbye to her dying mother. While driving through Colorado, a blizzard forces her to pull over at a rest stop… and the thriller begins. Inside the rest stop, she is met with a dying cell phone, no charger or cell service, and four strangers also battling out the extreme weather conditions. Desperate to contact her sister, Darby leaves the rest stop to find a signal. Instead she finds a kidnapped little girl locked in the van parked next to her car. Darby must find which one of the strangers inside is responsible for the van and more importantly who is dangerous. This thriller is not for the faint of heart. There are several gory scenes that make you want to throw your book across the room. (I’m especially squeamish so there were parts I had to skim).
Will Darby get away unscathed? You’ll have to read the book to find out. If you enjoy books that peak your anxiety, you will love this one. I am not the type to enjoy scary books but this held my attention the entire time. I read it so quickly simply so it would be over and I wouldn’t have nightmares. Full of terrifying twists and turns, No Exit gets 5/5 stars from me.
These four books are the perfect books to read on a nice summer day. All of them made me feel different emotions. If you are in need of being uplifted, Everybody Always and Chasing the Bright Side will do the trick for you. If you want entertained, No Exit is your escape. And if you want to read a classic fiction book, I cannot recommend How To Walk Away enough. Comment below if you’ve read any of these books. What did you think? I’m always highlighting my favorites over on my IG stories so make sure to follow along!