My 2023 Q2 Reading List
I’m continuing the trend from Q1 of mostly reading biographies and memoirs, soul care and self-care, and cultural hot topics.
I’m enjoying the ‘Summer Reads’ series for Courage Becomes Her where I interview the authors of new books out this summer – books 22, 23, and 24 are part of that with links to each conversation.
On to the list…
2023 Book 14: What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days by Holley Gerth
You know how you can tell when someone has actually experienced what they’re writing about…like, deeply experienced it?! Well, that is the case with this book of Holley’s.
Don’t let the hallmark-like cover fool you, this is a must-read when you’re going through a hard season. Her words are comforting and soothing in a meaningful way – not placating or just a band-aid, but truly helpful!
Earlier this year I read Holley’s book, What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments – it is the best book I’ve ever read on anxiety because she gets to the core of the issue.
2023 Book 15: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Written in the mid 1950s as a middle-aged woman, I found this powerhouse of a woman to be far more relatable than I expected. She grapples with issues of identity, marital challenges, finding and living her purpose, navigating the changing seasons of life, making time for friendships, taking care of herself, juggling motherhood and career pursuits, and more. One thing that really struck me was how she asked for help and believed that “it takes a village” – women of today are really struggling with this, and we need to normalize living collectively rather than trying to conquer everything all by ourselves.
This is a wonderful book that I will read again.
She reminded me a lot of Sandra Day O’Connor (though more poetic) – I loved this biography about O’Connor and highly recommend it.
2023 Book 16: Life Whimsy by Wendy Conklin
Wendy shares her story of finding her creative self and leads us on a journey to do the same within ourselves. She is inspiring and encouraging, and is also pragmatic and practical. She also shares stories of the creative journeys of others. This is not just a coffee table book, but a thoughtful book that is informative and motivational.
2023 Book 17: Free of Me by Sharon Hodde Miller
Over the last two years I’ve become aware that a posture of defensiveness had settled over me, causing me to feel like I must prove myself and guard my reputation. Sharon’s willingness to share vulnerably about her struggles with self-focus helped me to see how much stress I’ve added to my life by giving in to that same mindset. It has been and continues to be a journey, but it is hugely relieving and freeing to try to let go of focusing on myself.
Sharon’s book, The Cost of Control was one of the best books I read in 2022.
2023 Book 18: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
We all have an innate need to be valued and important. That need drives both our being and our doing – what we think and how we act. I have never read anything that so succinctly defines our need and meets our need at the deepest level. Because of the wisdom in this book, my life will never be the same.
I share about other books of Keller’s that I’ve read in this post.
2023 Book 19: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
I can’t tell you how many times this year I’ve heard clients minimize their pain, shame themselves for grieving, and belittle themselves for not being stronger. We are not being kind, loving, or gracious to ourselves or each other. This sweet and tender book shows us the way to empathy and compassion.
2023 Book 20: Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Simply an incredible book with insights for anyone who has ever faced loss of any kind: death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, unfulfilled dreams.
2023 Book 21: Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown
Voluntarily off to war to fight for the country they called home, nearly 20,000 American soldiers were affronted from all sides because they shared racial ties with the men who had attacked Pearl Harbor.
The stories of these men and the sacrifices that they and their families made (most of whom were imprisoned in concentration-like camps throughout the U.S. for as long as four years) gave me a lump in my throat and a sincere hope that we never repeat history.
It’s been 7 or 8 years since I read Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat; if you haven’t read it, it is a must!
2023 Book 22: Stuff I’d Only Tell God by Jennifer Dukes Lee
You know what’s better than a journal?! A journal with prompts!!
Jennifer nailed it with this guided journal – it includes the fun, the silly, the nostalgic, the thought-provoking, the tear-jerking, and everything in-between.
She leads us to a place of curiosity, reflection, introspection, and self-discovery. She leads us to a place where we can grow.
Listen to my conversation with Jennifer about her book.
2023 Book 23: Relentless Joy by Rachel Joy Baribeau
Depressed? Read Rachel’s book.
Victim of domestic violence? Read Rachel’s book.
Struggling to get out of addiction? Read Rachel’s book.
Mourning the loss of a parent? Read Rachel’s book.
God turned Rachel’s mess into a message - a message that will leave you inspired and encouraged.
Listen to my conversation with Rachel about her book.
2023 Book 24: Soul-Deep Beauty by Melissa L. Johnson
A heartbreaking look at the effects of commodifying women and women’s bodies, and how our culture connects a woman’s worth and value to the thinness of her body.
Melissa’s courage to vulnerably share her journey through an eating disorder and body shaming helps us to change how we look at beauty.
Listen to my conversation with Melissa about her book.
Did you miss books 1-13? You can find them here.
You can always find my reading lists from previous years here.
And the books that literally transformed my life are here.
As always, please share your must-reads with me!!
I’m specifically looking to fill the rest of the year with inspiring biographies and memoirs, life-giving soul care, and stimulating thought leadership on culture.
