I've always wanted full bookshelves. I love the look and feel of a personal library; a shelf filled with books that hold special places in your heart. Books that have been read, read again, and recommended to and by dear friends and family.
I should also probably mention how much I love reading good books (almost as much as I love filling my bookshelves). I love finding a new book that pulls at my heart, gives me a reality check, and makes me fall in love with well-developed characters and storylines.
So I'm looking for a some good reads. Books that are good for my future kids (yes, I am one of those people), books that are faith-filled, books that are design or photography-related, and books that encourage the young teacher in me.
So what books am I hoping to buy? Well, I've made a little list of books and am hoping you can give me your input. Some of these books have been recommended by friends, by family, by teachers, and by bloggers and some are books I've read but don't own yet.
Project Bookshelf will be a new series where I'll post books I want to read, books I've read, books you recommend, and then the state of my bookshelves, too. My hope is that come December, I've got at least one shelf filled to the brim with books.
Okay, now it's your turn--I need your help! Got any recommendations for this empty-bookshelf girl? Or have you read any of the ones on my list?
p.s. Many thanks to Megan, Christina, Jennifer, and Angela for recommending some of these books to me!
Jesus Storybook Bible is wonderful!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard lots of good things about the Jesus Storybook! The kids I babysit also own it and I have read it to them and have been doing a lot of thinking about getting a copy for myself (especially since I teach Sunday School). So glad you recommend it, too! :)
Deletei thought insurgent was very good. the end was like WHOA.
ReplyDeletei have also read mindy kaling's book. a funny, quick read.
i highly recommend 'redeeming love' by francine rivers. it's loosely based on the book of hosea. it's beautiful.
i love when people post book recommendations! it's the bookworm in me that browses each selection, reading the reviews and adding them to my never-ending to-read list. i can't wait to check out the ones above!
ps: the bookshelf in the picture is styled SO cute! i love a pretty bookshelf.
Ooh, I'm going to have to get all three of these books now! I'm trying to stick to a new book/month thing but now that I've gotten more recommendations, that might have to change to two or something! :)
DeleteI, too, love a good book recommendation. I think it's always fun to discover new books and add new books to my never-ending to-read list. I've heard of Redeeming Love before and love the story of Hosea (we just studied it at my church not to long ago, actually) so it's definitely going on my to-buy list now. :)
And that's my bookshelf right now! It's in desperate need of more books but I've had so much fun styling it in the meantime.
I love this. I try to do the same for my daughter- A book a month to fill her bookshelf. <3 I'm working on mine as well, I just don't have specific goals. I haven't heard of most of these books, so I'm really excited to add these to my personal list! great post!
ReplyDeleteAw, that's such a sweet idea for your daughter! I cannot wait to have my own classroom and/or a kid of my own to buy all of my favorite kids' books. :)
DeleteLooks like lots of good suggestions here! I LOVE books....and I especially love REAL books that I can underline and write notes in, and have on real live bookshelves! I will have to bookmark this page for further inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post Kiki!
:)
Happy Monday!
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Hi Amy! Thank you sooo much! I love books, too and love finding new books to read as well. I also love real books. There's something about turning pages and holding a book in my hands that I just can't give up (or change out for an e-reader). Also, books on bookshelves are the best. I always love a good personal library and that's part of the reason why I'm trying to expand mine right now. :)
DeleteI love, love this idea! Recommendations; basically everything written by Jane Austen. Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice are my favorite. So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore. I'm not a huge reader, but those are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you love it! I'm really and truly hoping that this post series will help keep me accountable in the buying/reading part of this. I'm really terrible at the actual buying part because I'm so thrifty (aka cheap) but I've been dying to buy more books and I know books are good investments, especially when they also add to the fun of styling my shelf! :)
DeleteAnd I can't believe I forgot Beth Moore books! I've actually never read any of her books or Jane Austen's, so I've got to look into both. Thanks for the recommendations!
There are so many good ones on your list!
ReplyDelete// The Jesus Storybook Bible is one of the best that I have seen. I've used it a lot with the kids at church (and work) and they have loved it. It has great pictures and the stories are captivating, as they should be when we are reading the Word! :) Definitely get that one!
// Someday, Someday Maybe is on my wish list! High five for Lauren Graham fans! :)
// Sisterhood Everlasting is one that I want to add to my collection as well. I have all of the others and loved them. Definitely some ones to have that could easily be passed down. :)
// I've had book one of the Divergent trilogy for awhile now and STILL haven't started it. Fail.
// Mindy Kaling's book is hilarious. I'm about to finish it.
// For Christmas, my mom got me a complete set of the Little House on the Prairie books. I don't know if you are a fan or read any growing up, but I LOVED them and can't wait to read them again. The books all came together in a neat, blue box that will keep them nice and together. And also makes it easy for me to pass down one day (hopefully). :) See here for a picture:
// I love books on travel and any coffee table books! I'm also a big fan of Biographies. There are so many books on my reading list and now that I have a Kindle, I just keep adding to my wish list all. the. time. Looking forward to this series! Can't wait to see what comes along, add to my list, and maybe help add to yours! I'm sure I could mention a ton right now, but my brain won't let me! ha!
// A good starting place? Anything Jane Austen, just like Samantha said. She is fantastic and one of the best writers. I have most, if not all, of her books. Haven't read them yet, but definitely wanted them in my possession for whenever the urge came about. :)
happy reading, kiki! :)
First of all, this comment rocks. One, because it's long and two because you've written comments and notes about these books and have great recommendations, too. :)
DeleteSecondly, I've been thinking more and more about getting The Jesus Storybook lately! The kids I babysit have it and I've read it to them and I also teach Sunday School so it would be great to have another resource. That, and we both know I'm going to have kids someday and will need a great book to read them, too!
And you should totally get Sisterhood Everlasting! I looooved the Sisterhood series (it was a huge part of my middle/high school life, haha) and I really think it was a good ending. The storyline was such a surprise, but it was well-written just like the other books. :)
Angela recommended I read Lauren Graham's book and since I've been watching Gilmore Girls like crazy and we both know I love Parenthood, so let's just say I have to read it someday.
Also, I need to get the Divergent trilogy! I loved the first book and have been wanting to get the other two but I'm a little picky when it comes to my books. I have a paperback first book but cannot for the life of my find a paperback copy of the last two in the series online. I love having my books match (is that weird?) so I'm holding out until I find one. Either that, or I'll have to get the set in hardcover and sell back my paperback copy...
And I started Mindy's book but never got to finish it since I borrowed it from my library. I've been falling more and more in love with her as a person and actress and she's such an inspiration to me, too. Plus, she's hilarious. So that book is going to be finished someday, too.
And Little House on the Prairie was a childhood favorite of mine! I loooved Laura and had these paperdolls of their family and played with them like crazy. Thanks for those recommendations!
p.s. What kinds of biographies do you read? I've read a few in the past few years and would love to know if you have any recommendations!
Jesus calling-- so good!! There is actually a Jesus calling app, so you could read it that way too :)
ReplyDeleteThe good and beautiful god by James Brian smith.
Under the overpass by mike yankoski.
Redeeming love by Francine rivers.
I've heard so many good things about Redeeming Love! Many bloggers have recommended it so I'm going to have to look into it. :) And I really want to read Jesus Calling. I think someone in my family has it, but someone must be reading it right now because I haven't seen it on our bookshelf lately--I'm going to have to track it down, too. :)
DeleteAnd I cannot wait to check out those other books you've recommended--thanks for sharing them!!
This is a great idea. My problem is not buying books, it's actually reading them. Lol
ReplyDeleteOne of faves that I've recommended to a lot of friends is "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now." It's a great book for grounding yourself in your 20s and understanding how the things you do now set you up for the rest of your life.
Happy reading!
Thanks, Alexis! I actually have a similar problem because I not only have a problem buying my books but finishing (the good ones, at least), too. I just don't want them to end! :)
DeleteAnd I've heard of that book, actually! I think that would make an amazing addition to my bookshelf--especially seeing as I'm a twenty-something. :) Thanks for the recommendation and happy reading to you, too!!
I haven't read a lot of these!! I need to! :) I have an ongoing list on my phone of books I want to buy someday... a lot of them are on your list too! Love Does, the Young House Love book, Bloom, and the Fault in our Stars are just a few that aren't on your list already. :)
ReplyDeleteI have so many lists of books I want to get for myself and for my future kids/classroom--it's not even funny. I've been using GoodReads to keep them all in one place, but I'm constantly thinking of childhood faves and blogger recommendations all the time. :)
DeleteAnd it's funny that you mentioned those books because I've actually got some of those! I was actually thinking of doing a post on all the books I currently own! Anyway, those are all really good books, I've read all of them except The Fault in Our Stars and I NEED to add that to my to-buy list asap! :)
I just started reading Bread and Wine, it's so fantastic. I reccomend Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Milton (if you haven't already read it). And the book Adulting is really funny and very helpful.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your one book a month.
Thanks for all the great suggestions
I've heard so many great things about Bread and Wine and as a Shauna Niequist fan, I know I'm going to add that to my bookshelf soon. I'm currently reading Cold Tangerines and also loved her other book, Bittersweet, too. Have you read any of Shauna's other books?
DeleteAnd I've actually heard of Glennon's book before! I found her via Kelle Hampton (Enjoying the Small Things blog) and would love to read her book, too. I was always worried it was more of a "mom-book" but I think it would be a great read nonetheless. :) I can't believe I forgot about that one!
And I'm going to have to look into the Adulting book. I think I've heard of it before and it really does sound good!
p.s. I'm going to need that good luck--buying/reading/all that will definitely be a challenge (but a GOOD challenge!) for me this year! :)
Thank you for your suggestions, too, Alli!
This is a great idea!!! The only book on the list that I've actually read is Emily Freeman's "A Million Little Ways". Get that one! It is so good. :)
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about putting together a list of children's books that I would like to have around so that I can keep my eyes out for them when I'm out and about. One series that I loved as a little girl (I didn't really grow up going to church) was the Alice in Bibleland series by Alice Joyce Davidson. I would look at those books for HOURS and gladly listen to anyone willing to read to me.
Keep us posted on what you buy, what you add to the list, and what you think about different books!
Thanks, Victoria! I'm a huge fan of books and I always love finding people who love books, too. I'm glad you like Emily's book! I read her blog every now and then and have great things about that book and I've heard it's a great book from lots of other bloggers (like yourself!). And I know it's got to be good, because the cover looks amazing (yes, I do judge books by their covers...). :)
DeleteAnd I remember those Alice in Bibleland books! I never owned any but remember reading through them at church as a kid. You should definitely put together a list of children's books--I would LOVE to read your list. I've actually been collecting ideas for my future kids/classroom library and would love to read your list and add to mine!
p.s. I will most definitely keep you posted! I'm super excited about this project and am currently deciding on this month's book (and last month's, since I didn't start the project until now). But first, I need to share the books I currently have! :)
jesus calling is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteso good - such a good devotional!
and this is a GREAT idea!
"Starving Jesus" by Craig Gross & JR Mahon rocked my world and changed my life.
also the devotional - "a call to die" is fantastic.
i'll have to look through my books to find some other recommendations!
I've heard amazing things about Jesus Calling and have wanted to read it for some time now. I think my mom actually has a copy of it but I haven't seen it on our family bookshelf for some time...I'm going to have to find it soon!
DeleteAlso, those devotionals sound amazing. I haven't heard of either of them, but I'm checking them out and looking for them online as soon as I finish this comment. :)
p.s. Please keep those recommendations coming! I would love to know what you've got and what you recommend!
I love these picks so much!! This is a great list. I'm a huge fan of Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts On Faith by Anne Lamott. Such a good read - casual but so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that book sounds soooo good. I love a book with an amazing title and from your description, it sounds like just the kind of book I would read. Thanks for the suggestions--and if you can think of any more, please let me know! :)
Deletelove this! also, i am all about creating a library for myself. i love purchasing books for now, for later, for my (future) kids, etc. these are some great choices too! i'm going to have to check some of those out! i just finished the divergent series, i'm reading the harry potter books (i'm on book 5), and i'm reading Gift from the Sea. i have Bittersweet waiting for me next, too!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! In the past, I used to check out books like crazy from the library, but have recently realized that I don't like having to return the good ones (and having to read them within a certain time frame, too!). That, and my bookshelves have been super bare for a long time now ever since my old kids' books were moved to storage and put on other shelves around the house. :)
DeleteAnyway, I need to get the rest of the Divergent series! Did you know they have other books, too (books from Four's perspective, etc.)? I haven't gotten the rest of them yet because I have this odd quirk where I like my series to have matching covers (hardcover vs. paperback) and cannot find the paperback versions of the last two books for some reason. So I'm thinking about just buying the whole thing in hardcover and then selling my paperback version...
Yeah, that's just a small glimpse into my weird mind. :)
Thanks for all of the recommendations, by the way! I've heard of Gift from the Sea and I can't wait to read more about it!
p.s. I looove that you have books for now, later, and for future kiddos. If you have any other recommendations for any of those categories, please let me know! :)
I want to read Mindy's book, and have heard good things about it!
ReplyDeleteSame!!! I actually started it back when I borrowed it from my library but never got to finish it before I had to return it (it was back when it first came out, so I didn't have much time and the waiting list was super long behind me). Anyway, I have always wanted to finish it, especially since I've grown to admire her as a person and actress (and her show, too!). :)
DeleteI found the Jesus Storybook Bible with the audio CD on sale this week and snatched it up! The preschoolers are loving it. :)
ReplyDeleteReally? I'm glad to hear that your kiddos like it! I wasn't sure if it was good for preschoolers or not since I've only read one story from it and worried it was too wordy or something. But now that I know your preschoolers like it, I'm even more convinced I need to add it to my personal (aka future kiddo's) library. :) If you can think of any good teacher/classroom books, please let me know! :)
DeleteOooo I want to check out "Happy Handmade Home"....I have "Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing" and can't recommend it enough - and that goes for kids or us adults :)
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it sound great? I think the Happy Handmade Home book is still pre-order, but I cannot wait to get my hands on it once it's out. :) And I also have heard really great things about Thoughts to Make your Heart Sing. I've heard from another blogger that it really is good for kids and adults so I'm excited to read it and learn and teach from it, too. :)
DeleteOooo please try The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim. It's fantastic. Oh and Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay. So mega charming.
ReplyDeleteOooh, thanks for those suggestions! I haven't heard of either of those books so I'm excited to learn about them and read them, too. Their titles sound amazing and I'm all for adding more books to my shelves! :)
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