4 Books I Recommend – August 2017

4-Books-I-Recommend-August-2017

Here are four books I recommend from what I read in August. Once a month we share our current reading lists at Jennifer’s.

Books I Recommend

1. Reading People
How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything
by Anne Bogel

Reading-People

If you wonder about the strengths and weaknesses in the most popular personality typing systems and quizzes (Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, 5 Love Languages, etc.), this book is the perfect primer for you. Blogger, podcaster, and author Anne Bogel (also known as Modern Miss Darcy) presents a great breakdown. I thought I already knew a lot, but I learned so much more in this book.

“Truly knowing yourself is one of the hardest things you can do, but it’s also one of the most valuable. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll begin to see the payoff.”

My review here of Reading People

2. The Happiness Prayer
Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today
by Evan Moffic

The-Happiness-Prayer

Such an inspiring book. Rabbi Evan Moffic shares a 2,000 year old prayer practice in 10 disciplines that can be practiced by anybody, every day. I’ll be re-reading this one and looking for more books by Moffic.

“Our presence can also symbolize God’s presence. . . .
We make God’s invisible presence visible when we are there for one another.”

My review here of The Happiness Prayer

3. The Turquoise Table
Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard
by Kristen Schell

The-Turquoise-Table-Book

Yes, it’s another book on hospitality. But this one is very laid-back, and focuses more on relationships than anything else. It might not take a whole book to make the point, but author Kristen Schell does share lots of personal stories of her own and of her friends.

“Hospitality begins in the heart, not the oven.”

My review here of The Turquoise Table

4. Small Victories
Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace
by Anne Lamott

Small-Victories

This is classic Anne Lamott. It’s a collection of stories of her life, some that make you laugh, some that make you cry, and all that make you think. She shows us that victories, however small, do come and deserve to be celebrated.

“Nothing can be delicious when you are holding your breath. For something to be delicious, you have to be present to savor it, and presence is in attention and in the flow of breath.”

Reading Now

  • The Light Between Oceans
    by M. L. Stedman
  • The Tiger’s Wife
    by Téa Obreht
  • Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder
    Tips and Tools to Help You Take Charge of Your Life and Get Organized
    by Susan C. Pinsky
  • The Power of Moments
    Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
    by Chip and Dan Heath
  • How to Listen So People Will Talk
    Build Stronger Communication and Deeper Connections
    by Becky Harling
  • Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?
    And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House
    by Alyssa Mastromonaco

* * *

What good book have you read lately? Please share in the comments.

Whats-on-Your-Nightstand-at-_5-minut

My books on Goodreads
Previous reading lists

27 thoughts on “4 Books I Recommend – August 2017

  1. Sarah Geringer

    Hi Lisa. I also like to post book reviews each Monday. I reviewed The Turquoise Table recently and found it inspiring and positive. “Reading People” looks like a good one for my to-read list. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Pam

    Always love your lists, Lisa! I just finished Russia Rising by Mark Hitchcock and have started Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. There is also “the stack” of course that awaits, but I will limit myself to only what I just finished and just started. (You always add to my list!!)

  3. Lesley

    These all sound good. I just read Michele’s review of Reading People and I think that one sounds particularly interesting. I hope you’re enjoying The Light Between Oceans- I read that earlier this summer and loved it. I’ve recently enjoyed reading Deeper Waters by Denise Hughes.

  4. Jean Wise

    wow I scored three out of four of these books read or to be read. I like Anne La Mott but had trouble getting into that one for some reason. I ordered Turquoise Table and preordered the Happiness Prayer – based on your recommendations. We are going on a cruise in Sept and I thought they would be great reading material. haven’t read the first one though will check it out. Love your book lists.

  5. Betsy de Cruz

    I’ve been curious about the first three, but didn’t know about the Ann LaMott book! Will have to check that out. I’m reading Anchored In by Micah Maddox and Only Love Today by Rachel Macy Stafford. Want to read She’s Still Here by Chrystal Evans Hurst.

  6. Debbie Putman

    As you know, I recommended The Turquoise Table. I’m getting excited about putting those tips into action. We’ve made our first step: we’re now officially living in Arizona, but have a few weeks before our own home is ready.

  7. Susan Shipe

    Lisa, I have read over ten books this summer but all fiction and most beachy fiction!!! My mind is mush. Next big thing is Write 31 Days so reading will be sidelined for a bit. Thanks for the recommendations though.

  8. Debby

    I have GOT to get the Reading People book. I’ve always enjoyed personality studies. And Anne Lamott is one of my favorites. Her writing is always a bit like a splash of cool water – refreshing. Thanks, Lisa.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      “Reading People” really is an interesting book. I hope you enjoy it, Anna! I’ve been going through my notes again today to write a book review on it this week. I think I need to re-read the whole book instead. 🙂

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