Ten Books I Recommend – November 2016

Here are ten great books I’ve recently finished that you might like, too. Every month we share our reading lists at Jennifer’s.

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Nonfiction

1. Pursuing Health in an Anxious Age
by Bob Cutillo MD

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A meaningful Christian book about our bodies in an age where we obsess about them or else treat them with abandon.

My book review here of Pursuing Health in an Anxious Age

2. The Bridge to Brilliance
How One Principal in a Tough Community Is Inspiring the World
by Nadia Lopez

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A hopeful story about a tough inner city school in Brooklyn, NY, and the principal there who is changing lives.

3. A Force for Good
The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World
by Daniel Goleman

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Beautiful and practical advice from one of the world’s most compassionate people—the Dalai Lama—on how we can each make positive changes in our world, right where we are.

4. How to Be Here
A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living
by Rob Bell

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God has us all here for a reason—this book encourages you toΒ find that purpose and do something about it.

5. Stumbling on Happiness
by Daniel Todd Gilbert

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A most fascinating book on study after study about what really makes people happy—and what doesn’t.

6. Search Inside Yourself
by Chade-Meng Tan

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From one of Google’s earliest engineers, this is an inspiring look at how to be more mindful in our everyday lives.

7. Love Warrior
by Glennon Doyle Melton

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An authentic and engrossing memoir about facing pain head-on instead of running from it.

Fiction

8. Before the Fall
by Noah Hawley

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Jeff and I both loved this mesmerizing novel about a small plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard and the story of the passengers’ lives before and after.

9. Underground Airlines
by Ben H. Winters

underground-airlines

What if the Civil War never happened, and the states actually did divide into basically two countries? This novel set in modern times gives a haunting look at what might have been.

10. The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander

the-crossover

This Newbery Medal winner is told in verse (and I liked it!) about a young basketball player, his twin brother, and their ex-professional basketball player father.

Reading Now

  • The Sparrow
    by Mary Doria Russell
  • Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging
    by Sebastian Junger
  • Habit: The 95% of Behavior Marketers Ignore
    by Neale Martin
  • Beauty Will Save the World: Rediscovering the Allure and Mystery of Christianity
    by Brian Zahnd
  • The Prophet
    by Kahlil Gibran
  • The Great Spiritual Migration
    by Brian D. McLaren

* * *

What are you reading this month? Please share here.

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My books on Goodreads
Previous reading lists

37 thoughts on “Ten Books I Recommend – November 2016

  1. Linda Stoll

    I’m not sure when you find the time to read with such gusto, friend … but I’m always glad to peek at what you’re paging through. I’ve gotten more than a few superb reads from your hand the last few years.

    And I thank you!

    Advent blessings to you today …

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Honestly, I’m not sure when I read either, Linda. ha. When I wake up early is probably when I read the most. Then in snatches of time here and there. It somehow all adds up. πŸ™‚

  2. June

    Always a diverse and fascinating list, Lisa! I just finished Beth Moore’s first attempt at fiction. I always struggle with books when the main character isn’t “likable” but I knew redemption was coming and stuck with it. Very glad I did. I always used to read the LOR trilogy over the Thanksgiving holiday, but that hefty spine is packed away. I’m into Advent reading now . . . and so very ready! Are you reading anything particular for Advent? Blessings on your day!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I’m glad to hear that about Beth Moore’s novel. I was wondering if it would be good or not. Sometimes non-fiction authors don’t make the transition well to fiction, but it sounds like she did! πŸ™‚ I finally read the LOR trilogy within the past year and loved it. I don’t know that I’ll be up to the challenge again for a long while though. Typically I do try to read something for Advent, but I’m not reading anything this year. I’ll just have to glean from what you all are reading!

  3. Bill (cycleguy)

    Intriguing list Lisa. I would caution about #7 because that marriage is over. I’ve been not finding a lot of time to read given my accident and how it has changed my life over the past 3 weeks or so. But I’m reading Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller. It is really good. I still am reading The White Umbrella (about sex trafficking) and have yet to read Girls Like Us. This is a tough season for me to read. I just need to make time. But thanks, as always, for the recommendations.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I hadn’t realized how behind I had been on reading your blog—I didn’t know about the accident! I’m so sorry; I know how much biking means to you so this is a tough season. πŸ™ All auto drivers need to learn to better share the road with cyclists. Praying for your healing.

      Yes, I heard about the marriage break-up as the book was coming out. With that in mind, I read with discernment. She still had many valid truths to share; sometimes we learn from each other’s successes and sometimes from each other’s hard times, yes?

  4. Trudy

    Wow, Lisa! You are such an avid reader of so much variety. I haven’t read any of these or any of the ones you’re reading right now. So you can read several books at a time? I’ve been reading more fiction lately, although I’m going to use Ann Voskamp’s The Greatest Gift for Advent. I also just got her The Broken Way in the mail today, but it will have to wait yet. I just got and started Jennifer Rothschild’s 66 Ways God Love You. Advent blessings to you! Hugs!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Yes, I have to keep several books going at one time so I have a variety to pick from. Otherwise, with only one book at a time, I get bored with reading and won’t read at all, ironically. ha. I’m looking forward to Ann’s newest book! I don’t have it yet, so I’m having to “read” it through what others are sharing right now. Advent blessings to you too, Trudy!

  5. Tiffany Parry

    What a reader you are, Lisa! I’m not sure I could keep all those words straight. I’ve been reading Uninvited by Lysa TerKuerst for the last several weeks and have found a lot of confirmation for healing seasons. I just ordered the She Reads Truth book and Present Over Perfect, so I’m looking forward to some quiet reading nooks this Christmas.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I’ve read a few blog posts on Uninvited and it sounds good. I’m glad you’re finding some helpful things in it. I’d like to read Present Over Perfect as well. So many good books out there!

  6. Sherry Stahl

    The newest book on my nightstand is Dr. Larry Crabb’s FULLY ALIVE, A Biblical Vison of Gender That Frees Men and Women to Live Beyond Stereotypes by Baker Books. I can’t wait to get into this book as I’ve only heard good about it and the author.
    Stopping by from #CoffeeForYourHeart <3

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Aw, I love Larry Crabb’s books. I haven’t heard of this one, but I’ve read several of his other books through the year and learned a lot. I’ll look forward to hearing more about Fully Alive. Thanks for sharing, Sherry.

  7. Beth

    I’m with Linda, Lisa, amazed at the volume of good reads you devour! You go, girl! And thanks for serving all these gems up for us! I’m intrigued by the Underground Airlines. What an intriguing premise!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Underground Airlines continues to haunt me, even a few weeks after I finished it. It’s such a chilling thought to think about how our country could have turned out even more prejudiced and divided than it already is….

  8. Valerie Sisco

    Hi Lisa,
    I always a love a list of top reads! And I have to admit that I’ve not read one book on your list so I’m thinking a trip to the library and a perusing on Amazon is in order! πŸ™‚

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I’m all about the library so I hope you get to make a trip, Valerie. πŸ™‚ Now that my library offers Kindle books, I don’t have to go to the library as often and yet I can still borrow some of their newest books. Technology can be a beautiful thing. And Amazon–love it too. I got an Amazon gift card for my birthday so I’m planning how to best spend it.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I just finished The Prophet early this morning. So beautiful! I’d read it years ago but I’d forgotten most of it. I don’t read much poetry so this was a treasure to slow down and read these poignant words.

  9. Dolly@Soulstops

    Lisa,
    I am always impressed at how much reading you get done πŸ™‚ I listened to Crossover on Audio and I loved the poetry and rhythm of it although the ending made me teary.

    Blessings on your Advent πŸ™‚

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Aw, I’d love to have heard Crossover! I’m sure I missed a lot by reading it instead of listening to it. I’m a believer that poetry needs to be heard. But anyway, it was still a great book either way. πŸ™‚

  10. floyd

    You’re the woman! Or lady… or person, well you know what I mean; you read more than any person I’ve ever known!

    I’m hoping to get some time to read this Christmas season…. it’s been awhile.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I hope you get some time to read, too, Floyd. And if you don’t get it, grab some anyway. πŸ™‚ I’m mainly an early morning reader; when I read at night, I fall asleep about two pages in. ha.

  11. Jean Wise

    I am always amazed at your list. That one on happiness intrigues me. And the Prophet. I hadn’t thought about that book for ages. mmmm I think I still have a copy here someplace too..LOL

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      I had to go find my copy, too, Jean. πŸ™‚ But I’m glad I took the effort to look for it, because the re-reading was so worth it. The book on happiness is one I really, really recommend if you like that kind of stuff. So fascinating!

  12. Barrie

    What a great round up of favorites! I want to read Before the Fall and also Tribe- wonder what you think of that one- I am not sure how I feel about the author’s books but my husband loves them. The Prophet is beautiful, and am reminded that it could very well be a reread~ I think this is the year of books on happiness, introspection, as well as helping others- I find that our taste in books somewhat overlaps here, and I love seeing your picks- so fun!

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Tribe has been interesting so far! It makes you wonder how we’ve strayed so far from real community. πŸ™ It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, but I see now that he also wrote The Perfect Storm. I only saw the movie. πŸ™‚

      I love running across friends who share similar book interests so I’m glad that many titles on my list appeal to you, too, Barrie.

  13. Barbie

    Thank you for sharing. I haven’t had much time to read lately. I’ve barely cracked open Ann Voskamp’s “The Greatest Gift” for Advent. You’ve given me lots to consider here.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Oh, I hope you can get to Ann’s book soon, Barbie. I’m sure it’s full of wonderful insights for this Advent season. I didn’t start anything for Advent this year and I feel it’s too late to start now. ha.

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      We’re alike, Sarah. I love to mix it up too. It makes it easy to sit down and read if you have a variety to choose from. Sometimes I feel like non-fiction; sometimes I need a story. πŸ™‚

    1. LisaNotes Post author

      Ha. Well, don’t take my word for it, Susan. It depends on your taste. I started A Man Called Ove last night, a book that I’ve seen so many love. And I’m having a real hard time getting into it; it seems to just ramble on. I’ll give it a bit longer, but if it doesn’t pick up the pace, I’ll have to lay it down, which is hard for me to do. If these were only our hardest dilemmas, yes? πŸ™‚

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