Read. Read. Read.

I made a commitment last year to read 15 books in the year of 23.  Well, due to the fact that my birthday was yesterday and I am now in the year of 24, I think I will have to come to terms with a mere 8 books read.  I actually left one off because I didn't finish it and I am technically in the middle of reading The Circle Maker but hey let's not get all technical.  

I am an avid reader and feel nourished by a good book.  When I watch TV I feel gross, yet I feel wholesome after accomplishing a good read.  I actually thought I would go above and beyond my goal now that I have a job nannying with about 4 hours of free time a during the work day (nap time).  But I was wrong. The time slips away so fast, especially with pinterest right there!  I also conveniently found this to be a reading "drought" season.  Nothing sounded good for a few months, it just always works that way.  When you are dying to read you have no time, and when you have all the time in the world you just don't feel like it.  Weird.  But I think I am back into the swing of things after picking up The Circle Maker and ready for some good reads in the year ahead!

Here are some of my favorites of a lifetime devoted to reading.  All of these books were just fantastic.

If you are a reader and are looking for honesty, laughter, and encouragement.... then you need to check out Shuana Niequist's books above: Bread & Wine, Bittersweet, & Cold Tangerines. She is a fantastic storyteller and invites you into her beautiful life through her three books.  I may be her biggest fan.

If you want a few books to remind you of your dreams and inspire you to dream bigger, try Love Does by Bob Goff & The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

If you want a whimsical read that reminds you of being a kid: The Alchemist by Paulo Coello.

For Women Only by Shanti Feldhahn was actually one of the quickest reads ever for me.  I think that and it's partner For Men Only will be forever my wedding gift to newly married couples.  It is a great book for anyone in a serious relationship.  What an encouraging book that helps you celebrate the differences between you and your significant other , not detest the differences.

Ah, The Color of Water, by James McBride... I don't even know what category to put this in but it rocked.  I felt more well-rounded and a little more inspired by the different stories of different people in our world.  I just LOVE hearing some one's story of how they came to be who they are today.  The tag line of this book is, "... a black man's tribute to his white mother."  It is just so, so good.  Read it!

Those are some good reads right there. 

Thanks for letting me share!

xo, Kelsey Belle

Read. Read. Read.