Summer Reading List: What Are You Reading This Summer?
Summer is for sandy skin, cold lemonade, and summer reading. It’s for wind-blown hair, cousin-time, bonfires and fireworks. I simply LOVE the summer!
We are in a particularly busy season of life where one son and I have both started new jobs, and our family is just about to move in to a new house. But vacation is right around the corner. BLESS God! It’s a twenty-six hour drive, but I can’t wait to go to some of our usual summer places and see lots of people we love.
Summer Reading
And did I mention summer reading? My list for this summer is eclectic. These aren’t to resource me professionally. I read a lot for that already. For summer, I want to stay a little bit lighter. Instead, some are books that will encourage my joy journey. And others are to help me creatively with decorating our new home. But no matter the book, I’m excited for them to become sandy and wind-blown by the breeze! I also love the portability of an e-reader, and stashing it quickly in my bag when it’s time to jump in the ocean. I have a beach bag similar to this
Summer Reading Recommendations
I wanted to share some of my summer reading plans with you. Some of the books here I’ve already read, and plan to hit up for a second round, with fresh eyes. A few I’m letting you know about even before I read them, but they’ve been recommended to me by people or sources I totally trust. Watch for updates or reviews as I make it through.
Since I’m part of the Amazon Affiliates program (see my disclosure in the sidebar) you’ll see lots of links throughout this post.
Home and Heart Renovations:
The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines (2016)
I’m not going to lie: I fangirl over Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their rapport, their family, their style, their humility – I love it all. And I’ve already read this book. (Actually, I devoured it just last month.) But I’m going to pop it in my summer reading bag to go through it again, it’s that good. I love how it chronicles the hard work and risks, trust and courage it took for this couple to establish their business, and how through it all, their hearts of generosity, compassion, and humility shine through.
Also, Joanna’s style inspires me, and will hopefully inspire some ideas in our new home. (Wow, do I wish we were in Waco!) I’ll likely pick up some copies of The Magnolia Journal Magazine
Choosing to See (2011)
This is a heart reno book. I have a feeling this is one I may read once every 2 years or so. I inhaled it back when it first came out, and again a year or two later. It is the story of Mary Beth Chapman and her journey of grief after losing her sweet daughter, Maria, in a tragic accident. Even though it is not a literary masterpiece, it is the kind of honest that reminds the reader of God’s faithfulness at all times. I believe it will encourage the downtrodden, and help equip the one who hasn’t experienced difficulty yet.
501 Ideas Under $100
I’m excited about our new home, but there’s no denying we are going in on a limited budget. When we purchased our last house in 2013, we gutted and renovated the whole thing. This time, there is no need to renovate, as the house is only 10 years old and has been well maintained. So our ideas can go more to decorating. I think I’ll pick up something like this to help me brainstorm on the beach when I don’t have WiFi. Even though it’s a little older, I think it may spark some decorating hacks that will be useful.
Interior Design: Interior Design Basics (2017)
There is a Kindle version of this book I think I’ll pick up. I don’t know that I’d go so far as to pay for the paperback version, but at less than $3, I figure there’s not much to lose. And since it just came out in 2017, I’m hopeful the information in it will be relevant. I’ve renovated and decorated before, as I mentioned, but there’s always more to learn. And without WiFi for a while this summer, Pinterest won’t be my go-to!
Question for you: What are your favorite Home and Heart Renovation resources?
Joy Journey Books:
Surprised By Joy – (new edition 2017)
I’m a C.S. Lewis fan, and I’m so excited there is a new edition of his book “Surprised by Joy”. This is a memoir about his journey toward Jesus, originally part of a 1955 autobiography, and then published in 1966. What I like about C.S. Lewis is how applicable his writings are still today. And I also love learning about the man behind the Narnia series
Experiencing Contagious Joy – Women of Faith Series (2016)
I’ve read some books before and done some studies from Women of Faith series, and they’ve been good. But I was excited to see that there is a more recent one that centers on Contagious Joy, and I’m looking forward to reading it. Have any of you ever read this one?
The Circle Maker – Mark Batterson
I had the opportunity a year or two ago to hear Mark Batterson share about his own journey praying circles around big dreams, and I received this book as a gift for Christmas. I’ve been waiting to read it until I have the time and the headspace to take it in. But I’ve only heard amazing reviews from friends about how powerful this book is, and how it can revolutionize our faith to believe God and pursue Him for huge Kingdom things. I recently also discovered that there is a companion 40 Day Prayer Challenge
Question for you: Do you have big dreams or big fears to circle?
Well there you have it: My Top 7 Summer Reading Plans. I’m almost ready to pack my beach bag. But first, I have to pack up my house!
How about You? What Are you reading this summer?
Elizabeth Joy
Kathy Lytle
June 7, 2017
I’ve read some on your list already. Chip & Joanna Gaines’ book is one I’m waiting to get from our public library. One I’m reading a little at a time is “No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending,” by Esther Fleece. Somebody recommended it to me, and I wish I knew who that was!
Elizabeth
June 8, 2017
Yes, you mentioned that one to me It sounds so good! And I think you’ll love The Magnolia Story. 😊
Dawn
June 8, 2017
Love these ideas! I’m going to come up with a list also, thanks for the inspiration :). I need to finish Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst first. I am enjoying this one. I think Ill re-read Circle maker too. Happy summer friend!!! ♡
Colleen Fraser
August 9, 2017
Thanks for sharing Elizabeth. Really great selection! Love your blog, and how passionate you share to everyone. You’re so very beautiful inside and out. Your joy penetrates through you. Hugs
Elizabeth
August 9, 2017
Thanks, Colleen! God bless! 🙂