Marshalls Abroad

Life

Summer Reads

{taking a short break this weekend from working on the nursery}

For anyone looking for another good read,
these are a few that I’ve read and loved over the past couple of weeks…

My Life in France by Julia Child
 Inspirational and fun read! Being that I love to cook, I enjoyed every page of Julia’s story, but even if you don’t, it’s still interesting to read how her impactful calling and career didn’t come to fruition until later on in her life. She was busy doing other things long before she realized her true passion, which were all small steps that made sense in the end. I loved reading about her and her husband moving to France, their beautiful French life, eating and soaking up the culture, and how she came to use that passionate enjoyment to bless others. There’s also her fantastic cooking revelations that I’ve been putting to good use lately!

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
I read this over Memorial Day weekend in two days flat because I could not put it down!
Please, if you read any one book this summer, let it be this one! It’s the most well-written and inspirational biography I have ever read. It’s the story of Louie Zamperini, an Olympic runner from California who became an Air Force Liutenant in World War II, whose plane was shot down in the Pacific {not too far from where we live now!} and his survival as a POW in Japan. It’s difficult to read what really happened to Americans in Japan, but it’s the truth… and how incredible to know what went on during the war compared to how strong our countries’ bond is now. I cried multiple times reading what this man went through and how God brought all of his pain and suffering to beautiful purpose and blessing.

Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Bradley {from the Bradley Method}
I think women are designed with built-in intuition when it comes to having babies and don’t necessarily need to read books on childbirth, but I’ve been devouring every book that friends have given me. With a grain of salt, I’ve liked this one the best, along with Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn that Ahn sent me. Cam is reading this one now.. Only God knows how this little guy’s entrance into the world will happen, but I know I can count on two things: the most physically painful life event yet and that Cam will be so supportive by my side!

A Free Peoples Suicide by Os Guinness
I just started this from a recommendation, but right off the bat it’s forcing me to think deeply. He argues that America’s definition of freedom has shifted to individuals saying, “I can do whatever I want,” instead of what our freedom was built on — freedom for the common good. No matter your worldview and political standing, this is {so far} an
interesting read on American culture today… if you’re in the mood for something a little heavier than a novel! (:
Are you reading a good book right now? Or have recommendations? 

{last summer’s book recs found here!}


Comments

  1. Katie Cook says

    I just finished Unbroken and WOW that man is amazing! After I read the book, I started looking up online if anyone was going to make a movie about his life (because let's face it…this guy's life is SOOOO much better than Hollywood could even dream up!). Turns out Angelina Jolie bought the rights to the movie, and has started meeting with Louie because she wants to get the story right! Wow, i'm so excited to see where it goes. His faith is AMAZING! Can't wait to read the Julia Child book…Julie Julia is one of my favorite movies, mostly because A) she's adorable, and B) Paris in the 50's is pretty much the most amazing thing ever!!! love ya, Katie

  2. Jay says

    I read Ubroken quite awhile ago and LOVED it. I gave it to my Dad for Christmas and he's passing it on to Joe to read this summer! Feels so good to share good reads 🙂

  3. Caravan Sonnet says

    ooooh I have really enjoyed a few of these! Unbroken is truly wonderful and the author herself is extremely inspiring! Thanks for sharing these. lovely reads with us!!
    p.s.- love the picture too!!! 🙂
    Rebecca

  4. Lulu says

    I LoVe recommendations of good books!
    Thank you:)
    I just read and loved And the mountains echoed by Khaled Hussein. Kite runner author!
    Lulu x

  5. Meg says

    You would probably like Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz, I found her story extremely fascinating! Also, Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst & One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

  6. Maggie B. says

    I really want to read Julia Child's book. I listened to "Dearie" on audio book several months ago, and while extraordinarily long, it was amazing! =)

  7. Kaity says

    I just recently finished Transatlantic by Colum McCann, and I thought that was a great read. I loved the way it leapfrogged across continents and across time, and discovering the various connections among the characters was so interesting!

  8. Mary Claire says

    Unbroken is one of those life-changing books, absolutely incredible. I also read Julia Child's book right before heading off to a study abroad in Paris, she is pretty amazing and it helped prepare me for the most eye-opening three months of my life. A Free People's Suicide sounds fantastic, I will definitely be adding that to my list!

    I am currently reading 'The Corrections' which is beautifully written & captivating. Thanks for the list!

  9. Nicky says

    Unbroken is INCREDIBLE. One of those books you devour in a matter of days and then spend the foreseeable future bugging people to read it just so you can keep talking about it.

    Recently, I read The Fault in Our Stars which I really liked, as well as Devil in the White City. Now starting to read No Easy Day. Keep the recs coming! Love having a long list of summer reads 🙂 And please – more pics of that baby bump!!

  12. Caroline says

    Julia Child's book has always been on the back of my mind – I really need to go and get it! I've been majorly reading up on chick lit, haha, summer just feels right for some mindless reading!

  13. jennifer says

    I read Unbroken because I saw it on your instagram and loved it SO MUCH. I read constantly and it is the best book I have read in a long long time. I recommended it to everyone I talk to!

  14. Rachel says

    I love great book recs….so thank you for sharing!!! I'll have to check these out. I have just started re-reading "love does" by bob goff. It's a good one 🙂

  15. Emily grapes says

    Just put Unbroken in my wishlist on Amazon! Sounds like its a hit with everyone. I haven't picked up a book in ages. the last one I read was a co author of wife and husband..he was a Christian artist who struggled with porn addiction and their struggle with it, overcoming it through God. That was a really good read.

  17. brittany says

    ahhh i need to get back to reading! love these recs!!! and totes agree on the childbirth… that baby's come out no matter what you read 😉 😉 haha. but did you by chance read ina mays guide to childbirth? i am annoying about how much i loved that book. she is a major hippie, like, midwife queen of all hippies, but i seriously think she is the reason i was mentally in the right place and had such a wonderful birth! i require lots of mental prepping 😉

  18. Gabriella Hoell says

    Is the books title 'unbreakable' or 'unbroken'?I can only find 'unbroken' on amazon…? It think I'll give it a go once the craziness of the summer has calmed down and we're settled in our new place. Can't wait for a good read! So thank you for the recommendations and all the comments reinforcing that it really is worth it!:)
    xo Gabriella

    ps: this makes me want to join a book club! how cool would a virtual one be?

  19. Natalie Joseph says

    I haven't read any of them but with the reviews it seems like Unbroken will be my next book. I'll let you know how it goes from a non- American.

    I am currently reading a fluffy book, Something Blue by Emily Giffen and really enjoying the break from a heavy read.

    x Natalie

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