Read Fiercely 2016 Midpoint Check-In

Summer time is here!  That means only six and a half more months to finish my reading goal for this year (I think I can, I think I can, I think I can). 

Above are some of the books from 2016's virtual bookshelf. I’ve already chatted about many of them in my Read Fiercely blog posts here, here, here, and here; or in my Life Behind the Lens posts here and here.

Funny side note, over half of the books pictured were “read” as audiobooks.  Shout out to my favorite apps: Hoopla, Overdrive, and Audible.

I’m always on the hunt for new reads, so let me know what needs to make my reading list for the last half of 2016.  Or if you have a favorite reading/book app that I must know about, do share!

#Readfiercely friends!

Read Fiercely | April 2016 edition

This spring has blown in so fast and fierce, it’s practically given me whiplash! Lately, I have had far less time to sit with a book in hand (boo!).  But can we say yes & amen for the invention that is the audiobook??? It may take me longer to get through books, but I still get to #readfiercely.  Here are some reads that have kept me going!

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina | Dance in its various forms completely fascinates me.  So it was a no brainer that I would eventually need to read about the extremely talented Misty Copeland.  What struck me consistently throughout her story was the reminder of the perseverance through obstacle upon obstacle,  and the years of behind the scenes ups and downs it takes to become “an overnight success.”  Misty’s accomplishments are numerous (including being the first African American soloist with the American Ballet Theatre).  Her work ethic and dedication is extremely inspiring and made me want to twirl around and release my inner dancer while never giving up on my dreams.

Lost and Found:  Finding hope in the Detours of Life | I discovered Hoopla (hello changed life) and was curious when I saw that the memoir by Sarah Jakes Roberts (daughter of famed preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes) was available for download. Oh my, it was captivating.  Her story is one indeed filled with detours and painful heartache, but God’s redemption and hope is clearly evident in her candor and transparency.  It’s never easy living in the spotlight where both successes and shortcomings are magnified.   I gained a renewed perspective and appreciation for those who live on a public stage, while being reminded that God is able to bring such sweetness from the broken areas of our lives. 

In the Skin of a Jihadist | Soooo, this was quite a departure from my usual reading, but intriguing.  A journalist goes undercover online pretending to be a recent convert to Islam and meets a terrorist leader who rapidly “falls in love” with her alias. He aggressively pursues her, wanting her to join him in Syria as his bride and fellow jihadist.  While heavy in nature and sobering, it was enlightening. 

Read Fiercely | March 2016 Edition

Cheers to a new month and new books to share!

Modern Romance |  Aziz Ansari gives a virtual fist bump to singles everywhere as he confirms what we all know, dating in this day and age is a complex mystery filled with new challenges previous generations never encountered.  I found it fascinating and enlightening.  It was filled with the results of surveys & focus groups from dating habits across the world, in addition to Aziz’s own experiences all told with his signature humor.  It was educational in many ways, but I could have done without the language and bawdy humor. 

Stuck on You | You already know I’m a Michelle Stimpson fan, so of course I grabbed her latest e-book. As usual she did not disappoint. It was juicy and made me think without being icky or going too far. Can’t wait to grab the next one in the series!

A Beautiful Mess | I so enjoyed the photo projects this book described.  As a photography teacher, I gained loads of inspiration.  Reading and bookmarking numerous projects reminded me of when I first started photography and the joy of shooting everyday life around you.

The Newsmakers | Lis Wiehl’s latest book approaches an interesting idea; what if those who share the news started creating incidents for the purpose of making headlines? While an enjoyable read, I was hoping for a bit less predictability.

Walking on Water | I’ve barely cracked the surface of this book, and I can already tell it’s a keeper.  The same skill Madeleine L'engle used in her fiction works is applied here as she reflects on the relationship between art and faith.  It’s one you can’t really race through, so I’m enjoying savoring a slow rich read.

Any ideas on what I should read next? Always feel free to share!