During the semester, it is difficult to find any spare time to read for enjoyment. Most time out of class is spent doing homework, participating in sports or extracurricular activities, or hanging out with friends. By the end of the night, when I would normally curl up with a book at home, I find myself too tired to try. Weekends also are too busy: there is so much to do to prepare for Monday! Winter break, thus, proposes the perfect time to catch up on my reading. Here is a list of book recommendations for you, or to share with your friends or family!
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Love Does: Written by Bob Goff, Love Does tells the story of different life experiences of the author. In each chapter, Goff seeks to get across a different life message that you’ll carry with you from that point forward. Often citing scripture and messages of the Bible, Love Does expresses elements of the Christian faith while not preaching heavily to the reader. My favorite story from the book is when Bob Goff writes about encouraging his children to write to world leaders to discuss the importance of peace. Bob Goff’s book will help you gather the confidence to go forth and pursue your dreams, live a life filled with love and compassion, and enable you with the ability to share those feelings with others. It is, in fact, my all time favorite book.
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The Lord of the Rings trilogy: This semester, I was fortunate enough to take Tolkien and Medievalism, a course that focused solely on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and those that inspired him. If you have not yet read the trilogy, you may have watch the famed Peter Jackson movies. However, I can assure you the books are so much better. Though completing the trilogy may take you a little longer than the break, it will be worth it. The plot focuses on the journeys of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they seek to destroy a ring, whose existence threatens the peace of Middle Earth. J.R.R. Tolkien’s works emphasize the importance of fantasy and imagination. Once you start reading, you’ll be unable to stop! I would also recommend reading The Hobbit, which acts as a sort of prequel to the trilogy.
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At Home in the World: Tsh Oxenreider’s memoir tells of her adventures around the world with her husband and their children. Stopping in at least one country in every continent (apart from Antarctica), this book will awake the feelings of wanderlust in anyone. The book seeks to express the difficulties in desiring to travel and yet wanting to find a home someplace. It will leave you with the feeling that anywhere can be home when you find the right mindset. I finished this book in about two days this past summer – it’s that good.
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Commonwealth: Telling the story of two highly dysfunctional families over a lifetime, Ann Patchett’s book reminds readers of the ups and downs in life. Silmultanously heartbreaking and encouraging, this book constantly keeps readers engaged in the narrative. Patchett’s writing is so beautifully descriptive that it pulls you right in. You feel as if you’re physically present in the party that the story begins with: You see people making drinks, feel the heat of the California sun, and sense the utter chaos that is about to be unleashed.
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Forever Words: This book is a collection of Johnny Cash’s never-published poetry. It is rough and forward. It is beautiful in its own way. I love poetry, and this book contains some of my favorite pieces. If you are a fan of his music, you’ll love his poetry even more.
Books enable us to see into the minds of others. They transport you in a different place or different time. They are addicting and so wonderful. They would also make a great present this holiday season. Whether it would be reading a classic novel or a magazine, make sure to take time to read for fun this break. You’ll be so glad you did.