I haven’t done much reading lately, but I want to embrace my inner book nerd. There’s something about the holiday season that gets me excited about reading! I wish I could be like other readers who get into books like Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Dune, etc. Well, I did come close. I started book one of Twilight then a marathon aired on T.V. right before the last installment released in the movie theater, so I ended up sending my books back to the library.
I did, however, add a few books to my must-read list for the new year! I enjoy reading all types of books and the genre also depends on my mood. I’m excited that I have a few more races left this season because I’m ready to start back reading.
Here are a few books on my list:
If you know me then you know that I am a for real-for real, Bart Yasso stan. Okay…you can call it a semi crush—but whatever. And yes, the HB is very aware of my love for Bart. Bart is a true icon and the Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World. He travels around the world to various races sharing his love for the sport and the people. When I met him at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Family Reunion Breakfast it was seriously the best day ever! I finally got my “Bartie” (aka selfie) with the one every runner loves! He’s always smiling and makes runners of ALL levels feel at ease. Aside from the fact that I was super nervous when I met him for the first time.
About the book:
With My Life on the Run, Bart Yasso–an icon of one of the most enduringly popular recreational sports in the United States–offers a touching and humorous memoir about the rewards and challenges of running. Recounting his adventures in locales like Antarctica, Africa, and Chitwan National Park in Nepal (where he was chased by an angry rhino), Yasso recommends the best marathons on foreign terrain and tells runners what they need to know to navigate the logistics of running in an unfamiliar country. He also offers practical guidance for beginning, intermediate, and advanced runners, such as 5-K, half marathon, and marathon training schedules, as well as advice on how to become a runner for life, ever-ready to draw joy from the sport and embrace the adventure that each race may offer.
Wendy of Taking the Long Way Home had the opportunity to meet him recently AND she scored an interview! Now that’s pretty sweet if you ask me because you know how much I love Bart! You can check out her interview here. Thank you for sharing about this book, Wendy!
To find out more about Mr. Yasso, visit http://bartyasso.com/
I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner. —Bart Yasso
2. Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
After seeing the movie War Room there was no doubt that I needed to pick up a copy of Fervent. Back in 2013, I had the opportunity to hear Priscilla Shirer speak at our reCreate Women’s Conference. She’s a powerhouse and she did an exceptional job in War Room! Her teachings have empowered so many women around the world and I’m grateful for her Godly wisdom.
About the book:
You have an enemy…and he’s dead set on destroying all you hold dear and keeping you from experiencing abundant life in Christ. What’s more, his approach to disrupting your life and discrediting your faith isn’t general or generic, not a one-size-fits-all. It’s specific. Personalized. Targeted. Fervent is your chance to strike back. Each chapter will guide you in crafting prayer strategies that hit the enemy where it hurts, letting him know you’re on to him and that you won’t back down. Because with every new strategy you build, you’re turning the fiercest battles of life into precise strikes against him and his handiwork, each one infused with the power of God’s Spirit.
3. Best Friends Forever by Kimberla Lawson Roby
I have been a fan of Kimberla Lawson Roby for many years. It takes a special author to grab my attention and she is definitely one of them. A few years ago, I read one of her books cover to cover in the library on a bean bag chair. It was just that good! She’s also very well known for The Reverend Curtis Black Series. I also had the opportunity to meet her in 2012 when she came to Birmingham for her book tour. You can read about it here. I’m excited that she is releasing a new book in January 2016 called, Best Friends Forever!
About the book:
Things are falling apart in the Richardson household. Angry arguments between Celine and her husband, Keith, have become routine. She resents that he’s working long hours and staying out all night, and he accuses her of not giving him the attention he deserves.
But the situation turns devastating when Celine is diagnosed with breast cancer. As her relationship with Keith deteriorates, Celine worries that she’ll be left to navigate the difficult process of cancer treatment alone. But comfort and support come in the form of Celine’s best friend, Lauren. They’ve been attached at the hip since they were children and it is Lauren who’s there for Celine in her darkest moments.
Now, Celine will be forced to make tough decisions-about her marriage and otherwise-and for the first time in her life, she wants to give up. Lauren vows to help by any means necessary and makes the kind of sacrifice only a best friend can. But will it be too late?
You can pre-order your copy today!
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If you are like me and don’t have time to read, check out this post from Mandy of Off The Beaten Shelf: Book Nerding is Hard Sometimes (An Homage to Readers Who Don’t Have Time to Read). Also, if you are on Goodreads, let’s connect: https://www.goodreads.com/myprettybrown.
What are you reading?
I’m reading Fervent too! Like you, I was moved beyond expectation by the movie War Room. From her on-screen performance, I felt there was something special about Priscilla Shirer and I looked her up online and was pleasingly surprised that she was such a phenomenal speaker. So when I bumped into a copy of Fervent at the CVS Pharmacy that I frequent, I couldn’t leave without buying it. I’m loving it and learning much from it. I love your blog and hope to continue networking with you.