The Books of 2018 (so far)

ByKristin books, Porch Stories
14 Comments

Well, happy summer! Let’s talk about books.

(I know, you want to hear stories about our Guatemala trip. And you will hear plenty more about our wonderful week. But I haven’t had time to get the stories out of my head and journal yet, thanks to a pile of mail, loads of laundry, and the need to be in the pool during these hot, hot days Kentucky is experiencing.)

I’ve taken a break from a lot of non-fiction books because all the voices were becoming way too noisy. I have enjoyed five memoirs so far this year and a few other non-fiction titles that were more like resources for what I’m walking through in real life. That has freed me up, both in regards to time and what’s in my head, to read more fiction. Twenty fictions books, to be exact. And, y’all, I have read some good ones.

Fiction

  1. “Comfort & Joy” by Kristin Hannah
  2. “Every Last Lie” by Mary Kubica
  3. “The Mailbox” (Sunset Beach #1) by Marybeth Whalen
  4. “The Perfect Stranger” by Megan Miranda
  5. “The Fever” by Megan Abbott
  6. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
  7. “Weight of Lies” by Emily Carpenter
  8. “Burying the Honeysuckle Girls” by Emily Carpenter
  9. “Picture Perfect” by Jodi Picoult
  10. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah
  11. “Dead Drift” (Chesapeake Valor #4) by Dani Pettrey
  12. “Tell Me Three Things” by Julie Buxbaum
  13. “Speak Now or Forever  Hold Your Peace” by Becky Monson
  14. “Witness in Hiding” (Secret Service Agents Series) by Lisa Phillips
  15. “The Way Life Should Be” by Christina Baker Kline
  16. “I Am Watching You” by Teresa Driscoll
  17. “The Castaways” by Elin Hilderbrand
  18. “The Light Between the Oceans” by M.L. Stedman
  19. “A Long Time Gone” by Karen White
  20. “All the Breaking Waves” by Kerry Lonsdale

Memoirs

  1. “A Fierce Love: One Woman’s Courageous Journey to Save Her Marriage” by Shauna Shanks
  2. “In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence” by Kayla Aimee {Review}
  3. “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” by J.D. Vance {Review}
  4. “Why I Hate Green Beans: And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves” by Lincee Ray {Review}
  5. “A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging” by Kate Motaung {Review}

Non-fiction

  1. “Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250” by Karl Vaters {Review}
  2. “The Friendship of Women: The Beauty and Power of God’s Plan for Us” by Dee Brestin

Studies & Resources

  1. “This I Know: Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God” by Laura Dingman {Review}
  2. “100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self” by Annie Downs
  3. “Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents” by Russell Barkley

*****

I usually leave starred reviews on Goodreads, if you want a quick reference for what I thought about books. I’ve linked all the titles to Amazon and any reviews I’ve shared on my blog. You can always reach out and talk books with me.

Here’s my 2017 list, if you’re looking for more recommendations. I also keep a list of favorites on Amazon for easy access.

*****

Kristin Hill Taylor - Porch Stories
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14 Comments

  3. I have not read any of these! But I have heard of a couple. I tend to read more fiction than nonfiction, too. I can only process so much information and instruction at a time. An overload jumbles everything up. Good fiction is both relaxing and edifying.

    Reply

    1. My kids love to swim, so I read A LOT at the pool. Then before school was out, I would show up a few minutes early to pick up so I could read a little while the littlest one napped.

      Reply

  7. The Nightingale and The Light Between the Oceans are two novels that I have read recently too and really enjoyed. I agree that non-fiction books can get noisy at times! Looking forward to hearing about Guatemala.

    Reply

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