Abbi
Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler
This story of self discovery and identity in Christ is keeping me thirsty for the next page. Full of Amish culture, a glimpse into teachings of the Amish faith, and a better understanding of what this lifestyle entails, I cannot help but admire people that lived (and still live) without many modern conveniences we take for granted. It often takes me quite a while to finish a book, and I am powering through this one.
To Read: Deep Undercover by Jack Barksy and Cindy Coloma
Chloe
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. She escapes an abusive and neglectful father along with her housekeeper and stand-in mother, Rosaleen. The find themselves on a honey bee farm in Tiburon, South Carolina, taken in by the “Calendar Sisters” who have a mysterious connection to Lily’s mother. Told from Lily’s perspective, this is a classic coming-of-age story in the best way. You journey with Lily as she learns about family and race and love and becoming.
To Read: Ready or Not: Leaning into Life in Our Twenties by Drew Moser and Jess Fankhauser; The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Leela
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir about running and writing and the intersection of the two disciplines. Murakami compares his passions of running with writing and the way they relate to one another. He shares the beginnings of his careers in both writing and running, the doubts he faced, and takes readers on his journey of training for the New York City Marathon with engaging, comical, yet intimate stories. As a beginner runner, I enjoyed being able to relate to the author’s honest depictions of the ups and downs that come with long-distance running. I recommend this book for runners and writers alike.
To Read: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
