My Summer Reading List

Summer break for teachers means getting to read books for fun instead of for work. I've been carefully curating this list since Christmas, and I think I've narrowed it down to four books that are certain to inspire.

The Magnolia Story // Chip and Joanna Gaines are the "it" couple right now, and I'm definitely a follower. I've been a fan for a while, but after watching their I Am Second story I truly fell in love with these two remarkable people. My husband and I have a very similar story to Chip and Joanna. Like her, I was the quiet reserved type, but my husband brought out a brighter more outgoing person. I could go on and on about how much they've inspired me, but I think I need to read the book first.

The Handmaid's Tale // If you haven't heard about The Handmaid's Tale yet, you've been living under a rock. It's the newest hit series on Hulu which I'm now going to have to subscribe to. I've admittedly already read this book (in high school), but it's worth the reread. It's in my top 5 favorite books of all-time, and Margaret Atwood's debut novel is a truly thought provoking adventure. Be sure to check out her early poetry and short stories while you're at it.

Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife // You may not know this about me, but I'm actually the wife of a pastor. Don't worry, I wouldn't guess that either. I don't read a lot of spiritual books (except the Bible of course), but this one was suggested to me multiple times. Kay Warren, wife of well-known pastor Rick Warren, apparently doesn't hold back in this inspiring story. She opens up about her son's suicide and her brief addiction to pornography. This might be worth a read if, like me, you had some preconceived notions about what it means to be a pastor's wife.

Wonder // This beloved children's novel is coming to the big screen in November, and it's about time I read it for myself. It's well-known as one of the greatest books for middle-schoolers to read because of the inspiring "everyone's beautiful in their own way" kind of message. It's a message that will inspire adults as well, so don't be shy to give it a read. Some of the best books I've read where written for the young adult audience.

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