One of my favorite things to do is read. The only problem is finding time to do it, like most things, as a parent. I work full-time, have a small business, write for the blog, and oh yeah, I have a husband, 3-year-old twins and a dog. Where do I find time to read? There are definitely seasons of my life when a few weeks or sometimes even a month or two will go by without picking up a book, but when I can squeeze it in and start a good book, I’m set.
I think the trick to reading is finding a good book. If I’m not engaged in the book, it’s harder for me to find time or the desire to read it. Last summer, I wrote about joining a book club and some fun perks to reading a book with friends. You can check that post out here. It’s so good for us to read and expose our children to the love of books! So I’d like to offer up some suggestions of books that I’ve read lately that I really enjoyed.
“The Pearl that Broke Its Shell” by Nadia Hashimi
It takes place in Kabul in 2007 and shares the story of Rahima, who only has sisters. In a society where women are treated as inferior, Rahima is allowed to dress as and be a boy, following the custom of Bacha Posh until she hits puberty and the age when she can be married. While a boy, Rahima is allowed to attend school and run errands for her family. The story goes back and forth between Rahima and her great- grandmother who share a similar story. This book definitely reminded me of how fortunate I am to be a woman here in the US. It also reminded me that we (women) have the inner power and strength to fight and stand up for ourselves. This book is POWERFUL.
“Firefly Lane” by Kristin Hannah
While this book isn’t as intense or culturally as engaging as “The Pearl that Broke Its Shell”, I did enjoy this one. It shares the story of two friends, Kate and Tully. While they couldn’t be more opposite or come from more different backgrounds, they become best friends when Tully moves across the street when they are in middle school. The book follows these two and their relationship for decades and truly shows how complicated and yet fulfilling a relationship can be between women. It also shares the challenges of motherhood. It had me sobbing the last twenty pages or so, but I did enjoy it.
“The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd
This book is written by the author of “The Secret Life of Bees”. It takes place in Charleston in the early nineteenth century. On Sarah’s eleventh birthday, she is given a slave, Hetty or “Handful” as most refer to her. The story shares their developing relationship and their constant struggle for freedom and liberation. While freedom and liberation look different for each girl, they are both determined to make their lives better.
“Grain Brain” by David Perlmutter, MD
A little over a year ago, after multiple visits to my primary care physician, being referred to a neurologist, and having an MRI, I found out (by my own research) that I had a gluten (protein found in wheat) sensitivity. I eliminated gluten from my diet to see if that’s what was bothering me, and sure enough… my symptoms went away completely. If you are interested in my story, please read it here. Dr. Perlmutter is a well-known neurologist who has been and continues to use diet and nutrition to cure his patients of many autoimmune and brain function disorders. After reading many of his articles, I finally decided to pick up a copy of “Grain Brain”. It’s rocking my world. It’s full of really interesting and somewhat shocking information. It’s not just for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, but for anyone interested in obtaining optimal brain health!
Those are my suggestions, and I understand that people enjoy different types of literature, so I’d also love to hear what you are reading or have read and add it to my list!
