I thought you might want to know what books are inspiring me right now. This is the hodge-podge stack of non-ficton on my nightstand and desk at the moment. These are the books I am currently underlining, rereading, referencing, and just plain loving:

When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions by Sue Monk Kidd
A beautiful memoir about Kidd’s spiritual crisis and the importance of “active waiting” as a part of the journey. I’ve underlined about half the book.
***
Emotions Anonymous by EA International
This is the “big book” for EA specifically. It outlines the program, provides 29 personal stories from EA attendees, and also has a section on tools for recovery. This is a handbook with a soul, something I believe everyone would benefit from reading.
***
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown
Can’t get enough of this woman. She is a qualitative researcher and has spent her career focused on shame, fear, and vulnerability. So fascinating. This book outlines her findings that led her to what she calls a “breakdown” and what her therapist calls a “spiritual awakening.” She has a memoir coming out later this year that I will be purchasing.
***
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
Freshly added to the NY Times Bestseller list, this book reads like poetic prose. After being challenged to document 1,000 gifts in her life, Voskamp realizes that gratitude changes everything. The book will give you new eyes.
***
Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw
This book was first recommended to me by a therapist a few years ago, and I keep coming back to it over and over again. Another one I’ve practically underlined entirely. His professional insight and personal journey on the subject of shame is so, terribly enlightening. I’m rereading now, as a mother.

Due to the current limits of my life, I just chip away at these books, and at some point I actually finish one! When the above stack has been sufficiently chipped away, I hope to dig into:

The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows
by James Bryan Smith
I’ve heard nothing but “this is life-changing” from everyone.
***
Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety by Judith Warner
Very compelling subtitle, don’t you think?
***
I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power by Brene Brown
Just because I’ve got to read everything she’s published. 🙂
***
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
Absolutely loved Leaving Church, and I am totally wooed by the word “altar.”

Also, could someone please leave a message for Anne Lamott to crank out a new non-fiction collection? Thank you so much.

What is currently on your list?

Are you enjoying Leeana’s new book, Hope Anyway?

Sign up for her newsletter today to receive your free 6-week group discussion guide!

Plus, her newsletter will be delivered right to your inbox!

You have Successfully Subscribed!