Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

memoir

The best books I've read so far this year

The first four months of this year have flown by, it seems, and I’ve yet to give you a round-up of the best books I’ve read so far.

According to my Goodreads stats, I’ve read 30 books in 2015 so far. Some of them I’ve reviewed, and some I haven’t. I know for sure that I’ve branched out this year, reading mainstream memoirs, popular non-fiction and general market fiction as well as Christian fiction.

Here are some of my favorites so far:

Best memoir: Yes, Please by Amy Poehler. Besides being funny, Poehler is also insightful about creativity and women who pursue their talents in male-dominated fields. The book was funny, yes, but also encouraging. Though I have no desire to act or do stand-up comedy, I found Poehler’s stories relevant to the field of writing (because she does that, too). And I loved the behind-the-scenes commentary on her time at Saturday Night Live. I found this book at the library, but I’d easily buy this and keep a copy on my already-stuffed bookshelves.

Best non-fiction: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. This massively huge story of Louis Zamperini is never dull and reads like fiction. I’m impressed and amazed by Hillenbrand’s writing and research processes, which makes the book that much more impressive to me. This was another library find. the tomb

Best Christian fiction: The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem. Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres because it takes familiar stories and breathes life and detail into them. We only get the highlights of these stories in the Bible, and I love a good imaginative telling. The Tomb gives us a story about Martha that is rich and full and gives a new slant on her story.

Best general fiction: Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner. A World War II/contemporary story set in England. Do you need more explanation? Plus Meissner is one of my favorite authors. I love her writing.

do overMost life-changing: Do Over by Jon Acuff. A blend of humor and practical advice for anyone who feels stuck in their work/calling/vocation. Acuff lets us learn from his mistakes and encourages us to develop the skills we need to have a job/career/calling we love.

Runners-up: Two-Part Invention: The Story of a Marriage by Madeleine L’Engle; Matilda by Roald Dahl; The Beautiful Daughters by Nicole Baart.

It’s always hard to narrow it down. I’m trying to be selective about the books I read so that I’m only reading the best stuff. These books rise above. If you want to see what I’m reading on a regular basis, check out my Goodreads profile in the sidebar, and check in here every Wednesday for a review of a book I’m reading.

What great books have you read so far this year?

A book I wish no one had to write: Review of Rare Bird by Anna Whiston-Donaldson

rare birdRare Bird is the kind of book I usually try to avoid. Books are an escape for me, and stories of tragedy are ones I don’t often want to consider because they’re just too hard to read.

How incredibly selfish of me. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program.)

While I wish no one ever needed to read this kind of book much less write it, I’m so grateful that Anna Whiston-Donaldson poured out her grief journey on the pages of this book. Losing her son Jack at 12 years old in a freak neighborhood accident–unthinkable. I related to her thoughts about doing enough right things to keep her family safe and feeling like a failure when it wasn’t enough. Whiston-Donaldson is real and raw about the stages of grief, about unexpected losses of friendship after a tragedy, and how hard it can be to go on. And yet, her story is inspiring. It does not gloss over the reality of pain and suffering, but it doesn’t leave it as hopeless either.

This book made me cry real tears for a boy I never knew. I laughed at family stories so vivid I felt like I was there. And I felt the edges of terror creep into my soul as the depths of grief sought to overtake this family. A couple of times I even uttered, “no way,” at the visions, dreams and messages she received about Jack after his death. (I am not one to quickly believe in messages from beyond, but I also haven’t experienced that kind of loss yet, so what do I know?)

Rare Bird is a beautiful story. And a terrible one. And I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book quite like it. You don’t have to have experienced loss to read this book but if you have had a loss like hers, it’s a must read. Whiston-Donaldson’s words are tender and poetic at the same time they’re jarring and harsh. It’s a glimpse into grief that few of us see firsthand.

A word of caution to those sensitive to language: Whiston-Donaldson uses words that some people might find offensive. But in the context of grief and loss, they are entirely appropriate.

An unforgettable memoir about an unimaginable tragedy and an incomprehensible faith that sustains.