Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

stephanie landsem

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 new appreciation for Martha: Review of The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem

Sometimes the stories in the Bible can become so familiar they lose meaning. And if you’ve been in the church for more than a few years, the story of Mary and Martha is one of those familiar stories.

the tombWe all feel a little sorry for Martha at times (and some of us can identify with her), but after reading Stephanie Landsem’s latest book, The Tomb, I’ll never look at Martha the same way again. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.)

Landsem’s Living Water series has become some of my favorite biblical fiction.  You can read my reviews of The Well and The Thief to discover why, but let me just say this: she does something with history that is not easy. She imagines the circumstances that might lead a person to behave in a certain way and then puts them in the context of the biblical record. Martha’s story in The Tomb is not factual and Landsem doesn’t claim that. But it is plausible.

In this story, Martha becomes not just some ancient woman in a story but a woman we modern women can relate to.

“Who would worry about all these things if not for her?”

I won’t ask you to raise your hand if you’ve thought something similar, but that thought of Martha’s in the book could have been my own. Landsem brings a depth to characters where the Bible only scratches the surface. I love the imagination that goes into these books, and I walk away from each of them with a greater understanding of the biblical time period, a better appreciation for the women who lived through it, and spiritual truths that challenge my own daily journey with God.

If you have not yet picked up one of the Living Water series, you can start with any of them, really. They are interconnected somewhat but not in a traditional sequel format. Especially in the days leading up to Easter, I find Landsem’s books inspiring.

I’m also in love with the gorgeous covers. This one is so pretty!