My Favorite 16 Reads of 2017

I read 90 books this year! While a few ended up being disappointing, most were quite enjoyable. But, it is super challenging to narrow down a list of 90 books to a small list of my favorites. Keyword here is "my." There will be plenty of people who disagree with my decisions. However, I created this list by thinking about which books stood out to me and which ones I safely recommend to my friends. Without further ado, here's my list of The Best Books of 2017.

The 16 Best Books of 2017

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A beautiful delightful work of fiction - stick with it even if you think the concept is slow at first. My full review

The Child by Fiona Barton

You will not be able to put down this crime thriller which has plenty of good guys to cheer on.

The Party by Robyn Harding

You will hate the women in this book, but you will love the plot! Juicy and fun fiction. My full review

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Eye-opening nonfiction about the unjustness of the criminal justice system following a case similar to To Kill a Mockingbird in the same setting. My full review

Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

One of my favorite writers - she makes the everyday seem extraordinary. My full review

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

The language of the book will sweep you away in this love story about senior citizens.

American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse

This was my favorite audiobook of the year. I was completely drawn into the chaos and her investigative journalism.

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford

It's got a world's fair, a brothel, and a tragic love story. My full review

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

A political affair told from the viewpoints of the mistress, the mother of the mistress, and the wife.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Thought-provoking, incredible fiction about the choices women make as mothers.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances by Ruth Emmie Lang

This book was different than anything I've read before featuring a boy raised by literal wolves. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy. My full review

When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

A heartbreaking story for fans of the show Friday Night Lights (or small towns where football rules).

The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

Comic books, biracial relationships, the South, long-held secrets. 

So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

Nonfiction piece about the ways social media and the internet have become the new public stocks where people earn their Scarlet Letters. 

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown

Maybe the most convicting book I have ever read - and the most difficult to apply in real life (but all the more reason to try)

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

He's still got it. My full review

*You can purchase these books from Amazon by clicking the titles. These are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

Book Review: Turtles All the Way Down

We Need to Talk about Turtles All the Way Down

Turtles All the Way Down, the latest by beloved YA author John Green, is finding wide-ranging reviews. This novel was anxiously awaited for by Green fans since it is his follow-up the mega-hit, The Fault in Our Stars. For his latest, people either love it or they hate it. I am squarely in the “love it” category for several reasons.

1. I must admit that part of why I love any book by John Green is because I love John Green himself. I know this isn’t right, but I can’t help it. He has done so much for young adult literature and young adults, in general. He has created safe spaces online to discuss real-life issues in a way teens can understand. I actually first discovered John Green on YouTube rather than his novels (as did many other nerdfighters). Specifically, a video he posted debating why his books should not be banned. You should check it out.

2. One of the constant critiques I hear of John Green is that teenagers do not “talk like that.” You’re wrong. While most do not, there are some teenagers I taught who did talk just like his characters. I'm not ashamed to admit that I taught teenagers who were way smarter than me. And, who cares if teens read this book and they don’t really talk this way? They will just learn some more SAT words. And, if we want to treat them like adults, then we should talk to them like adults. 

* Now that is out of the way, let me tell you why Turtles All the Way Down may be my favorite John Green novel.

3. I read the novel a few days ago, and I am still thinking about it. This is the sign of a really good (great) book.

4. This book deals heavily with mental illness. However, unlike some other young adult books that make mental illness (and/or suicide) seem romantic (you don’t want to get me started), TATWD does not glamorize it. It is eye-opening. Readers get to go inside the head of the protagonist to hear her stream-of-consciousness thoughts and how they affect her actions. It is sad, frustrating, and uneasy. And, John Green does not try to “solve her problem.” In fact, he does the opposite. He ends the book by letting the readers know this is something the character will continue to deal with for the rest of her life.

5. Along those same lines, this is not a typical YA book where the main character is rescued or does the rescuing. Neither happens. I love that. It is so much more realistic.

6. The main relationship in this book is not romantic – it is platonic. The main character’s relationship with her female best friend is lovely. It is imperfect and beautiful. I love that rather than this being a book where the romantic elements drive the plot, this novel focuses on the relationships typically outside the plot.

7. It has lines like this one: “You’re both the fire and the water that extinguishes it. You’re the narrator, the protagonist, and the sidekick. You’re the storyteller and the story told. You are somebody’s something, but you are also your you" (257).

8. John Green has been open and honest about his personal struggles, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. I applaud him for using personal elements to bring a story to life for the rest of us. And, for showing how it is live with mental health issues and how it affects those closest to them. Plus, he includes a mental health services treatment health line number in his acknowledgments.

If you do not remember what it was like to be a teenager or do not like teenagers, then this book probably isn’t for you. But, if you do like teenagers and remember this time in your life (or have dealt with mental health issues or someone close to you has), then pick up this book. It is worth your time.

You can purchase this book from Amazon here or by clicking the picture or any of the hyperlinks, which are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog. 

How Meeting Around a Table for Bread and Wine Restored My Faith in God, People, and Myself

We’ve learned to be Present Over Perfect, celebrated and reflected over Bread and Wine, and learned we are Braving the Wilderness together. And, a year later, I cannot imagine my life without regularly meeting this group of women around the table.

I went through a season where I felt a little unhinged. We moved. We hit pause on searching for a new church. We backed away from commitments. We took time to ourselves and our family. We rested.

We did end up finding a church that fits our family – and it ended up being walking distance from our front door.

But, I started missing gathering with women in my home to discuss faith, life, parenting, the world, etc. So, in March 2018, I posted the following message:

Spartanburg friends: I am going to be hosting a dvd/book study of Shauna Niequist's Present Over Perfect with some friends beginning in April. We will meet Wednesday evenings in my home every other week (the study is 5 weeks, stretching it out and giving us more time to read through it, to 10 weeks). If you are interested, let me know! I'd love to have anyone who is interested join us.

Because God is in the details, He orchestrated a mismatched group of women from different walks of life, beliefs, and churches (and a few church misfits) that have been the perfect people to help each other feel comfortable asking the hard questions and accepting when there are no set answers.

We met every other week until we finished the study. Then, we decided to move on to another book and open the group up to a few more. This time, we added in dinner. We started rotating houses and started enjoying potluck style feasts while talking about everything in the book and under the sun. And, we grew. And, we finished that book and started another. Currently, we are planning for future books.

When we gather, it is not to do a Bible study. But, when we gather around the table, it has become a sacred time and place. We have laughed over our children (and cried over our children). We have laughed over the state of the world (and cried over the state of the world). I always leave feeling like God has used these women to minister to me. It fills my cup rather than just being another commitment that leaves me feeling drained.

No one is this group is perfect. I am, in particular, immensely flawed. But, this beautiful group of women has made me feel known, seen, heard, loved, and valued. Before I opened up the doors to them, I was trying to find my place again in the world – in the Christian community – in my local community. And, they have provided just the right amount of encouragement to remind me that God can’t be kept in a box…and neither can we…and that sometimes the wilderness is the best place to be.

PS. If you are feeling lonely or lost, I encourage you to open the doors to your home and put out some extra seats at the table. As scary as that may sound, I guarantee there is someone looking for a seat.

PPS. I highly recommend all three books. Plus, these are great starter picks for book clubs or dinner clubs. You can get them from Amazon by clicking on the titles. These are affiliate links - thank you for supporting my blog!

Need Christmas Gift Ideas? Here are Book Suggestions for Everyone on Your List

Buying books for friends and family can be tricky unless you really know their tastes. But, when you find just the right book for someone, it is the best present! To help you out, I am listing some of my favorite books from this year and who you should give them to this Christmas.

You can order any of these books from Amazon by clicking on the image or the title (which, of course, are *affiliate links*). If I have reviewed the book, I have also included a blog link.

Book Suggestions for Everyone on Your Christmas List

For Your Southern Grandmother - The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck

For the Know It All  - Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by JD Vance. See my full review here.

For the Tweens - The Fearless Travelers' Guide to Wicked Places by Pete Begler. See my full review here.

For the New Mom - Confessions of a Domestic Failure: a Humourous Book About a Not So Perfect Mom by Bunmi Laditan. See my full review here.

For the Literary Crowd - A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. See my full review here.

For the Church-Loving Ladies - Church of the Small Things: The Million Little Pieces That Make Up a Life by Melanie Shankle. See my full review here.

For the Feminist - Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

For the Person Who Says She Doesn't Like to Read - The Party by Robyn Harding. See my full review here.

For the Person Who Says She Doesn't Have Time to Read - The Child by Fiona Barton

For the Person Who Needs Some Magic - Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang. See my full review here.

For Friday Night Lights fans - When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

For the Historians - The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home by Denise Kiernan

For the Fans of Quirky Mysteries: Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan. See my full review here.

For the Self-Help Crowd - Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown

For the Book Lovers - Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks: A Librarian's Love Letters and Break Up Notes to the Books in Her Life by Annie Spence

Other Gift Ideas for Readers

Book of the Month Club Membership

Audible Membership

Anything from Out of Print Clothing or Litographs

Book Review: Sweet Tea and Sympathy

Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

I don’t tend to read too many romances, but when I do, I want them to be a complete escape from reality. And, that is just what I got when I read Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper.

I mean, how is possible to not get an escape from the chaos of this world and the upcoming holidays when you read a book that manages to combine event planning, funeral homes, bait shops, big Southern families, and romance? Simply put – it’s not. You have no choice but to escape into this world of hilarity and ridiculousness when you read it. And, for me, that is just delightful.

Short story – Margot is a big city event planner who ends up losing her reputation because of an event snafu involving exotic birds and a shrimp tower. Her saving grace winds up being her eclectic, Southern funeral/bait shop owning family in Georgia who offers her a job when no one else will. To make it even more exciting, this is a family she has not seen since she was a wee little thing and her mom left town. So, she goes from planning elaborate events to funerals in a small town. Along with a hilarious cast of characters, she meets a dreamy widowed principal with daughters of his own.

I’d call it a mash-up of Hallmark/Steel Magnolias/The Holiday. Basically, a fun little romp away from literary fiction without ending up like the scandalous pages of Harlequin paperbacks or the tear-induced Nicholas Sparks sagas. While some of the Southern culture was explained a little too much for someone born and raised in Georgia, I still appreciated what the author was trying to do here. I’m willing to bet quite a few of my friends and blog followers are going to enjoy this one.

Happy Reading!

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book (it comes out 11/21/17) from Amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

A Fictional Novel That Reminds Us Why the #Metoo Hashtag Exists

Book Review: These Violent Delights by Victoria Namkung

Well, the upcoming release of the novel, These Violent Delights, by Victoria Namkung could not be timelier. Women all over the world are using the hashtag “Me Too” to make the world aware of the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment. Dozens of celebrities are naming Harvey Weinstein’s abuse of women. Kevin Spacey is currently in the news for his behavior towards an underaged boy. So, this book is coming out at just the right time.

These Violent Delights delves into sexual abuse issues within an elite private school setting. After a young journalist pens her story about her male teacher coming on to her and her requests for help from the school being dismissed, other women come forward with their own stories about the same teacher.

The problem is that this teacher has a fantastic reputation. He is a stellar teacher, a husband, a father, a churchgoer, and apparently, a man who preys on young women. So, the school decides to keep him in his respected position rather than listen to the initial student who accuses him of misconduct. (Don’t think this happens? It does.) This novel revolves around the young journalist, her mentor at work, and two other abused women working to bring him down.

For me, this story read more like nonfiction than fiction simply because this type of thing happens all the time. All. The. Time. I can use the #metoo hashtag, as well as many of my female friends. So, the book, while fictional, was just a reminder of the stories I’ve lived or the stories I’ve heard.

I like the author using fictional characters and a swift plot to talk about something serious. The book is designed to make you talk. It will make you angry. It will make you feel things you don’t want to feel. For example, here are some quotes that stand out:

“They want a perfect victim and a perfect perpetrator.” (Yes)

“This idea that an occasional false accusation is a more serious problem than the thousands of actual instances of abuse or assault or rape enrages me like nothing else.” (Yes)

“I was being willfully ignorant. Perhaps I didn’t want to think this could be true.” (Yes)

“The fact that we worry more about the damage to a potential abuser’s or rapist’s reputation than we do about a child or teenage victim has dire consequences for all of us and our society.” (Yes)

The author does a wonderful job of showing just how easily we dismiss these types of occurrences and why it is so dangerous. It will make you think twice before you try to ignore or dismiss these claims in the future. And, if that is the author’s whole point, then good for her!

However, I will say, I HATED the ending. HATED IT. I should have known when the title comes from Romeo and Juliet quote “These violent delights have violent ends” that I would not like the ending. But, I still was not prepared. And, it felt icky. But, I think the ending is designed to make you talk.

The best books cause reactions. This one could not come at a better time. 

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review honestly. 

For those interested, you can pre-order the book here or by clicking the book cover. *These are affliliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: You Are The Beloved

You are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living by Henri J.M. Nouwen

I love a good devotional. And, I love a good discussion about spirituality. So, I was happy to have the opportunity to review the latest compilation of devotions by Henri. J.M. Nouwen. I was unfamiliar with Nouwen’s legacy as a Catholic priest or his writing, but the overarching theme of this devotional caught my attention.

The title, You are the Beloved, is reflective of Nouwen’s famous quote, “We are the Beloved. We are intimately loved long before our parents, teachers, spouses, children, and friends loved or wounded us. That’s the truth of our lives.” Drawing the belief that God loves us enough and calls us his own, this devotional is packed full of spiritual insights.

The devotional is different than other devotionals I have read in the past. It is a daily devotional; however, it does not seem to follow thematic units. For instance, one day’s devotional can be a completely different topic from the next day’s. Furthermore, while every devotion discusses God and/or Jesus, there is very little scripture. This is something I am not used to as more of the devotionals I have read are based on a set of verses. However, this is actually titled “Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living,” so this is most likely done with the purpose of being a spiritual guide rather than a standard devotional.

The meditations each come from Nouwen’s different works with a note on each page of where the material first appeared. Since I am unfamiliar with his works, this was helpful. Each meditation is short and can be read in two minutes or less. Some are deeper than others, but that seems to be true for most devotionals.

To give you an idea of the style, here is a meditation that moved me:

“I am increasingly impressed by the Christian possibility of celebrating not only moments of joy but also moments of pain, thus affirming God’s real presence in the thick of our lives. A true Christian always affirms life, because God is the God of life, a life stronger than death and destruction. In him we find no reason to despair. There is always reason to hope, even when our eyes are filled with tears.” Pg. 375

***I received this book from www.bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review.***

Book Review: Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances by Ruth Emmie Lang

Get ready. I am about to tell you about a book that you will want to savor in small pieces because it is so so good. Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang is the book you need in your life right now.

Lately, more of my friends are looking for books they can escape into. Books that offer respite from the issues we are facing today. And, books like Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance give us a world we can disappear into between the pages.

This is a fictional novel with some doses of magical realism with characters you will not soon forget. The premise sounds crazy, but please hear me out. The author makes it work. Basically, this is a story about a boy who grew up with wolves after his human parents died. Upon being discovered, he is sent to a foster home where his unique and magical qualities turn the family upside down. But, his journey doesn’t stop there.

The story centers around this character (Weylyn) and all the people his gifts (such as controlling the weather and making things grow) impact over the years. Readers are introduced to the various people who have been flummoxed by his special abilities, as well as those who love him completely for all that he is. If you saw the movie Powder, it reminded me of it.

I know it sounds bizarre – as I was explaining it to my husband I realized it did not sound like the normal stuff I read. But, it was beautiful and moving and hopeful – and the perfect antidote for a time when the world seems to be in a great state of upheaval. We all need some magic and you might find it in a character like Weylyn.

For example, here’s a quote that I think sums up Weylyn:

“Weylyn’s expression shifted gears. I could tell, even before he spoke, that he had drained his mind of his own sadness and replaced it with empathy for mine. ‘I’m really sorry,’ he said and meant it.”

And there is this hint at how others see Weylyn:

“I wasn’t doing magic, but I was in it, surrounded on all sides by incredible, beautiful things. It made me feel like a wizard even though I wasn’t one, even though I could never be one.”

I just need you all to trust me on this one – Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is a book you need to read. It comes out on November 7^th and people are going to be talking about this one for a while.

*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*You can pre-order this book on Amazon here or by clicking the picture.

Book Review: The Fifth Petal

The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry

Let me begin by saying, The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry, is not a book for everyone. It is not a book that I would say is a “must read.” However, for the right audience, this book is a fun read. That right audience? People like me who are into all things Salem, witchcraft, and murder mysteries.

The Fifth Petal is a fictional novel set in Salem that involves a decades old unsolved murder of three goddesses who were obsessed with their familial connections to their Salem witchcraft trial ancestors. The horrific murders left their mother-like figure broken – mentally and emotionally. After ending up in and out of mental hospitals, Rose is accused in present day of a Halloween death.

The lone child survivor of the previous Halloween massacre, Callie, comes back in town when she learns of Rose’s fate. Her journey back to this town where her life was forever changed is not easy. She struggles to connect her past with her present. Along the way, there are modern day witches, love interests, and petty town rivalries.

Ultimately, I enjoyed reading it – especially in October. The suspense kept me wanting to find out what really happened. I do like when things get a little trippy and the supernatural mixes in with real life. However, the ending seemed to fall apart a little for me. There was a lot of crazy going on.

But, even with a ending that left me less than satisfied, I enjoyed the book. It was a nice escape from reality. So, if that is what you are looking for right now, check it out.

I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase the book from Amazon here or by clicking the image. 

*This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

10 Things Saving My Life Right Now

What Is Saving My Life Right Now

Last week was rough – and not just for me. It was a week that left me reeling. But, it was also a week filled with innumerable gifts. For instance, in the midst of a tragic week where many people senselessly lost their lives, I got to celebrate the upcoming arrival of new life at dinner club.

So, anyhow, I thought I would post a few of the things that helped me get through last week and I hope they may help you too.

1. My new pink hair. Now that I have accepted that I will be working from home, I no longer feel the need to look professional. And, it’s fun.

2. Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks by Annie Spence (the audiobook). This book is a collection of love letters and break up notes to books. You guys, if there was ever a more enjoyable audiobook for a book nerd like me, I don’t believe it. It has made me laugh and made me clap.

3. Blue Q Socks. I love socks. I love when my socks can convey a secret only I know. And, Blue Q socks are perfect for hiding a little subtle message under your jeans. *Some are inappropriate. There's your warning.

4. The Mindy Project. I have a love/hate relationship with this show. But, this is the final season, and Danny is back, so I am ALL IN.

5. Broadway tickets. On a bad day this week, I took five minutes to go ahead and purchase excellent tickets to the upcoming production of the Phantom of the Opera for my husband, myself, and our son (who LOVES the musical). It’s not until February, but I am already excited.

6. The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers: Spiritual Insights from the World's Most Beloved Neighbor. Y’all, this book spoke to me on so many levels and it provided some needed healing to my soul. I had no idea prior to reading this book that Mister Rogers was an ordained minister or that he used his tv show as a way to spread Christ’s message of love. I want to be Mister Rogers when I grow up.

7. New Fall TV Shows. My husband and I are steadily making our way through the new fall television shows and eliminating and adding to our watch list. He loves Orville – I HATE IT. But, we both agree The Good Doctor is excellent.

8. My job. I know that sounds silly, but I have always said “If they would pay me to go to school, that’s what I would do.” And I feel like I am kind of doing that now – researching, learning new stuff, and writing essays all the time. And, I found out I am a "Top Rated" freelancer through Upwork!

9. LUSH has a subscription service. Do I even need to explain this? Just click here to find out more.

10. My dinner club. We started meeting for a Bible study, which evolved to books about faith & dinner club. There is something really awesome about meeting together with women from different backgrounds with different beliefs and breaking bread together. I think that is a little bit like what heaven will be like - a mishmash of people, laughing, crying, and eating together.

So, what about you? What has been saving your life lately? 

Why Your Kids Need to Read Today More Than Ever Before

Read to Learn

I love to read. I always have. I read because I find pleasure in it. I read for the escape. I read for fun.

But, I also read to learn. And, that’s why your kids need to read too. In these divisive times, books can save us and heal us.

Books have the ability to take us to places we will never travel to on our own. Books introduce us to people we will never meet on our own. Books provide a glimpse at circumstances we will never go through on our own.

As one of my favorite literary characters, Atticus Finch, says in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

As humans, we are judgmental. We put people in boxes. We stereotype. We teach our children, by example, that we are superior and others are inferior. We often do it without even realizing it. We do this when we group together with the people who look like and think like us.

Read to See People How Jesus Sees People

As my pastor spoke today, he encouraged us to “Pray to see people the way Jesus sees them.” We fail at this all the time. We fail to SEE people who are different all the time; instead, we spend most of our time with people on that look/act/feel the same.

And, our kids take notice. Just go into a high school cafeteria and you will see clearly segregated groups – either by race, socioeconomic status, or social standing.

So, how do you see people the way Jesus sees them if you do not actually SEE them? 

Well, you read books. You read, and you read, and you read. You read books with characters that are not like you and in situations you have never been in. What is the connection?

When you read about the fictional struggle of a poor single mother, it will be easier for you to see an actual poor single mother in real life and greet her with grace and kindness rather than judgment. You will be able to push past society’s differences and empathize.

Read to Empathize

You see, I will never be another race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, but I have a better understanding because of the books I’ve read with characters of these types. My literary world has allowed me to put on someone else’s skin. Books have given me an idea about what life is like for people different than me.

God used a donkey to speak to Balaam, so surely he can use books to speak to us. If books can help us see people the way Jesus sees them – as children of God – then he can use books to teach us how to empathize. After all, Jesus wept.

Therefore, if we want the world to be a better place and we want our children to grow up to see people the way Jesus sees them, then put some books in their hands. And, pick up one of your own. 

Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy - A Review

Fun, scripted journals are not typically the type of thing I buy for myself; however, that does not mean I have never wanted them. I just felt a little silly treating myself to this type of thing. So, when Blogging for Books generously offered a review copy, I jumped at the chance.

And, you know what the Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy journal showed me? I should have just bought the cute journal for myself because it makes me happy! Treat Yo' Self. 

This bright colored journal is a compact size, but it packs a big punch. As a firm believer that we can change our attitudes by showing gratitude, this journal is an easy reminder that we are in charge of our outlook. By helping the writer think about one thing every day that filled him/her with happiness, it reminds the writer to stay positive.

Filled with inspiring quotes and thought-provoking short writing prompts, it is an effective tool for seeking the positive in each day.

But, if I am to be honest, my favorite prompts were the ones that included lists. I am a list lover. So, I am happy to find there are several pages for lists, such as your Top 5 songs, Top 5 books, Top 5 shows, etc. I also loved the pages where you were prompted to use some creativity to draw something or think outside the box.

There are some things that are not traditional for a journal. First, you are prompted to do tasks (i.e., smile at someone in a restaurant), so it cannot simply be filled out in the evening before you go to bed. Additionally, the journal has space for you to fill in the date, but it seems like it will be easier to jump around rather than go through the journal page by page.

Finally, I am looking forward to using this journal in the new year alongside my family. I think it has excellent prompts for discussion around the dinner table. Now that my son is journaling, I think it will be a tool he can use as well.

For those needing a helpful tool for staying positive in these turbulent times, this journal is a great choice. It is fun, and you may even find it helps you change your attitude.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. You can purchase the book from Amazon here or by clicking the image.