One of the things that truly helps me relax is reading. To me, it’s the best way to keep my brain awake and alive, but focused on something other than work/stress. Plus, it makes me actually enjoy all the subway rides and helps me avoid expensive cab rides! Truth.
A couple of months ago, I signed up for the Barnes and Noble reward card and it’s been the best (worst?) thing in the world. Now I stop into the bookstore all the time for new books. After watching an interview of Amanda Lindhout, I knew that I wanted to read her book A House in the Sky. Amanda was traveling in Somalia and was abducted and held captive for over a year.
I finally had the chance to read it after it sat on my shelf for a bit and I really loved it. It certainly wasn’t an easy read in terms of the intensity of the subject matter, but I couldn’t put it down. My heart went out for Amanda and Nigel throughout the entire book.
The one thing I especially loved about it was that Amanda never really played the victim card. She stands by her decisions and her faults with intense honesty. So many lessons on humanity, forgiveness, hope…
I almost missed my subway stop three separate times while reading the book and I often stayed up way too late reading. I read every. single. page. and every. single. word. Right on through the acknowledgments. (Now, I will say that after I finished I definitely had some weird and stressful dreams/nightmares!!)
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett
Would love any book suggestions that you have!
xoxo
PS Find all of the books I’ve read and what I’m currently reading on my Goodreads account!
I've never read 'A House in the Sky', but I'm definitely adding it to my book wishlist.
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/
Do you read a lot? Like several books every month? I recently read The Secret Life of Bees and it was amazing!
This book sounds very inspiring and interesting. I love to read but haven't had a chance to read lately, hopefully things will slow down soon! My book suggestions would be Jackie Style by Pamela Keogh, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wall, and if you are look for a fun read then I would suggest Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton.
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Carly,
This is amazing! I actually had the chance to hear Amanda's story firsthand at a Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) panel in March 2012. I loved the opportunity to meet her and was completely inspired by her courage! I didn't realize she wrote a book about her experience. Thanks for the recommendation! I'm definitely adding it to my nook.
Ashley
Books are great! I love how they make me feel and transport me to another world completely.
I suggest that you read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Try African writing this time. I am just finishing it and I can guarantee you, you won't regret it 🙂
this book sounds great! i've been searching for an "I can't put it down" kinda read, and this seems to fit the bill.
I just read The Orphan Train and it was absolutely amazing! You should totally check it out!
xox
chloe
http://popcosmo.com
This has been on my reading wishlist for a few months now! Good to know you felt it was a worthwhile read. Can't wait to get started on it!
-Maria
http://cheetahfashionista.blogspot.com
That's not the kind of book I normally read, but it does sound good. I have a lot of books I tell people they should read. Lucky by Alice Sebold, Howl's Moving Castle (don't recall the author), Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham.
I love books. My husband says he's dreading the day I finally buy one of those cards from Barnes and Noble, because he knows that's where I'll be spending all my money. I told him better books than my other vice, shoes.
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
My favorite read of the year was The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. I was completely engrossed by the characters. It's a quick read and definitely worth picking up! ~Katherine
I have never heard of this book before but I am always looking for new recommendations especially when the schools are off for Christmas break.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
Already added to my Goodreads "to-read" shelf!
I'll have to add this to my list! 🙂
I have a whole list: {my to-read-list}
And I'm on goodreads too: {my goodreads profile}
Thanks for the recommendation!
AJ | TheAJMinute
I'm so glad that this book is taking off. I was lucky enough to work with Amanda when she modelled for the company I worked for, where we always feature a strong woman influence in the catalogue. We were able to raise quite a bit of funds for her foundation during that season. The book is definitely an emotional read, but a good reminder for what other parts of the world are going through.