I’ve found that reading has really helped my anxiety and given me lots to look forward to, even while we’ve been laying low lately. Sharing books I’ve enjoyed and some that I’ve got coming up in my Mother Road Reads series is a fun way to keep up with my favorites. I’d love to hear about what you’re reading too, so make sure you share that in the comments!
Read and Loved
The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price
This was recommended as part of Everyday Reading’s book club and I really enjoyed it. It’s entertaining to read (I won’t call it “fun,” you’ll know why if you give it a read!) and has a lot of really practical tips. Even if you think you’ve got plenty of fun in your life, the information in this book is really fascinating. I highly recommend it!
Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren
This book was recommended by our priest and I really enjoyed reading it. It gets a little cerebral at times, but the ideas in it are fascinating. I learned a lot from this book about where I’ve been on my faith journey and where I’d like to go. I enjoyed it so much I had Jon read it too.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
I love Emily Henry’s style. This book would indeed be a perfect beach read, but I enjoyed reading it in the winter too. It’s sweet, fun, and the characters are so very likable. If you’re a fan of romance, this is a perfect next read.
Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis by Sam Anderson
I’ll admit, I was skeptical that I would enjoy this one. Jon started reading it and told me I had to give it a try and I was hooked from the start. It is so insightful and well-written that I truly think anyone will enjoy it, even if you know nothing about Oklahoma. This book gets to the core of what makes Oklahomans tick and I love the way the story is woven. Definitely give it a chance!
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
This one is really interesting and, in a way, comforting. If your faith journey has ever left you wondering how it’s possible that a guy spent days in the stomach of a giant fish (among many many other super strange tales), this is a great book to help you wrestle with those ideas and feel good about doing it.
On My Holds List
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
This book sounds like a great companion to another book I loved in the fall called The Turquose Table. That one made me want to buy a picnic table for our front yard (I’m sure our HOA would be on board…), so I’m excited to read this book about entertaining.
The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams
I know nothing about this book, but it’s been recommended by a few friends so on my holds list it goes!
The Maid by Nita Prose
I read the description of this one and was immediately intrigued. A murder-mystery written from the perspective of the hotel maid who finds the body? This should be a fun one!
If you’re interested in the other books I enjoyed, here are my posts from Spring 2021 and Summer 2021. Make sure you share your favorite recent reads in the comments below!

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