Three Books to Read this Fall
When I started commuting to the beach every day for work, I would spend the extra hour in my car listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I became hooked. Earlier this year when the bridge was closed I had to take a detour that doubled my commute. I took this time to catch up on podcasts and books. Sometimes, I would find myself adding a little extra time to drive to finish a chapter. Which is a big deal for me because I HATE DRIVING! I realized that my time in the car heading home from work was all the time I had between the demands of work and whatever was waiting for me when I walked into my home in the evening.
I enjoy using Audible. I’ve been actively using it for the last 3.5 years or so.
Here are three of my favorites listens:
Becoming by Michelle Obama: I felt so inspired while listening to this to book and also eager to know what would happen next. Forever First Lady Michelle Obama’s story was surprisingly relatable. Listening to her recount her days of rushed birthday party shopping and enjoying Chipotle in her parked car during her lunch break was enough to make me lean in and embrace the season of busyness that I’m struggling through. “…and this too shall pass.” I also enjoyed hearing her perspective on transitioning into the White House and how she made such a high-profile responsibility work for her and her family. I also recommend listening to her husband’s book - A Promised Land. It was long but soooooo worth the time spent.
The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner: I have been fascinated with time management for years. Most of the books that I have found have been written by men. I’ll leave that there. It was refreshing to not only find a practical book written by a woman, but she’s also actively living the life she’s writing about. She has young kids, a day job, a flourishing passion project (I hate saying side hustle) and she’s also married.
Key takeaways: Life does not have to be perfect. Let go of perfection - let it go! Embrace functionality and STOP comparing yourself to others.You are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly: I actually listened to this book twice. It was so motivational. While I was listening to this book I was also making some decisions about stepping into a leadership role. I would get excited about the position and then talk myself down almost as quickly. It was a daily roller coaster of “Yes, I can do this!” inclines and hold on for your life “I can’t do this! Pick someone else” declines. This book certainly offers perspective and encouragement for quieting your nerves and really finding God in the midst of self-doubt.
Take a listen. If you like these please comment below and share your thoughts on what you’ve read. I have many more books to share.
