So many books, so little time.

– Frank Zappa

How often do you read? I read nightly once I’m in bed. Do you read hardback books, paper books, or do prefer digital editions. The very first Kindle was released in 2007, and it was pricey. And then you had to pay for the books on top of that. I never thought I would switch to an e-book for reading, but I have, and I won’t go back. A couple of weeks ago, we were in San Diego for a conference, and I left my Kindle at the hotel. Two whole weeks I was without and had to read using my iPad, and I didn’t like it. Anyway, here are five books I’ve read recently that are worth reading.

The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown. Technically not a book and I listened to it on my commute, but this book has had a tremendous impact on my life. Wow, just wow. Dr. Brown is a shame researcher (who even knew that was a thing), and the message in the book is so profound that it has left a lasting impression on me. If you have ever suffered from self-doubt, I highly recommend this book. Bonus book would be Daring Greatly by the same, and the message is similar but reinforces the lessons in The Power of Vulnerability.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The imagery in this book transported me to the south. What a fantastic summer read. Ms. Owens is a gifted writer. I loved this book.

Ken Follett is one of my all-time favorite authors and Pillars of the Earth, then World Without End are two of my most favorite books of all-time. If you haven’t read these books, please do. They are both quite hefty tomes but absolutely worth a read. I’ve reread Pillars of the Earth and found that I had missed so much of the story, so if you have read them and enjoyed reread them and I think you will fall in love with them over again.

My mom gave me Snow Flower, and the Secret Fan by Lisa See many years ago for Christmas. Ms. See became a favorite writer of mine, and I have enjoyed many of her books. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a novel that tells a story about two life-long friends who communicate by writing secret notes on a fan that travels back and forth between them. The story tells of their lives and trials they had. One of the most remarkable stories is about the binding of the feet. It is hard to fathom why this practice ever began. If you’ve never read a Lisa See novel, I highly recommend you do.

Finally, Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. Do you ever start reading about one specific period then linger there for ages? I have, and WWII books were it for a very long time. Beneath a Scarlet Sky is set in Italy and is about an Italian boy, who helps to save many people from the Nazis as they took Italy. This story is based on facts from Pino Lella’s life and what an incredible life it was.

What are you reading?