I ended last year with some very specific goals for myself in 2015. One of those goals was to read more. Instead of waiting until the end of the year to make one gigantic list, I am going to post a monthly book report of what I’ve been reading. And instead of just listing the titles, I wanted to give my two cents while the books were still fresh on my mind.

Master Your Metabolism (Michaels)

I had requested Trim Healthy Mama from our library’s ILL but since it was unavailable, this popped up instead. It is an intriguing read and really gave me the science behind why, despite restricting calories and exercising very hard, I’m not seeing the scale move very much. It all makes sense, this connection between hormones, stress, the kinds of foods I’m eating and metabolism. The main part of the book focuses on removing anti-nutrients (fake food) from our diets, restoring our bodies with the healthy nutrients they need for optimal health and rebalancing our metabolism the way it was meant to function.

Tribes (Godin)

This book is a short and quick read. It was also my first introduction to Seth Godin. This book was full of snippets of wisdom. A great read for leaders in any realm. I especially needed some of the encouragement the book offered in terms of having a dream and working toward it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has influence in a group setting; teachers, pastors, bloggers…anyone with any type of platform would benefit from reading Godin’s work. I will look for more of his titles in the future.

Porch Lights (Frank)

I don’t know how I missed this book of Frank’s, but I happened to scan the large print shelf at the library and it stood out. I have read every other book Frank has written and love, love, love her. Her novels are all set on various islands/beaches of Charleston, SC. Somewhat predictable, this plot line (like all of her others) has a sweet mix of literary and historical allusions, great characters and the most perfect setting in the world. I loved this book that dealt with a character who had recent military service. Frank has become one of my favorite southern fiction writers in the past five years. Kathryn Stockett, Micahel Lee West, Fannie Flagg and Frank are all great, beloved story tellers.

Desperate (Clarkson and Mae)

The full title of this book is Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe. I heard about it when it came out, but as usual, I’m late to the game. While I do feel grateful that I have moved out of a “need to breathe” season of motherhood, I have memories of those years and so relate to the topic. What I adored about this book is the set up. Each chapter begins with a series of letters exchanged between Sarah Mae (a young, desperate mama) and Sally Clarkson (a seasoned, wise mother). Sarah basically presents issues like sleeplessness, a messy house, disobedient kids, and so on and Sally addresses the topic with her wisdom and presents kind of a “how to” from a perspective of someone who has grown kids and proof of their (and her) survival. I love reading about mentoring relationships and have grown to value the importance and wisdom of women who are further ahead on the road I’m walking. I’ve read Clarkson’s other books The Mission of Motherhood , The Ministry of Motherhood and this year, Educating the Whole Hearted Child.

For a complete listing of the books I’ve read in 2015 please click here. Feel free to also browse on the Things to Read tab at the top of my blog to see 2014 and 2013 too.