With Boys in Tow

With everything going on in the world right now, I’ve been feeling drawn to books more and more each day. It’s such a nice break to get away from the noise of technology and the day to day. Do you feel the same? I’ve compiled a list here of my favorite books I read last year, divided into different interests. I hope you find something that catches your interest!

For the person who wants to be inspired by the strength of the human spirit:

Nightingale-my favorite novel by Kristin Hannah, this pick is an incredible WWII historical fiction that shows the strength of the human spirit in the best way I can imagine.

A Lion and a Lamb-an inspiring book about a couple who served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmyra in the early 1900’s. They overcame so much and witnessed some incredible miracles.

Just Mercy-Bryan Stevenson has been coined as “America’s Mandela.” This book is all about his story, and the different law cases he has worked on, focused on helping unrepresented people on death row in the South.

Becoming-the memoir by Michelle Obama that I can’t say enough good things about. She is so inspiring and has such a beautiful perspective on life. I especially loved this one on audiobook, because she reads it herself.

For the Escapist:

Great Alone-this amazing novel by Kristin Hannah will transport you directly to Alaska, thrill you, amaze you, and shock you, all in the best ways.

At Home in the World-the story of a family that travels the globe for a year to find meaning in the word home. This was such a delight to read, but *warning* may leave you with some wanderlust.

Where the Crawdads Sing -here you’ll be taken to the swamps of North Carolina and find out what life is like living on the river. This novel was written so beautifully and has some exciting and heartbreaking twists and turns.

For the person who wants to use quarantine as a way to get a jumpstart on their goals:

Atomic Habits-one of the best books on goals out there! Approved by my professional goal-setting father.

For the person who’s craving something light and/or heartwarming:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before-A light, fun, and sweet book about a teenage love story. The main character is so relatable and charming.

A Man Called Ove: A Novel– this book is quirky, sad at times, but absolutely heartwarming. It brings new perspective on community and taking care of those within our reach.

And finally…. For the person who needs some help getting off their phone (guilty!):

Digital Minimalism-this totally made me rethink the way I consume things in the digital world. I am of the opinion that we all need a healthy dose of digital minimalism right now with everything going on in the world.

Do you have any books you’d recommend right now? I’d love to hear.

Also, a note on getting books. Because most (if not all) of our libraries are shut down, using Amazon (their used book option is my favorite!), or thriftbooks.com are two of my go-to options. I also have been taking advantage of my overdrive account (through my library), they let you rent audiobooks for free with your library card.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s day with kids? I feel especially passionate about Valentines Day this year because it’s freezing outside, and I’m here for anything to break up the monotony of winter. Also, what’s better than love?! I’m excited to have an extra special reason to love on the kids and Nick. Here are a few last minute ideas, if you need any inspiration:

1. Decorate their doors (or their rooms!) with hearts telling them all of the things you love about them. We did this last year and the boys adored it. A couple of Jays this year are, “we love the way you help us with tidying up” and “we love your laugh.” Charlie’s included “You have the happiest, bright eyes” and “We love when you read books with us.”
2. Speaking of books, borrow some Valentine’s Day books from the library to read together. The books we got this year were Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool, and This Is Not a Valentine; it’s been fun to read it and feel festive together. This is a good time of year to read about anything and everything love related, some favorites of ours are Snuggle Puppy!, and Love You Forever.
3. Eat all things pink, red and heart shaped. One thing we have planned is having a snack-y charcuterie board for after school with strawberries, raspberries, red beet crackers, some red candies, and anything else red we can find in the pantry. Growing up my mom always got the heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s and we are going to carry on the tradition this year too.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and feel love from those around you! <3