Earlier in the year, I posted some articles and blogs that I’d been reading, but I realized that even though I’ve spent a lot of this year with my nose in books, I haven’t shared them. Shame on me! Twenty sixteen will probably go down in history as the most books I’ve ever read in a year — I’m at 32 and I’ve got several on my nightstand right now. I’ve read some VERY GOOD books this year and I’m excited to share them. If you have book suggestions, I’ve LOVE to hear them!

Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: I don’t read fiction frequently, but when I do, and it’s good, I can’t shut up about it (case in point: all of my roommates and a lot of close friends have now read Me Before You). Americanah was one of those books. It told a deeply moving story of the African experience on America. The language was near perfect, especially on such a complex issue such as race. It’s had me rushing out to buy the author’s other books. She’s a brilliant storyteller!

The Real Thing: Lessons on Love from a Wedding Reporter’s Notebook, by Ellen McCarthy: Written by the Washington Post’s wedding writer, this book is the perfect beach read or book for a girls’ weekend. It’s a great blend of light-hearted and deep. I took a chance when ordering this book at the beginning of the year, and I definitely don’t regret it.

Bread & Wine, by Shauna Niequist: Shauna Niequist is my favorite writer. There are only a couple other authors that even come close, and I read A LOT. Bread & Wine is the kind of book you want to cozy up with, light a yummy smelling candle, and make a cup of tea. You may also find yourself wanting to make some of the recipes that she includes in the book.

The Residence, by Kate Andersen Brower : I’ll admit that this one isn’t for everyone. The book shares real-life stories of the First Families who have lived in the White House since the Kennedys. I loved reading about behind the scenes stories of life in the White House.

UnChristian, by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons: I was late to the game with this book and this research. So late that more than five years later, the authors have already written another book. Don’t worry, it’s on my summer reading list. It’s a data heavy nonfiction book worth reading for all Christians. David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons put data and words to a lot of the millennial Christian experience. It’s fantastic!

Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster: This book was borrowed from my sister’s bookshelf and it was a surprise. I’ve heard good things over the past couple years, but I didn’t know if it could live up to the hype. I was wrong. It was a perfectly executed book on the importance of spiritual disciplines in living the Christian life. It challenged the way I experience God, and how I think the Christian life should be lived.

Good Faith, by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons: This summer on my Friendcation, we read Good Faith as a group. It was one of the best decisions we made in the month leading up to our trip. It gave us common group and similar language to use as we talked about what it looks like for us to be Christians in a changing culture. Good Faith may be the most important book I read this year.

Present Over Perfect, by Shauna Niequist: Shauna Niequist’s newly released book is one of her best! The message that she shares about slowing down, healing from the inside out, and focusing on living as one who is loved, is one that each person needs. While her words are applicable to everyone, her words are imperative for any one who feels like their life is living them, and not them living their life.