Blog

One of my all-time favorite books is on sale today for only .99!

A lexicographer is a person who compiles dictionaries. That profession would be high on my list if I were not a writer. The Great Passage is a book about putting together a dictionary–and so much more.

The following books are my personal favorites, chosen from those I’ve read during 2018. Not all debuted in 2018. In fact, the majority are older, some by several years, but still wonderful books.

Did you enjoy a favorite book this past year that you think I should have included? Mention it in the comments!

KEY:

  5 STAR TOP 3  Blue

     5 STAR     Pink

      4 STAR Yellow

The Edward trilogy above is about an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome (or in more recent vernacular, who is neuroatypical or neurodivergent). Edward’s hyperfocus on areas of interest, inability to release perceived wrongs, and other characteristics described in the book closely parallel my experience with a neuroatypical individual. 5 STARS for this series which shows Edward’s growth as a person.

Scott Bolzan is a retired pro football player, businessman, and airplane pilot and he suddenly has no memories – at all – after falling and hitting his head. 5 STARS

You’ll find this story of Pocahontas more realistic than the Disney version. I recommend the audiobook. The narrator has taken care to correctly pronounce the many Native American place names still used in Virginia today.  5 STARS

David Eden injudiciously travels to a dangerous part of the world but defies his low odds of survival, first by hiding who he is (Jewish), then by forming caring relationships with peoples of all faiths before they learn the truth of his identity. 5 STARS for this non-fiction story.

Charles Martin’s The Mountain Between Us is my third Top 3 Favorite Book for 2018. 5 STARS

Scary, Inspiring, Engrossing. Not unlike The Glass Castle. 5 STARS

Sometimes growing up is hell, but life gets better in adulthood.  5 STARS for Sam Hell.

Malcolm Gladwell takes a unique look at what allows us to succeed. 5 STARS  

Trevor Noah’s existance is the product of the union between a white man and a black woman, a crime where he was  born. 4 STARS

Based on the corrupt TN adoption program run by Georgia Tann, this fictional story looks at one family torn apart and reunited decades later.  4 STARS

A physician takes a look at preparing for the practical aspects of aging and the loss of autonomy. 5 STARS

Part social science, part environmental observations, part true thrilling drama, this book would easily earn 5 STARS, even if I hadn’t visited Tangier Island a couple times myself.

Francine Rivers is an inspirational writer who blends just the right amount of page-turning story with Gospel truth, resulting in her characters’ transformation, modeling the same way faith can change her readers’ lives. 5 STARS

Reading Mark Batterson’s book is like taking a faith infusion!  5 STARS

This is a profoundly sad but acutely relevant human rights book. (Remember Otto Warmbier?) One of my top 3 books for 2018. 5 STARS

This was a fun book because I live within a couple hours of the storied Greenbrier Hotel and it was entertaining to imagine a little girl meeting all her famous guests. 5 STARS

Yes, bestselling author James Patterson also writes kids books! 5 STARS

If you are looking for a wholesome series with a little romance, the Green series is good. 4 STARS

Dr. E. V. Estacio’s third book is another winner! 5 STARS

A Gentleman in Moscow will be in my top 3 for 2018: 5 STARS

The Beauty of the But: 5 STAR Devotion

The geek in me LOVES this pair of books of Latin words and phrases appropiate for adding flavor to today’s writing. 5 STARS for each of them!

It doesn’t have to be hard to live as a Christian. Just say yes. 5 STARS

One year of Reader’s Digest  just $8; regularly $39.90!

All my local friends – here’s a fun and timely event you don’t want to miss!

LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR
Saturday, December 1
1:00 to 4:00 PM
Roanoke County Public Library
6303 Merriman Road
Roanoke, VA 24018

You’ll be able to buy books and meet the authors. Have the book signed. Find that special gift you are looking for!

See you there!

Until now, the Journal Prompts at the end of each devotion in the UP! Daily Devotion series come with the Prompts, but no place to write. Now there’s an UP! Companion Journal for each of the UP! Daily Devotionals. The 8×10″ size is easy to hold open while writing.

The Journals have all the same prompts you will find at the end of the devotions, but you’ll also get blank lined writing space for your journaling thoughts. The lines are subtle and unobtrusive if you prefer to express yourself through drawing or doodling. There’s even extra space for notes or prayers. (See a sample page below).

So go ahead and pick up the UP! Companion Journal when you get the devotional. You’ll be glad you did!

Get UP! Daily Devotional Book 3 while it’s FREE!