What I'm Reading - And Want You to Read Too! (Giveaway time!)

Hey guys! You get two posts in one day. LUCKY YOU.

I am a voracious reader; I always have been. When I was younger our town library was only about 7-8 blocks from our house and I would walk back and forth, and back and forth on those sidewalks multiple times a week. I remember walking down the street with my arms overloaded with books, all genres. Mystery, fiction, non-fiction, historical works, etc.

I then parlayed that love into a degree in English literature, where for the last two semesters of college I basically just read and wrote papers. A DREAM. (No, that is not sarcasm. I love to write a paper. I would write a multi-thousand word essay over taking a 10 minute multiple choice test, all day long.)

I am always reading more than one book at a time. Anyone else? Right now, on my Kindle, I am in the midst of five books. Yes, five.

So today's post about what I am reading will be a bit different. I am going to make recommendations to you, and also we're going do a giveaway for the books! YAY! To enter, please share this blog post with your people. You can text it, email the link, share it on Facebook, on Twitter, on SnapChat...whatever floats your boat. You will get one entry to each person you share it with. I will be able to see the Shares on Facebook, but I can't on your other platforms or with email or your texting, so that will be on the honor system.  Just email me with how many people you sent the link to and I'll get you entered! (katie@mouseworldtravel.com) Giveaway ends on Tuesday, September 20th at Noon Eastern. (You can choose whatever book of the three you would like to read, if you are chosen. I will pick THREE winners.)

OK on with the show, as they say.

* Love Warrior - Glennon Doyle Melton

You guys. YOU GUYS. I have loved Glennon for years and have been reading her Momastery blog and following her on social media for a long time. She's a great lady and a wonderful writer, and her new book about her struggles with addiction and in her marriage will break you wide open. But in the best way possible.

I am also listening to the book on Audible and I love hearing her voice, telling her story.

Oh, and the book was chosen as a must-read by someone kinda famous. Maybe you've heard of her? Oprah.

Her other book, Carry on Warrior, is also worth your time and a read.

She deals with hard stuff; this is not a light and fluffy book. But as Glennon says, life is Brutiful (brutal and beautiful). This book is both.

You can buy it on Amazon - the link is HERE.

* It's Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn't Choose - Melanie Dale

Melanie has a distinct writing voice; she is both poignant and serious, while also being funny and goofy and silly. Her love language is movie quotes and fart jokes. She is a gem.

I was introduced to Melanie's books by listening to the Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast, and was drawn to her candor and way of storytelling. In her latest book, It's Not Fair, she talks candidly about her struggles and her journey through those.

It is based in faith but does not come off at all preachy or "this is how you fix it." She gives her experience, some practical ideas and tips, and clothes it all in a unique combination of intense and light.

Melanie also has a podcast, Lighten Up with Melanie Dale, that is also worth a listen.

To buy It's Not Fair, go HERE.

* Modern Romance - Aziz Ansari

OK so I have a confession. I have not actually read this book yet.

BUT I have heard Aziz do many interviews and podcasts on the book, and I've read the bit you get for free on Amazon, and I'm super intrigued so I am 97.8% sure I will love it. It's on my Kindle as we speak.

Aziz Ansari is a comedian and writer, and you probably know him best for his role as Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation. (Who else loved that show?!)

Aziz talks about how, as a comedian, he could have pretty much written any book. Most comedians write books that are essentially their comedy routines, and so while funny are predictable and not very interesting.

But after thinking about the topic of dating (and especially dating in our modern world), he was inspired to dig deeper into the topic. He talked to people of all ages and backgrounds, and worked with a NYU sociologist to really dive into what marriage and romance is now, juxtaposed with what it was 30, 40, 50 plus years ago.

I think this will be super interesting and a fun read. You can buy Modern Romance HERE.

So there you have it - three recommendations from me. Remember - if you want to be part of the giveaway - the instructions are above.

Have a great rest of your day!