READS: ANNE LAMOTT

One of my favorite books is Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. I responded with his honesty, his humor, and his thoughts on the beautiful complexities of faith. The book holds a special place in my heart; the jury is still out on the movie.

He mentions his love for Lamott in the book, talks about running his fingers through her dreads. And that was the first time I heard about this wonderful author. My personal challenge for 2013 was to read more non-fiction than fiction during the year. I can't get rid of my love for a good story, and Annie helped me keep my resolution and also provided me with the joy of her own story. It's honest, raw, hilarious, sad, and probably not a common read for most Southern Christians. Regardless of whether or not you agree with her theology, I think everyone can benefit from her honesty about living a spiritual life centered on the truths of the gospel, alongside the occasional swear word.

Thanks, Anne. I needed you this month.

READS: REREADING BOOKS

This year seems to be the year of rereads. Strangely enough, I remember worrying about the fact that I haven't been rereading some of my so-called favorites lately only a few months ago.

Now, I'm a rereading junkie.

While I was in college, I would reread some of my favorites to help remind me why I love reading. To help remind me why I chose to devote four years of my life to studying English. To help remind me of the times where I would rather lay on my bed, not bothering to shower or interact with the outside world, while devouring page after page of a novel. 

Those times are sometimes rare for me and highly valued.

This year, I've reread two of my favorite novels: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Also, I picked up a collection of Flannery O'Connor's stories that I had read in my American Literature courses.

Then on September 1st, I'm going back to Hogwarts. I've never read the Harry Potter series consecutively. I read the first four in 8th grade then would reread the novels while waiting for the next book. 

Also, I have a few art books that I've been flipping through and will be sharing later on.

What are some of your favorite rereads? Or reads?