The Reading List

February 23, 2023

Whether you are an avid reader and frequently referred to as the bookworm of the family, or you are the occasional reader who really has to be in “the mood”, a good read is always great to come by. For some of you, it’s your kindle you turn to, and for others you meander around your favorite book store searching for just the right novel to allow you to get lost in your imagination. Either way, nothing beats a good book recommendation.   
While we could never list all the books we have read and loved, our goal is to hopefully give you a list that you can at least use to start your book hunt. We have tried to categorize them so it is a little easier to work through the recommendations. If you happen to see a title and think you won’t need to read it because you have already seen the movie, think again. The books are always better than the movie, aren’t they? 
While there is no way we could ever list all of our favorite books, we hope that maybe you will find one or two on this list that you haven’t read. Curl up with a cup of coffee and your favorite blanket and enjoy! Or if you don’t have time now, save the list for your vacation and take a few with you! 

INSTRUCTIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL

The Grumpy Gardener

by Steve Bender

A silly collection of gardening and plant advice. 

The New Messies Manual

by Sandra Felton

The procrastinator's guide to good housekeeping. 

Start With Why

by Simon Sink

A "how to" to being an inspiring leader.

NON-FICTION

The Hiding Place

by Corrie Ten Boom

A woman surviving in World War II. 

Forgotten Fire

by Adam Bagdasarian

A true story of survival.  

fiction

FICTION

Redeeming Love

by Francine Rivers

An old story retold. 

Where the Crawdads Sing

by Delia Owens

Watch the movie AFTER. 

Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

A story of a family lost and found

The Noticer

by Andy Andrews

A quick but compelling read. 

Flowers in the Attic

by V.C. Andrews

A heart wrenching story of survival.  

YOUNGER READERS

Younger Readers

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

A classic that must be introduced. 

A Year Down Yonder

by Richard Peck 

Hilarious, and for the entire family. 

Hachet

by Gary Paulson

A survival story for the younger ones in the family.

Island of the Blue Dolphin

by Scott O'Dell

A moving story of a girls survival on an abandoned island.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Children's books

The Adventures of Lily Huckleberry

by Audrey Smit, Jackie Knapp

You've never read anything this fun! 

You Are Special

by Max Lucado

A great reminder for kids. 

A Hat for Ivan

by Max Lucado

A great book about life lessons.

Bedtime for Frances

by Russell Hoban

A classic relatable bedtime tale.

Storm is Coming

by Heather Tekavec

We still reference this book on stormy days. 

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, & the Big Hungry Bear

by Don Wood

A big, or little, adventure, you decide! 

Giggle, Giggle, Quack

by Doreen Cronin

A silly farm story that revolves around a duck.