Good Reads & Views

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown 

What it’s about: This book contains so much insight about understanding various behaviors and thought patterns that hold us back in life. While it is clear, as with all books by this author, that she is an experienced and highly skilled researcher, her gift for story telling radiates through even stronger. She authentically connects with the reader by disclosing her own “imperfections” and life experiences.

Why you might like it: If you have ever struggled with "should-ing" yourself, this book can be a spiritual awakening that will help you get past whatever you “should” yourself for.

You might also like: Rising Strong by Brene Brown. 

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Daring Greatly by Brene Brown 
Nonfiction

What it’s about: This book unearths our deepest feelings and motives. As social beings, it is deeply rooted for us to seek acceptance. As a result, our fear of rejection impels us to behave in ways we’re not always proud of, creating a cycle of shame and self-doubt. This book explains all of that and how to break that cycle.

Why you might like it: The agonizing nature of feeling vulnerable and exposed is something everyone struggles with. Brené does a superb job of including stories from her life, her research, and then bringing it all together with results you can clearly understand, relate to, and implement into your life.  

You might also like: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. 

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Haunted by James Patterson
Fiction

What is it? James Patterson came thru again with a splendid story of love, family and crime. Set in small town Maine, but concludes in small town USA, the shattering drug culture is claiming the promising youth. This book tells a story that may hit close to home.

Is it for you? The authors wrote this book with such talent that I felt the magnitude of Bennett's emotions along with him. If you are looking for books that you can't put down, this book and the entire series will keep you entertained and busy. Also, don't miss Alex Cross and The Women’s Murder Club series too.

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The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Fiction

What is it? The idea that "No one knows what goes on behind closed doors" is played out in this story. As secrets continue to be revealed, you quickly realize how fragile life can be and how badly we want to preserve our “image." This is a non-stop book of excitement, gasps, and heartache. 

Is it for you? This is the first book I’ve read written by Harlan Coben. I love this book and now can’t wait to read another one by him! If you’d like to read a suspenseful thriller that might make you think about your answer to the question, “How far would you go to protect your family?” then you’ll want to read this book!

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Boundaries for Leaders by Henry Cloud
Nonfiction

What is it? Henry Cloud uses a great mixture of neuroscience, years of first-hand experiences, and tangible steps to guide leaders into lasting strategies for success. Readers will be primed to lead their business, their teams, and themselves in a way that will energize and strengthen them, not deplete them.

Is it for you? Also addressed in this book are the deep-seated issues of why and how people deal with their decision-making process. Every one of us have filters that we sort out information through. If we process through our past hurts and failures, we will make faulty decisions. This book encourages us to keep the big picture in focus while dealing with ourselves and others.

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Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
Nonfiction

What is it? This book really uncovered the importance of asking the right questions at the right time. Questions are not only key to learning and furthering your personal growth as a leader and as an individual, but they also facilitate building relationships and establishing trust.

Key insight: When you ask questions and truly listen, it can be a very remarkable experience. As a leader you must genuinely listen to your people and be there for them. John C. Maxwell emphasizes this, and he is right. A leader is a servant. When you listen, you emanate love for that individual. They will feel that and trust you which is humbling and a wonderfully delightful feeling.

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The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John Maxwell
Nonfiction

What is it? Another great work from Dr. John C. Maxwell! This is one of the best books on leadership I have read. It offers specific examples and motivational thoughts on what it takes to live the life of a leader.

Is it for you? This is a fantastic book for anyone motivated to learn how to lead others. This book is best read slowly, taking in each quality while examining yourself.

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Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend
Nonfiction

What is it? People who have been victims of any kind of abuse, are commonly the individuals who struggle most with boundaries. Life experience has subconsciously schooled them that inappropriate line crossing is a part of daily life and almost every relationship. Often it can be a painful lesson to UN-learn. This book is a tool to help people with boundary struggles learn where the line is, how not to cross it, and how to defend it.

Is it for you? This is an excellent book for those looking to understand the reasons behind deep emotional stumbling blocks. It explains that while accepting unfortunate experiences that may have happened to you and were not necessarily your fault, it’s your responsibility now to do the work to heal and forgive in order to step into your greatness.

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The Song of a Wounded Heart by Lora Jones
Nonfiction

What is it? This is an inspiring and gut-wrenching true story of a very dear person in my life. It’s a testimony of how God loved and cared for her after losing her husband and two children in a weather-related car accident, leaving her the only survivor.

Personal Note About the Book: Reading Lora’s story raised my spirits in my own healing journey as it was clear to see that all her encounters with God involved healing and redemption.

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Deception Point by Dan Brown
Fiction

What is it? I listened to the audio version of this book. The book was gripping and difficult to pause. There were SO MANY twists and turns in the plot until it was impossible to distinguish who could be trusted. At the end, Brown wraps everything up in a well-ordered, satisfying way.

Is it for you? If you enjoy a thrilling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end, you need to read this book! Even though there are many different characters, Brown does a brilliant job of making sure we know each one and eventually their surprising motives.

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