Six years ago when I first started blogging, I used to share favorite reads every now and again. When SYL evolved into mostly DIYs and home design I got away from my book list, but lately as I’ve been working on restyling our bookcases and looking through all my dearest books, I thought an occasional book-chat would be a fun feature to bring back here for those of you who love to hear what others have enjoyed too. I’m thinking once a month or so I’ll share books I’ve truly ADORED, and would love for you to share your faves here too! I’ll add a favorite books link to my sidebar in the near future.
Here are a few I pulled off my shelves to share with you because they have been unforgettable to me.
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I first heard about Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle on Flowerpatch Farmgirl and after buying it and devouring it, discovered that it’s on my son’s high school reading list. It’s a gritty but beautiful collection of stories of a Jesuit priest (Father Boyle) who started a program to help LA gang members find other lifestyle options by giving them employment, tattoo removal, legal services, and support.
The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou contains the six books Maya Angelou wrote about her storied life, from being poorer than poor as a little girl in Missouri and Arkansas, to one of the most well known writers and poets in the latter part of the 20th century.
Girl In Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland tracks a painting through it’s many owners over the years. Historical fiction, a classic beauty. My paperback copy is dog-eared from loaning it to everyone I know.
Abundance, A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund is another great, although hefty, read for those of you who love historical fiction (this novel definitely leans more towards fictional than biographical). If you enjoyed the popular Ahab’s Wife by Naslund you will like this journal-like account of the opulent life of Marie Antoinette. Definitely NOT a quick read!
Rare Bird by Anna Whiston-Donaldson of the blog An Inch Of Grey. I had this book for a good year before I read it because I knew it was going to be heart-wrenching and I didn’t know if I was up for it, but once I dived into it I couldn’t put it down. I cried my eyes out on the plane to Florida, but it has such a beautiful message of hope and love after loss, and I am so glad I read it.
Belong To Me and Loved Walked In by Marisa de los Santos share the same cast of characters, to whom it’s difficult not to get attached. Easy reads that you will be sad to come to the end of. Highly recommended for spring break or summer beach reading!
I hope you enjoyed this departure from all things house and home and will share with the rest of us your favorites books of all time. I would love to hear about them!
If you celebrate Easter, I wish you a joyful weekend ahead! We are looking forward to seeing lots of family, including this sweet little Boxer baby!! 
Happy Easter lovelies! XO
cassie @ primitive & proper says
oh that puppy! and i haven’t read any of these!!! i really want to read rare bird, but i also know it will rip me apart so i need to be ready. i did read the book by Jackie Hance and as much as it tore me up, it was so worth the read.
Joan Barrette says
Quite a while ago, you listed a site for fonts with another post about you “distination sign”. Would you please resend that information. I remember there was some examples of letters of the alphabet from different sites.
Thanks so much and have a blessed Easter!
Joan
Lisa says
Hi Joan, the link to the destinations sign with the fonts I used is in my sidebar, and I also emailed it to you! All the fonts I used were free, my fave kind! 🙂
Laura @ The Tiny House Farm says
Oh what a lovely collection! I long for the days when I sit and just have time to read for hours at a time! Summers are good for this in our house. I think I would start with Girl In Hyacinth Blue. I hope you have a joy-filled Easter!
Vel says
I have to check these all out!adding them to my list! Thanks Lisa!!!