Nonfiction Books That Changed My Life

I enjoy reading all year round but the cooler evenings practically beg me to find a book and a hot drink and settle in. In reality though, I rarely read before the girls are in bed because they think cooler evenings are the perfect time to take the dog for a walk or to fly into the sunset on their swings. And they are right. I'll read in the evening when I'm old and gray. Right now, I'm rather occupied playing eye spy with a toddler who "spies a nice smell." It's a riot!

But perhaps you are someone who has a quiet, free evening ahead of you. Might I recommend a few nonfiction books to add to your stack?

Beautiful Boy

by David Sheff

This memoir gave me words that I couldn't find on my own. David writes so honestly and so tenderly about loving his son through addiction. It will break your heart, open your eyes, and change the way you view addiction. I want to press this book into the hands of every spouse, child, parent, or friend who has watched addiction destroy someone they love.

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids

by Linda Åkeson McGurk

Linda was born and raised in Sweden but found herself starting her own family in Indiana. She was shocked by how differently the two cultures approached parenting, particularly spending time in nature. When she needed to go back to Sweden to care for family, she took her girls with her and watched them blossom in her native culture. I've always known that being outside is good for children, but this book just fueled my fire to raise children who aren't afraid of dirt and whose imaginations can transform a tree into a castle tower.

The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done 

by Kendra Adachi

Kendra's podcast, The Lazy Genius, is one that I rarely skip. She is practical and funny and I was so excited when I heard she was writing a book. This book is unlike any other self help book I've read. Rather than giving you a formula to plug into your life, she gives you thirteen principles that you can apply to any situation. She recognizes that each of us live different lives, have different needs, and face different struggles. One size rarely fits all. Her words exude grace while also offering different ways to think about everything from laundry to rest. The principles that I come back to over and over are, live in your season, ask the magic question (What can I do now to make life easier later?), and name what matters. 

Happy reading, friends!

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