Was anyone else a little let down by Truly Madly Guilty? I know there are a handful of other LianneFans out there. I struggled to connect with the characters and the storyline was just so sad. I felt like I kept waiting for that ahhh yessss Moriarty-moment when she ties it all together and you're so glad you made it to the end. But it never came for me. Anyone else out there with me?

Anyway. 

I finally finished Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, which I started in September (yipes). We aren't having a home birth, but I still highly recommend it if you are interested in a natural childbirth and want to know more about your body during the labor process. I learned so much and feel like I'll be able to better advocate for myself in the hospital setting better now.

I also finished Wonder by R.J. Palacio and could not have loved it more. It's sweet, kind, heartbreaking and beautiful. It's a book everyone should read - it will teach you more about how we judge one another, compassion and a perspective that is hard to understand without living it. I can't wait to watch the movie and am adding Auggie & Me to my spring reading list. 

Right now, I'm reading The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner, which is about a child growing up in a polygamist family. I am only a few chapters in, but can't put it down. I heard Wariner's story on Jen Hatmaker's podcast (episode 5) and immediately purchased the book. 

A few other books on my spring reading list are: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown and Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet by Sara Hagerty. I'd love fiction recommendations, too! 

Also, just because they would look pretty on a bookshelf, I am itching to buy Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed and How to Split Wood, Shuck an Oyster, and Master Other Simple Pleasures. You can't judge a book by its cover, but you can select it for your bookshelf based on the cover, know what I mean jellybeans?

Happy Monday!