Read These Books!

Hello and thanks for stopping by Leap of Faith! I'd like to offer you a few book recommendations. Catalin bought me a few books for our anniversary that I've been wanting to read, and I've really been enjoying them.

First is EAT, PRAY, LOVE: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. Phenomenal nonfiction book! Gilbert's writing is witty, hilarious, and poignant. She's a flawed but loveable narrator. Anne Lamott calls this "A wonderful book, brilliant and personal, rich in spiritual insight." After experiencing a hearbreaking divorce (initiated by herself) and crushing depression, Gilbert decides to travel the world for a year, in search of what she's been missing. She decides to explore pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and "transcendent enjoyment" in Bali. If you like authors like Susan Orlean, Frances Mayes and Frank McCourt, you'll love this book.

Next is THE GEOGRAPHY OF BLISS: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World. This is another fantastic travel book, written by Eric Weiner, a journalist and correspondent for NPR. He is a self-described pessimist and "grump" who decides to search the world for happiness. He seeks out those countries and people who are the most happy. He interviews researchers who specialize in studying happiness and what contributes to it. Is it money? Peace? Career? Fame? Success? Climate? Accomplishment? Relationships? Family? This is a fun-to-read, thought-provoking book! Weiner's dry humor is one of the best parts. Only I haven't been able to finish this book because my husband absolutely loves it and can't put it down. :)

I also want to recommend a book that I keep hearing about but haven't had the chance to read yet! But so many respected friends are telling me, "You HAVE to read this book!" So I trust them. It's THE SHACK by William P. Young. Read it and let me know what you think! Enjoy!