7 Books That Make You Want to Live

I love to read. From the time I was a child, I remember spending time in the library filled with anticipation of checking my book out, curling in bed, and reading. From now until forever I will be a life long learner. When I read a book and dive into a story, I find that I am learning a little something new about the world and even myself. There are so many books that make you want to live. And living is just what I plan to do.

September 6 is National Read a Book Day. I am going to list for you some of my favorite books. May you be encouraged to grab one or two of the following.

7 Books That Make You Want to Live

Becoming by Michelle Obama

This book has been talked about, toured around, and in the front of every book store since it came out in 2018. Rightfully so because to read this book is to examine someone being so bare and so human that you can’t help but to reflect. Reflect on life, love, and the pursuit to just be who you were born to be.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

I must say that I cannot remember where I came across the book. It changed my thinking and isn’t that what you want from a book. To view life through someone else’s lens in order to tweak your own for the better. Same Kind of Different as Me brings two very different people together and is a gentle reminder that we aren’t as different as we may think we are.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Okay, now. This book made me look at the institution of marriage, relationships, friendships, (all the ships), in a completely different light. We often structure our days based around the needs of others so much that our actual needs get buried so deep we begin to think that their needs are ours. This brings you to today’s times of racial injustices and how it truly affects relationships. Even a bit further, how not honoring our true selves takes us further from where we are meant and sometimes doesn’t bring us back.

throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

Don’t look at me weird. One day I told my oldest that he needed to pick up a book and read. I went searching for good books for Young Adults and came across this one. It was rather long, so I thought it would be perfect. Once he finished reading it, he said, “mom, you should read this book.” Honestly, I just wanted him to read. So, I read it as I try not to be all “do as I say, not as I do.” Throne of Glass was so captivating. The series and the characters is a whole mood. If you are up for some fantasy fiction, this book series will NOT disappoint.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

When I read this book, I cried. As an African American woman, I realized that I lived a life in fear. Not like the boogeyman was coming to get me, or maybe that’s just it. I came to the realization of the fear I held onto as my husband and I raise our children. It can be scary, but there is always a glimmer of hope on how to overcome.

Ta-nehisi Coates nailed it again.

Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

Fervent was recommended to me by a really good friend. I found it to be a soft reminder that I am not forgotten in my journey, but I still have work to do. This is a book that makes you want to live. It makes you want to do right and fight the good fight with the right tools.

The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey

I remember Oprah Winfrey coming on television at four in the afternoon. I would just be arriving home from school, and she would just be arriving on the TV. Oprah Winfrey has always fascinated me for many reasons. The Path Made Clear dives into her many conversations over the years and captures the most profound “AHA” moments as she likes to call them. I am on the constant search for the “AHA.” It is what gets me from point A to point B.

What is one of your favorite books that make you want to live?