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It’s back to school!For my youth group, not me, praise the Lord!And all those teachers. Bless their souls.But to show my support and fully embrace the season, here are 6 of my favorite books whose main characters are teachers, for all us adults our there. (And teens. There's quite a few young adult books listed here, but I read them all well after high school and still loved them!)<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Charmed-Melanie-Jacobson/dp/1524401013/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XH9PPR746G8L&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dFBNXNYgSEgTBn7jht2aNebh4Vh5GbmuBJhGD5gFra8diW4FkJzOIW0ZM2TYIqPsjVR9Wsv0Nx2nVNU9I18zJ0GLWPkmZIjerXw0WEsUCMk.3whAUQB4QYAAJPIM0ilLVhf6Ao0eT_D1MT1ST-kV2X0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=southern+charmed+melanie+jacobson&amp;qid=1724075471&amp;sprefix=southern+charmed%2Caps%2C251&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Charmed-Melanie-Jacobson/dp/1524401013/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XH9PPR746G8L&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dFBNXNYgSEgTBn7jht2aNebh4Vh5GbmuBJhGD5gFra8diW4FkJzOIW0ZM2TYIqPsjVR9Wsv0Nx2nVNU9I18zJ0GLWPkmZIjerXw0WEsUCMk.3whAUQB4QYAAJPIM0ilLVhf6Ao0eT_D1MT1ST-kV2X0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=southern+charmed+melanie+jacobson&amp;qid=1724075471&amp;sprefix=southern+charmed%2Caps%2C251&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1. Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson</a></h3>Travel down south to Baton Rouge, where Lila Mae Guidry starts her next year teaching high school. But Max Archer has made a surprise appearance. The most surprising thing? That he came back to the South when all he did was mock it the three years he lived there.Lila Mae is already chest-deep in helping one of her favorite students win a prestigious scholarship, one that would give her a chance to break out of the cycle of poverty. She doesn’t need an old nemesis distracting her at the same time. And she won’t even consider leaving Baton Rouge, so really, why start up with Max at all?Southern Charmed brings all the Southern hospitality, the fire of an enemies-to-lovers trope, and incredibly moving relationships between the characters, especially a teacher and her students.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/There-Youll-Find-Jenny-Jones-ebook/dp/B005JT8Q7Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=96QFK6BUDG11&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KjvtYID8G74XDnblZJEn81mVmWsS6-1BlP7uBNKrO_JTRVPJOrJCUbFqWgJh4aEm3Z_NMyuBhY3RZPwahVxi9kKrqi6tJzwtz__BuHuRib6sJ7CFG_u6GzvLE-l8_QpdJ0J4rCBGNCs5FgzdzCp_B6JLKhSyb7_qxIzKiVfzSp1xQJ3MmQ7BZrHVAahp60MpC77sum7LUuSrqeQliVW6xIInbOa2uqN4Z8qW4rWC1VA.ltqQLRaWdQm0-aLsGVC2LUrRPqdLBvzvbV4lctSN_KY&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=there+you%27ll+find+me&amp;qid=1724075583&amp;sprefix=subson%2Caps%2C3564&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/There-Youll-Find-Jenny-Jones-ebook/dp/B005JT8Q7Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=96QFK6BUDG11&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KjvtYID8G74XDnblZJEn81mVmWsS6-1BlP7uBNKrO_JTRVPJOrJCUbFqWgJh4aEm3Z_NMyuBhY3RZPwahVxi9kKrqi6tJzwtz__BuHuRib6sJ7CFG_u6GzvLE-l8_QpdJ0J4rCBGNCs5FgzdzCp_B6JLKhSyb7_qxIzKiVfzSp1xQJ3MmQ7BZrHVAahp60MpC77sum7LUuSrqeQliVW6xIInbOa2uqN4Z8qW4rWC1VA.ltqQLRaWdQm0-aLsGVC2LUrRPqdLBvzvbV4lctSN_KY&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=there+you%27ll+find+me&amp;qid=1724075583&amp;sprefix=subson%2Caps%2C3564&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2. There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones</a></h3>School doesn’t have to stay in one brick-and-mortar building, let’s go on a study abroad to Ireland!Die-hard fans might recognize this plot as the Amazon Prime movie Finding You. It’s similar (and in some cases better– there, I said it), but like most movies, it had to leave out some crucial elements.&nbsp;Finley is drowning in grief over her brother, so much so that she can’t pass her music conservatory interview. It’s like she’s got no life left in her. She feels like she’s lost any connection she had with her brother, and right along with that, her connection with God. Her brother always talked about how close God felt when he was doing a study abroad program in Ireland, so Finley decides to retrace his steps with his journal, his teachers, and his host family.And if Ireland couldn’t be dreamy enough, here enters a Hollywood heartthrob.Oh! All the butterflies and sighs a girl could want with this one! Don't be late for class.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/P-S-Like-You-Kasie-West-ebook/dp/B01AMFFS0E/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24RYIHG6MYMVE&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jcccTJWy_bpW0Ek1bbH0yRLTFQG9p0sVtQo-8OVMB611yQ0-2tuDDBCou9GBrVlpaQBhUocUVNHV9s32bFtLvUbPQkdnNRQoCFqDvhmmGn2m1ai2ux7iGc74sd9dyYNxxfIaBv9QsT89SPbg5vhgATvLPUNBOuAl2zjnKDsjC4gO2cgd1CXPq9HpFgme0xggqRsBsYtt_NtpS8o9CIoPhLVoYW0h85OZkfUZ8KROTqA.Vrl9MBt9HkbwxSxB5l0muDVu_JLzZCiLzTFZC6eYxz8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=ps+i+like+you+kasie+west&amp;qid=1724075637&amp;sprefix=ps+i+like+you%2Caps%2C493&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/P-S-Like-You-Kasie-West-ebook/dp/B01AMFFS0E/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24RYIHG6MYMVE&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jcccTJWy_bpW0Ek1bbH0yRLTFQG9p0sVtQo-8OVMB611yQ0-2tuDDBCou9GBrVlpaQBhUocUVNHV9s32bFtLvUbPQkdnNRQoCFqDvhmmGn2m1ai2ux7iGc74sd9dyYNxxfIaBv9QsT89SPbg5vhgATvLPUNBOuAl2zjnKDsjC4gO2cgd1CXPq9HpFgme0xggqRsBsYtt_NtpS8o9CIoPhLVoYW0h85OZkfUZ8KROTqA.Vrl9MBt9HkbwxSxB5l0muDVu_JLzZCiLzTFZC6eYxz8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=ps+i+like+you+kasie+west&amp;qid=1724075637&amp;sprefix=ps+i+like+you%2Caps%2C493&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West</a></h3>Any teen (and adult!) will love Kasie West’s books, and P.S. I Like You is my second favorite of this author. Real close to the first, but not quite.Maybe I love it because main character Lily keeps finding mysterious notes written on her desk in Chemistry class.&nbsp;I hated my chemistry class, desk notes would have been much more entertaining.But the other writer is none other than annoying Cade Jennings. He’s petty, he’s rich, he’s… you know. Probably cute.The romantic tension in this YA novel is better than 90% of the adult novels I’ve read. Mostly realistic, no annoyingly angsty teenagers, just normal people. My youth group girls love it!&nbsp;They’re also... probably secretly hoping something like it will happen to them.&nbsp;Shoot. Gotta get ready to play defense.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Love-Then-Gallagher-Girls-ebook/dp/B000S1LF5K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BRBE6QSUW4EV&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fJr59F11zjnaWbgDskO8UCMEc1Mn8yIOrckiGCfq4tLX3U_TCuAU0TZiI1xZfnNh1qp81ycdNRaTG6h4NtfXtK9s9kr34r7Ustricma7TkATLVPHrMT-IMhznUXSQUOjWib4iGU1IXL6hRVY6adCAhLC0Hz-FA8zUGGYi1rriCBZ5djdacNxcyNQ7tEEJGyQ.qx7NFxYD-hlOmoi0mXhBpNmt6Vhs_1P-g_bMQcicEzw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=i%27d+tell+you+i+love+you%2C+but+then+i%27d+have+to+kill+you&amp;qid=1724075706&amp;sprefix=i%27d+tell+you+i+lov%2Caps%2C466&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Love-Then-Gallagher-Girls-ebook/dp/B000S1LF5K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BRBE6QSUW4EV&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fJr59F11zjnaWbgDskO8UCMEc1Mn8yIOrckiGCfq4tLX3U_TCuAU0TZiI1xZfnNh1qp81ycdNRaTG6h4NtfXtK9s9kr34r7Ustricma7TkATLVPHrMT-IMhznUXSQUOjWib4iGU1IXL6hRVY6adCAhLC0Hz-FA8zUGGYi1rriCBZ5djdacNxcyNQ7tEEJGyQ.qx7NFxYD-hlOmoi0mXhBpNmt6Vhs_1P-g_bMQcicEzw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=i%27d+tell+you+i+love+you%2C+but+then+i%27d+have+to+kill+you&amp;qid=1724075706&amp;sprefix=i%27d+tell+you+i+lov%2Caps%2C466&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4. I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter</a></h3>What does one actually learn in a private, all-girls academy? How to use five forks at each meal? How to balance a book on your head while walking? French?Cammie Morgan can answer yes to all those questions– and so much more.Yes, she learned all about place settings, because you never know when you’ll need to infiltrate a state dinner. And she does have impeccable posture so she can blend in with all those dignitaries. And she knows French. And German. And 14 other languages.Gallagher Academy looks like a prep academy to everyone in town, but all the professors know they are actually training their girls to be elite spies. Cammie thought that made her pretty tough… but then she met a really cute boy in town.And to her horror, she realized no one ever taught her how to flirt.If you want to relive your school-crush days, and the very awkward teenage-dating era (you might still be in it, no judgment here) you’ll give this series an A+.Seriously. Make sure you have a couple weeks handy, you'll want to finish the series.&nbsp;<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Back-Class-Teacher-Romance-Thornback-ebook/dp/B0BMKP7WZB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35GD9KEMM8ZBG&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LtGC0nTtXH6ECikUZWvVHTvsvNA3sPIGc2uI0OYF65lwx5pE_YcQYIaeUP6gO3FE.U8uRujC_KEXF7qdzOG7MaEUkThgtijdzN2eIlys7RgQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=back+to+class+by+aspen+hadley&amp;qid=1724075785&amp;sprefix=back+to+class+by+%2Caps%2C308&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Back-Class-Teacher-Romance-Thornback-ebook/dp/B0BMKP7WZB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35GD9KEMM8ZBG&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LtGC0nTtXH6ECikUZWvVHTvsvNA3sPIGc2uI0OYF65lwx5pE_YcQYIaeUP6gO3FE.U8uRujC_KEXF7qdzOG7MaEUkThgtijdzN2eIlys7RgQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=back+to+class+by+aspen+hadley&amp;qid=1724075785&amp;sprefix=back+to+class+by+%2Caps%2C308&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5. Back to Class by Aspen Hadley</a></h3>Ahhh, workplace romances. They never get old and they never really end well.Especially when it’s between two teachers.Aryn Murphy is a wonderful teacher. Her technology doesn’t agree, and that’s the only reason the tech teacher, Wesley, is always in her classroom. You can’t teach when your projector is smoking, ya know? And could the rest of the world get a life? She doesn’t need more rumors flying around about who she’s possibly dating, and she definitely doesn’t need more creepy, macho men making passes at her!You know… maybe Wesley could be useful. They were pretty good friends in high school, maybe he’d be her fake boyfriend in public to fend off all the unwanteds?Back to Class is painfully realistic, especially in how we women can sometimes be so kindly cutting to the nice guy. You’ll wince at how Aryn and Wesley treat each other in the beginning, but when they get together?The projector won’t be the only thing smoking.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Front-Class-Tourette-Syndrome-Teacher/dp/0312571399/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CRUXSGJXNTAX&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.W2e4HbLOFD9uhF1Oa3DsNryzQGQ4lvB1sSAQMSYHM_A3ojxXkHKmXRfFApgV7-1H4i6mPnXSD1uyBKKbAGp-u2KIkZcKQp9kc6gFaQRM8RRusT18ageDXTi0XrUV9AR4bKm8wfhqhtAQqK-5pjc9BtD4jaOPwS0fZbdjXiJS7jvdHrxooRStJLsmhYq_BViutVFc7lD7q8GShHLHPTdwhqIPhm5p8ufD3yYrqpz0WqA.ZzkqXOvNIJTRjClFpn68P-SnHTYZsKlBHKSAFeTy2cQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=front+of+the+class&amp;qid=1724075840&amp;sprefix=front+of+the+clas%2Caps%2C792&amp;sr=8-2" href="https://www.amazon.com/Front-Class-Tourette-Syndrome-Teacher/dp/0312571399/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CRUXSGJXNTAX&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.W2e4HbLOFD9uhF1Oa3DsNryzQGQ4lvB1sSAQMSYHM_A3ojxXkHKmXRfFApgV7-1H4i6mPnXSD1uyBKKbAGp-u2KIkZcKQp9kc6gFaQRM8RRusT18ageDXTi0XrUV9AR4bKm8wfhqhtAQqK-5pjc9BtD4jaOPwS0fZbdjXiJS7jvdHrxooRStJLsmhYq_BViutVFc7lD7q8GShHLHPTdwhqIPhm5p8ufD3yYrqpz0WqA.ZzkqXOvNIJTRjClFpn68P-SnHTYZsKlBHKSAFeTy2cQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=front+of+the+class&amp;qid=1724075840&amp;sprefix=front+of+the+clas%2Caps%2C792&amp;sr=8-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6. Front of the Class by Brad Cohen</a></h3>Years before I realized Hallmark made movies based on real stories, I watched Front of the Class at my grandma’s house. Sitting on her quilt-layered bed, watching the Hallmark channel on her super-ritzy cable subscription, I learned about a man who, despite being unable to control some sounds and movements, wanted to be a teacher.Most educators told him his Tourette’s syndrome would be too distracting for the kids or even doubted he was competent enough to teach. And sometimes he believed that. But he kept going, strong like a teacher.Whether you read the book or only watch the movie, prepare to have your heart break and then be reassembled in Brad Cohen’s story. Class is starting, looks like it's time to send your kidos to school so you can have a few hours of library time. Happy Reading (and good luck with this years book reports!)Need more book recommendations? Check out <a data-mce-href="https://1drv.ms/x/c/1c8acfddae60bd89/EYm9YK7dz4oggBxwAAAAAAABcTN6e8V9kFbmvI7Fk6zbpw?e=YezjcR" href="https://1drv.ms/x/c/1c8acfddae60bd89/EYm9YK7dz4oggBxwAAAAAAABcTN6e8V9kFbmvI7Fk6zbpw?e=YezjcR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maren's List</a>!*All links are simply links, I don't get any money if you click them. I just want to make finding great stories as easy as possible for you!* Similar Reads:<a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-historical-fiction-books-that-are-not-set-in-wwii" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-historical-fiction-books-that-are-not-set-in-wwii">10 Historical Fiction Books that ARE NOT Set in WWII</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/6-middle-grade-books-about-the-olympics" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/6-middle-grade-books-about-the-olympics">6 Middle-Grade Books About the Olympics</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-novels-inspired-by-the-greats" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-novels-inspired-by-the-greats">10 Novels Inspired By the Greats</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services">free editing consultation</a> with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea...Like what you're reading? Follow me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads</a>!

6 Books for Adults to Celebrate Back to School

The love of Shepherd Jesus Christ, who saves lambs from the edge of a high cliff, extends his hand and helps sheep in crisis and danger.

Who loves Jesus, raise your hand!But do we love Jesus for the same reasons? Hmmm...I’ve been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my whole life, but I’ve regularly attended other denominations to learn what they understand about Jesus far better than I do. I know very little compared to the rest of the world.But when I don’t have time to drive around Bountiful, I turn to the library.Let's get to it! Here are 5 Books About Jesus. <h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Seek-Questions-Jesus-Lead-ebook/dp/B08B126D5X" href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Seek-Questions-Jesus-Lead-ebook/dp/B08B126D5X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1. What Seek Ye? By S. Michael Wilcox</a></h3>Jesus asked many questions. He may have been perfect, but I’m pretty sure I would have gotten annoyed to have my every question answered with a question!Luckily for me, S. Michael Wilcox does not have the same pet peeve. What Seek Ye? takes Jesus’ most pressing questions and turns them inside out. Often we feel a wall between ourselves and God because we don’t know or we don’t want to confess what we are really seeking for, what we really want from God.The book is broken into short chapters, each on a question, so you can read it in one sitting or over a few months and not have to worry about forgetting a storyline.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Witness-His-Names-Jeffrey-Holland-ebook/dp/B0829DHFG7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FVJ7IHP7YPSW&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fgkMxwLNiPGKPhckvv9N6Q.1H8st52vqmYAGExGCGnsBA3al71Vx10KooIVLBH1lOw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=witness+for+his+names+jeffrey+r+holland&amp;qid=1722885763&amp;s=digital-text&amp;sprefix=witness+for+his+names%2Cdigital-text%2C176&amp;sr=1-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Witness-His-Names-Jeffrey-Holland-ebook/dp/B0829DHFG7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FVJ7IHP7YPSW&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fgkMxwLNiPGKPhckvv9N6Q.1H8st52vqmYAGExGCGnsBA3al71Vx10KooIVLBH1lOw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=witness+for+his+names+jeffrey+r+holland&amp;qid=1722885763&amp;s=digital-text&amp;sprefix=witness+for+his+names%2Cdigital-text%2C176&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2. Witness for His Names by Jeffrey R. Holland</a></h3>The different names of Christ are popular Christmas ornaments in Utah, but Jesus is for every season! Witness for His Names is written by an Apostle of Jesus Christ, Jeffrey R. Holland of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he was first called as a witness to the world of Jesus Christ, he started a list of all the different names that are used in scripture to talk of and describe Jesus.Each name takes one or two pages; Witness for His Names is the perfect book for short morning or evening devotionals, and simple enough that you can even do them with young children.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Envy-Finding-Faith-Others/dp/0062406574/ref=asc_df_0062406574/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=693550347081&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=5394701046455729562&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9029676&amp;hvtargid=pla-908063855223&amp;psc=1&amp;mcid=55c198572d9d3f0da0976c9c01f0956a&amp;gad_source=1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Envy-Finding-Faith-Others/dp/0062406574/ref=asc_df_0062406574/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=693550347081&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=5394701046455729562&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9029676&amp;hvtargid=pla-908063855223&amp;psc=1&amp;mcid=55c198572d9d3f0da0976c9c01f0956a&amp;gad_source=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3. Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor</a></h3>Barbara Taylor used to be part of the clergy, but after her bout with religious doubt, she took a journey through the many different religions in the world to find God again. All she learned turned into a college course she taught undergraduates in Georgia. Holy Envy is how she refers to what she feels when a ritual or symbol from another religion begins to work in tandem with her own religious knowledge.&nbsp;Holy Envy is the reason I started visiting other churches in my area, and I can attest that Holy Envy is a powerful tool in worship. Worshiping with other churches makes me a better member of my own congregation, and I hope my church does the same.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-I-Never-Knew-ebook/dp/B001EM0YAE" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-I-Never-Knew-ebook/dp/B001EM0YAE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4. The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey</a></h3>I can’t remember a time when I didn't know about Jesus, but sometimes I wonder if I’d love certain things about the Gospel more if they hadn't always been so familiar to me.Philip Yancey’s career is in investigative journalism, and one day he decided he wanted to investigate the life of Jesus. But this book isn’t like typical commentaries on Jesus; because Philip hadn’t ever been immersed in any kind of Christian or church culture, this is as close to a blank-slate perspective on Jesus as you can get.Yancey writes about a radical Jesus, and because he hasn’t heard the same quotes and opinions of Jesus every Sunday-- like I have-- he approached some well-known writings in such a way that I found new insights in my personal studies.&nbsp;If you want a very human, very personal book about what Jesus can do with a run-of-the-mill person, this is the book.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Through-Middle-Eastern-Eyes/dp/0830825681" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Through-Middle-Eastern-Eyes/dp/0830825681" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey</a></h3>Have you ever noticed that, in an effort to make God feel closer, we try to find all the characteristics in ourselves that seem to match God’s? But the other day I realized I’d flipped my thoughts the wrong way. God isn’t like me, Maren is like God.So, cool as I am, I’m nothing compared to Jesus. And since Maren is a very white American, there is no way they share the same culture. So, I found a book!Not only did all the events in the Bible take place in a different country than I grew up in, but they happened hundreds of years before my lifetime. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes explains all the different cultural contexts effective in Jesus’ day, even highlighting some that have persisted to the present day. Let me tell you, the Nativity Story is far richer than anything my Christmas Eve pageant could portray.&nbsp;This book is a little more scholarly than the others, so I found it helpful to skip around to the chapters and bible stories I was most interested in that day.&nbsp; Amen, and Happy Reading!*All links are simply links, I don't get any money if you click them. I just want to make finding great stories as easy as possible for you!*Similar Reads:<a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/different-and-deeper--5-books-for-when-you-can-t-feel-god" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/different-and-deeper--5-books-for-when-you-can-t-feel-god">Different and Deeper: 5 Books for When You Can't Feel God</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite--religious--biographies--2" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite--religious--biographies--2">Maren's Favorite (Religous) Biographies #2</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1">Maren's Favorite Biographies #1</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services">free editing consultation</a> with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea...Like what you're reading? Following me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads!</a>

Not Just Your Bible: 5 Books About Jesus

It’s always made me a little peculiar, but I have always LOVED organized religion.Until… the day I didn’t.It started small, so small I didn’t even notice I wasn’t feeling as connected to God during my usual worship or study sessions as I used to. One Sunday I woke up and nearly cried when I realized I was attending church that afternoon. A few months later, for many different reasons, I slid into a deep depression that made it even harder to love church.That was four years ago, and my depression has lifted significantly, but it has changed my relationship with God dramatically. It’s still hard, but I’ve discovered different sides to God that I never would have seen without the hard push. Among my many strategies to stay above depressive waters, I volunteered with the many denominations in Davis County, playing the piano, attending celebrations and ordinances, etc. to see how people connected with God. And, of course, I read all the books I could find about God.I read way more than would fit in one post, so I’m sure this topic will be revisited over the next few months (at least until my Olympics obsession takes hold again!)But to start, here are five books that helped me connect with God in a different and deeper way.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Quietness-Finding-Meaning-Heaven-ebook/dp/B0BZ2CZFJH" href="https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Quietness-Finding-Meaning-Heaven-ebook/dp/B0BZ2CZFJH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1. Divine Quietness by Emily Robison Adams</a></h3>The most gut-wrenching part of depression was the feeling that I was getting the cold shoulder from God. When I first started noticing my disconnect I went overboard in my religious activities to see if I could improve things that way. But going from feeling like I heard God multiple times a day to nothing felt like the unrequited love you have for the crush who always calls you an “acquaintance”.&nbsp;I have an editor friend who mentioned a rather odd book she had just read over lunch. She claimed that Divine Quietness was all about how not feeling or hearing God could be one of the greatest opportunities to rebuild faith. She was right. Emily Adams challenged what it meant to have faith in God, and how we often base our faith on outcomes rather than God’s love. Because she had a struggle very similar to my own, I felt a lot of compassion and understanding from her words. She even includes a list of books that helped her through the quietness; some I will include in my posts, but if you want more I’d encourage you to take a look at Divine Quietness!<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Crucible-Doubt-Reflections-Quest-Faith/dp/1609079426/ref=asc_df_1609079426/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=693674612540&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=361442934875409089&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9029676&amp;hvtargid=pla-570793938951&amp;psc=1&amp;mcid=0fe193224b3a3a5d843e93109267dda9&amp;gad_source=1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Crucible-Doubt-Reflections-Quest-Faith/dp/1609079426/ref=asc_df_1609079426/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=693674612540&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=361442934875409089&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9029676&amp;hvtargid=pla-570793938951&amp;psc=1&amp;mcid=0fe193224b3a3a5d843e93109267dda9&amp;gad_source=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2. The Crucible of Doubt by Terryl and Fiona Givens</a></h3>The Crucible of Doubt helped me calm down significantly. It also helped me realize that there are lots of things about church that are good and true; but just like how you outgrow clothes as you grow, you don't think the old clothes were defective, you’re just ready for a bigger size. Doubt makes room for more—more understanding, more faith, more opportunities to connect with God.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Even-This-Getting-Place-Anything/dp/162972338X" href="https://www.amazon.com/Even-This-Getting-Place-Anything/dp/162972338X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3. Even This by Emily Belle Freeman</a></h3>Sometimes the quietness between us and God is triggered by a heavy event—death, job loss, chronic health conditions. Really, a loss of any kind can do it. But when you’re crying multiple times a day, unable to eat, and trying to find a reason to go on, the worst question enters every believer’s mind: Can I really trust God? Because sometimes it feels like we ask God for direction and He keeps leading us into a war zone!Emily Belle Freeman has written many books, but Even This is my favorite. She walks you through what God has done in the past, what God has promised to do in the future, and even how much we can ask of God. Even if you aren’t struggling with trusting God, this is a great book to add to your worship.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Happy-Connecting-Conscious/dp/195367707X" href="https://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Happy-Connecting-Conscious/dp/195367707X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4. Better Than Happy by Jody Moore</a></h3>Boundaries. What a buzzword. Also, pretty darn hard to hold. I thought I was setting and holding my boundaries pretty well, but I found out I’d been in a toxic situation for years, but only after I’d gotten out. One of the lingering effects of this toxic situation was my bitter and hopeless thought patterns. A big one? Why should I bother praying? God’s not going to answer me anyway.I was still on the waiting list for therapy, so my spiritual leader recommended this book during the waiting period. Jody Moore's belief is that if we can change our thought patterns, we can change our feeling of connection with God. Better Than Happy explores thinking patterns in terms of your own choices, but it also explores how we get in a tangle when we try to control the thoughts of others about our choices. We all want people to think well of us, but how much brain space is taken up when we try to control their perception of us? On my end, it took up so much I couldn’t give enough space to hear God.I love books, but if you only have limited time available, I would recommend listening to Jody's podcasts. And it doesn’t help with just your relationship with God but all your relationships!<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/God-Speaks-Your-Love-Language/dp/0802472753" href="https://www.amazon.com/God-Speaks-Your-Love-Language/dp/0802472753" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5. God Speaks Your Love Language by Gary Chapman</a></h3>What? Love Languages? Isn’t that the quiz you’re supposed to take with your boyfriend or girlfriend?I mean, it is rather helpful for that, but apparently, you can use your results to connect with God, too. I’m surprised no one thought of it sooner, it makes so much sense.&nbsp;Gary Chapman is a pastor and has used his Love Language theories to advise his parish on how to hear God. For example, if your Love Language is physical touch, you probably feel God the strongest when you attend church services that encourage praying while holding hands or worshiping while standing or raising your arms. If your Love Language is Words of Affirmation, you might feel God strongly through the Bible or spoken sermons, or by studying with other people while sharing insights.God Speaks Your Love Language helped me go from thinking there was only “one right way” to feel God’s presence to discovering a multitude of ways to connect with God. Even better, I used this book to teach my teenage girls how to discover how God speaks to them. It was a lot of fun, but it was even better to feel the Spirit with them. I hope your relationship with God improves with these books, but if it doesn’t, hold on. It’s normal to feel distant from God in this world-- that’s why He gave us each other. Happy Reading! *All links are simply links, I don't get any money if you click them. I just want to make finding great stories as easy as possible for you!*Similar Reads:<a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/just-edited--dimensions-by-sadie-sanchez" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/just-edited--dimensions-by-sadie-sanchez">Just Edited: DIMENSIONS by Sadie Sanchez</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite--religious--biographies--2" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite--religious--biographies--2">Maren's Favorite (Religious) Biographies #2</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-historical-fiction-books-that-are-not-set-in-wwii" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-historical-fiction-books-that-are-not-set-in-wwii">10 Historical Fiction Books that ARE NOT Set in WWII</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/you-write-how-you-read" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/you-write-how-you-read">You Write How You Read</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services">free editing consultation</a> with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea... Like what you're reading? Follow me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads</a>!

Different and Deeper: 5 Books for When You Can't Feel God

a dinosaur skeleton in a museum display case

Some things have happened for so long, we've gone brain blind to them. But life-saving procedures, decade-long traditions and events, and some of the greatest wonders of the world weren't always so common or accepted. Somebody took the very first, very hard step to start them all, and we get to reap all the benefits.To not take so many things for granted, I read 5 Picture Books on How We Got Here. Some of the events are crucial to life, and some are not, but I'm grateful for all of them. Life is much richer because of these men and women.&nbsp; <h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Balloons-over-Broadway-Puppeteer-Education/dp/0547199457/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SXFEUII1Q7ZW&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Fwe3s2CsHt6nZr5Uk02p3g7LDZj_QJjzaEnO54LNH9aBZbb3Q76rcbxZGxzYtiZs94OKdXdtL7P6du7cbtpwkpbSEDwaAB_7iv4IVRto6gqPhJBt24rLrUtgIAdJdk4Ydcm2FQw7QAq2iy9bFIh2tdxpI9QAbTlzFKky0ghhRr55oX6rIMmoO5U5M_r_cv5H3LN3ApAZb_zX8ZYHlNCDu4A-ak-v4XC7VNmI4y2zcFY.NV2gscR2kH6BMa5aa8_6dIg5V-K4fwYvfpurWW1ZQ8s&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=balloons+over+broadway&amp;qid=1722533004&amp;sprefix=balloons+over+b%2Caps%2C248&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Balloons-over-Broadway-Puppeteer-Education/dp/0547199457/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SXFEUII1Q7ZW&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Fwe3s2CsHt6nZr5Uk02p3g7LDZj_QJjzaEnO54LNH9aBZbb3Q76rcbxZGxzYtiZs94OKdXdtL7P6du7cbtpwkpbSEDwaAB_7iv4IVRto6gqPhJBt24rLrUtgIAdJdk4Ydcm2FQw7QAq2iy9bFIh2tdxpI9QAbTlzFKky0ghhRr55oX6rIMmoO5U5M_r_cv5H3LN3ApAZb_zX8ZYHlNCDu4A-ak-v4XC7VNmI4y2zcFY.NV2gscR2kH6BMa5aa8_6dIg5V-K4fwYvfpurWW1ZQ8s&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=balloons+over+broadway&amp;qid=1722533004&amp;sprefix=balloons+over+b%2Caps%2C248&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet</a></h3>Where did The Muppets, the marionettes for the Sound of Music, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begin?With Tony Sarg feeding his chickens from his bed.The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade originally started because a lot of the Macy’s employees were immigrants. Many cultures celebrated their holidays by dancing to music in the streets, and they missed celebrating that way. The first parade had live animals, and the second had on-the-ground puppets, but then the crowds got too big for everyone to see. How would Tony solve this problem?Balloons Over Broadway is written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet and documents the incredible genius of putting building-sized balloons into the air.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Stitches-Medical-Pioneer-Vivien/dp/1620141566/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17WP5O6BQWCSO&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iLkytYAWo8Kv0pQMnbH4eoCyMxpRakbVi7pJ9tR9tn4xvZRtR_InJx_Y52fMXXjNKtLD8Fka3PE2esr5sEWtjqbin5aTzLAXq0j4MKN_xFidPDNNRHOQTlQQG9eC0ymUsjOV6kfp72_cdeMszPKuyheM_Qj83AMoqk-8cKJfxizLFK86c70MH_ji0EHjCswss9z7dCNzDwGd9k5ooxALRug1YNLCyYYuRymthwiI8kY.bl1pQNRl7DvDoxOUkbzNiPkP8tHSbIwl-wMZCC995m4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tiny+stitches&amp;qid=1722533146&amp;sprefix=tiny+stitches%2Caps%2C780&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Stitches-Medical-Pioneer-Vivien/dp/1620141566/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17WP5O6BQWCSO&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iLkytYAWo8Kv0pQMnbH4eoCyMxpRakbVi7pJ9tR9tn4xvZRtR_InJx_Y52fMXXjNKtLD8Fka3PE2esr5sEWtjqbin5aTzLAXq0j4MKN_xFidPDNNRHOQTlQQG9eC0ymUsjOV6kfp72_cdeMszPKuyheM_Qj83AMoqk-8cKJfxizLFK86c70MH_ji0EHjCswss9z7dCNzDwGd9k5ooxALRug1YNLCyYYuRymthwiI8kY.bl1pQNRl7DvDoxOUkbzNiPkP8tHSbIwl-wMZCC995m4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=tiny+stitches&amp;qid=1722533146&amp;sprefix=tiny+stitches%2Caps%2C780&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2. Tiny Stitches by Gwendolyn Hooks</a></h3>One of the most life-saving heart procedures was developed by a man who never went to medical school.You read that right.Vivien Thomas aimed to become a doctor, but then he lost all his college savings in the 1929 stock market crash. Also, he was African American, and a lot of people couldn’t look past themselves.If you read this wonderful picture book, Tiny Stitches will show you the procedure Vivien developed to save babies with heart defects. He might not have received all the credit he should have while alive, but Vivien is responsible for training hundreds of doctors to save tiny lives; one became the first female surgical resident in Louisiana and another the first African American physician’s assistant at John Hopkins.And if you like this book, you can watch the movie starring Mos Def and Alan Rickman, Something the Lord Made. <h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Barnums-Bones-Barnum-Discovered-Dinosaur/dp/0374305161/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VQ6JAA3ZNAO9&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zFp0DbOt71-CH_e6N2L5Klx85a3e8GT4lvSXXR0fe2_eOijtoE4tuGqQLRV1c3w52IfUA2Lk4iyYJlGg_y7xl8T6tWIn0nhCc3SAlWbAcj2cefo63LALiVn_7TuGxy22JoDHacJwdP-kNAcScPAhSg.9ZTtGe2l8XS_WvTqGarRYYLUrOS-Ei4EI5jxkDhZ7SE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=barnum%27s+bones&amp;qid=1722533275&amp;sprefix=barnu%2Caps%2C1341&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Barnums-Bones-Barnum-Discovered-Dinosaur/dp/0374305161/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VQ6JAA3ZNAO9&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zFp0DbOt71-CH_e6N2L5Klx85a3e8GT4lvSXXR0fe2_eOijtoE4tuGqQLRV1c3w52IfUA2Lk4iyYJlGg_y7xl8T6tWIn0nhCc3SAlWbAcj2cefo63LALiVn_7TuGxy22JoDHacJwdP-kNAcScPAhSg.9ZTtGe2l8XS_WvTqGarRYYLUrOS-Ei4EI5jxkDhZ7SE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=barnum%27s+bones&amp;qid=1722533275&amp;sprefix=barnu%2Caps%2C1341&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3. Barnum’s Bones by Tracey Fern</a></h3>It’s 1895, and you run into an unusually nice dresser; he’s wearing a fur coat, a suit and tie, and a bowler hat. What do you think this man does for his career?Here’s a hint: his name is Barnum.Did you guess P.T. Barnum? Guess what!You’re wrong.Barnum Brown, while named after P.T. Barnum, did not perform with the circus. He did, however, do some very unusual things like his namesake… like wearing those fancy duds while digging for bones.If you were ever the kid who was obsessed with dinosaurs (and maybe still are that kid), you’ll love this book about how the American Museum of Natural History became filled with ancient skeletons.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Lady-Linda-Skeers/dp/172820951X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1844OSJM01T9H&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YeyB51UyQwFPUWJ7yrSvgBMqjj5iNp7KwsgM6OshT8QVJHbaDWXrreAHfZb_ji7_5OdMP1otA5L9yWRP9AvkEvLT5BdMWBQt8rlfjVV1qp40FFkXjbnBMvf851nfaWEszsrjJ3t7rJRcvRXR_dmFU78FL17ehF2q_vNuC0jjF1A_5Q_K812gpA9AofOB8mHMtyu68yMvd80vmWMV08Q3ADoGBB-7qmiD2asVVbRlgQQ.SGh5_--CmPWd210PVmhQIMOk1xHZz2DO0zAiMwaPPBE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=dinosaur+lady&amp;qid=1722533376&amp;sprefix=dinosaur+l%2Caps%2C1614&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Lady-Linda-Skeers/dp/172820951X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1844OSJM01T9H&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YeyB51UyQwFPUWJ7yrSvgBMqjj5iNp7KwsgM6OshT8QVJHbaDWXrreAHfZb_ji7_5OdMP1otA5L9yWRP9AvkEvLT5BdMWBQt8rlfjVV1qp40FFkXjbnBMvf851nfaWEszsrjJ3t7rJRcvRXR_dmFU78FL17ehF2q_vNuC0jjF1A_5Q_K812gpA9AofOB8mHMtyu68yMvd80vmWMV08Q3ADoGBB-7qmiD2asVVbRlgQQ.SGh5_--CmPWd210PVmhQIMOk1xHZz2DO0zAiMwaPPBE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=dinosaur+lady&amp;qid=1722533376&amp;sprefix=dinosaur+l%2Caps%2C1614&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4. Dinosaur Lady by Linda Skeers</a></h3>Barnum Brown may have loved dinosaurs, but a young girl loved them more, and 100 years before him, at that!Mary Anning didn't mean to make history, she just wanted to collect cool sea shells to sell to tourists. When she was about 11 years old, she was doing just that, until she saw something staring back at her. It was a ginormous eye socket, partially buried in the sand. She and her brother used a homemade hammer and chisel to uncover an unusual head full of sharp teeth, but instead of being scared, Mary was fascinated. She continued searching for the rest of it for a year, and once she found it, "Mary's Monster" took her life by storm.From winged dinosaurs to discovering the truth about fossilized poop, Mary Anning is the reason we know the earth is older than 6,000 years, that species can go extinct, and why we have a branch of science called paleontology.I'm off to the Natural History Museum! <h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Figured-Out-Wheelchair/dp/1728276535/ref=sr_1_1?crid=381C30VTMRNE9&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MjsPO5iKoZcddj2c145XXAu_UGUJfqQguQK045MK0sU.ibhZeVvh6kmdlC6RKcYgWe8DQ8WAGQ3kLq-pnATo9gM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+girl+who+figured+it+out&amp;qid=1722533490&amp;sprefix=the+girl+who+figured+%2Caps%2C1230&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Figured-Out-Wheelchair/dp/1728276535/ref=sr_1_1?crid=381C30VTMRNE9&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MjsPO5iKoZcddj2c145XXAu_UGUJfqQguQK045MK0sU.ibhZeVvh6kmdlC6RKcYgWe8DQ8WAGQ3kLq-pnATo9gM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+girl+who+figured+it+out&amp;qid=1722533490&amp;sprefix=the+girl+who+figured+%2Caps%2C1230&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5. The Girl Who Figured It Out by Minda Dentler</a></h3>Minda Dentler was born in India, but after polio paralyzed her, her single mother knew she didn't have the resources to help her. In a courageous act of love, her mother put her up for adoption.Minda's adoptive family loved her the second she smiled, and she moved with them to Spokane, Washington. From other children bullying her for her dark skin, adults talking to her like she couldn't understand, or simply not being able to move like other people, Minda's dad told her one thing, "You can do it. Just figure it out.""Just figure it out," might seem like a harsh response, but for Minda, it fueled her to think creatively. So she couldn't walk like other people? She figured out she could still backpack through Europe, it just might look different. So she couldn't run Central Park with a running group? She figured out how to use a handcycle. And then, one day after crossing the finish line, Minda became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship.&nbsp;The Girl Who Figured It Out teaches you that there is no single way to do something, and the path to success is never going to be logical or linear. But if you are willing to consistently tweak your "shoulds", you can figure anything out, just like Minda. Happy Reading! *All links are simply links, I don't get any money if you click them. I just want to make finding great stories as easy as possible for you!* Similar Reads:<a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/6-picture-books-about-practically-perfect-women" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/6-picture-books-about-practically-perfect-women">6 Picture Books About Practically Perfect Women</a>&nbsp; <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/picture-perfect---5-picture-books-that-capture-history" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/picture-perfect---5-picture-books-that-capture-history">Picture Perfect : 5 Picture Books that Capture History</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1">Maren's Favorite Biographies #1</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services">free editing consultation </a>with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea...Like what you're reading? Following me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads</a>!

5 Picture Books on How We Got Here

white concrete building under blue sky during daytime

Sometimes I hyperfocus on certain topics (I mean, you saw how many blogs I did about the <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/5-picture-books-on-the-best-female-olympians" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/5-picture-books-on-the-best-female-olympians">Olympics</a>).This round I hyperfocused on religious biographies about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.I wonder what topic I'll choose next time?<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Prophets-Life-Russell-Nelson/dp/1629725919/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BL3K8PR2JVGB&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CP_wud6GYSfAE140rHlN-bSJnkI1SyLJlmVjSxd1QfVvdpw1fowFRBhcIFgtK4fMCr369kE42zXDaZl5qvUQW0vpfRPozd-aNOiLre81QhKVUeNkGCFbs73s6W1_EW9DFqDvTH3PvptGn-IQ8mc6acmxMP6OavONIZmewq5l0aXEWosUOgshxvIePkRoj8ePNZJpasOKVQYO8STp3W_z4PTjh86nEm9VsKwdORSy4Ls.D3eipj11cCLeQTr4LQnlBmogtcYaPDEHNEws44TUYRI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Insights+from+a+prophet%27s+life&amp;qid=1721769511&amp;sprefix=insights+from+a+prophet%27s+lif%2Caps%2C595&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Insights-Prophets-Life-Russell-Nelson/dp/1629725919/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BL3K8PR2JVGB&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CP_wud6GYSfAE140rHlN-bSJnkI1SyLJlmVjSxd1QfVvdpw1fowFRBhcIFgtK4fMCr369kE42zXDaZl5qvUQW0vpfRPozd-aNOiLre81QhKVUeNkGCFbs73s6W1_EW9DFqDvTH3PvptGn-IQ8mc6acmxMP6OavONIZmewq5l0aXEWosUOgshxvIePkRoj8ePNZJpasOKVQYO8STp3W_z4PTjh86nEm9VsKwdORSy4Ls.D3eipj11cCLeQTr4LQnlBmogtcYaPDEHNEws44TUYRI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Insights+from+a+prophet%27s+life&amp;qid=1721769511&amp;sprefix=insights+from+a+prophet%27s+lif%2Caps%2C595&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insights From a Prophet's Life by Sheri Dew</a></h3>Russell M. Nelson is two months shy of his 100th birthday, and this book proves he hasn't wasted a single year.He's well known for two things: his tenure as a world-renowned surgeon and his service as a Prophet and Apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-- and Insights covers both.Each chapter is a story from President Nelson's life, so Insights is the perfect book to read over a stretch if you are strapped for time. There are stories from his early high school years, like how he made the football team but didn't participate because of future goals; there are also stories from his professional career and his and his wife's roles in creating the first artificial heart.This is also a delightful book to listen to. I hope you enjoy it!<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Prophets-Joseph-Russell-Nelson/dp/1629724483/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YUZ253O1DZ5C&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zTpe2RFS9vQKZmVJUPu7hh6Q7z6a6IC61Q8zayMfRqfKTqqf_JAPdvKdjoJhQ1MuawZdMjwN2iLHcCWLRDNr2FKa51EeOm1o30_gnQ2eC-LjYqVPcR1I6_0Mf-jQiN6aSYV9-S28h6mu47sy3DNS2R_l8IHtzhFczSkn244AQINwxsGtMu7idenaWdsTWBRdjFkC8LXMkib0jbnsvffySiCoUF_p9MDlPRIgaIPCHmY.FtZGARmR9R1dClssTxOnAYGqi1fy9qAHCe6Fd5r7Vzo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=fathers+of+the+prophets&amp;qid=1721769238&amp;sprefix=fathers+of+the+prophet%2Caps%2C303&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Prophets-Joseph-Russell-Nelson/dp/1629724483/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YUZ253O1DZ5C&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zTpe2RFS9vQKZmVJUPu7hh6Q7z6a6IC61Q8zayMfRqfKTqqf_JAPdvKdjoJhQ1MuawZdMjwN2iLHcCWLRDNr2FKa51EeOm1o30_gnQ2eC-LjYqVPcR1I6_0Mf-jQiN6aSYV9-S28h6mu47sy3DNS2R_l8IHtzhFczSkn244AQINwxsGtMu7idenaWdsTWBRdjFkC8LXMkib0jbnsvffySiCoUF_p9MDlPRIgaIPCHmY.FtZGARmR9R1dClssTxOnAYGqi1fy9qAHCe6Fd5r7Vzo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=fathers+of+the+prophets&amp;qid=1721769238&amp;sprefix=fathers+of+the+prophet%2Caps%2C303&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fathers of the Prophets by Susan Madsen, Emily Jones, and Rebecca Thornton</a></h3>Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tend to unknowingly believe that past and present Prophets and Apostles were born perfect and we'll never catch up.At least, I tend to. I'm working on it.But Fathers of the Prophets was very effective in disabusing me of that false notion. I'm sure all this information was out there, but I'd never bothered looking. Sweet stories about how these Prophets learned from their fathers' in all areas of life reminded me that we all start at the beginning, but if we want to make it to the end we've got to lean on each other. One of my favorite stories was about the Prophet who struggled with deep depression his whole life. He often wouldn't be able to leave his bed without his father's daily encouragement.&nbsp;If you're religious, you'll love this book.And if you're not, you'll still love how these fathers loved their sons.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Model-Mormon-Fighting-Self-Worth-Independent-ebook/dp/B07D6X4Y7J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IK17P42Z7DWP&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TaDjWNr4aDu5T3RSJtNwQXunjGzjkce0g_FrK9mg9zptqfgeZf-ZvUHidHkhJfLM_saPG0OgD6Gw51S_W8LB2WQZw79ySKMrkfaztiELHx6L-Cf8fq3DdKUAiSiKGTGijEEPReUo8t7H53Qmp-9WJakATq4TB3hkq9JdhLzIteJl-po2osWLbvP4U34i80X4e9Ab6ACgifqbMEj2feIo3UFyHRzXX6fL7dRF_Sfcw48.e4SVlrR3nbIQebUvwarUsJtH1NN0H4Z9ExG5NHMvCa4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=model+mormon&amp;qid=1721769008&amp;sprefix=model+%2Caps%2C500&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Model-Mormon-Fighting-Self-Worth-Independent-ebook/dp/B07D6X4Y7J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IK17P42Z7DWP&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TaDjWNr4aDu5T3RSJtNwQXunjGzjkce0g_FrK9mg9zptqfgeZf-ZvUHidHkhJfLM_saPG0OgD6Gw51S_W8LB2WQZw79ySKMrkfaztiELHx6L-Cf8fq3DdKUAiSiKGTGijEEPReUo8t7H53Qmp-9WJakATq4TB3hkq9JdhLzIteJl-po2osWLbvP4U34i80X4e9Ab6ACgifqbMEj2feIo3UFyHRzXX6fL7dRF_Sfcw48.e4SVlrR3nbIQebUvwarUsJtH1NN0H4Z9ExG5NHMvCa4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=model+mormon&amp;qid=1721769008&amp;sprefix=model+%2Caps%2C500&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Mormon by Rosemary Card</a></h3>Model Mormon was one of my lucky library book drop finds. I laughed at her stories, and then I laughed harder when I realized I'd bought a few of the dresses she designed.Members of the Church of Jesus Christ are known for their strict modesty standards. Things are a little different now, but I'm not sure most people would expect modeling to be a favorite career choice for devote members. Rosemary Card certainly didn't, but when she was an extra for High School Musical while filming in Utah, one of the cameramen threw it out as an option.Rosemary was a young teenager when she started modeling, and she describes the glitzy, terrifying, once-in-a-lifetime, amazing opportunities that it opened up for her. But navigating a world she'd never heard about often came with scary or hilarious mishaps. How do you stand up for yourself when your standards are so different than the job you were placed in? How do you figure out where your hotel is when you are jetlagged and don't speak anything but English? How do you get over the horror of looking back on styles you thought looked "so cool" and realizing they were "so not"?!Read the book to find out!<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Without-Mask-Coming-Into-Light/dp/1629727849/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IQ6G68RAJRD6&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EfeCRXuLBJ5hSOrBjJEy3cJWz7Xy7tjgULUf_7xk6SEP6mLrOelqCmP6UZM8qUdNyPl_mbM3KvDTH9Xu2mssGNXGDeLcdpB9a2s0TWYuOSb8DjLFrZ4k6u9Pei4S7y3aReWmgk604RcYEppCsNDws5J8-nQQrrCFshvPbjuRZDgbjSsrhlfLophzAJnNXr_-qR6g-XL6awBp-w4ADtjAlwXtAwkeJj7ai7uawayKEz4.AOBYxIgL69Jl9r85bmPHa5Yt4s1D70wVjhTnHhR4y3A&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=without+the+mask&amp;qid=1721768875&amp;sprefix=without+the+mask%2Caps%2C675&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Without-Mask-Coming-Into-Light/dp/1629727849/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IQ6G68RAJRD6&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EfeCRXuLBJ5hSOrBjJEy3cJWz7Xy7tjgULUf_7xk6SEP6mLrOelqCmP6UZM8qUdNyPl_mbM3KvDTH9Xu2mssGNXGDeLcdpB9a2s0TWYuOSb8DjLFrZ4k6u9Pei4S7y3aReWmgk604RcYEppCsNDws5J8-nQQrrCFshvPbjuRZDgbjSsrhlfLophzAJnNXr_-qR6g-XL6awBp-w4ADtjAlwXtAwkeJj7ai7uawayKEz4.AOBYxIgL69Jl9r85bmPHa5Yt4s1D70wVjhTnHhR4y3A&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=without+the+mask&amp;qid=1721768875&amp;sprefix=without+the+mask%2Caps%2C675&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Without the Mask by Charlie Bird</a></h3>I didn't get this out in time for Pride Month, but it was inspiring. You might have seen Charlie Bird a few years ago, sweeping across YouTube. But he was also dressed as BYU's Cosmo the Cougar, so maybe you didn't know. Charlie is an incredible dancer, but being able to excel at that talent while wearing a heavy, sweaty suit and head raises the bar.When Charlie came out as gay a few months after gaining fame, he released this book, Without the Mask, to attempt to explain all the feelings that came out of these experiences. Living a religion that seems to be in direct opposition to something you have no control over takes a special kind of grace that few possess. Charlie did a great job in starting a conversation about the merciful sides of God we haven't even begun to understand, the painful things even the most well-intentioned people say, and a few suggestions on how we can all start down a better road to loving each other, whatever the differences.As a straight woman, I found his perspective to be very helpful, especially when it comes to loving my friends and family in the LGBTQ community.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Heavens-are-Open-Wendy-Nelson/dp/1629727156/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Z824FOFK5HAN&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dCZDiLjTXucGFwElnQY6lkMX-vnULwWpQzocu8PXnk4npAiBfGr3Xh4Fph0eyt-ZPtOzHYvJ-j7XXZfE00MaTKVWbpd515mypPcrZIXWCs5QBQ2LrGNMfsQvRpdIPdgWp8S5DSKFuzj7F5uo5QhMbmJUIGU9XnP30Vo9HTn83QlPKRbuvhoHU9FddWVlkP6oA7EUk5QR9A0EBlNQiQjI4UM8KDz_vwwProryL7Tltmc.XIb1lGH4Ex9RgkU4H6AteGAzUvjY-3rltvUL4TXP2JA&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+heavens+are+opened&amp;qid=1721767753&amp;sprefix=the+heavens+are+opene%2Caps%2C362&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Heavens-are-Open-Wendy-Nelson/dp/1629727156/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Z824FOFK5HAN&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dCZDiLjTXucGFwElnQY6lkMX-vnULwWpQzocu8PXnk4npAiBfGr3Xh4Fph0eyt-ZPtOzHYvJ-j7XXZfE00MaTKVWbpd515mypPcrZIXWCs5QBQ2LrGNMfsQvRpdIPdgWp8S5DSKFuzj7F5uo5QhMbmJUIGU9XnP30Vo9HTn83QlPKRbuvhoHU9FddWVlkP6oA7EUk5QR9A0EBlNQiQjI4UM8KDz_vwwProryL7Tltmc.XIb1lGH4Ex9RgkU4H6AteGAzUvjY-3rltvUL4TXP2JA&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+heavens+are+opened&amp;qid=1721767753&amp;sprefix=the+heavens+are+opene%2Caps%2C362&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Heavens Are Open by Wendy Watson Nelson</a></h3>It's something that can never be "proven" but it is something I'd like to believe. The Heavens Are Open is the book I read when I'm feeling foolish to believe in something I can't see.&nbsp;While not intended as a biography, Wendy Nelson-- wife of Russell M. Nelson-- shares some very personal stories and testimonies of why she chooses to believe there is a God that speaks to her. Wendy was a college professor for most of her career, and she turned down some very prestigious opportunities because she trusted that God had something better for her.Trusting in a God who may or may not hear me is beyond hard, but The Heavens Are Open has always been able to encourage me it's worth it to believe one more day.Happy Reading!*All links are simply links, I don't get any money if you click them. I just want to make finding great stories as easy as possible for you!*Similar Reads:<a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/maren-s-favorite-biographies--1">Maren's Favorite Biographies #1</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/just-edited--dimensions-by-sadie-sanchez" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/just-edited--dimensions-by-sadie-sanchez">Just Edited: DIMENSIONS by Sadie Sanchez</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/you-write-how-you-read" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/you-write-how-you-read">You Write How You Read</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services">free editing consultation</a> with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea...Like what you're reading? Follow me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads</a>!

Maren's Favorite (Religious) Biographies #2

Text written with a vintage typewriter -  That's my story

I'm a big fan of swoony romances, but my Goodreads account proves I love my nonfiction a tad more—especially my biographies. People are fascinating! And I love reading about how all their "failures" got them to a place where millions want to emulate them. Here are the first five of Maren's Favorite Biographies. But check back regularly, I have at least 15 more for you.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Neighbor-Life-Work-Rogers/dp/1419735160/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OH74V6IHFQS1&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eR518su2491EAeO-dSuD0ySNBxE3eLkdtueWtE1ptqjicNFSL3E15xOINxtPM--PV8BG_8lPeXvssLx4gz5zhoTgRVl-kbUnFz2t9n175u_YOZcZnWz9T7NwFnzfunIp35OQEPvBUkw2X4S50h_xJRwARippMrBeUlxmtCkOHrBA2JD-gRSsHxQ-UHlnxpyMVuFi6ZnE_woz6F64yIj_6MJ6CqpE5Kv50g2gEkW_xkw.UzM8UREAwz7bug9Ept8ghCWDJvb91A7_mvl6QiQSwJI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+good+neighbor&amp;qid=1721751226&amp;sprefix=the+good+neighbo%2Caps%2C206&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Neighbor-Life-Work-Rogers/dp/1419735160/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OH74V6IHFQS1&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eR518su2491EAeO-dSuD0ySNBxE3eLkdtueWtE1ptqjicNFSL3E15xOINxtPM--PV8BG_8lPeXvssLx4gz5zhoTgRVl-kbUnFz2t9n175u_YOZcZnWz9T7NwFnzfunIp35OQEPvBUkw2X4S50h_xJRwARippMrBeUlxmtCkOHrBA2JD-gRSsHxQ-UHlnxpyMVuFi6ZnE_woz6F64yIj_6MJ6CqpE5Kv50g2gEkW_xkw.UzM8UREAwz7bug9Ept8ghCWDJvb91A7_mvl6QiQSwJI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+good+neighbor&amp;qid=1721751226&amp;sprefix=the+good+neighbo%2Caps%2C206&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King</a> </h3>Do you know how I learned to play a kazoo?Mr. Rogers.Do you know how I learned to sit still for a minute?Mr. Rogers?Do you know how I relearned how to play a kazoo?I bet you know. The editor of The Good Neighbor was more than lucky. I mean, was there anyone more beloved than Mr. Rogers?The Good Neighbor shares Mr. Roger's story from childhood to death, including how he discovered his love for puppets, the hilarious proposal to his wife, and his church ministry that he upheld in his congregations on and off the screen.Put on your coziest sweater. You're not going to want to put this book down.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Short-Nights-Shadow-Catcher-Photographs/dp/0544102762" href="https://www.amazon.com/Short-Nights-Shadow-Catcher-Photographs/dp/0544102762" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher by Timothy Egan</a></h3>Last year I vacationed in the Red Woods, and I took a detour to see the massive Paul Bunyan statue. But the statue could only hold my attention for so long, and a museum caught my eye.&nbsp;Maren does love herself a good museum.The whole museum was about the many Native American tribes that used to cover the Western United States. I was expecting to see artifacts, but I never imagined I would see more than a couple of photographs. Thankfully, I was very wrong. And with the pictures, there were poems, songs, and other languages recorded almost in full.On a tiny plaque in a dark corner, I read that a man named Edward Curtis had given up his whole life to record the lives of the Native American tribes. What started as a few pictures for profit turned into his most treasured relationships. He died a penniless man, furious with the government for destroying so many lives and cultures.I hope you also get to see this incredible museum, but until you make it out to California, Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher holds some of the most incredible stories and photographs of lives that have been lost to history.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Day-World-Came-Town-Newfoundland-ebook/dp/B004T4UNU0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BXR2WZ7DN0G0&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fDBM5ilk19dC8NoJcjlDLN0GcPGdu90Jl-4dNEfmRnTej8KPxPxswFaqjh1ZXZx8s3boygI8jYfGAe475a1FrUhPc87tUr5ev8og3mwLQZBTonV4teegCLpY2Y1OnTFsLOW3ux9bd89Al-icKsYzh28lEMj2i69n1frxXewX3HArF11Si-LJRm6EXJ_Fudr8vryudwgGIwawZe_C5fD3PolGW7IavUXZ9fOnd18aUZg.kdl8iDFFSOCYrkYCkjPEc5TYad-WoeLaYibq2ZOIbIg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+day+the+world+came+to+town&amp;qid=1721755704&amp;sprefix=the+day+the+world+came+to+tow%2Caps%2C194&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Day-World-Came-Town-Newfoundland-ebook/dp/B004T4UNU0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BXR2WZ7DN0G0&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fDBM5ilk19dC8NoJcjlDLN0GcPGdu90Jl-4dNEfmRnTej8KPxPxswFaqjh1ZXZx8s3boygI8jYfGAe475a1FrUhPc87tUr5ev8og3mwLQZBTonV4teegCLpY2Y1OnTFsLOW3ux9bd89Al-icKsYzh28lEMj2i69n1frxXewX3HArF11Si-LJRm6EXJ_Fudr8vryudwgGIwawZe_C5fD3PolGW7IavUXZ9fOnd18aUZg.kdl8iDFFSOCYrkYCkjPEc5TYad-WoeLaYibq2ZOIbIg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+day+the+world+came+to+town&amp;qid=1721755704&amp;sprefix=the+day+the+world+came+to+tow%2Caps%2C194&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede</a></h3>The current political climate is rough. Often it makes me wish I lived off the grid on acres of land in Wyoming or something. But this book restored my faith in people.The Day the World Came to Town is all about the small town-- the very small town-- that suddenly doubled overnight when all the planes got rerouted to the island of Gander, Newfoundland when the Twin Towers went down on 9/11.Perhaps the town didn't realize that there could be hidden terrorists onboard the planes that landed. Or maybe they did and decided to be exceptionally kind anyway. People volunteered their houses for showers and sleeping. Rival businesses banded together to provide enough resources for the temporary refugees. All kinds of religious leaders prayed for all, especially anyone who requested a special blessing. Hidden hurts in so many of the people were uncovered and miraculously healed.The Day the World Came to Town is a collection of the incredible love all of us can have for each other, even when we've just met.&nbsp;<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Singin-Rain-Making-American-Masterpiece/dp/0700617574/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1AZLXD1UMA46S&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vFRgV2QJprLDlwlsjKcItqJPtiaI3gWb5ezfhjeMiJ8QTqTIlUKj2Y7F7Pe-XC8mI4EHr3LYXQ6HCrsTplqvEtE5NTGvfgGDXniUJdJ7x1_D3jBAW13EIELhc37vDDnFzIxDad5-Ylz7k4TDNZgAxOZZRHc6qc5JiX8vgrMduNvVSU-DodJuPcdfILha-u8V45MWhHPyTkhstZMWBnBwWyDbudt7GoYkAqbDDiFfmJY.gqDF64ipQXYmUzbcZyzQNpINXY9-xTgJtGmPdZbgDtc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=singin+in+the+rain+book&amp;qid=1721755844&amp;sprefix=singin+in+the+rain+bo%2Caps%2C188&amp;sr=8-4" href="https://www.amazon.com/Singin-Rain-Making-American-Masterpiece/dp/0700617574/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1AZLXD1UMA46S&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vFRgV2QJprLDlwlsjKcItqJPtiaI3gWb5ezfhjeMiJ8QTqTIlUKj2Y7F7Pe-XC8mI4EHr3LYXQ6HCrsTplqvEtE5NTGvfgGDXniUJdJ7x1_D3jBAW13EIELhc37vDDnFzIxDad5-Ylz7k4TDNZgAxOZZRHc6qc5JiX8vgrMduNvVSU-DodJuPcdfILha-u8V45MWhHPyTkhstZMWBnBwWyDbudt7GoYkAqbDDiFfmJY.gqDF64ipQXYmUzbcZyzQNpINXY9-xTgJtGmPdZbgDtc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=singin+in+the+rain+book&amp;qid=1721755844&amp;sprefix=singin+in+the+rain+bo%2Caps%2C188&amp;sr=8-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singin' in the Rain by Earl J. Hess and Pratibha A. Dabholkar</a></h3>My favorite album, musical, and movie will forever be Singin' in the Rain. I can't think of any other story that can be so simple and still steal your breath. And the dancing?! Derek Hough is an incredible dancer, but Gene Kelly can never be beaten.When I found this book all about the history of filming this movie, I was thrilled! I've heard rumors about how Gene Kelly acted or the pain Debbie Reynolds was in, but Singin' in the Rain gave me so much context about the external relationships that influenced each of the actors, along with what they were each thinking the movie would be.Spoiler alert: they all thought the movie would be popular for a time and then fade like most. That so many on-set stories were preserved is miraculous when almost everything else about the movie was not.If you love the movie as much as I do (impossible), you'll love Singin' in the Rain.<h3><a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Wand-Mayhem-Growing-Wizard-ebook/dp/B09ZXMG884/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EA0HYZXCM7GS&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WRTNTMKlxGP24AsXL5C2ALpaGGq-TKg_f41U2n-cEvrHK2v_sEaf0hAN17Z-RrHvg54go-h_WDW1NjxUkAukuBporOdgumXrsuZfUFnUCb2I0MB94T7PkgnZu5lMd8UfAggwvclLzNVhFwifz5s_mzZQL_4TxlVHstzwTaog5xVcuL_bkOpdkzcwIommOmkz6-0MQ-OBpq0tRKURFSSN1Vcv2VD6mUM_WlgmB-1GU38.Cg5ATuTOaKDY95DIy9aputFslkTLDA0V-V1levM7A80&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=beyond+the+Wand&amp;qid=1721756000&amp;sprefix=beyond+the+%2Caps%2C556&amp;sr=8-1" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Wand-Mayhem-Growing-Wizard-ebook/dp/B09ZXMG884/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EA0HYZXCM7GS&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WRTNTMKlxGP24AsXL5C2ALpaGGq-TKg_f41U2n-cEvrHK2v_sEaf0hAN17Z-RrHvg54go-h_WDW1NjxUkAukuBporOdgumXrsuZfUFnUCb2I0MB94T7PkgnZu5lMd8UfAggwvclLzNVhFwifz5s_mzZQL_4TxlVHstzwTaog5xVcuL_bkOpdkzcwIommOmkz6-0MQ-OBpq0tRKURFSSN1Vcv2VD6mUM_WlgmB-1GU38.Cg5ATuTOaKDY95DIy9aputFslkTLDA0V-V1levM7A80&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=beyond+the+Wand&amp;qid=1721756000&amp;sprefix=beyond+the+%2Caps%2C556&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton</a></h3>Brace yourself, I'm about to hurt you a bit.I loved the Harry Potter movies just as much as the books.I know, I know, am I even a true fan or editor?Beyond the Wand is all about actor Tom Felton's experiences in Hollywood. Draco was no Harry Potter, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who found him more attractive than the hero.Tom Felton is an incredible actor, but I like his writing even more. The way he describes his first acting experience or his botched stage-fighting practice with Emma Watson is vivid. If you read this in public, you're going to get weird looks when you dissolve into laughter. And if you're wondering what happened to Tom after his wizarding days, he explains that all too.This wasn't a biography I would usually pick up, but I'm so glad I did! Remember, most of these books can be found at your local library, so don't go spending all your money until you're sure you like the book. (Or find them at thrift stores, I usually do :-D)Happy Reading!*All links are simply links, I don't get any money if you click them. I just want to make finding great stories as easy as possible for you!* Similar Reads: <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/6-middle-grade-books-about-the-olympics" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/6-middle-grade-books-about-the-olympics">6 Middle-Grade Books About the Olympics</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-historical-fiction-books-that-are-not-set-in-wwii" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-historical-fiction-books-that-are-not-set-in-wwii">10 Historical Fiction Books that ARE NOT Set in WWII</a><a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-novels-inspired-by-the-greats" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/blog/10-novels-inspired-by-the-greats">10 Novels Inspired by the Greats</a> Want to work with me? Schedule a <a data-mce-href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services" href="https://madeitbymaren.com/book-editing-and-proofreading-services">free editing consultation</a> with Maren! You're bound to leave with a novel idea...Like what you're reading? Following me on <a data-mce-href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" href="http://www.goodreads.com/marensommer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodreads</a>!

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