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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

June 14, 2015

5 Books I’ve Loved Lately

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A selection and review of 5 books I’ve read and loved lately! Come share what you’ve read and loved lately.
A List of 5 Books I've Loved Reading Lately on dineanddish.net

I love summer! If you don’t know that about me by now, you certainly will after this summer is over. I love the relaxed schedule and longer days…not to mention the increased opportunity for reading time. I always take a book with me wherever I go, but I seem to have more time to actually read it in the summer! It’s always easier to get absorbed in a great book when I go to bed and stay up later reading, knowing I don’t have to get up extra early to take the kids to school.

I’ve read some great books recently, and thought it would be a good time to share some good reads with you in case you have extra reading time too! Of course, you can always find my most up to date reads on Goodreads. Make sure to follow me over there for instant reading recs. Until then, here are 5 books I’ve read and loved a lot lately and hope you will too!

5 Days Left

Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer. It’s hard for me to say I enjoyed this book because it was heartbreaking… but I love books that make me cry, and this one certainly did. My friend Aggie told me about this book (she also shares GREAT book reviews so follow her.)

Five Days Left is about two people…Mara and Scott. Mara has been recently diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease and decided at the time of her diagnosis that once she gets to a certain symptom, she will commit suicide on her next birthday. Scott is the foster parent of a little boy whose mother has promised to take the little boy back once she cleans up her act (her son was poorly neglected and not well taken care of). Scott has become extremely attached to the little boy.

The story unfolds in parallel as both Mara and Scott, who know each other through an online parenting forum, come down to their final five days…Mara of her life and Scott with his little boy. This book will rip your heart open, but it is so good. Buy Five Days Left on Amazon or add it to your want to read list on Goodreads.

The Nightingale by Kristin HannahThe Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Those of you who are fans of Kristin Hannah will love this book, even though it’s a complete departure from her normal style. The Nightingale is a moving story of two French sisters who lived during World War II. One sister is part of the French Resistance and one sister is left at home forced to house Nazi soldiers. Their struggles over time and harrowing events they are faced with, along with Hannah’s descriptive writing, make this one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read.

I actually listened to this book on audio (I LOVE my Audible.com account, especially for keeping me entertained while I am on the treadmill) and I have to say it is one of the very best narrated books I’ve listened to. Buy The Nightingale on Amazon or add it to your want to read list on Goodreads.

Savor Living Abundantly Where You Are

Savor…Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist. Savor is a departure from some of my more typical shares. It’s also possible I am one of the last people on earth recommending this book to you as I’ve seen it all over the place in the past couple of months, but there is really good reason for it. This is an absolutely beautiful book… it’s not a sit down and read cover to cover book (although that’s what I did), but more a daily devotional about everyday life and living abundantly (and sprinkled with really great recipes).

Definitely add this to your list of books to own and pull it out to read each morning. It’ll be a great way to start your day! (It would also make a great gift for a friend.)

Buy Savor on Amazon or add it to your Want To Read shelf on Goodreads.

This Is Where I Leave You

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. I feel almost bad recommending this book right after I recommended a spiritual, life enhancing type book, but This Is Where I Leave You has been one of my favorite books recently. It’s irreverent and raunchy and will make you laugh out loud, and at the same time will make you cry tears of sadness and sorrow. If you like to shake things up a little with your reading in the summer, this book will definitely do that!

Buy This Is Where I Leave You on Amazon or add it to your Want to Read shelf on Goodreads.

If You Find This Letter

If You Find This Letter by Hannah Brencher. Connecting with others, especially strangers, is one of my favorite things. I have this theory that if we would all just open ourselves up to others, a small conversation or connection with a stranger can change our lives in unexpected ways. (That’s probably why you never want to sit next to me on an airplane… I’m the person who tries to “connect” with you 😉 ). Anyway, Hannah Brencher’s book is exactly my thing… a person (Hannah) is feeling down and depressed in her new home town of New York City. As a way to encourage and connect with others, she starts leaving miscellaneous letters for strangers in need of uplifting around the city.

What resulted was a new movement of letter writing from strangers to strangers across America. Check out Hannah’s blog for a little more insight, but to get the start of the story, make sure to read Hannah’s memoir. It’s a good one!

Buy If You Find This Letter on Amazon or add it to your Want to Read shelf on Goodreads.

I’m currently listening to Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline (and LOVING it), I’m reading It Starts With Food (and am absolutely intrigued) and just started this morning Remember Me Like This. So many books, so little time!

Now it’s your turn… let me know what you are reading and loving lately!

Loved-lately

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Filed Under: Book Review, Previous Tagged With: book review, book reviews, books, fiction, historical fiction, memoir, nonfiction, reading

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Terri H says

    June 14, 2015 at 8:04 am

    This summer I’m mostly reading (and sometimes re-reading) youth novels. I especially love listening to them in the car as I can finish the books fairly quickly even though I’m just driving for errands mostly. I finished Watership Down recently (not short!) and am now listening to Half Magic.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:51 pm

      I just added some young adult books for the same reason – they are quick to get through and often some of my favorites!

      Reply
  2. kelley {mountain mama cooks} says

    June 14, 2015 at 8:16 am

    I love when you share books you’ve read! I’m in the zone right now, reading a book a week. I’ve had The Nightingale on my list and now I’m putting 5 Days Left as well! Thanks, mama!! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      That’s awesome – I need to go check out what you’ve been reading! Any faves??

      Reply
  3. Jamie | Jamie's Recipes says

    June 14, 2015 at 9:23 am

    I am currently listening to The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and I am getting ready to get my purge on! This family of six needs to get rid of a lot and live a happier life with less.

    Reply
    • Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

      June 14, 2015 at 12:21 pm

      Jamie and Kristen, I’ve been “getting my purge on” for several months now! Actually, I stay pretty well purged everywhere but my desk, which is what I’m working on right this minute (and since January!). I just started reading this post while I was stalling! 😀 My desk is a magnet for huge piles of paper, so if you run across a really motivating and inspiring saying or tip on that, do let me know — please! I’ve sworn off starting another book until I conquer this!

      Reply
      • Kristen says

        June 16, 2015 at 2:54 pm

        I’m glad Dine & Dish was a nice break for you 🙂 I highly recommend you try this book out. You may surprise yourself and declutter EVEN more!
        My desk is always a mess too – I’m working on it though (always!)

        Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      I read that book in January and it WAS indeed life changing! I feel like it’s something I constantly need to do… it’s so hard with so many people in one house. I can relate!

      Reply
    • Terri H says

      June 17, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      I just finished this book also. While I don’t think I’ll do everything the author suggests, I found a lot to help me in my journey to a less cluttered house.

      The idea that helps me the most with papers–handle everything once. Go through mail and other paper as it comes in (or at least same day), then either recycle/shred/pitch or file in “needs attention” or a more long-term storage place. It’s an ongoing struggle for me, all the same.

      Reply
  4. Jenna says

    June 14, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Thanks for the list. I might grab a few before our beach vacation.

    Happy reading!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      Have a great vacation, Jenna!

      Reply
  5. Katy says

    June 14, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    I’m in the middle of The Girl on the Train. I can’t say I love it, but I have a feeling I haven’t yet gotten to the “good part”. I read it knowing that others are loving it, but without knowing anything about it. Otherwise, my favorite books this year thus far have been by authors I’ve discovered through free Amazon books. I’ve fallen in love with the one, free book, and then devoured (or am devouring) everything else they’ve written. There are quite a few books I’m waiting on through the library as well (new Jane Green, Jennifer Weiner, and a couple of celeb bio-memoirs).

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      So I really liked The Girl on the Train – but I listened to it on audio and the narrator was riveting. It was great “get through my run” listening!

      Reply
  6. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says

    June 14, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Ahh thank you for the push – I’ve been meaning to buy Savor!! Heading on a beach trip with a girlfriend in a couple weeks and sent her the link too. I’m determined to read at least one book during my trip!!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      Definitely – although I imagine you’ll have lots of gabbing and catching up time! Just enjoy and have a GREAT trip!

      Reply
  7. kellypea says

    June 14, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    Love the variety of your list and the link to Hannah’s blog. I will enjoy thumbing through that. I’ve been a Jonathan Tropper fan since reading Everything Changes years ago, so enjoyed This Is Where I Leave You when it came out — still haven’t seen the film. As for what I’ve been reading — The Nightengale was very good as you said, although I’ve always been a lover of historical fiction and fascinated by WWII history in particular. Also just finished All the Light We Cannot See which will go down as another favorite in my all time read list. Should finish Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky (started it while I was reading the last) but may want something lighter. Happy summer to you, and I’d love sitting next to you on a flight!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      All The Light We Cannot See was so so so good.
      I need to find some light summer reads. Let me know if you find any!

      Reply
  8. Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says

    June 14, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Great recommendations! My mom told me to read the Kristin Hannah book….and I just saw it at our library, so I’ll have to pick it up!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      I think you’ll love it, Ally! I felt like I was part of the story!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer @ The Foodie Patootie says

    June 15, 2015 at 11:48 am

    I’ve only read “This is Where I Leave You” so I added the rest to my to-read list!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Enjoy, Jennifer! Have you read anything good lately? I’m looking for some lighter reads if you have any recommendations!

      Reply
  10. dawn@joyfulscribblings says

    June 15, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    Thanks for the reading recommendations. I always keep a running list of books I’d like to read. Right now I’m reading Uncertainty by Jonathan Fields and it’s just what I need right now. I also recently read The Selection Series which is a young adult series and love them. Quick and fun reads- sort of a cross between The Bachelor and The Hunger Games. I’ve had This Is Where I Leave You for years, but never read it and recently watched the movie so I’m not sure I’ll get to it now. Have you seen the movie?

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I haven’t read the movie – was it awful or good? I actually haven’t heard either way!
      I’m totally going to check out The Selection Series – sounds like a good summer series!

      Reply
  11. Mel @ The cook's notebook says

    June 16, 2015 at 5:57 am

    Absolutely LOVED The Nightingale. Couldn’t put it down.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 16, 2015 at 3:03 pm

      Wasn’t it amazing? It was a pretty big departure for her compared to what she usually writes about, but I loved it even more! So so so good.

      Reply
  12. Tina says

    June 16, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    I just finished, and very much enjoyed, The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters. It takes place outside of London in the early 1920’s. Frances and her mother must take on house guests to pay the bills. A young newlywed couple moves in and really shakes things up! (I don’t want to give anything away). It is a bit love story, a bit crime novel, a bit historical fiction. Very good!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      June 17, 2015 at 6:57 am

      I just downloaded it – thanks for the recommendation! It sounds really good!

      Reply
  13. s says

    June 19, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    Have you read The Bullet? That was a fast read with an interesting main character.

    Reply
  14. Lynn BB says

    June 20, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    I just finished the Nightingale yesterday. One of my favorite reads ever but I should have waited to finish it at home instead of the train commute. Too many tears!

    Reply
  15. Barbara Acee says

    July 21, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    I loved the Orchardist. I couldn’t put it down.

    Reply
  16. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says

    July 29, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Pinning this for later! I am reading Unbroken which has taken me forever because of life getting in the way, but I’m finally getting to the good stuff!

    Reply
  17. Mona says

    October 14, 2018 at 8:44 pm

    Kristen, I an happy you found something that makes you feel better and more in control. I always so love to see what you are reading and so pleased today when I discovered I had read and enjoyed some of the same books. I thought “In Five Days” was so good and written in such an interesting way. I thought “This Is WhereI leave You” was such a Hoot. I hardly ever listen to a book because I always find myself dreaming off about something else, but recently I listened to “The Extraordinary Life of Same Hell”. . And actually thought I probably liked the audible better than I would have liked to read it. I liked that book a lot. Recently read a Charles Martin book because I had liked “The Other Side of the Mountain” so much. Did not like “ Long Way Gone” as much, but I didn’t mind finishing it in about three days. He has written several books with good reviews but our little Winthrop Library only had the “Long Way Gone”. I always enjoy what you have to say.
    Mona

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe - Dine and Dish says:
    December 30, 2015 at 6:44 am

    […] that have been neglected, or binge watching shows that we haven’t had time to see. I swear I also read more books in the few weeks of the holiday break than I do all year. Besides summer, Christmas vacation is my […]

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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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