Summer Mom is here!

+ a list of books I've read so far in 2025

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I finished up my semester at the seminary a few weeks ago. One afternoon after a particularly difficult final my older kids checked in to see how it had gone. Hearing our conversation, my five-year old inquired if I was “summer mom¹” yet?? At the time, I had to answer “not yet buddy, but soon!”

Since school ended for the semester (for me and my kids), I’ve already finished three (and a half!) novels, spent time splashing in creeks, and stocked up on popsicles — I think we can now safely say: summer mom is here!

I am hoping the next few months will hold plenty of time for rest and play, as I am only taking one (self-directed) class over the summer, and trimming down work responsibilities as much as possible.

Graduate school takes up much of my reading time, but it’s been important (crucial!) for me to keep a book or two going during the semester that feel like they are just for me. I last sent out a book post at the beginning of January, so I think it’s time to send out a fresh list. ² (As always, I’m only adding books I’d recommend.³) Happy Reading!

Fiction

• Real Americans, Rachel Khong

  This was the first book I’ve read by Rachel Khong, and I really recommend it. The story follows three generations of a Chinese family in China and America. Great story!

• Tell Me Everything, Elizabeth Strout

  Elizabeth Strout is one of my favorite authors, and I loved this book about my favorite characters. If you haven’t read any — I’d start from the beginning as most of Strout’s book include the same characters.

• Conclave - Robert Harris

  I read this before Pope Francis died, but when it seemed possible and it was interesting to see a fictional glimpse into what happens during a Conclave — I wouldn’t give this 5 stars, but enjoyed it.

• A Better Man - Louise Penny

• All the Devils are Here - Louise Penny

  I’m currently reading this, but I love the Inspector Ganache series so much, so I want to be sure to include it!

Non-Fiction

• Elizabeth Elliot, A Life - Lucy S. R. Austen

  I read many books by Elisabeth Elliot as a young person — while I wouldn’t turn to her books now, I enjoyed reading this big picture look at her life and felt that the author gave a unbiased look at Elliot’s life.

• Beguiled By Beauty - Wendy Farley

  I read this for a class, but found it to be such a beautiful look at christian spirituality, I ended up buying the book and have turned to it many times since reading.

• Jesus and the Disinherited - Howard Thurman

  This is a classic in christian spirituality. Howard Thurman was a spiritual director and mentor to many people during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, including Martin Luther King Jr. This is not a fast read, but an important one.

• How to Walk into a Room - Emily P. Freeman

  I listened to this, and just love Emily’s voice! I definitely recommend it if you’re in a season of making a change, Emily’s wisdom is not to be missed.

Kids Books

All three of these I read to myself, :)

• The Last Cuentista - Donna Barber Higuera (YA)

• The Tiger Rising - Kate DiCamillo

• Tuck Everlasting - Natalie Babbitt

Memoir

• Me, Elton John

  I love reading celebrity memoir, and this one did not disappoint!

• From Here to the Great Unknown - Riley Enough and Lisa Marie Presley

• Memorial Days - Geraldine Brooks

• Here Be Dragons - Melanie Shankle

  I wasn’t sure at first, but I mostly appreciated this one. I found it to be a cross between Beth Moore’s memoir and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy. (Not an easy read, and it’s not totally aligned with my theology, but I think it would be hard for any of us to find books with agree with 100% — and anyway, that is not the role of a memoir!)

• Good Soil - Jeff Chu

  I really sunk into this one, and loved it so much. Jeff Chu is such a treasure!

Poetry

• How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope - James Crews

  This compilation of poetry has been just what I needed on mornings I didn’t have long for prayer or silence. A short poem and a lit candle bring me back to myself like few other things can.

• Everything Comes Next - Naomi Shihab Nye

  This collection of poems (which I think is meant for children?) has also been a delight the last month or two.

A few books on my summer list:

• Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey

• The Wonder of Small Things and The Path to Kindness compiled by James Crews

• We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle

What’s on your book list for the summer? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Spiritual Direction News & Updates

• I have a few spots open for new directees. If you or someone you know are interested in spiritual direction you can find out more about the practice here or set up a complimentary time to connect here.

• This summer I’m hosting a spiritual direction group for clergy & ministry leaders. I still have a few more spots open and I’d love for you to join us! For more information or to register, follow this link.

• I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a virtual mini-retreat in June! In Preparing for the Ordinary, a lunchtime mini-retreat for Ordinary Time, I’ll guide you through an exploration of the ways in which our ordinary lives are fertile ground for transformation. For more information or to register, follow this link.

1. I think this came from a comment I’d made about myself (inspired by Grace Farris’ weekend mom)

2. 2024 books — I write about books pretty consistently, so if you’re looking for more book lists you might go here, here, or here!

3. I don’t particularly like writing a bad review, so I tend to just leave off books that weren’t for me.