Tag: matthew kelly

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Fabulous living

Book Review: Just Jessie and Rediscover Catholicism

Hi All! 

Happy Tuesday! It is finals week for me, thankfully my finals aren’t too strenuous, I am looking forward to easing my way out of the semester. With summer right around the corner, one of the things I’m looking forward to is reading a lot. I have always loved to read but being in college doesn’t always give me the time to read for fun. Don’t get me wrong, I read a lot for my classes, for example, in one of my classes, I was reading a novel a week. I was definitely getting in my 30 minutes of reading a day. However, I didn’t have a lot of time to read for fun. I was able to complete two books for fun through the Spring semester.  Although, I wish it was more I was happy to get in a little bit of fun reading.

Such a fun book

I first read Jessie James Decker’s book, Just Jessie.I have always been a fan of Jessie James Decker. I loved following her show on E, listening to her new albums, and following her sweet family on social media. In her book she opens up about growing up, dreaming of becoming a singer, her career in music, meeting her husband, starting a family, creating her fashion line, but above all being herself. It was such a fun and light read, especially when I needed a break from reading textbook material all day. I read a few chapters every night so it took me a few weeks to read it, but you could finish it in a few sittings. I love when artists, actors, or influential people, write books and open up about how they got to where they are today. I find it inspiring and it encourages me pursue my own dreams. If you are a fan of Jessie James Decker I would highly recommend reading her book. She also just released a new song, Roots and Wings, which is beautiful. You can listen to it here. 

Grade: A-

Another great read

I also read Matthew Kelly’s book, Rediscover Catholicismover Lent.  It was another eye-opening book that made me reevaluate my faith and my relationship with God. This is the third book I have read by Matthew Kelly, I have also read Perfectly Yourselfand The Greatest Lie in the History of Christianity. Although, I liked the other books more than this one, I enjoyed digging deeper into my faith. The books really breaks down the Catholic faith, from The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality, living the authentic life, and how we should live our lives as Catholics. I read a little bit every night and I took me the whole duration of Lent to read it, it could definitely be read in a few sittings, but I wanted to reflect on what I was reading. After reading it, I wanted to challenge myself to make my faith more a priority and be more intentional with my relationship with God. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their faith or looking to deepen their faith. 

Grade: B-

If you are looking for new books to read I hope this gave you some insights on different books to try. Now, with summer rapdily approaching, I need your help picking out some new books that I should read this summer. What are your current favorites?! I need all the suggestions. Leave them in the comments below! Have a fantastic week!

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Fabulous living

Winter Break Book Review

Happy Tuesday. How is your week looking? Hectic? Calm? Too early to tell? The past few weeks have flown by for me, I think between getting into a new schedule for the semester and working the past few weekends the weeks have gone by much faster. 

Today, I am finally getting around to sharing my Winter Break Book Review, I know it’s way overdue, but better late than never right? During my month home I read two books. I wish I read more but time got away from me. I read “My Oxford Year”by Julie Whelan and “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity”by Matthew Kelly. Both were very good books but very diverse in the subject matter and genre. Let’s dive into these tales.

My Oxford Year

“My Oxford Year” tells the story of a young American student, Ella Duran who is studying in Oxford. She meets Jamie Davenport, a handsome date who turns out to be her lecturer. She has high dreams and aspirations and doesn’t want to be derailed by a romance abroad. There are many unexpected twists and turns, especially the ending. There were so many times when the book changed directions that I never would have expected. Overall, this book tells the story of hard work, pursing your dreams, making friends with people who never expected and putting your goals on hold for those you love. I had seen this book on many book reviews over the summer and I was so excited I could finally read it, I was not disappointed at all.

One thing that was different about my experience with this book is that I tried the audiobook of it instead of reading it. I’ve heard many people make the transition from reading books to listening to them, and at this point, I hate to say I am not one of them. It was nice to listen to the book while I did other things such as clean, wash, or computer work, but I still like the feeling of reading for leisure. Now, I know people listen to the books while they drive and I haven’t tried that yet, so I plan on giving it another try soon but for now I think I’m going to stick to the reading of books. 

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity

The next book I read was “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity” by Matthew Kelly. Last summer I read “Perfectly Yourself”by Matthew Kelly and I loved it so I couldn’t wait to read this on and it didn’t disappoint. Here’s my book review with Perfectly Yourself.“The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity” is all about living life to the fullest and doing things and making choices that truly make us happy. It also shows us what things we can do to make our lives happier and be more content and not be overwhelmed by so much noise. I found this book to be therapeutic and relaxing. I read a chapter or two a day and I loved the positive message that it spread. I loved it so much I went on to gift it to two other people. I read this book as opposed to listening to it and I preferred it much better, especially when I was reading it with a candle burning and a warm cup of hot coco, can you think of anything better?!

One of my favorite quotes from Matthew Kelly’s book

That’s a bit of a recap of two great books I read over break. Although, I am back to school and in classes, I’m trying to carve some time every day to read, even if it is just a chapter. 

What are you guys currently reading? I love new suggestions? Also, do you guys prefer to listen to books or read them?

See you on Thursday for warm and toasty outfit for the winter months!

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Fabulous living

Summer Book Review

Hello Everyone and Happy First Week of School!

I started classes yesterday and it was so nice to get back into a routine!

In honor of the first week of school, I’m sharing the  books I read this summer. My goal was to read 6 books and I exceeded my goal by reading 11 books! I feel very accomplished. Today, I’m going to share a small review for each book, now I am not an expert  on book reviews but this is just a little something reflecting on what books I read and if I enjoyed them. Let’s get to it!

Perfectly Yourself- Matthew Kelly

This was such an inspirational book, it allowed me to reevaluate areas of my life that needed work. I would recommend getting your own copy and highlighting it or making notes. The biggest thing I took away from this was “Thriving Not Surviving”

Grade: A-

Who Do You Love-Jennifer Weiner

This was such a good book, it was about a boy and a girl who meet at different times all through their lives. There were some twists and turns but I loved the ending. It was a fast book to read and I was hooked throughout the whole reading. This was a favorite of mine this summer.

Grade: A

This is Me-Chrissy Metz

Any other This is Us fans out there?! I loved getting to learn more about my favorite actors and actresses. I love to learn about where they come from and how they go to where they are now. This was a very moving book and I love Chrissy even more now if that’s possible! I cant wait till season 3 of This Is Us is out!!

Grade: A-

Talking as Fast as I Can-Lauren Graham

This was such a fun and light read.  I finished it in two sittings and laughed a lot.  I love when writers get candid with their readers! Once again, I loved getting to learn more about Lauren Graham. Also, after finishing her book, I want to watch Gilmore Girls, I have never seen it before and I am very eager to watch it.

Grade: B+

The Nanny Diaries- Emma McLauglin and Nicola Kraus

I had high hopes for this book, it was a good book but it did have an unexpected ending. My heartstrings were pulled a lot while I was reading it. It told the story of a college student nannying for a young boy and all the responsibilities that come with it. It was a good story but wasn’t what I thought it would be.

Grade: B-

Happily Ali After- Ali Wentworth

This was a funny book, I really enjoyed it. I have seen Ali do comedy so it was great to read about her from her point of view. Although it was funny, she talked a lot about parenting and her children which was great but it was hard for me to relate too. I know mothers would really enjoy it, overall it was a light read.

Grade: B-

Paris: A Love Story- Kati Marton

This was such a good read. It was a true story about how a women has to move on after her husband’s death and find herself again. She tells her story starting from her childhood to present day. It was inspirational to see how she continues on after life without her husband. It was a heavy read but it was worth it.

Grade: A-

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?- Mindy Kailing

I love Mindy Kailing and I have read her other books. This book was so funny, raw, and honest! I felt like she was reading it too me. This is a perfect book for the young adult. It was super treatable and had a great message. It was a fun summer read.

Grade: B+

Love Letters of Great Men-John C. Kirkland

Any Sex and the City fans out there?! This is the book Carrie is reading in the first movie. I loved reading these beautifully written letters. It was a perfect read to break up a stressful day.

Plus you may recognize this page

Grade: B+

The Star Attraction- Alison Sweeney

I read this while on vacation and it was  a fast. It’s all about a publicist in LA and how she balances work, her relationship, and herself. It was a chick flick read and although it was predictable, it was fun to read a different genre. I could see this being made into a movie if it isn’t already.

Grade: B+

Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey-Ed Sheeran and Phil Butah

I have always been a fan of Ed’s music so it was great to read about his journey. This pictures that accompained his words were beautiful. This was a quick read perfect for a day by the pool. Once again, I always like to learn more about people that I look up to or I am a fan of.

Grade: B+

Whew, that was a long one. Thanks to those who stuck through till the end! I read a lot in the summer, which I was so pleased about. Not sure how much reading I will get done in the school year but if I do get some reading in, I’ll be sure to review it. Do you like the reviews and would you want more of them? What books did you read this summer.