What I'm reading

I always love to hear what people are reading and which books they recommend. So, I thought I'd share what's on my bookshelf right now. And lest you get the idea that I'm some sort of speed reader, know that it takes me weeks or months to finish a book. I just like to have a selection. :)

On Motherhood:

Gift from the Sea, Ann Morrow (non-fiction)
I loved this mother's reflective take on life as a mother and wife and how it changes you. There were some real pearls of wisdom in this and I recommend it to every mom and wife (any age).

Becoming a Calm Mom, Deborah Roth Ledley
I saw this book mentioned in a parenting magazine and it grabbed my attention. I mean, who doesn't want to be a more calm mom? It's written by a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders, and she's also a mom. She gave some great insight into and solutions to baby blues, postpartum depression and a whole slew of other mental and emotional challenges that can be augmented after the birth of children while remaining positive and upbeat.

The New Mom's Survival Guide: How to Reclaim Your Body, Your Health, Your Sanity, and Your Sex Life After Having a Baby, Jennifer Wider, M.D.
This was a gem I found at a library book sale. For only 50 cents, it has proved to be a great reminder of things I need to be prepared for when baby boy comes and offers practical advice on everything mom-related.

On Nutrition:

Super Immunity, Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
This book is pretty fascinating. It shows the science behind nutrition and how it affects our health, and gives tips on how to prevent minor and major illnesses by eating the right foods. It has a bunch of recipes in the back and charts that show comparative nutrition of different foods. It's one of those books (like "In Defense of Food") that changes your outlook on what you put in your mouth and really motivates you to eat healthier.

Religious:

God Wants a Powerful People, Sheri Dew
I love Sheri Dew and the direct, non-nonsense way she speaks. She just makes gospel topics so clear and practical. This is a great book for learning how to harness the power of faith in your life.

Increase in Learning: Spiritual Patterns for Obtaining Your Own Answers, David A. Bednar

For Fun:

Emma, Jane Austen (fiction)
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, Beth Hoffman (fiction)
In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson (non-fiction)
The Violets of March, Sarah Jio (fiction)
Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis (fiction)

Of the "for fun" books, I have only started "Emma" but will let you know how I like the others.
In case you're wondering, Ellie's current favorite reads include, "Do You Want a Hug, Honey Bunny," "Daddy, Can You?" and "Barnyard Dance," which prompted this conversation:

Ellie: (pointing to a cow's udder) What's that?
Me: That's the cow's udder so she can feed milk to her babies.
Ellie: (after a thoughtful pause) I like udders. I'm going to get an udder when I get older.

Happy reading! What are you reading right now? Or what's on your to-read list? I am always wanting more recommendations.