I feel like summer is going by so fast – even though it’s only almost halfway over (at least for me). When do y’all go back to school? I go back the last week of August but my crazy schedule doesn’t start until a couple weeks into September.
Today I’m going to be sharing some of my summer favorites so far – mostly books and blogs I’ve been loving recently but also some other random things 😛
books
Emily Curtis is used to dealing with her problems while under the hood of an old Chevy, but when her mom dies, Emily’s world seems shaken beyond repair. Driven from home by hospital bills they can’t pay, Emily and her dad move in with his wealthy sister, who intends to make her niece more feminine—in other words, just like Whitney, Emily’s perfect cousin. But when Emily hears the engine of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and sees the cute gearhead, Zander, next door, things seem to be looking up.
But even working alongside Zander can’t completely fix the hole in Emily’s life. Ever since her mom died, Emily hasn’t been able to pray, and no one—not even Zander—seems to understand. But sometimes the help you need can come from the person you least expect.
Sooo I FINALLY read Roadside Assistance and GUYS. WHY did I not read this sooner? It’s soo good and way better than I expected. I cried… which is something I rarely do when I read a book but this one was an exception. At the beginning I lowkey hated Emily (I KNOW, sorry, but imo she was acting really annoying or even prejudiced maybe?) I also felt like some of her claims that Zander was selfish/stuck up just had no proof behind them. Otherwise this book was amazing and I would highly recommend it!!
It all starts the summer Christy vacations on a California beach and meets two friends who change her life forever. But after moving across the country with her family, Christy must begin her sophomore year of high school uncertain where she’ll fit in. A red-headed new best friend, a try at cheerleading, a job at a pet store, and expectations for the prom fill Christy’s high school years with a string of laughter-and-tears moments. Fireball Katie keeps everyone guessing what she’ll do next, and surfer Todd keeps showing up while popular Rick has determined to get her full attention! As these memorable years unfold, Christy and her God-loving friends find out what it means to be a “peculiar treasure.” Follow Christy Miller as she stays true to her identity in Christ, drawing closer to God for help in realizing her dreams and dealing with her disappointments.
I only read volumes one and two of Christy Miller, but I also read her diary (BAD IDEA: that thing has MAJOR spoilers lol). I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! In this type of book, most aspects of the book are “too perfect”, and while this series (so far) has plenty of that, it also has a more “real” storyline than most books like this I’ve read. I LOVE the characters and… just everything. GUYS READ THiESE BOOKS PLEASE!!! 😍
A generation stands on the brink of a “rebelution.” A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today’s culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God. And Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge. Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change. Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today. “Most people don’t expect you to understand what we’re going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don’t expect you to care. And even if you care, they don’t expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don’t expect it to last. We do.” – Alex and Brett
I finally read Do Hard Things and guys it is AMAZING. If you haven’t read it yet you 100% should. I loved loved LOVED it and it is soo inspiring! It will definitely challenge you to “do hard things” and to be honest I would recommend it to everyone – not just teens!
blogs
The Rebelution | rebelling against low expectations
This is the sight that the authors of “Do Hard Things” run. Their articles, which are authored by a wide variety of Christian writers and bloggers, are super encouraging. They have a huge variety of topics and I highly recommend just heading over there and reading a couple!
Recently, this blog has been a favorite! I love Isa’s posts – one of my recent favorites was her 15th birthday post – she is GORGEOUS! I also loved her “I got saved” post – it was really great and I *might* have cried? Just a little bit? Okay fine a lot 😂❤
If you don’t follow this blog SHAME ON YOU. Okay… sorry… but seriously Jo is pretty much the best person ever and her posts are AMAZING! ❤
That’s all my favorites for now – have you read any of those books/blogs? If not you should!! See you guys in a couple days 🙂
❤ bye,
christina raquel 