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Best book you’ve never heard of on … faith and family

I have zero recollection of how I first connected with Katherine Willis Pershey online, but I’m so glad I did. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Story Chicago last fall, and she was just the same in person as I expected from her blog–warm and wise and witty.

I’ve had an e-version of Katherine’s book, Any Day a Beautiful Change: A Story of Faith and Family, in my possession for a long time. Too long. It’s a sad tech story: I couldn’t figure out how to get the digital edition off my laptop and onto a device, and I can’t handle reading any more on my laptop than I have to … which is how it ended up on my books I’ve been meaning to read list.

Well, I finally finished the book (in paperback form) and I am kicking myself for waiting so long, because I enjoyed it so much.

Any Day a Beautiful Change: A Story of Faith and Family

Katherine’s a pastor and a wife and a mom, and she writes beautifully about the places where those things collide–especially when the collisions are pretty bumpy. For an excellent taste of her writing, please go read her essay the beer is nourishing. (Yes, that’s really what it’s called.)

Check out the rest of the best books you’ve never heard of here.

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73 comments

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  1. Heather L says:

    Recently stumbled across your blog—loving it! Devouring your book lists, and your older posts. So happy to find new and refreshing things read!

  2. Tammy Wannemacher says:

    I just finished “Organized Simplicity” by Tsh Oxenreider. Thank you for the recommendation – I can’t wait to get moving on my 10-day challenge! I got “Happier at Home” from the library yesterday. We are expecting #4 in July, so I am making it my goal to read at least one book/month on simple living/organization/home management. We made the move from 2 to 3 fairly easily, not making any notable adjustments in our lifestyle (and house rules about clutter!) I know that we need to clean up our act if we are going to give 4 kids the best home possible!

  3. Niki D. says:

    Another blog to read, a new book to look into (if I won it, I would share with a friend, I promise), and more books to put on my kindle or coffee table (because, one can never have enough, you know)! I love your blog, dear Anne with an “e”.

  4. Jeannie says:

    As I ate my breakfast of poutine and maple syrup this morning, I was thrilled to see that your giveaway includes Canada! This book sounds great — would love to win it.

  5. Sonya says:

    Yay! Finally a giveaway open to Canadians! I love many of your book recommendations and have enjoyed some new-to-me authors as a result. I look forward to more bookish items! I think you are one of the few people I know who reads as much, and as wide a variety, as I do.
    Thanks!

  6. Judy says:

    I love KWP’s blog, found her a while back, as she is Disciple of Christ, a denomination I hold dear. Haven’t read the book(oh for a Kindle…) and would love to. So glad to have found your blog this summer with all your lovely reading lists

  7. Jana Elcock says:

    Why did it take me so long to find you! I love your writing …… It is amazing, inspiring and filling my nightstand with constant life and mind-changing tidbits!!!!!

  8. Ginger says:

    I love that this really is a balancing act — like everything in life, isn’t it? Certainly make effort, move, don’t hesitate. But on the other hand, I always enjoy being in someone’s home that I can tell is a reflection of them — a basket from their trip to the islands, a piece of art they fell in love with in a fancy gallery on a trip to NYC, a framed flag that hung over the White House, grandmother’s plant stand. A story behind everything.

    I once had a friend who immediately after she and her husband got married, went out and literally purchased an apartment full of furniture, complete with everything from one of those “Rooms” stores. I remember being jealous, that is, until I saw it. It felt so sterile and cold and not at all like them. Sure, who wouldn’t want to be “done.” But then again, I suppose the journey is the destination.

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