Are you wondering what to read next? Could you use a good dose of encouragement? Need some guidance on books to give as gifts? This is the list you need!

I’ve chosen my favorite encouraging books of 2021 and added a couple that I can’t wait to read next! (These are all titles that I love and I’m sharing them with you because I want to, but they are affiliate links. Just so you know!)

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

This book was just released (November 2021), and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! (Daring Greatly is a huge favorite of mine!) So, this book about our emotions and the connections we make is high on my list of books to read!

No Cure for Being Human (And Other Truths I Need to Hear) by Kate Bowler

Please tell me you’ve read some of Kate Bowler’s other books. (Everything Happens is a treasure and you should definitely go back and read it if you haven’t already.) I adore Kate’s honest and raw storytelling that doesn’t sacrifice faith in the face of adversity.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Earlier this year I read Matt’s novel The Midnight Library and I really can’t tell you how much I loved it. I’m not a huge fiction reader, but this one had me from the beginning. His most recent (non-fiction) book is in my reading queue and I’m genuinely looking forward to it!

Courageously Expecting by Jenny Albers

I have the privilege of knowing Jenny and her story. She’s a beautiful human. Truly. Her new book is encouragement for women who are facing pregnancy after loss. It’s beautiful and faithful encouragement for women and I can’t recommend it enough. This book would be a beautiful gift. It will be released in January 2022, so add it to your cart and get as soon as it’s available!

Holy Hot Mess by Mary Katherine Backstrom

I read MK’s book this fall and it was perfect reading for the after school pickup line! If you follow her on social media then you know she’s a hoot, but she also loves Jesus. That’s my kind of reading! I gave my copy away to one of my Facebook friends because I wanted someone else to enjoy it as much as I did! This is a great read that doesn’t require a boat load of commitment. Read a chapter or two and come back to it when you have time!

Dusk, Night, Dawn by Anne Lamott

Listen, friends. Anne Lamott is one of my favorite authors. Her humorous and unconventional take on faith and life speak to me like few authors do. She’s got many books out in the world, but Help, Thanks, Wow is a great quick read that I especially loved. I was halfway through her newest book when I left it on the coffee table and came home a few hours later to find that our puppy ate it. THE DOG ATE IT. So, you might say that it’s such a wonderful book that the dog devoured it. Anyway, I’m looking forward to a Christmas gift card so I can buy another copy and finish reading it!

Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl by Jennifer Dukes Lee

If you’re still looking for what to read next, then look no further. I’m lucky enough to being in a writing group with Jennifer and she’s the real deal. This is exactly what my heart needs. Jesus. Perspective. Encouragement for the journey. If you crave the presence and meaning of a slower pace of life, then this is the book for you. As an added bonus, there’s a Bible study guide you can do with the book! It’s great to do on your own or with a group!

I’m always looking for encouraging books.

These are just a few of my favorite reads and things that I’m looking forward to, but I’m always on the lookout! Join me over on Facebook, because I’m always up for chatting about books!

But, wait! Don’t forget the kids!

Stock up on fun and affordable books for the kids, too! Discover hundreds of best-selling books for children of all ages and reading levels at The Scholastic Store Online. Shop with free standard shipping on book orders of $25+.

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