I thought that with Christmas coming up soon, it might be fun to share some of my favorite things with you! These are items I've bought this year and which I highly recommend.
1) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand - After reading an excerpt from this non-fiction book in Vanity Fair last year, I borrowed a copy of this book from the library to read. To put it simply, the story in this book is so remarkable that if it wasn't footnoted and highly researched, you'd think that the whole thing was a fantastical work of fiction. I literally could not put it down. And the highlight for me was the unexpected ending. The last 50 pages or so were such a revelation and testimony. This book is one that I plan to give out this holiday season. Here's a little preview of this amazing story:
2) French by Heart By Rebecca S. Ramsey: This non-fiction book chronicles the move by an American family to France. From the book flap: The Ramseys are not jet-setters; they’re a regular family with big-hearted and rambunctious kids. Quickly their lives go from covered-dish suppers to smoky dinner parties with heated polemics, from being surrounded by Southern hospitality to receiving funny looks if the children play in the yard without shoes. I found this book delightfully sweet and an amusing read. Unbroken is my #1 book of the year, but if you're looking for something quite a bit lighter, French by Heart was a fun read.
3) CO Bigelow Tinted Lemon Blackberry Lip Balm: CO Bigelow Lip Gloss has been my go-to lip treatment for many years now. But I recently found this balm and I LOVE it!!! It reminds me of Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. This balm has a deep cranberry tint, which is really nice for the fall/winter. And of course, like all CO Bigelow lip products, it tastes pretty nice too ☺
4) The Good Lovelies: This Canadian trio sings their whimsical lyrics accompanied by fun bluegrass instrumentation. I own both of their albums and heartily recommend both of them. Check out their (admittedly cheesy) music videos here to get a taste of their sound. Fun, right?!
The book Unbroken sounds really good-I will have to put that on my reading list!
Posted by: NancyC | November 10, 2011 at 07:11 PM
i love this list carolyn. thank you. now i know what i will look for for a few gifts!
Posted by: kelly | November 14, 2011 at 10:15 AM
I have to agree. I read Unbroken over the Memorial Day holiday and could not put it down. Totally loved it and gave it as a gift to my uncle who flew bombers and knew about Louie. He really enjoyed it as well.
Posted by: Barbara | November 15, 2011 at 08:21 AM
It is so funny that you should mention the book Unbroken. My pastor just talked about in a sermon. The book will be on my Christmas wish list.
Posted by: Kerri Norrod | November 15, 2011 at 12:15 PM