First real “family vacation” last fall lent to some good reading time. Do not be deceived – this is not my everyday!

Ok, I’ll be honest – it’s more of a “pray to God that nap time lasts 2 hours” reading list. You know – #lifewithatoddler

But seriously, these books have challenged me in my faith, allowed me to escape to a different world, and helped me see this big world in a new, fresh way.

If you are on the hunt for a good book to dive into this summer, here are some recommendations…

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

If you know you can only tackle one book this summer, grab this one. Father G invites you into his world on the streets of Los Angeles and in the life of his homies. Have your tissues ready and be prepared to have your heart stretched beyond comfortable limits – to a place of compassion that Jesus exemplified.

Snake Oil: The Art of Healing and Truth-Telling

Author Becca Stevens is a personal hero – having founded Magdalene, a residential program in Nashville for survivors of human trafficking, and Thistle Farms, the social enterprise birthed out of that business. Many friends have gotten into essential oils as a way to bring healing to their families – I’d highly recommend reading this book if that’s you!

Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together

Another book to have your tissues handy for! And don’t read it on the plane without being prepared to sob uncontrollably next to a stranger #reallife

This book will change your life and your perspective of people different than yourself. What would happen if you were able to look beyond differences and find a lifelong friend in someone who’s story is completely different than yours? Maybe initiating that first conversation will be the best decision you ever made.

Enrique’s Journey

I first read this book nearly 10 years ago. But it’s relevance is even more critical today, as our nation has had to recently confront the issue of minors crossing the US-Mexican border. The author traveled alongside the main character, Enrique, as he searches for his mother who left their native Honduras to work in the United States. She does an amazing job in remaining neutral, yet your heart breaks at the big systems and personal decisions that effect this family.

What book would you recommend?