I live for messages from friends asking for a fresh book recommendation. Even better when they text back with one they think I’ll like. My friend Deanna suggested something similar for the Pack – a place we could add all of our 2021 favorites so we have somewhere to start when our nightstand is looking lonely. This is a compilation for all ages, and every mood. We hope you find a few to add to your list, and I would be so grateful if you’d add one or two of your favorites in the comments!

KIDS.

1. What Should Danny Do? (Incredible choose your own adventure/ the power to choose right from wrong. One of Grey’s very favorites!) 2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. (A series makes such a great gift because then the friend or family member can keep adding to it for birthdays and holidays. It makes it so special!) 3. Amelia Bedelia (timeless and sweet!) 4. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (One of my favorite books of all time for kids. Grey’s binding wore out we have read it so much!) 5. Harry Potter Box Set (What I wouldn’t give for the JOY of reading these for the first time again.) 6. The Christmas Pig (this is book our whole family has enjoyed reading together each night) 7. National Geographic Kids Just Joking 8. Elephant & Piggie Complete Series (listening to Grey read these aloud to us has been such a gift, and a big confidence booster for him) 9. Incredible You (Grey’s godmama gifted this to him years ago and we still read it to this day. Beautiful, necessary reminders for our tiny humans!) 10. What Do You Do With An Idea? (A staple for every little library!)

TEENS.

1. Number the Stars. (friendship, bravery, and age appropriate for middle school) 2. They Both Die At The End 3. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (I feel like this will elicit an eye roll at first, but if we can get them to read it, incredibly impactful!) 4. Red, White & Royal Blue (highly recommended by my 15 year old Goddaughter) 5. Life Skills for Teens (this would be great to go through together – many things not taught in school) 6. The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs 7. Interesting Stories for Curious Kids 8. Stranger Things 9. The Spy School series 10. The Blessing Effect (outstanding!!)

ADULTS.

1. The Beekeeper of Aleppo (gut-wrenching, gripping, laced with hope) 2. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (un-putdownable) 3. The Midnight Library (one of my favorites of all time) 4. A Woman Is No Man (thought-provoking, deeply moving) 5. Where the Crawdads Sing (a worldwide phenomenon for great reason!) 6. Golden Girl (fantastic beach read) 7. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (extraordinary storytelling, wonderfully written!) 8. The Four Winds (depressing, powerful, not the ending you’re expecting) 9. Cilka’s Journey (Cilka stays with you, it’s hard to shake her story long after reading) 10. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous (shifts your thought patterns, an excellent read!)

GROWTH MINDSET.

1. Atomic Habits (actionable, incredible ways to form new patterns in your life) 2. Tao Te Ching (every sentence is one to remember, and put into practice). 3. The Four Agreements (should be required reading for all – a beautiful way of living). 4. The Buddhist Bootcamp (one I re-read and reflect upon each year) 5. The Way of Integrity (a book so beautifully written, I have gifted many times) 6. The 5 Love Languages (a necessary read, not just for couples, but for any person looking to connect with another, on any level). 7. The Power of Positive Thinking (an all time favorite and the wisdom still holds true). 8. The Untethered Soul (deeply moving, powerful, and insightful) 9. The Wisdom of Sundays (one of my favorite books to give with life-changing lessons and insights from thought leaders around the world). 10. A New Earth (not a day goes by that I don’t reference or reflect on this book and the lessons in it).

A personal note: I will forever be grateful for the gift of reading. For authors who share their stories. For friends who send books that I will treasure for a lifetime. For my Dad who insisted we read the same book each week so we'd have something to talk about on Sundays. And for every day I get to fall asleep learning new words with our tiny bookworm. Thank you for cuddling up with us and joining the Book Club today!

One year apart 👇🏽 and never not missing the original Pack.