I have a confession to make. It’s the sort of thing that a writer should never admit.
I’m a VERY picky reader.
When it comes to purchasing books, I rarely discriminate. At this very moment I have at least 20 fantastic books on my shelf that are still waiting to be opened. I love to buy books. I love the smell of them, the feel of them nestled in the crook of my arm as I walk into a coffee shop, and the way my little heart skips a beat every single time I walk through the doors of a Barnes & Noble.
But when it comes to actually reading books in their entirety, I do admit that my standards are…shall we say…a bit high? I’m not easily entertained. I can’t help it! I’m just not.
If a book doesn’t grab me within the first 3 chapters I rarely pick it back up. I realize that this makes me sound like an elitist snob, and no, the irony is not lost on me that as a humble and lowly writer myself, I may need to consider suggesting LOWER standards for consumption, but whatever. I don’t care. It’s the truth! And I’m only telling you so you understand that when I recommend a book, I really mean it.
So obviously I’m going to recommend a book now.
Are you ready?
My friend Shannan Martin’s compelling new book, Falling Free: Rescued From The Life I Always Wanted releases today and I really, truly, mean it when I say that you should order it.
In the spirit of full disclosure I should clarify that when I say Shannan is “my friend”, I mean it in the sense that we bonded on the Internet over our mutual love for Taco Bell, not in the sense that we have slumber parties where we discus our weight and have pillow fights every Friday night. Although, also in the spirit of full disclosure, I can’t say I’d ever turn it down if she invited me. Plus, if you know me at all, then you know that I take my Taco Bell very seriously and it may actually be one of the shortest and most direct paths to my heart.
Also, if you’re starting to quietly judge me for my love of low quality, inexpensive, fast food, just slow your roll, okay? It’s not weird. A lot of people secretly love Taco Bell. Besides, I’ve seen friendships legitimately end over disagreements on whether mayonnaise is an acceptable condiment (jury is still out) or if Diet Dr. Pepper is really better than Coke Zero (it’s not) so come on, now. Go easy. Let’s not become a statistic.
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I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Falling Free, and I have to tell you guys that this book shook me up in all the best ways.
Shannan tells the story of how their lives were turned upside down and inside out, and she does it with such grace, humor, and relatability that you feel not only an instant camaraderie with her, but an undeniable shift in the way you view the roadmap for your own life.
I feel like I highlighted half the book and I know I’ll be referencing it for years to come, but if there’s one sentence that’s held me captive, it’s this:
“There is a difference between being too scared to do hard things and doing hard things scared.”
So if you need me, I’ll just be talking to some food about that. At Taco Bell.
P.S. You can order Shannan’s book, HERE.
kimmie says
The first thing I did this morning was to fire up the wifi on my Kindle to download the book!
Shannon says
Ok, I’ll read it. I too am a book snob that gets excited over Taco Bell and Barnes and Noble, and of course coffee…. So, if you think it’s good, it probably is.