Read With Keri: Books I Read in July

I really hope these book recap posts are as exciting for you as they are for me.

Because I’m not quite sure when it happened, but I have grown to love recapping the books I’ve read and giving you recs when I can! You can check out my full 2021 Bookshelf here.

Please feel free to always, always share your recommendations and favorite books. I add every single one to my Want To Read list on Goodreads so I don’t forget!

Speaking of favorite books, there are quite a few from July that I think you’ll like. Keep scrolling to learn more!

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company — Robert Iger (5/5 stars)

This was a recommendation from a few friends and I finally checked it out. It is so good. Bob Iger, the former CEO of Walt Disney, shares how he got the role and the struggles and triumphs he had while CEO. Fun fact: He was friends with Steve Jobs and helped rekindle the Pixar/Disney relationship…and I am very thankful for that. Finding Nemo remains one of my all-time favorite movies!

The Light in Hidden Places — Sharon Cameron (5/5 stars)

Reese Witherspoon’s book club seriously kills it every time with the recs. I received this book for Christmas and am just now getting around to it. I wish I read it sooner. It takes a few chapters to get into it, but this details the incredible true story of Stefania, a Polish teen who hid and saved 13 Jews in her attic during World War 2.

This is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today — Chrissy Metz (3.5/5 stars)

Narrated by the author herself (Kate from This Is Us), this is a short but engaging read about Chrissy’s life and how she has managed to stay authentic in the spotlight. Bonus: Chrissy narrates the audiobook and I loved listening to her voice.

Improv Leadership — Stan Endicott and David Miller (4.5/5 stars)

Although written for church leaders, I believe the principles and lessons can be applied to any leadership position. I highly recommend for any individual who is looking to add practical habits to become a more effective leader. Concise but beneficial read.

Tuesdays with Morrie — Mitch Albom (3/5 stars)

Morrie, Mitch’s beloved sociology professor, is diagnosed with ALS and over the course of his final moths, shares life lessons and wisdom for the generations after him. This book is okay. Not good, not great. Kinda cheesy, kinda sounds like a list of greeting card sayings. Still good, but I suggest listening to it as an audiobook if you check it out.

The Editor — Steven Rowley (2.5/5 stars)

I picked this up from Barnes & Noble’s sale section because I love Jackie Kennedy Onassis and was drawn to the cover art. The book is a bit odd, though, not going to lie. A wannabe writer in the ‘90s discovers his book editor is Jackie and he’s a bit of a fangirl the entire book. Throughout the book, as he writes and edits his debut novel (kinda meta that you’re reading a book about a book), the main character discovers hidden secrets about his childhood. I wasn’t a huge fan of this, and I guess it goes to show you can’t judge a book by its cover!

Live Your Life, Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want — Rachel Cruze (5/5 stars)

Rachel Cruze is Dave Ramsey’s daughter. I checked out this book since I was curious what the seven money habits were. I will say this is a great resource abut money habits that basically takes Dave Ramsey’s baby steps and breaks them down into more relatable content for millennials and Gen Z-ers. If you are looking for financial tips, I’d recommend reading this or her dad’s book, The Total Money Makeover.