Reading has always been one of my favorite things to do. I cannot remember a day passing since I was about 4 years old when I did not read something. Before that, I had a collection of books on tape which my parents played for me through large headphones until I fell asleep. Story and the written word are precious to me.
My favorite book of all is the only infallible one, the Bible. I read from the King James Version every morning. I literally could not make it through my day without reading from this Book.
This year, I finally added a bit of digitalization to my reading. No, I did not get an Audible subscription or a new Kindle. I’m still very much a book-in-hand kind of person….the type with pages I can feel instead of click. I did, however, sign up for Good Reads to keep track of my reading better. I went through the tedious process of entering every book list I’ve kept since about 2014 and entering any other books I remembered from before that. Good Reads tells me I’ve read about 67 books this year. I’m still reading a few, so the total might even out to 70+ by the time January 1 arrives.
Here are my Top Ten Favorites from this year:
HEALTH
I read two wonderful books on lifestyle eating rather than dieting. I know that every diet calls itself a lifestyle. However, neither of these have a 30 day plan or a list of foods you can and cannot eat.
The Jane Austen Diet: Austen’s Secrets to Food, Health and Incandescent Happiness by Bryan Kozlowski
Delay, Don’t Deny by Gin Stephens
PARENTING
I actually don’t read a lot of parenting books any more. This is not because I don’t need them, but because they are often more discouraging than beneficial to me. This book helped me to see that my particular strengths are what my particular children need and that focusing on what I do not have will not serve them well.H
Unnatural Mom: Discovering the Beauty of Parenting from Your Strengths by Hettie Brittz
HOMESCHOOLING
On the same line as parenting books, I don’t read a lot of homeschooling books any more. I know there is still much to learn, but we are in our 14th year. By now, we’ve settled into our routine for better or worse. However, this book was a helpful overview on reviewing our motives in homeschooling and how to maximize that morning time with our children.
Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify Your Homeschool, and Savor the Subjects That Matter Most by Pam Barnhill
FINANCES
Not to sound like a broken record, but after nearly 22 years of marriage, we have a financial system that we’re at least used to, even if it’s not perfect. We’ve benefitted greatly from the common-sense approach of Dave Ramsey and the business advice of Jim Cockrum. This book takes things a step further. Instead of answering the “what to do” questions it answers the deeper question of “why” and the long-term responsibility of managing money God’s way.
The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity by Dave Ramsey
FICTION
One of these is a historical fiction book and the other a modern fiction book exploring history, in a way. I enjoyed each of these immensely and thought about their themes long after I finished them.
The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera
Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict
HOME MANAGEMENT
I’m realizing more and more that there isn’t a manual for how one keeps or decorates her home. However, these two books are a manual to exploring your own personality and style when it comes to home-keeping. I found them freeing and practical.
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi
Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith
DEVOTIONAL
I usually read a theology or devotional type book after my Bible each morning. This one is somewhat of a memoir of Andrew Peterson’s life. He encourages us to think about our creativity with an eternal perspective.
Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson
BONUS
Yes, we’ve already reached 10, but I couldn’t leave this one out of a reading list. You know you’re a reader when you read about reading. 🙂 I added many books to my TO READ list from this volume. There is also much about how to determine what books to read and what a Christian should and should not read.
Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life by Sarah Clarkson
So what did you read this year?