2015 Reading List for Women

It’s that time again {although I’m a little late in the New Year, sorry friends}. I am an unashamed book junkie with piles all over the house so one of my favorite things to do in December is go through my stacks and carefully pick out the titles I want to read throughout the next year. I typically add a few from my Amazon wish list to put together this personally and carefully curated list. Obviously, we all have different interests both literarily {is that even a word?} and personally. Still, I hope to offer a few, fun suggestions for you to add to your 2015 reading list.

This year my list includes a few classics, a few older {but great} books I haven’t gotten around to yet, a few re-reads {because they are amazing} plus a few brand new titles.

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Update: I’ve included a few additions. . .recently released books that weren’t on the radar when I first put this list together but ones I definitely plan to read this year. Some were written by dear friends so I’m thrilled to share them with you here!

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If you aren’t a huge book lover or you have a hard time choosing what to focus on, check out my 2015 Reading Challenge down below.

2015 Reading List for WoMEn:

 

for inspiration and enlightenment:

Tables in the Wilderness {Preston Yancey} My husband and I have been on quite a spiritual journey over the past 5 years. It’s been beautifully hard to take inventory of all the beliefs we’ve gathered throughout the years – some man-made, some God-breathed. We’re still sorting through it all and ultimately seeking God for his truth. I have a feeling this book will be a very inspiring companion for our journey.

Vanishing Grace {Philip Yancey} I’ve had the privilege of working with Mr. Yancey this year but I’ve not completed this book just yet. I’m all about wanting to truly know and live grace. Philip Yancey is one of the most powerful voices of grace out there so. . .bring it.

Surprised by Joy {CS Lewis} I decided I needed more CS Lewis in my life and joy has been such a theme {or should I say, goal} for me lately. . .

Angry Conversations with God {Susan Isaacs} After my mom died last year, I learned what it truly meant to have an angry conversation with God. My relationship with him has become so much more real since I’ve experienced loss. I’m all about real and humorous so this one is a no brainer. Not sure why I haven’t read it before. I guess it just wasn’t time.

Let Your Life Speak {Parker Palmer} My pastor has called this one of the most influential books of his life.

A Grace Disguised {Jerry Sittser} This one has made a huge impact on my father-in-law along his journey of loss.

Charis: God’s Scandalous Grace for Us {Preston Sprinkle} . . .because, grace. . .

for personal growth:

The Best Yes {Lysa Terkeurst} I love, love, love Lysa and her heart for women. This woman has been handing out wisdom like crazy over the years. With my current obsession with making space, this book could not have come at a better time in my life.

Make it Happen {Lara Casey} I got to meet Lara at the Influence Conference last year. Love this woman and her grace-filled way of challenging women to be the best version of themselves through intentionality and hard work.

Grammar Girl . . .because I misspelled grammar when I first wrote this post. . . #thatisall

Essentialism {Greg McKeown} This book has come highly recommended from some of the businessy people in my life. Again. . .making space. . .priorities. . .

Influencing Like Jesus {Michael Zigarelli} I want my life to matter in the right ways, not in the ways the world tells me to matter. . .

The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You {Jessica Turner} My friend Jessica Turner {@ TheMomCreative} is an amazing woman who juggles ALOT of roles. Her debut book is all about finding time for YOU and the things that make you come alive. I heard Jessica speak about the book and her strategies at Allume last year and can’t wait to truly learn from her through this guide. Definitely a must read for busy women!

for business:

Trust Agents{Chris Brogan} Should have read this years ago but {sigh} I did not. So let’s do it. For any woman wanting to build a community or make an impact, this book is filled with wisdom.

The Impact Equation {Chris Brogan} And this one. . .started it last year but got distracted. I want to make sure what I’m doing matters. Like really matters.

Creativity, Inc. {Ed Catmull} Read an article about this book last month. The more I do creative things, the more I realize how much my soul needs creativity. Excited to take a look at this discussion of the creative process from Pixar co-founder.

for pleasure:

Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good {Jan Karon} Did you know she had done another Mitford book? It’s amazing. I actually read it already but kept it on the list because. . .Mitford!

Enclave (The Razorland Trilogy) {Ann Aguirre} If you liked The Hunger Games and the Divergent Series, I’ve heard this is an even stronger dystopian tale. Hmm. . .we’ll see. . .

Anne of Green Gables {L.M. Montgomery} Confession. . .I’ve actually never read this book. {gasp!} I know. . .it’s time.

The Mysterious Benedict Society {Trenton Lee Stewart} This series was on my list last year. I’m just finishing up the 4th book {a prequel}. Such a fun series surrounding the lives of some highly intelligent. quirky kids who save the world. A fun read for anyone, starting with 10ish year old kids!

for the family:

Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess {Stacey Thacker/Brooke McGlothlin} I mean. . .the title alone says it all. My friends Stacey and Brooke are grace-filled mamas who are living in the trenches with us. This book is full of encouragement that will meet us right where we are. No, I haven’t read it just yet but I’m adding it to my list after finally receiving it in the mail yesterday.

The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids {Joanne Kraft} This book by my dear friend doesn’t come out until March but I am counting down the days until I can sit with it and all the wisdom it holds. I’m a self-professed marshmallow mom {a softie} but I’m learning to “abandon my desire for inner peace for the sake of raising great kids.” {that’s my quote, it’s in the book!} Don’t let the title fool you. Joanne is a hilarious, down to earth mom of teen/young adult kids who is filled with grace and truth. You will love her! {psst. . .and she’s one of our writers here but I’m not biased or anything.}

Mothering From Scratch: Finding the Best Parenting Style for You and Your Family {Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo} This is the heart of our community here at Grace for Moms. Motherhood is not one size fits all. I had the privilege of meeting Melinda and Kathy at Allume this past fall. I think we’re kindred spirits. Excited to read their book.

Teaching the Birds and the Bees Without the Butterflies {Traci Lester} We covered this book on the blog last year. I read it then but will reread it this year as we are headed into that lovely season of having “the talk” with our girl. {someone hold me}

Going Public {David Pritchard} Started reading this last year. A great book about how to help your kids win in public school. It’s a bit dated {read: it doesn’t include all the common core nonsense} but there are some great truths in here for public school parents to consider.

10 Gifts of Wisdom: What Every Child Must Know Before They Leave Home {Sally Clarkson} I love Sally Clarkson’s heart and ministry. Excited to dig into this book of wisdom!

Radical Hospitality {Lonni Collins Pratt} . . .because I want our home to be an open door to all who might grace it this year. . .

for spiritual growth/Bible study:

Choosing Joy {Angela Thomas} Angela is one of my all-time favorite authors and people. This woman is simply amazing. I loved this devotional the first time I read through it and felt it was time to pick it up again.

Just RISE UP! {Sarah Martin} My new internet friend and kindred spirit Sarah has written this inspiring book about making Jesus famous. Yes, please. Can’t wait to dig in.

Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity {Nancy Pearcey} Part of my ongoing study and spiritual journey. I’ve heard so many great things about this book for years but have stayed away because honestly, it’s big. It’s overwhelming both in page number and depth of content. But I’m a big girl. It’s time to dive in.

She Reads Truth which isn’t actually a book but something I will read ongoing this year. Have you checked out this amazing Bible Study resource for women? A-mazing friends!

Are you an avid reader or do you like the idea of reading more than you love the actual reading? If you need a little challenge this year to grow your reading list, download our 2015 Reading Challenge list and join me in reading at least one book in each area of enjoyment and growth.

I’d love to hear what’s on your must-read list for 2015! Share your top picks in the comments, pretty please!

Here’s to another year filled with inspiration, entertainment and enlightenment.

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