Best Books of 2012 + A 2013 Reading List

Happy New Year friends! I trust you’ve all enjoyed reflecting on the past year and looking ahead with hope and anticipation. I personally LOVE new beginnings so January makes me giddy.

I spent a lot of time reading in 2012. Don’t ask me how. But when I looked back over the year I couldn’t believe how many books I read. Ask my husband. It’s a big joke in our home that I take 2 years to finish a book. But this year I read faithfully, every night before bed (sometimes longer than I should have which might be why I ended the year much more exhausted then I was when it began). But I enjoyed my time – getting lost in stories and inspiring ideas. So I hope to devour as many books in 2013 as I did last year.

I thought it would be fun to share my favorite books of 2012 in case you are looking for some to read this year. I’m also sharing my list for 2013 and would love to have you join me in reading any of the books below.

Please feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments. I am always looking for recommendations on a good read. And I’d simply love to hear what you’ve enjoyed so I can get to know you better.

Whether you have time to read or not, I hope and pray your year ahead is filled with much inspiration.

P.S. My reading list is about as eclectic as my music playlists. There’s something for everyone here!

{Click on any of the book images or links to learn more about it.}

Best Books of 2012

Business/Ministry

@stickyJesus – I picked up this book at Blissdom back in February after hearing Tami Heim speak. It changed my thinking in regards to writing and building community online. I was so resistant to putting effort into my influence but this book encouraged me to do it the right way and for the right reasons.

Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job – I also picked this book up at Blissdom after hearing Jon Acuff speak (so inspiring and funny). Although I don’t currently have a full time day job (unless you count motherhood which I’m not about to “quit” any time soon), this book was extremely motivating in going after your dreams while still focusing responsibly on other roles you currently have.

The War of Art – Almost forgot to include this one. If you have any desire to do anything creative. . .READ.THIS.BOOK.NOW! It’s a game-changer. Truly. Steven Pressfield’s story is encouraging and inspiring. He was not an overnight writing success. He worked hard. He kept going. He encountered rejection and disappointment. But then it all clicked. So inspiring!

Fiction

The Hunger Games Trilogy – Yes. . .I was late to the game on this one. After reluctantly beginning book one, I devoured all three before I saw the movie. First time ever I have been able to wait and read a book before seeing a film. So glad I did. If you haven’t yet jumped into the world of Katniss Everdeen, I highly recommend you do in 2013. Even if you’ve already seen the movie. And after all, everyone keeps saying the world is going downhill fast. You never know when you are going to need this heroine’s survival skills. . .

Divergent/Insurgent – And if you liked Hunger Games or enjoy dystopian tales, check out this series by debut author, Veronica Roth. I have NEVER read a book so fast. They were fabulous. Hurry and catch up (Divergent and Insurgent are out now) because book three releases Fall of 2013.

At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years, Book 1) – I told you my taste was eclectic! I rounded out the year finishing book seven of Jan Karon’s beloved Mitford Series. Although I enjoyed the excitement of the aforementioned novels I read this year, my heart truly rests in places like Mitford – the small town where everyone knows everyone’s business and one, kind preacher is trying desperately to keep it all together. These books are peaceful to me. They make me miss the simplified life with no smartphones, Facebook or super malls. Local grocers, diners and people who find out your business from a face to face conversation. It’s blissful.

Parenting

Raising Your Spirited Child – This book has truly changed my life in regards to parenting my daughter. I had been looking and looking for a book that went beyond the spiritual discussion of discipline (which I believe in) and discussed the psychological reasoning within my daughter’s personality. This book is a must-read for EVERY parent. . .with a spirited or non-spirited child. I truly understand her little make up so much better now.

Creative Correction – I’ve had this book since my daughter was born and I finally picked it up this year because we are both ready for the advice given in it. This is a somewhat classic read in Christian parenting circles with great insight and ideas for guiding your children.

Home Management/Organization

Saving Savvy: Smart and Easy Ways to Cut Your Spending in Half and Raise Your Standard of Living…and Giving – This book by my friend and well-respected blogger at faithfulprovisions.com is such a great resource for families that want to learn strategic and easy ways to cut their spending. The perfect read for the beginning of a new year. I’ve learned so much from Kelly Hancock and the community on her blog.

Organized Simplicity – I started reading this book at the beginning of last year with hopes to implement it’s strategies but then my daughter broke her leg and life got turned upside down for us. I will revisit it again this month with plans to get things in our house in order. I am ready to simplify. Aren’t you?! Visit author Tsh Oxenreider in her online community at simplemom.net

Devotional/Inspirational

Choosing Joy – You all know I love author, Angela Thomas. This 52 week devotional will guide you along an amazing journey of joy this year. Broken up into brief yet deep, daily readings, Choosing Joy is such a beautiful source of encouragement. Especially for busy moms who need to find joy in the midst of the mundane. Go get this book friends!

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption – Honestly, I had this book for months (it was a gift from Kristy) before I was able to crack it open. I figured it would make me feel guilty for not “doing” something radical like Katie. I expected condemnation but instead, I received heart-changing grace. This girl is truly remarkable because she tells of her radical life’s work without making you feel badly for not following suit. This book is truly inspirational and when I finished it, I felt compelled to simply do what I can. . .in my sphere. Relentless love does take sacrifice and sometimes tough choices, but it’s possible for each one of us.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence – I know I don’t need to say much about this one. It will always be a staple. So beautiful, so encouraging and always timely.

Kids

One Wintry Night– I shared about this beautiful book back in December. Although you might wait until the holidays roll around at the end of the year, it’s always a good time to share the Christmas story with your child. This book is the perfect companion to advent – following the Story from Creation to Christ (just like we did here!).

One Winter’s Day – This is my absolute FAVORITE children’s book right now. It’s not faith-based but it holds so many Christian values. If you desire to teach your kids about putting others first, sharing and kindness – GO GET THIS BOOK! Little Badger loses his home in a storm and as he travels to a friend’s house with the only things he has left (a hat, scarf and mittens), he encounters many other animals in need. He shares each of his warming items along the way, left freezing by the time he gets to his friend’s house. When the storm passes, he returns to the site of his lost house only to find all of his friends there to surprise him with a new one they built just for him. So sweet!!

Hide and Seek Devotional – We shared this great, new kids devotional earlier this year. It continues to be one of my favorites to read with my daughter. Each day includes a Bible story and points of discussion as kids are encouraged to hide God’s word in their heart and seek Him in their lives.

My 2013 Reading List

Business/Ministry

Platform – As much as I am uncomfortable with the idea of building a “platform”, I know this book is full of encouragement for how to get the message of your heart out to the world. I’m learning to get over my discomfort with looking at what I do as more than simply ministry. We need to be strategic and smart with what God has put in our hearts.

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction – One of my goals this year is to develop my craft of writing. There is always room for improvement. I’m compelled to step it up a notch this year!

Spiritual Growth/Relationships

Love Does – I’m very familiar with the premise of this book and I am excited to finally read the message here. I anticipate it will encourage me to put the stirrings of my heart to work. . .to get off my butt and do what I know I’m called to do in loving others.

Love Story: The Hand that holds us from the garden to the gates – I’ve always loved the words of Nichole Nordeman. She is a poetic songwriter. I know that gifting will come to life in this book. It’s been highly recommended to me and I know it will be a blessing.

Why Can’t We All Just Get Along – My friend Shelley Hendrix is releasing this book soon. I had the privilege of reading it for an endorsement this past fall but I want to go back now and read it slowly, chewing on the wisdom she offers about interpersonal relationships. There is so much wisdom in this book girls. I highly recommend it.

Fiction

Divergent Series: Book 3 – Don’t know if I can wait until the Fall but I guess I’ll have to. Cannot wait to finish this series!!

Light from Heaven (The Mitford Years, Book 9) – Until then. . .I’ll get lost in Mitford once again. It’s taken me years but I may finally complete this series in 2013!!

Parenting

Raising Your Spirited Child – I haven’t made it through the entire book quite yet so I will continue to devour this book in 2013 and will likely go back and re-read parts of it.

 

Praying Circles Around Your Children – This book has been recommended to me by a few people. It’s been sitting on my iPad for several months. It’s almost time to dive in. I’m definitely interested in what this book has to say about praying for my children.

Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches – I keep seeing this title pop up all around the blogosphere. Many moms highly recommend this book. There are many days where I fail to love the little years – wishing them away quickly just so I can pee by myself. I anticipate this book will help me stop and soak up these moments, however frustrating and mundane. . .because truly, they are amazing.

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus – While it might be ambitious, I added this title at the last minute. Another book that I keep seeing all over in blog posts and on Facebook. . .We’re all about grace here, right?! We need it as moms but our kids need it too. I definitely need that reminder.

Home Management/Organization

Organized Simplicity – As I mentioned before, after Hope broke her leg, I had to shelve this book for a bit. I’m so excited to pull it out again to further simplify our lives. This book is not just about physical organization. Tsh encourages readers to build a family mission statement and basically get your whole house – both physical and spiritual – in order. Yes, please!

Devotional

Out of the Spin Cycle – Another highly recommended book that I’ve yet to read. I love reading Jen Hatmaker’s blog posts and I trust this devotional will deliver the same sassy, yet grace-based encouragement for moms.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence – This one will always be on my list.

Kids

Honestly, I need suggestions here. What are some of your favorite kids books (not the obvious ones, we’ve got all those!)?

What books will YOU be reading in 2013? I’d especially love your recommendations for a good devotional.

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