I know what you’re thinking. . .“Are you kidding me?! I couldn’t even dream of reading 40+ books this year. I’m a busy woman/mom without much time to myself!”
I hear you, I do. I’m in the same boat. So I wouldn’t dream of suggesting you add one more should to your list of shoulds for 2016. This carefully curated group of books is my personal reading list for the year. I may or may not get to all of them – although the older my kids get, the more time I seem to find {or maybe, make} in my day to read books that feed my soul. I’ve thoughtfully put together titles I believe will enhance my life {and perhaps yours} thus will be worth the investment of time and money.
I read more books in 2015 than ever before in my 39 years of living. . .probably because I’ve only now come to understand the value of self-care. To get lost in a beautiful story and be inspired by new ideas through words on a page; this is life-giving to me and has become a priority in my life.
I’ve broken down my “to-read” list into 8 categories. Grouping a book list in categories helps us create balance in the content we consume. Too many works of fiction can lead to a fantasy-driven mindset while a heavy load of self-help books can feed a need to perform. A carefully considered, well-balanced book list can inspire a reader to grow and thrive.
8 Book Categories to Consider
When Putting Together Your Reading List:
Pleasure. . .which are the only books I will read right before bed. Because I don’t need to lay my head down to sleep with ideas or challenges swirling within it. But to drift off as I contemplate a great story, a grand adventure or an inspiring character. . .yes, this is what sweet dreams are made of.
Family + Parenting. . .some of which have been written by good friends whom I admire. Women doing the great work of motherhood in the trenches and living to tell about it. As my friend Angela Thomas used to say. . .they’re passing notes back to me in class and I need to read them.
Devotional. . .because as a busy mom my time with God is usually lacking in length, but it doesn’t have to remain wanting in depth.
Faith + Spiritual Growth. . .for so many layers that need to be explored as I continue to seek him.
Personal Growth. . .books that help me tend to myself and discover feelings and passions I never knew existed in my own heart. All books could be considered for personal growth but this specific list is truly all about my physical and emotional well being.
Business + Leadership. . .to stretch me in writing, ministry and entrepreneurship. These books make me the most excited and scared at the same time.
Worldview. . .to open my eyes to the needs of those around the world and in my own backyard.
Coming Soon. . .highly anticipated books that I cannot wait to get my hands on later this year. These are the books I can’t wait to tell you about; those I hope you’ll join me in reading.
Once again, I wouldn’t dare suggest you read every one of these titles but I hope you’ll find a few here that resonate with you to add to your own list. I’d love to know what you will be reading this year. Please share your picks in the comments!
41 Books to Consider Reading this Year
Pleasure:
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, Gabrielle Zevin. This one came highly recommended by a few of my fiction-loving friends. The title alone sold me. I’ll be reading this one ASAP.
The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion. Several friends have recommended this book and it appears on most {if not all} 2015 reading lists. I’m late to the party I guess. . .
Dear Mr. Knightley, Katherine Reay. Modern-fiction with a Jane Austen-ish vibe. . .you had me at “Jane!”
To Kill a Mockingbird + Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee. I never read To Kill a Mockingbird so now seems like the perfect time. Although Go Set a Watchman has received mixed reviews, I’m excited to read this as a series and see where it takes me.
Family + Parenting:
Breaking Busy, Alli Worthington. There aren’t many women I would trust to lead me through the process of finding peace in the midst of crazy. But Alli. . .she just gets it. She’s a woman I admire and one whose notes I need to read.
Reclaiming Home, Krista Gilbert. If you’ve been around here a while you know I’ve already read this book by my dear friend. But it’s one that needs to remain prominently placed on my bookshelf. Reclaiming Home is a must read for every woman who wants to thrive as the heart of her home.
Raising Uncommon Kids, Sami Cone. My friend Sami is a powerful voice for families and her practical approach to living with intention is changing homes for the better. Faith-building and family are two of my greatest passions and I continue to be inspired by Sami’s guidance!
Parenting the Wholehearted Child, Jeannie Cunnion. Another book I’ve already read but will be keeping handy this year. If you haven’t yet checked out this powerful book, go get it now! Jeannie’s grace-filled words will change the way you parent.
Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys, Stephen James + David Thomas. My boy turns 5 and heads off to kindergarten this year. I can see him changing right before my eyes and it’s scary. He’s not just a baby boy any longer. He’s a big boy with a big personality. I want to nurture the young man he’s becoming.
The Care and Keeping of You, American Girl. My girl will officially be a “tween” in 4 months. She’s rapidly growing and changing and so is her body. I’m arming myself with as much helpful information as possible as we approach this new season.
52 Things Series, Angela Thomas + Jay Payleitner. Angela Thomas is a woman who has made great impact as a friend and mentor in my life. I’ve watched her raise four amazing children with love and grace. Any notes she wants to pass back to me will be gladly accepted and thoroughly read. Her 52 things books are easy to read yet full of deep, life-changing truth. There are several books in this series from Angela and Jay on parenting and marriage.
Devotional:
Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional, Stacey Thacker + Brooke McGlothlin. Stacey and Brooke have created this amazing devotional book out of their Hope for the Weary Mom message. This is one that will get us through the crazy days, moms. Their heart for connecting weary women to a powerful God is so evident in these pages.
Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are, Shauna Niequist. I started this one on January 1 and already I have been so blessed by the timely, intentional and beautifully intimate words of Shauna Niequist. This woman’s heart is so in line with many who want love and hospitality to be their beacon. Really enjoying this simple, daily devotional!
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds, Jen Wilkin. I’ve been looking at this book for a while now and decided it was time to dig in. A fresh look at how to study the Word. . .
Secrets of the Secret Place: Keys to Igniting Your Personal Time with God, Bob Sorge. I read a few of Bob Sorge’s books on worship years ago. This one came recommended and given to me at Allume back in October. Another gem to help us ignite our Bible study this year.
Faith + Spiritual Growth:
Curious Faith: Rediscovering Hope in the God of Possibility, Logan Wolfram. This book is an adventure guide, giving us permission to explore our complex faith in an awesome God. I’ve spent years thinking I know enough in regards to God and faith and later years questioning what I thought I knew. Logan’s book brings it all into balance, confirming truth while leaving room for the wonder of God.
Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis. Because sometimes going back to the beginning, back to the basics, is the best way to move forward.
Kingdom Woman, Chrystal Evans Hurst. I had the honor of meeting Chrystal and hearing her speak at Allume this past year. Throughout her entire talk my tears flowed like a faucet. I tried hard to turn it off, to hide my vulnerability, but her words pierced my heart. She spoke about leaning into the pain. . .of not covering up our wounds. She is a big part of the reason I’m entering 2016 in a better emotional state than I was in this time last year. Still, I’m keeping my tissues close by for this one.
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, Priscilla Shirer. The title explains it all. Women. . .doing battle. . .strategically. . .in prayer. . .yup, I’m in.
Out of the House of Bread: Satisfying Your Hunger for God with the Spiritual Disciplines, Preston Yancey. As I get older, I’m becoming more and more aware of our need for discipline in all areas of life, most of all our spiritual walk. Tending to these areas is a must for me this year.
Personal Growth:
Wild and Free, Jess Connolly + Hayley Morgan. My friends Jess and Hayley have been living this message for the past several years. They are ministers, business women, encouragers and leaders living imperfect, effective, balanced lives and I want to join them. If you’ve ever felt like you are too much or maybe not enough {or both}, I hope you’ll join us in finding freedom to live wild and free!
Bandersnatch: An Invitation to Explore Your Unconventional Soul, Erika Morrison. Erika calls readers to break free from labels and expectations. She gives us the challenge to explore our uniqueness as ordained by a creative God. I’ve often felt very ordinary or common and I’m hoping to get in touch with my unconventional, creative side through this read.
Photo: The Mom Creative
My Fringe Hours, Jessica Turner. I absolutely loved The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner so I was thrilled when I discovered she’d be releasing a practical, hands-on companion to the book. This book provides a journaling journey for women to get in touch with what makes them come alive. If you haven’t yet read The Fringe Hours, grab it now. And get a copy of this journal to go along with it. I’m in the midst of filling mine out now!
Wild in the Hollow: On Chasing Desire and Finding the Broken Way Home, Amber Haines. I absolutely love Amber’s writing. I know this book will be a beautifully difficult yet inspiring read.
Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You Through Life’s Transitions, Kristen Strong. I used to think I liked change until it started affecting the greater parts of my life. Kristen Strong has long been my favorite {in}courage blog writer so I’m excited to read her words and let them soak into my change-averse heart.
A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life, Parker J. Palmer. Last year I read the book, Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer and it was probably one of the most life-changing books I’ve ever read. When I recently saw Jeff Goins‘ post about Palmer’s other book, I knew immediately it was a must-read. Both of these titles address our desire for meaning. Palmer challenged what I always thought to be true about pursuing my purpose and redirected my path toward not what I feel called or a deep desire to do but rather that which I was created or meant to do with my life.
Peace for a Lifetime, Lisa Murray. My friend Lisa shares her own journey to abundance in this book. As someone who craves peace every moment of every day, I know Peace for a Lifetime will greatly help me in finding emotional balance this year. You’ll definitely be hearing more about this book from me in the coming months. . .
Business + Leadership:
Money Making Mom, Crystal Paine. This is the year for me to launch out into some new business/ministry arenas. I’m so thankful to have Crystal’s guidance as I move forward. This amazing woman has created a successful and meaningful business out of her home and now she’s sharing her secrets so other moms can do the same.
The Lean Startup, Eric Ries. Recommended by a friend in business development, this one scares me a bit. The whole idea of a startup seems a little west coast, twenty-something to me. But I’m learning to get over my fears and embrace the excitement of all that could be if I find the courage to go for it.
The Art of Work, Jeff Goins. Jeff’s message has been really hitting home with me lately. He speaks to so much more than building a successful business. He’s talking about finding and sustaining the work that brings you life. I don’t ever want to lose sight of this perspective as I pursue my ideas.
Creativity, Inc., Ed Catmull. This one has been on my list for a while now. I know I will be inspired and challenged as I read about the creativity and operations of the Pixar team.
Worldview:
Undaunted, Christine Cain. I moved this one to the Worldview category after I started reading it. I had thought this book would simply inspire me {in true Christine Caine fashion} to go and achieve my dreams. While I’m sure it still will, it’s become so much more to me than that, and I’m only 4 chapters in. Christine’s story, her pursuit of justice and the practical application of God’s love in the world, has opened my eyes to making whatever it is God calls me to about more than just the idea or the words or the people I can see in front of me.
When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett. Recommended by a friend in social work who helps the homeless community in a large metro area, I’m hoping to gain some perspective on the right way to love well.
Toxic Charity, Robert D. Lupton. Also recommended by my friend in social work, this book provides very practical insight again, on the right way to love well.
Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way of Love,
Coming Later in 2016:
Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter, Annie F. Downs. Annie and I have some mutual friends and we live in the same city. I don’t know her well but if I had to use one word to describe her, I would definitely be: lovely. So it’s no surprise to me that her new book promises to point us towards moments and things that matter. Really looking forward to this read! It’s out April 5, 2016.
Loving My Actual Life, Alexandra Kuykendall. My friend Alex is one of the most gentle, down-to-earth mamas I know. She lives life and writes with authenticity and grace. I’m sure my response to her honest words will be yes and amen. I hope you’ll read along with me. This book is out May 3, 2016.
Giddy Up Eunice, Sophie Hudson. Remember when I said I only read fiction before bed because bedtime books must be for pleasure? Any book by Sophie Hudson is an exception to that rule. Her books may not be novels but they definitely bring pleasure. Sophie’s light humor and wise insights are sure to bring sweet dreams. So you’ll find this book on my nightstand for sure. It’s out June 7, 2016.
Present Over Perfect, . Oh, what can I say? Anything by Shauna Niequist will be devoured immediately by me. Her latest book, which spreads a message she’s peppered throughout her other titles, cannot come soon enough. It’s out August 9, 2016. Who wants to join a book club and read it together?!
The Broken Way, Ann Voskamp. I’ve been wondering when Ann would have a new book out! It’s almost here! I haven’t been able to dig up a cover just yet but The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life will release on September 6, 2016.
Your turn! What will you be reading this year? I’m not opposed to adding more titles to my list! Tell me your favorite picks in the comments.
And in honor of my dear friend Anne of Green Gables, with whom I became very acquainted this past year, I leave you with this thought that reminds us it isn’t about the numbers when it comes to choosing what we read. . .
“Our library isn’t very extensive,” said Anne,
“but every book in it is a friend.”
I know you’re a busy woman, but I beg you to find friendship in a book or two this year. You will not regret it!
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Thank you Jessica! Honored you would recommend the book without even reading it yet! You are a generous friend.
Oh friend, I know it will be good. Cannot wait to read it!
Great list, Jessica! I’ll have to figure out which ones to add to my “read in 2016” shelf. Just started Fervent – it is very good!