My 2016 Reading List

Last year almost all of the books on the ‘to read’ pile were read – and then some. While I stretched myself to get all but one of the books finished, this year the goal was to leave a little more breathing room. That way if books show up on my radar throughout the year I have room to add them in. (I know, I always do, but bear with me, eh?)

The physical pile of books continues to grow though, so mentally I’ve made two piles: the “2016 pile” and the “If There is Time, But No Stress pile.” Although I’m not sure if it will help me slow down and enjoy what is in front of me, the piles have helped somewhat, especially as I’ve tried to compartmentalize the reasons why I want to read them (for personal growth, parenting, marriage, or just for fun).

The Main Pile to Enjoy

These are the ones that are on the “I definitely want to get these read” pile. A few were recently released (or coming out soon).

• The Well-Versed Family by Caroline Boykin √
• Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie √
• The Life-Giving Home by Sally Clarkson √
• Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch √
• Counter Culture by David Platt √
• Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
• The End of Me by Kyle Idleman √
• Hoodwinked by Karen Ehman √
• Audacious by Beth Moore √
• Hands-Free Life by Rachel Stafford √
• Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman √
• Giddy-up, Eunice! by Sophie Hudson √

“If Time” Pile

While these all look great, these are the extras that I will fit in if I have time to sit down.

• The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo √
• For the Love by Jen Hatmaker √
• Money Making Mom by Crystal Paine
• Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning
• Mama Needs a Do-Over by Lisa Pennington √
• The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
• Making it Home by Emily Wierenga √

With My Hubby or as a Family (to re-read)

Two of these I read last year, but getting my husband to read a book along with me – well, it can be a bit difficult (grins). There are a few books though

• Beyond Ordinary – reading this together with my hubby. Really enjoyed it!
• Motivate Your Child and Motivate Your Child Action Plan – I’ve read this, but my hubby is also reading it with me so I don’t have to explain and re-explain and it makes more sense.
• Big Truths for Young Hearts – realized this is a ‘work through it over the year’ book, so we’ll be reading it bit by bit as a family.

What I Read Last Month

Something took over last month and I managed to knock out several books from the list. A few of them I absolutely loved (and recommend) and one literally had me laughing out loud in parts – which sadly is not what was intended with the book (I’m rather certain of that).

A reader recommended that I join Good Reads (you can follow me there if you’d like). As I’m finishing books, it’s been great to make quick notes on them and add them to my completed pile. Here are my thoughts on a few of them:

• The Well-Versed Family – full of practical and hands-on ideas for incorporating Scripture in your daily life. Easy read and a book to keep on hand.
• Teaching from Rest – if you homeschool, just put this book in your Amazon cart right now. Trust me.
• For the Love – quite honestly, not my favorite book by Hatmaker. I loved 7, and this just felt like a thrown-together conglomeration of blog posts and randomness. Yes, she’s funny and herself, but not truly deep or thought provoking (which made me sad).
• The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up – I’m really not sure what to say about this other than the fact it is on the New York Times bestseller list has me highly concerned. And I can guarantee the woman doesn’t have multiple children who bring loads of their own stuff and personality into the house. While I had one or two things to take away from the book, I refuse to thank my shoes and other inanimate objects for their daily service to me. Or worry that my socks are being rolled incorrectly and not getting their proper rest. (Apparently I had more to say about it than I thought…)
• I also read a variety of other books as well, mostly for fun or reading and a few to see if Laurianna could read them: The Testing and The Maze Runner (I enjoyed, but not yet for Laurianna), Lady Maybe, The First Hostage (loved!!), and Prelude for a Lord. See my full list here.

This coming month, I already have two books in my stack that I cannot wait to dig into: The Life-Giving Home and Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World. What books are you excited to read this month?

2016 Reading Challenge

Jolanthe has read 10 books toward her goal of 70 books.

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10 of 70 (14%)

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