My 2018 Reading List

The last few years I have shared my “focused” reading list with you all. I love the suggestions you all have made via Facebook and commenting (some great suggestions!) and the accountability it has given me. There’s something about putting your goals out there for everyone to see that helps you kick into overdrive when it comes to meeting those goals. 

Each year I’ve tried to push myself a little bit more in what I am reading for non-fiction, and try to cover several different topics: parenting, personal growth, marriage, spiritual, and then there are those things that just catch my eye. 

I’m a sucker for a pretty cover. And texture – how it feels when I hold it in my hand makes a difference. I know it sounds odd. Call me crazy. :) 

While I only have fifteen books listed specifically for 2018, keep in mind this doesn’t list all of the fiction that somehow manages to make it to my list. My overall goal is to finish the 15 “growth” books and leave a little wiggle-room for new books that catch my eye over the course of the year.

One of the easiest ways I’ve found to track my reading over the last few years has been via the GoodReads app.   Following friends, seeing what others are reading, and being able to quickly rate a book I’m reading – love that (because my memory isn’t what it used to be!). Join me there and let’s read along together!

The Main Reading Pile

• You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life by Eleanor Roosevelt  √
• Reading People by Anne Bogel  √
• Love Unending: Rediscovering Your Marriage in the Midst of Motherhood by Becky Thompson √
• Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits that Bind You by Erin Straza √
• I Want God: Forever Changed by the Revival of Your Soul by Lisa Whittle √
• Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely by Holly Gerth √
• Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You by Sharon Hodde Miller √
• Blessed Are the Misfits by Brant Hansen √
• Wait and See: Finding Peace in God’s Pauses and Plans by Wendy Pope √
• Cherish: The One Word That Changes Everything for Your Marriage by Gary Thomas √
• A Family Shaped by Grace by Gary Moreland √
• With All Due Respect: 40 Days to a More Fulfilling Relationship with Your Teens and Tweens by Nina Roesner and Debbie Hitchcock
• The Cry for Spiritual Mothers and Fathers by Larry Kreider
• Shine by Allison Allen
• Godspeed by Britt Merrick √

Fiction Books/Series to Look At

So, a lot of my books do tend to gravitate to historical fiction, but at times I pepper in teen lit (to stay on top of things before the kids read them) and lately more contemporary fiction. I personally have been a bit picky about much of the stuff I read, because for me too much language or other graphic stuff is a ‘trigger’ for me – so I tend to err on the side of books that aren’t raunchy or full of whatever.

Last year there were a few that I read (Lianne Moriarty, for starters) that were out of my comfort zone in some ways, but overall not bad (language mainly) – but generated conversation on topics in the books with friends for sure. All that said, I haven’t vetted all of the below series, so they may be complete busts! 

• Giver of Wonders by Roseanna White √
• A Name Unknown √  and A Song Unheard √ by Roseanna White
• The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel Rosenberg √
• Ruby Red series by Kerstin Gier (teen lit) √
• Seven Sisters series (as released) by Lucinda Riley √
• Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans (young adult)
• The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson √
• Death in St. Petersburg by Tasha Alexander √

“If There is Time Pile”

• The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
• Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer
• Grace is Greater by Kyle Idleman
• The Read Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie
• Parenting Teens with Love and Logic by Foster Kline

If you’re interested, here are my 10 favorite books I read last year (a mix of fiction and non-fiction). I’d love to hear what books you have on your shelf for the 2018 year and and recommendations for me to add to my list! 

Happy reading!