My 2016 Reading List
Reading has always been a great love of mine. I remember trying to create the perfect cozy reading corner as a teen and becoming absorbed in a good book. When I married my husband, I didn’t have a lot of my own possessions but I did have a few boxes filled with books (I don’t think he knew what he was getting into when he married me!) 🙂
As time passed, reading became much more of a challenge. I would still shop the thrift stores and search their bookshelves for any gems I might find. I’d come home with a paper grocery bag filled with books… but I wasn’t taking the time to read them. One Christmas, about 4 years ago, my husband surprised me with a Kindle. I had rejected the whole eBook phenomenon, I was a hold-in-my-hand real binding type of girl. This sounds cheesy but the Kindle rekindled (haha told you) my desire to read and I started downloading freebie after freebie in the eBook section. The last year or so, I’ve made a point to go back to physical books (while still enjoying my Kindle freebies) and discovered how much I really miss curling up and burying my nose in a good book.
This year, I’m making a list so I can be more intentional with what I read. I want a balance in fiction and non-fiction, learning and enjoyment. So here is my list, which is subject to change as I discover more books, but it’s a start.
Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman
Simply Tuesday has been recommended by several friends so it’s first on my list to read this month. I’m just into the first chapter, but I’m already enjoying it. It’s one of those (so far) where when you’re reading, you realize she’s speaking your language.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I’ll be honest, I’ve already read this one and thoroughly enjoyed it… so much so that I ordered her next book. I devoured this one in the weekend right after Christmas so this year, I’d like to go through it a little slower and implement it even better. I will say that some of the things were a little… weird? I’m not thanking my possessions that I’m parting with but the idea behind keeping the necessary and the things that make you happy, well, I realized I could get rid of several things that I had kept out of feeling obligated or guilty.
Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Spark Joy is a follow up to Marie’s first book and from my understanding, it gives pictures and illustrations for how to do things. I love visuals so I’m hoping this helps me even more in my de-cluttering journey.
The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn
Another one recommended by friends for on the business side (not necessarily blogging). Looking forward to reading this and the follow-up book.
Fred 2.0 by Mark Sanborn
Like above, this one was also recommended as a follow-up to The Fred Factor.
The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser
I don’t know that we’ll ever go completely Paleo, but with some food sensitivities between all of us, I wanted to learn more about it.
Little House Living by Merissa Alink
There are only a handful of other bloggers that I really enjoy following. Merissa from Little House Living is one. I appreciate her simple, DiY approach.
Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless
I found this at our local Barnes & Noble and decided to pick it up. I love how she gives lists of oils, their origins, uses, etc. If I have a question about a specific oil or a specific ailment, I can find the right thing by looking either one up. While there is always Google, I wanted to causally read through this and learn more about oils.
The Inspired Room: Simple Ideas to Inspire the Home You Have by Melissa Micheals
Another blog I love to follow and have gleaned inspiration for our own home. This is a lovely coffee table book but at the same time, I’ve already started learning some things like creating a focal point for the room, etc. I’m learning what my own tastes are and starting to feel brave enough to implement (that’s for another post at another time 🙂 )
Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind & Soul (preordered) by Ruth Soukup
Notice a trend yet? We have given away so much, but I know we still have more we can part with. I’m excited to see Ruth’s perspective when this one comes out.
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own (preordered) by Joshua Becker
I love the food for thought articles Joshua posts about becoming a minimalist. I think between Marie Kondo, Ruth Soukup and Joshua Becker, my decluttering will take a whole new level this year. Don’t worry, though, I won’t get rid of the couch. 🙂
Hand-Lettering for Everyone: A Creative Workbook by Cristina Vanko
This year is about streamlining which involves decluttering, creating flexible schedules and just simplyfying some things. But I don’t want to be so consumed with getting read of ‘stuff’ that I forget to take time to improve myself in some small way. I’ve always disliked my hand-writing because of this or that. I can be very perfectionistic when it comes to things that involve steady hands (crafting, cake decorating, letter-writing). I’m looking forward to tackling this workbook along with some adult coloring books to help me be more creative and accepting of those imperfections.
Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job by Jon Acuff
Ahh… the book I’ve started many times… and this is the year that I will read the whole thing. I am determined. It’s not for lack of Jon’s writing or interest. It’s just been me. A bit ironic considering the title.
The Meeting Place by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn
I started this series years ago as a teen. I read this book and couldn’t wait to get the other 4, but by the time I did, it had been years since reading this. Looking back, it’s been 15+ years since I first read The Meeting Place. I think it’s time to pick it up again and finish the series.
The Calling of Dan Matthews by Harold Bell Wright
I have never read a thing by Harold Bell Wright, but I’ve heard he was an great author. This is an old book I found at our local Salvation Army several years back. I have no idea what it’s about so I’m extremely curious.
Zvi: The Miraculous Story of Triumph Over the Holocaust by Elwood McQuaid
I’ve always been interested in the Holocaust and those who lived (and died) during that time. I’ve read many stories from that period but never Zvi, though I’ve had the book for years. I anticipate a deep, emotional read with this one and I’m looking forward to  seeing how the story unfolds.
What’s on your reading list for 2016?
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