This year I pledged to start reading again for pleasure given the past two years I hadn’t really made time to with all of the craziness that comes with a tiny human and such. I more than doubled my goal this year, and I’ll give you one hint how: audiobooks. I have loved listening to several British authors dramatically read thrillers during my morning commute. Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats holding the real deal, but man a good audiobook can be magical. (Despite my husband’s constant jests that listening to a book does not constitute “reading” it, I beg to differ and have certainly included those books as well!)
Find me on Goodreads to see all my shelves here. I’ve been tracking annually since 2013 and love having a virtual library of the books I’ve read! I always love getting recommendations as well for new books, so tell me your favorites in the comments! I set a goal for myself of 15 books for this year as last read I managed to read 18 and I FAR exceeded my goal and completed 33 books (paperback/hardcover + audio books).
Here are the ones I tackled this year (in no particular order) with links to each for reference. Common theme (as per usual) is a lot of psychological thrillers, with a good mix of faith based work, and a little behavior analysis.
Let Me Lie – really interesting read – several times I thought I knew what was going to happen next only to be surprised.
Lies She Told – the back and forth in this one made me really have to focus to keep the story straight (which I think is part of the appeal – which is the truth?) and it was a well done story!
Girl, Wash Your Face – read my full review here. Good book, but my view just might differ from most with this one.
Bread & Wine – Our church has been doing communion each week, so I chose to read this in light of that. While these elements have always been the most previous to me (read more on that here), I loved how she spoke about this piece of our faith with such conviction and clarity.
All the Missing Girls – really good read!
Behind Closed Doors – I had no idea some of the twists in this one and thought it was very well done!
A Simplified Life – too many words to say about this book that a full review is in the works. I took all year to read this it seems, but I really wanted to work through each chapter. Much like her first book, Grace Not Perfection, (review here) this one offers space to write out and really dive into each of the 10 chapters. So much goodness. So much that has been weighing on my heart that was affirmed. Can’t wait to revisit this one frequently.
Radical Behaviorism: The Philosophy & the Science – only my BCBA friends would enjoy this one 😉
Conceptual Foundations of Radical Behaviorism – same as above
Beyond Freedom & Dignity – Even if you don’t love ABA, most everything from Skinner is a great item to add to the list for a little contemplation.
For the Love – Read it. Then reread it. Highlight everything. It’s that good.
Into the Water – Very good! Not quite as top notch as Girl on the Train, but definitely a keeper if it’s on your list.
Pretty Girls – Not nearly as good as her other book I read this year, but definitely worth the addition to the list!
Out of Sorts – Sarah Bessey never seems to disappoint. You may remember my review of her first book, Jesus Feminist, and my sentiments for her remain. I love how she was vulnerable to explore her faith and her insights were quite helpful in some of my own exploration of faith this year.
The Silent Wife – Truly interesting points in this one, but a bit forced in some parts as well. Overall a good read though.
Her Name Was Rose – interesting plot. Ending was not what I thought it would be, and I liked how she built up the story.
A Simple Favor – I must admit I totally read this after seeing the movie trailer (I mean Anna Kendrick & Blake Lively? Come on. MUST see.) and I was surprised by the whole premise. A few really interesting parts, but a great read & I can’t wait to see the movie.
A Stranger in the House – not my favorite. Entertaining, however slow at some points and a little predictable.
The Woman in Cabin 10 – Fantastic twists in this one! First audiobook with Imogen Church, and she is just delightful to listen to as well!
Of Mess & Moxie – Jen Hatmaker is simply hilarious and I can’t get enough of her. I seriously went through every audiobook she has and am tempted to listen to the ones I’ve already read in paperback just to hear it in her voice. Started the year off with this one and love it!
The Widow – A fairly good thriller. Nothing life changing, but a good read.
The Lying Game – While I love a good Ruth Ware book, this was my least favorite of hers this year. Still good, but didn’t quite live up to par on the others.
Uninvited – I read this in a time where I was feeling much like the title of this book. Lysa does a great job to connect with the reader in each or her books and I couldn’t put this one down. I’m eager to read her latest book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, after following her journey recently through her eyes and they eyes of her daughter.
In a Dark Dark Wood – really interesting twists here. Ruth Ware is just a darn good author.
Simplicity Parenting – I really thought I’d NEVER read a parenting book that wasn’t some form of ABA textbook, but at Emily Ley’s suggestion, I took to this one and it was full of quite practical suggestions for simplifying a great deal of the things that come with kid’s stuff and making their lives a bit less hectic all the way around. Really good read.
Then She Was Gone – the twists in this one were quite misleading and there were several surprises that weren’t easily picked up on – keeps you guessing and I thoroughly enjoyed that!
The Last Mrs. Parrish – This was so captivating after the first chapter – highly recommend!
The Good Daughter – From the first page I was hooked with this one – fantastic read.
The Woman in the Window – A little slow at times, but overall great plot with lots of twists.
Luckiest Girl Alive – really well written and entertaining book – so many tough moments, but mimic so much of real life tragedies.
God & Football – my husband doesn’t read (he’s read all of one book since we graduated and that was one James Patterson book in Cancun because I was reading and he was bored) but even he’s tempted to read this one. If you’re in the South and love the SEC & Jesus I HIGHLY recommend it. Hilarious, insightful, and challenging.
Octopus on a Treadmill – full review here, but for now I’ll say it was definitely worth the read as a working mom!
The Couple Next Door – lots of unforeseen twists in this one. Great read.
Reviews from this year: Present Over Perfect | Friday Favorites: Books & Audio Books | Girl Wash Your Face | Octopus on a Treadmill
Starting the year off with these books – leave me your suggestions below so I can add to my list!
Simply Jesus – I started this one earlier in the year and just never finished it. I adore NT Wright, but sometimes his work is a bit heavy for right before bedtime & it’s one I’d be taking notes on so an auidobook just isn’t an option.
Inspired – same with this one! Rachel Held Evans is one of my favorites, but it’s indeed one for soul searching and note taking. I’ll be doing a full review on this one as well once I finish it though!
The Death of Mrs. Westaway – listening to this one currently! I wasn’t able to finish it when I loaned it from the library the first time (over the summer) and was JUST NOW able to loan it again but I’m just about done. I’m hoping it picks up more – Imogen Church is fantastic to listen though.
Out of The Spin Cycle – Jen Hatmaker is just hilarious and full of wisdom so I am beyond excited to start out with this devotional tomorrow.
Now your turn! What books were your favorites this year & what is on your list to read? I’d love to know your suggestions!
