Each year I do a Reading Challenge with Goodreads, and subsequently, each year I do a book list of the ones I read with a bit of commentary. Full reviews linked, and as always are listed in full of the BOOK REVIEW page. Here is the book list for 2019!
Jesus > Religion – Jefferson Bethke
- I picked up Jefferson’s book To Hell with the Hustle during our Black Friday excursion, but could’t wait to listen to this one. Jefferson is just a regular guy, which makes his work very relatable. Great read.
Inspired – Rachel Held Evans
- If you’ve been around, you know my love for RHE. The way she spins words to capture exactly what’s in my heart & mind is incredible. The delicate balance of doubt and hope. The world lost a tremendous woman when she passed. I’ve long loved her work and Inspired was par for the course. I will be doing a full review soon! Other reviews of her work: Evolving in Monkey Town (now titled Faith Unraveled), A Year of Biblical Womanhood, & Searching for Sunday
The Joy of Minimalism: A Beginner’s Guide to Happiness with Less – Zoey Ariel Posen
- Quick listen with nothing new really. She takes from other authors but it is a summary of some good points.
The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery – Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile
- Now, I am not as crazed as many people about the Enneagram, but I very much enjoyed reading about the different numbers and seeing myself in them. This was a great read for introspection!
The Ministry of Ordinary Places – Shannan Martin
- I wanted to love this book. The title. The cover. But sadly it fell short for me.
Girl, Stop Apologizing – Rachel Hollis
- I have so many words for Mrs. Hollis that I plan to do a full review. There were certainly some nuggets I enjoyed & were encouraged & empowered by, but I still believe that her brand of Christianity where it’s all about bigger, better, & more is dangerous to young women seeking to truly follow Christ. (You can read my review of Girl, Wash Your Face here.)
Pieces of Her – Karin Slaughter
- Very different than her other books but SO GOOD. I was surprised often with the twists and there were lots of relevant questions for society and politics as well. Highly recommend.
Take Back Your Time – Morgan Tyree
- This book was so darn good and welcomed in this hectic world we live in! Full review can be found here.
Sometimes I Lie – Alice Feeney
- Very twisty and not at all expected. Great read.
All We Ever Wanted – Emily Giffin
- This is what I’d call an easy read, as are her other books. I wouldn’t say it’s my typical book, but it was a good story and well written.
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World of Setbacks & Difficult People – Bob Goff
- Bob Goff is funny and eccentric and fun to listen to and read. This one nails the idea of loving your neighbor as it extends past those you like and that look like you.
The Art of Happy Moving – Ali Wenzke
- Fun & easy read during the moving process – I enjoyed tackling this in our big move over the summer!
The Loyal Wife – Natalie Barelli
- Very twisty thriller. Great read.
Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved – Kate Bowler
- Kate beautifully weaves her story and insight together in this book about the finality of life following diagnosis and how to truly live.
Her Every Fear – Peter Swanson
Missing Molly – Natalie Barelli
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up – Mari Kondo
- I have yet to watch the Netflix series, but in my quest to declutter pre move, I tackled this one and adored it. Now, I’m not one to talk to my clothes before chunking them, however her folding techniques and her ideas on maintaining only the items that ‘spark joy’ are worth diving into. (next up: Spark Joy)
Truly Madly Guilty – Liane Moriarty
- Interesting read on marriage and parenting through the eyes of a story built on guilt and deception.
The Year Of Less – Cait Flanders
- This follows one gal’s story, and while it wasn’t all practical, there were a bunch of great tid bits along the way and a fun list at the end.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness – Susannah Cahalan
- Fascinating read. I can’t wait to watch the movie now!
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them – Newt Scamander (by J.K. Rowling)
- Now, I’ve read this before, however this round I listened to the auidobook as read by Eddie Redmayne and it was rather magical indeed. Perhaps I was still on a HP high after our London Experience with #ATTThanks.
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way – Lysa Terkeurst
- I picked this up after Heather’s first round of surgeries and it did not disappoint. Lysa takes us through the disappointments of life, includes her story, and offer truth and wisdom in moments of despair.
The Death Of Mrs. Westaway – Ruth Ware
- Not my favorite of hers, but still a good read. Especially if you’re into audio books – Imogen Church is fantastic!
I keep up with all of this using Goodreads & it is perfect for keeping all my books organized in virtual bookshelves! Especially as I do a lot of audiobooks through the library or read on my kindle & only keep physical copies of favorites. Goodreads.com always does a year in review as well that I love – check it out:
What’s on your reading list for 2020??
