I get more excited about writing down what I’m reading for the year than writing down my New Years intentions. (I’ve got a post on those coming next!)
I used to just read what I wanted when I felt like it. And while I still reserve the right to do that, because sometimes a book will jump out at me and demand to be read, having a list laid out like this means I end up reading a lot more books than I would otherwise. It also eliminates what I call Bookworm Anxiety—that feeling you get when you finish a book you loved and don’t know what you’re going to read next. I have to be reading or listening to a book at all times to feel grounded in life. There are worse problems, I guess! Books are my comfort, my friends, my teachers.
Here’s my lineup for 2019! You may recognize some titles carried over from from last year. Yeah. . . that’s because I’m not a speed reader. I wish! I’d love to hear what’s on your reading list for the year.
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
I’m a Kate Morton die-hard and this book has an intriguing premise, as all of her books do. I don’t know if anything will ever measure up to The Forgotten Garden or The Secret Keeper though.
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
I think this one has been on my list since 2015. Time to read it! I love a good royal romance.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
J.K. Rowling gives it a glowing recommendation, so…
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
Court of Thorns and Roses was my first fantasy novel and I loved it. Some say this series is even better!
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
A charming story about newfound love in a tiny English village. This one has been calling to me for awhile.
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
Number two in the “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” series. I loved the first book and movie, and Netflix is making a second movie, so this one is a no-brainer! Now, off to convince Everyday Reading to host another viewing party.
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
My sister sent me Susanna Kearsley’s “The Winter Sea” to help me research for my own novel, and I loved it. I’ve heard some like this one even better.
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
I love novels that play with time. This one is about two women, set fifty years apart, who try to make their way in the world despite the odds set against them.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I know. It’s about time.
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The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
This called to me from a shelf at a used bookstore and I had to listen.
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer
Because if I don’t get enough occasional “woo-woo” in my life, my soul starts to shrivel and die.
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin
I love his quotes, so I think I’ll love his book. Plus, it came highly recommended by Rachel Hollis.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
I love the psychology behind the growth mindset, which was coined by Carol Dweck. It changes the way I parent and the way I see my own potential. Can’t wait to dig into this.
Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction by Derek Thompson
This has been on my to-read list for awhile! I’m always interested in ways to thrive in an age of distraction.
The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
People with similar parenting styles to mine keep recommending this one.
The Tech Wise Family by Andy Crouch
I’m always looking for ways to improve tech use in our home.
Bird By Bird by Ann Lamott
A must for writers and creatives. I started reading this and loved it, but then had to return it to the library! I think I’ll be buying it this time around.
Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin
I love Gretchen Rubin. The Happiness Project came out at a time when I really needed it as a new mom. When my family therapist friend told me she recommends this book to everyone, I was sold.
Love Her Wild and The Dark Between Stars by Atticus
I love good poetry (especially free verse) and want to improve my own attempts at it. A writer friend introduced me to Atticus and I love his style. I’m also intrigued by the fact that he keeps his identity hidden in order to remind himself to write what he feels, not what he thinks he should feel. A true artist.
On Writing by Stephen King
This is one of the most-recommended books I’ve ever heard of for writing. Have I ever or will I ever read one of his books? No. But I hear his writing advice is killer. In the non-pathological-psycho-murderer sense.
The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell
I’m pretty sure I’m the one who added this one to our book club voting list. I loved this book and am happily re-reading it for our discussion. A British journalist’s take on the Danish lifestyle while she lived there temporarily with her husband.
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
I LOVED “Strange the Dreamer.” This is number two and I can’t wait to read it!
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Not something I’d normally be inclined to pick up, but that’s the beauty of book club. I’ll keep you posted on how I like it!
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
I have a feeling I’ll dig this classic.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
I’ve heard it’s ugly-cry sad, but so good!
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
One of my favorite movies. I feel like its about time I read the book it was based off of.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Well, if I’m judging it by it’s cover, I’m in good shape.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
I’ve heard it called one of the most important books of our time. I’m intrigued.
Educated by Tara Westover
The most fascinating, appalling, and moving memoirs I’ve read. I’m excited to read it again.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Greek mythology! Looking forward to this one.
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Thank you for this list. Reading more is on my list this year. A few of these have been on my maybe list so I have now moved them to my yes list.
The Princess Bride is just as magical as the movie. And then after, read “As You Wish”. The three musketeers is amazing. I also want to read A Monster Calls. But i think I’m just excited to hear what you think about “major pettigrew “. One of the cutest love stories. And i thought the book thief was just meh
I loved THE BOOK THIEF and ON WRITING, and thought A YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING and BIRD BY BIRD were ok, but nothing to jump up and down about. Excited to see what you think.
First, this is such a good list! Second, I love the idea of making a list! I always feel pressure to speed read through books to get them back to the library on time or move onto the next book. This takes the stress away!