Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax. These days it’s rare that you’ll find a fiction book in my hand, though I still enjoy a good escape every now and then. (My difficulty in reading fiction is that I get so caught up in the story that the phone could be ringing, the kids jumping on the furniture and supper burning on the stove while I still have my nose buried in my book!)
While I have set goals in the past as to a certain number of books I’d like to read in a year, I have never created an actual reading list. Below are twelve books that I would like to read over the next twelve months. I’m sure I will read others that aren’t on the list, but this is my starting point. I tried to select books that will help me in the four areas on which I’m concentrating my focus this year.
The second list are those books that I would like to read aloud to my daughters this year. We do most of our reading together at bedtime and, since most of these books are new to me as well, I look forward to enjoying them together!
My List
- How to Pray
by R.A.Torrey (I’ve already begun this one and will soon be sharing what I’m learning!)
- The Pursuit of God
by A.W. Tozer
- With the Master on Our Knees by Susan J. Heck
- The Olive Plants: Raising Spiritual Children
by Warren Henderson (thanks to Clara for introducing me to this one!)
- The Parenting Breakthrough: Real-Life Plan to Teach Kids to Work, Save Money, and Be Truly Independent
by Merrilee Browne Boyack
- Grace-Based Parenting
by Tim Kimmel
- Finding Your Purpose as a Mom: How to Build Your Home on Holy Ground
by Donna Otto
- What to Eat
by Marion Nestle
- Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
by Brian Wansink
- The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure
by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy
- Make Every Word Count
by Gary Provost
- Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
by Anne Lamott
Read-Alouds for My Daughters
- The Adventure of Missionary Heroism by John C. Lambert
- Alone, Yet Not Alone: the Story of Barbara Leininger by Tracy Michele Leininger
- To Have and to Hold: A Tale of Intrigue and Adventure by Mary Johnston
- George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans (Christian Heroes: Then & Now)
by Janet & Geoff Benge
- Dear Princess: A Book for Girls by Mary M. Landis
- On the Banks of Appletree Creek from Pathway Publishers
- The Bronze Bow
by Elizabeth George Speare
- The Bible Smuggler
by Louise A. Vernon
Have you read any of these books? Did any of them become favorites? If you’re currently reading a great book yourself or have one to recommend for my girls, feel free to share!
Join Jessica at Life as Mom as well as other bloggers who are booking it in 2011!
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This is a very interesting list, and I will be looking forward to hearing what you think of the books – will you let us know as you get through them?? I'll let you know if any of the books on my reading list for my children this year are particularly good. Have your girls read 'A Hive of Busy Bees'? My daughter is loving that book! (There's also a second volume that she will read next).
What a different list! I must admit that not only have I not read them, I haven't heard of some of them! I'm off to check them out! Happy Wed 🙂
Clara,
Yes, I hope to post reviews on most of the books, especially if I find ones I really like.
And yes, we do have A Hive of Busy Bees as well as the second volume. My girls really enjoyed those, too!
I have not heard of most of these books and look forward to hearing your thoughts on them!
Such a great list. Many are on my 'to read' list too. Have you read, "Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss. I have loved this over the years and my 11 year old is starting it now.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I love your reading list! Although I'm not a parent yet, a friend recommended Grace-Based Parenting to me recently and said it was life-changing. I'm looking forward to checking back and seeing what you've learned from these books.
Fabulous list! I would love to read the Pursuit of God (we have this book somewhere??), and Mindless Eating.
Looks like a good list! I love Tozer… just finished reading his The Knowledge of the Holy – really good. Hope you enjoy your books! Happy reading, and thanks for sharing!
Thanks for dropping by! You have a great book list!