BOOKS I'VE READ HALF-WAY THROUGH 2020
At the beginning of 2020 - you know, before everything went to crap - I created a list of 20 intentions. I decided against setting resolutions this year, and instead decided to be more intentional with my time.
Well I've gotta admit, I don’t think I’ve actually looked at this list since February (whoops), but one thing that I have been SUPER intentional about this year is my READING GOAL.
My reading intention for 2020 is to read 20 books. But, not just any 20 books. OK, I guess that’s sorta true, but I got really intentional about the type of books I was reading.
Y’all, if you don’t know this about me, I’m 100% a personal development snob. Give me a personal development book and I’m happy. For 2 full years, I ONLY read non-fiction // personal development books.
I never felt like I was missing out on fiction books, but this year, I decided that I needed to broaden my subject matter. So, in addition to reading 20 books this year, I’m alternating between fiction books and non-fiction books.
So, how’s my goal coming?
Well, it’s coming… We’re over halfway through the year and I’m currently reading book #10.
Honestly, once we went on lockdown and I no longer had the time I used to have and had to teach my kids 5 days a week, reading went very low on the priority scale. My nights were spent working instead of sitting on the couch watching a show or reading.
But, I’m making progress. Some books were easier to read than others. And some books I was just busier at the time to sit down and read.
Overall though, I’m really happy with my progress so far - and I’m really happy with my list so far!
So, because I thought this would be fun, here is my ranking of the books I’ve read so far this year by category (fiction vs. nonfiction).
Fiction Books
#1 - Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
I could NOT put this book down. It was SO so good! It was a little slow to get started, but once you’re in, you can’t put it down. It kept me wondering what was going to happen and I was THOROUGHLY happy with the ending (much more than Gone Girl, another Gillian Flynn book). Read the book, then borrow someone’s HBO login and watch the mini-series. Totally worth it!
#2 - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
True to form, I LOVED this book! Great storytelling and another really, really great ending! I will admit, after talking to some other people, this is a book you either love or hate. I loved it, but you might not as much.
#3 - Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I really love mysteries. Give me something with some suspense or an ending you don’t expect, and I’m a happy camper. This one was a little harder to read and didn’t keep my attention as well as the first 2, but it was still a very well written book that I enjoyed.
#4 - Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
There will always be a place in my heart for Liane Moriarty books. Big Little Lies and What Alice Forgot are 2 of my favorite books of all time. This one didn’t quite deliver as well as the other 2, but it was worth the read. Out of the others, I’d definitely pass on this one.
Currently Reading…
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Nonfiction Books
#1 - Uncaged by Glennon Doyle
If you liked Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, hold onto your butts because this one is 100x better! I went into this book having no idea who Glennon Doyle was, only to learn that she was once a Christian Mom and writer, who ended up getting divorced after her husband cheated on her, met Abby Wambach (yup, the soccer player), fell in love and ended up getting married to her. So, if you’re expecting a normal faith-based book, this isn’t it. But, the reason I loved this book so much is that she so very clearly + eloquently expressed my thoughts about love, life, faith, and human rights better than I ever could. Yes, I am a Christian woman and I know this is controversial in the church (and obviously, there are always some things that I do not agree with), but there were definitely things that I felt EVERYONE should hear as far as advocating for our kids, our friends, and ourselves. Definitely will remain high on my recommendation list.
#2 - Fear is Not the Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood
I loved this book, especially because I read it right when the pandemic started. If you’re a business owner - or even if you’re not - and you tend to get stuck in your head, this is a GREAT book to give you the kick in the pants you need.
#3 - Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall
First of all, I got to hear Kindra Hall speak at our conference in September 2019 and I knew we could be friends. I loved her humor and her storytelling, and that’s what this book is all about. How to SELL with storytelling! As a storyteller myself, I couldn’t help but love this book! And if you’re a business owner, you definitely want to read this one!
#4 - Atomic Habits by James Clear
This isn’t the easiest book to get through, as in it doesn’t read well, but if you’re someone who is looking to change their habits and reach some major goals, this is the book you want to read in December and January of every year. James Clear walks you through how to setup habits so that, well, they become habits! It’s a really good book that I definitely think everyone should read if they’re looking to achieve some sort of goal in their life.
#5 - You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
One of the first “business” books I read was You are a Badass by Jen Sincero. First of all, she’s hilarious, which is always great for me when it comes to reading books, especially personal development books. But, she also tells it to you straight. As someone who is wanting to support her family through her business, this was a good kick in the pants I needed. If you want to make more money this year, check this one out!
On deck…
Well, I’m not sure yet! I have a great list started, but a lot of times it comes down to what’s at the library and what other people are reading.
9 down, 11 to go… I’d love to hear what you’re reading, what you’ve read of the ones above, and any recommendations on what to read next!
