(To download, click to enlarge, then right click, then click “save as.” For personal use only.)
I like keeping a record of the books I read each year (see 2011’s list here). Here is a list of most of the books I read this year!
(Listed in order of when I finished reading them)
And We Are Changed: Encounters with a Transforming God by Priscilla Shrier
We read this book for our ladies’ Bible study, and it was pretty good. A lot of it was pretty “basic,” but it was still an okay book. I probably wouldn’t choose it again for a study.
Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic
This is one of my favorite books on motherhood. Rachel writes from a totally real, in-the-trenches perspective and she still manages to keep her sense of humor as she shares biblical truths about being a godly mom. Have read it three times now!
Good Girls Don’t Have to Dress Bad by Shari Braendel
This book goes beyond a typical book on modesty to share how Christian women can dress in a becoming way (wearing the right styles for their body type and the right colors for their skin tone). I recommend it for any age.
Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider
This book makes me want to seriously streamline my life. I learned a lot of practical tips from it and I probably need to read it again to prepare for some spring cleaning.
21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
This is another good motivational read to encourage me to get my tail in gear in terms of being disciplined and organized. I liked it!
The Peacemaker: a Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande
This is an INCREDIBLE, practical book for dealing with conflict in a biblically-appropriate way. We all face conflict with others at various times in our lives, and this book is invaluable to responding in a godly way. I can’t say enough good things about this book!
Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths that Last by Joshua Harris
We read this for our spring youth Bible study at our house. It’s a great theology primer whether you are a new Christian or you have been saved for a while. It is great for a small group study.
War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Our Communication Struggles by Paul David Tripp
We studied this book for our spring ladies’ Bible study. Everyone seemed to get a lot out of it, since communication is something we do every single day! This book is very biblical and heart-focused, and it also works well as a small group study.
Small Beginnings: First Steps to Prepare Your Toddler for Lifelong Learning by Barbara Curtis
This was an awesome book on toddler hood which helped give me a fresh perspective on some of the struggles I was having in parenting. It helped me better understand my toddler and how I can train her and help her learn and grow. A must read for parents of little ones!
Devotions, Advice, & Renewal for When Motherhood Feels too Hard by Kelly Crawford
I loved reading this devotional book and it was very encouraging to me at a difficult point this year. I recommend it!
The Heart of Simplicity: Foundations for Christian Homemaking by various authors
This ebook is AWESOME! I think it’s one I could reread and learn from every year (at least). All of the authors are bloggers and they each wrote a chapter on a topic near their hearts. The book flows together well while still allowing each woman to have a voice. I learned a ton from reading this book and I will definitely be reading it again.
Spirit-led Parenting: From Fear to Freedom in Baby’s First Year by Megan Tietz and Laura Oyer
My mom got me this book and my one regret is that I did not read it sooner! (It’s new, but I wish it had come out before Vera was born!) If you’ve ever struggled in wondering if you’re “doing the right thing” as a mom, this is a book you must read. They cover lots of hot-button topics like co-sleeping vs. cribs, schedules vs. attachment parenting, bottle-feeding vs. breastfeeding, etc., with grace and wisdom that will help you make the decisions that are right for your family.
A Handbook for Ministers’ Wives: Sharing the Blessings of Your Marriage, Family, and Home by Dorothy Kelley Patterson
Reading this book felt like I was sitting down with Mrs. Patterson having a cup of coffee! While a little bit rambling at points, this book is immensely practical and helpful for pastors’ wives. I loved it!
Living Well on One Income in a Two Income World by Cynthia Yates
I borrowed this one from a friend and had a great time reading it! A lot of the tips were ones I already knew, but I did learn a few new things from it. It was encouraging too, and I especially liked the parts about entertaining on a limited budget.
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon
This is part cookbook, part research paper :), so I can’t say I read every word, but I did read most of it. I’m still striving to serve good, healthy food to our family, and this book is really helpful, albeit challenging.
When Women Long for Rest: God’s Peace for Your Overwhelmed Life by Cindi McMenamin
This was another ladies’ Bible study book. It was just ok… not great. We’re going in a new direction with our next study.
Celebrating & Savoring a Simple Christmas by Crystal Paine
I can’t find a link to this ebook now, but this was a very helpful read as I prepared for a simple Christmas season. It helped keep me grounded and assured me I was making the right decisions in simplifying.
Young House Love by Sherry & John Petersik
I’ve been a devoted reader of YHL for 3 1/2 years, so I definitely got this book the day it came out. I really enjoyed seeing all of their new projects, ideas, and tips in this book.
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
I can “blame” this book on why I didn’t read more books this year, since the abridged version I read was around 1000 pages (chopped down from about 1400). I loved it, though, and it changed me. Must read!
Naturally Knocked Up by Danielle Baker
I enjoyed reading this book on natural fertility, health, and pregnancy. If you are struggling to conceive or simply want the most healthy pregnancy possible, this is a wonderful book to read. (No, I’m not currently pregnant.)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
I promised Tad I would finally read this (I’m a longstanding LOTR fan) before we went and saw the movie together. It’s a fun read and it certainly helped the movie make more sense.
What were your favorite books you read this year?
I’m so glad you liked Small Beginnings!! 🙂
Your list has inspired me; lots of the books you read are new to me, and now I want to read them all. 😉
I.LOVE.IT. (And, you, my sweet daughter! So glad for the many great books you read…they are inlufencing you!…and many others too, I’m sure!) Can’t wait to make a canvas with the printable!! Would you like to post my tutorial?
(PS–Davene–I got the Small Beginnings for Aliesha after you raved about it! Thanks!)
Rejoicing in and am thankful for you and those who read your blog!
Love,<3 Mom
Valerie – that’s wonderful!
I am continually inspired by the relationship between you, Aliesha, and your mom. It’s a beautiful thing to see. 🙂
Aliesha,
I was wondering if you would want me to send you Marvelously Made by Monica? I never finished it this summer and it got a bit of water damage while we were at the beach but I would be more than happy to send it your way if you want. Just email your address and I’ll send it 🙂
Emailed you. 🙂