Most of you know by now that I wrote a book this year, but I also read 33 books (and counting) this year. I wanted to take some time to share some of my favorites with you. Maybe you’re looking for a book to enjoy over the Christmas season, or you’re looking for a gift for a book lover in your life. Either way, I hope I can recommend something helpful!
My Bible
I know this one is obvious, but I have specifically enjoyed using a journaling Bible this year. I’ve always made little notes in the margins of my Bible, and it’s so nice to have a Bible with wide, lined margins. If you’re looking for a new Bible, I would highly recommend one like this. I have this one. I also recently did a giveaway for a journaling Bible, so if you had your eye on that one you can find it here.
Favorite Book on Technology
I want to mention this one early on because you may be wondering how I had time to read 33 books this year, and publish a book, and move cross country, and parent a baby. The key is that I spent 75% less time on my phone this year than I did last year. Phone addiction is real, and I would guess that almost everyone struggles with it at least a little bit. I read several books on this subject this year, but if you can only choose one I would recommend The Tech-Wise Family. This book is primarily written from a parenting standpoint, but sometimes as adults we need to parent ourselves and put boundaries in place for our own good. This book is written from a Christian standpoint, and I highly recommend it as a good starting point to put technology in its proper place in your own life.
Favorite Classic Novel
I love reading classics. It’s probably the genre I’m most familiar with. So I was surprised when my friend recommended a classic that I had never heard of. Scaramouche is a romance set in the period of the French Revolution. I don’t want to say too much, because this book has so many delightful plot twists I would be afraid of spoiling something. If you even remotely like classics, do yourself a favor and read this one.
Favorite Biography
During the time that our library was closed due to COVID, I resorted to reading every book on our shelves that I had never gotten around to reading. I know I’ve had To the Golden Shore since high school, but I suppose its length intimidated me. This is the biography of Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burma. I absolutely love the history of missions, and this book was so incredibly well written and captivating I wished I had read it sooner. Even though it’s a longer book, I read it extremely quickly because I just couldn’t put it down!
Favorite New Release
I am always excited for a new release from Robin Jones Gunn, and Being Known was not a disappointment. I tried to make it last, but I’m pretty sure I read it in a week. If you’re looking for a fiction book that will also encourage you in your walk with the Lord and your relationships with others, this is a great choice. It’s the second book in the Haven Makers series with Becoming Us being the first. I’m hoping there will be news of a third book soon!
Favorite Book on Motherhood
The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson was one of the first books I picked up from the library this year. When I read it, my baby was about four months old. Those early days of sleepless nights are overwhelming, but this book was an encouragement to me to keep pressing forward in the strength of the Lord. No matter what stage of motherhood you are in, this book will be an encouragement to you.
Favorite Fantasy Novel
Somehow I always grouped science fiction and fantasy into the same genre (don’t ask me why; I know it doesn’t make sense). For the record, I’m not a fan of science fiction. But it occurred to me this year that I actually do love fantasy, and some of my favorite novels have been fantasy novels. I would say that The Hobbit is easily in my top three fiction books of all time. If you haven’t read this delightful tale yet, I highly recommend it.
On Miscarriage
Miscarriage is a topic that I really don’t enjoy talking about, but I feel like I would be wasting a gift God has given me if I didn’t do everything I could for others walking this difficult road. I’ve read multiple books on the topic of miscarriage, but the one I’m currently reading, Held, has been such an encouragement. Whether your miscarriage occurred a week ago or a decade ago, this resource will be a blessing in helping you biblically process your grief.
I hope this will give you a starting point for some great books to add to your own collection in the new year. I would love to hear from you as well! What were some of your favorite books this year? You can tell me in the comments on Facebook or Instagram!
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