Is anybody else of an age to remember the Book It program they used to have in grade school? The idea was that if you read so many books in a specific amount of time (and we had to do book reports most of the time too), you got a certificate for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. (I just looked it up and they still have this program. How awesome is that?!?)
Now I went several years of my childhood where I absolutely refused to even touch a pizza (it’s a gruesome story, so I won’t tell it), but I did so enjoy getting a reward for doing something that I loved! Reading is still something that brings me great happiness, but unfortunately I don’t take the time to do it as often as I used to. This year I am determined to spend less time reading social media updates and more time reading books. And I must add that although digital books are very convenient, there is just something so wonderful about holding a real “live” book in your hands and being able to turn the next page!
My wonderful sister and I will be taking a short trip to the beach soon and we intend to laze on the sand the biggest portion of the time. A book or two would be a welcome addition while I’m soaking up the sun!
I actually have a list of books that I want to read this year. Some are fiction, some self-help, some are I don’t even know what category. I would like to pick at least one to take on our trip, but I need some help deciding. Maybe you could help me out?
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Here is my top 20 list of books I want to read in 2016:
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- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Book 1).
From what I’ve heard, this is sort of thriller, time-travel, mystery, supernatural sort of book. There are two more in the series apparently–Hollow City and Library of Souls. There is also a movie in the works!
- You Have Lipstick On Your Teeth and Other Things You’ll Only Hear From Your Friends in the Powder Room. Short stories about things that women go through–by other women.
- Wonder. The story of a boy who was born with a facial difference and how he and the people around with him learn to deal with it. I thought this would be interesting since one of our children has microtia and I know at times it has been confusing for people to understand. (If you have time, please read: This Is What Beautiful Looks Like and let me know what you think!)
- Droughts and Dreams: Stories of Self Reliance During America’s Darkest Times. Stories and first-hand accounts of survival during the Depression. Also includes some recipes and survival tips.
- Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging. Dick Van Dyke passing on some pearls of wisdom about growing older.
- The Glass Kitchen: A Novel of Sisters. I read an excerpt of this when it first came out and it really peaked my interest. Unfortunately, the local library didn’t have it and I forgot about it until I looked at my wish list!
- Overcoming Fear and Igniting Self-Confidence. Who doesn’t need some self-confidence? And that fear thing? It’s a biggie!
- The Quarter-Acre Farm: How I Kept the Patio, Lost the Lawn, and Fed My Family for a Year. I live in a pretty rural area and my in-laws have a big garden, but I want something a little smaller to put in my yard. I thought this would give me ideas!
- Rip the Page: Adventure In Creative Writing. I really, really, really need to get more creative.
- 31 Days to $1K: Learn How to Minimize Your Expenses, Eliminate Your Debt, and Build Your Savings. Who doesn’t need money ideas right now?!?
- The Seven Day Sewing Mastery Course. I am GOING to learn to sew. Soon!
- God Will Use This For Good: Surviving the Mess of Life. Max Lucado is always pretty inspiring and I could really use some inspiration!
- Me Before You. Another book that is being made into a movie and I really try to read them before I watch them.
- Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words. Sometimes you just need a simple explanation.
- The Creativity Challenge: Design, Experiment, Test, Innovate, Build, Create, Inspire, and Unleash Your Genius. It was the “unleash your genius” part that got me. I know I have one in here somewhere.
- Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot. Another Max Lucado.
- The Best Year of Your Life. I’m due one, I think.
- Money Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference. Again with the money ideas…
- Clara’s Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories, and Recipes from the Great Depression. I love cookbooks, stories, and I am apparently developing an obsession with the Great Depression.
- The Secret History of Mermaids. My daughter is the mermaid expert, so technically this would be for her. Doesn’t mean I can’t read it though!
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Book 1).
In addition to these, I want to re-read a few too: All of the Harry Potter books, the Outlander Series (in addition to the Novellas that go with it–I haven’t read any of those!), the Infernal Devices and Mortal Instruments series, and some of my Gooseberry Patch books.
The self-help or nonfiction books would probably be the best ones to buy as digital books. The cookbooks, fiction, and anything with lots of pictures work best for me as hard copies. I can’t stand trying to scroll back and forth on my phone or tablet to see pictures or diagrams!!
Now I need to know…Is there one of these that sounds really enticing to read on vacation? Or does anyone have recommendations for other really good must-reads?? Lay it on me!
