Years ago my dear friend Michelle, whom I dearly admire, shared the books she had read for that year. I was so impressed with that idea. How fun would it be to look back and remember when you discovered a great book series or a certain favorite. Since then I have started recording what I have read each year. Some years, when life is crazy, my list isn’t very long. And that is clearly okay with me. I LOVE reading, but disagree with the idea that I should feel bad if I can’t read all the books I have on my “need to read” list. Some years, usually when I am pregnant, I reread Harry Potter or Jane Austen as I deal with months of throwing up. It is one of my many attempts to distract myself from how crappy I feel.
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but I am okay with the idea of judging me by what I read. Sometimes I read for pure enjoyment. I don’t care who there target market is. I am sharing the books that I have read and I don’t feel terrible that my list isn’t that long or my choices aren’t that impressive.
Go Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley by Sherri Dew
LOVED this book! President Hinkley was the prophet of my youth. I not only loved reading more about him, but I loved learning more about how The Lord prepares those who he calls to lead His church. The love between the brethren is so dear. I was so impressed with how President Hinkley treated the brethren who he served under. I really need to start reading more biographies.
Mr. Darcy’s Daughters Elizabeth Aston
I enjoyed this novel. It was a fun idea to write about his daughters. I told my friend Alex she needs to read it so I can talk to her about it.
Loved this book!!! I had my oldest son Gandalf read this one with me. I really need to buy this book. I want all my kids to read it. It’s about a boy with facial abnormalities. It really helps us think about how we treat others. This book is a must read! If you haven’t read this book I would highly recommend it. I loved discussing this book with my son. It has so many lessons and teaching moments.
Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief by
My oldest is a big fan of Percy Jackson and we decided this would be a great birthday party idea. So naturally I decided to read the series to get ideas on food, games, and cake. My friend, Ms. Fountain Valley, has been telling me I would love them and I am so glad I decided to give them a try. (I love when pageant winners love to read!) I loved this series! I can’t wait to read it with the rest of my kids. Draco loved listening to them. And I must admit we did use Overdrive and we listened to these books while we drove to California to visit family.
How to Train Your Dragon: How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm by
I made my kids try out these books and they loved them. They are a great easy read and super funny. They audio is done really well.
Another great audio book. And can you believe I have never read this book? When we went to Utah we listened to this great book.
Another great read we enjoyed when we drove to Utah. I first read this book when I was in 6th grade. I totally forgot the a bathroom scene when he has a dream about a girl taking a bath and he has these “unknown feelings”. I didn’t mind my oldest reading this but we haven’t had the Talk” yet with Draco, (blog post coming next year!) Just a heads up if it’s your first time reading this too. I love this book and it was a great way to talk about ethical decisions. I love learning more about my children and their thoughts about the world.
I can’t believe I only read one novel by Georgette Heyer. She is my favorite. My dear friend gave me another book of hers for my birthday yesterday so maybe I will add another book to this year. I love her “proper romances”. If you are a fan of witty uplifting books you should check her out. Her books usually end with a kiss or declaration of love. I really can’t read enough of these books.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
l really liked this book but I loved being with my book club even more. And apparently I need to move A Wrinkle in Time up on my reading list. I want to share this book with my kids too. I think they will love the mystery.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Finally read this book. It’s been on my list forever. Read it! I’m sure you will love it.
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by
Another reread for me. I read it back in 4th grade and liked it then. I loved it even more as an adult. I was bummed my kids weren’t that into it. We listened to it on one of our road trips and they were more interested in talking and looking out the window than listening to the ending. Maybe another time.
Hotel on Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Probably one of my favorite reads for this year. I love books that give you a different perspective. It’s about a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl who become friends around World War Two. I love when novels take place during a period of history. Not only does it increase my desire to learn more about history but I usually get different perspective of the main character. I have thought about what it might have been like to be Japanese American during the war, but not to this extent. After reading this book I had a great discussion with my hubby and then also our children. Although I am not ready for my kids to read this for themselves, I told them the basic plot of the story and we talked about how others are treated. We went on to talk about what is right and wrong and how we can stand up for what is right even if it’s hard. My husband shared the amazing story of Kazuo Masuda. His family’s amazing story brought tears to my eyes. How could someone so brave and good be treated so terribly. If we would have stayed living in Orange County our children would have gone to Masuda Middle School. I hope his story is being taught there. I know I want to keep telling my children about Kazuo Masuda. We need to remember to be kind to everyone.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by
Draco and I read the 3rd Harry Potter book together. He even did a book report on him. It was right before Harry’s Birthday and perfect timing to celebrate Harry Potter. Right now he is reading The Goblet of Fire.
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Finally read this book! Meant to read it years ago. I will want to read the Heir to Edenbrooke and Blackmoore. Hopefully I can finish those next year.
All the Light We Cannot See by
Really loved this book club pick! Super bummed I got the flu and couldn’t attend. It’s another novel during war time. And I love when a book has different perspectives in one book. I really want my hubby to read this. I know he will love it. I love books that encourage you to do what is right, even when things are hard.
More than the Tattooed Mormon by Al Carraway
In case you missed my review of this great book you can check it out now. So glad I was able to read this book. Excited for my sister to finish her copy so we can chat!
I might have missed some books. Sometimes I forget to add them to my list. My favorite this year are The Hotel on the corner of Bitter and Sweet, Wonder, and Go Forward with Faith. What was your favorite book this year??? It’s always a great goal to try and read more. For more tips on raising readers check out this post. And be sure to read my Top Ten posts for this year.
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