2013 Reading List

 

      I didn't read anywhere near as much as I would have liked to in 2012, but I still managed to finish about 10 books last year.  This year though, I've turned to my constantly growing "To Read" list to make a reading plan for 2013. I know I won't get through this entire list, but at least I'm not going to run out of things to read. :)

Fiction

The Orchardist

This was a really beautifully written book with some very strong, amazing characters. Really fast moving at the beginning, but slows a bit in the middle. It's hard to believe this is Amanda Coplin's first novel. I'd definitely recommend this book and rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

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A Grown-Up Kind Of Pretty

Some people may consider it cheating, but I didn't actually "read" this book, but rather I listened to it on  cd (unabridged).  I am so glad that I did though. When I saw that it was read by the author, I had mixed feelings about that, but when I began listening, it was fantastic. Being from the south, I'm a sucker for souther fiction and quirky southern characters. I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately want to the library for two more by Joshilyn Jackson - both of which I loved as well! 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

This was an enjoyable read, but not my favorite. Maybe I'm just not enough of a geek to fully enjoy this book. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but all in all, not a bad read. 3 out of 5 stars.

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The Secret Keeper

The Hiding Place

Since I forgot to review this book right after I read it, I can't remember enough to give it a full review. Overall, I found this to be a pretty good mystery, however, I didn't like many of the characters and it just didn't compare to some of the other great mysteries I read this year. While I enjoyed the book, I can't say I'd would wholeheartedly recommend it to others and only give it 3 out of 5 stars.

The Light Between Oceans

This is one of those books where you find yourself not really sure who to root for, feel sorry for, or hate. It's a story of what happens when good people choose to do something really wrong, and what happens as a result.  4 out of 5 stars.

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The Complete Anne of Green Gables

My hopes of reading this entire series may have been a little overly zealous. I did get through the first two books in the series though and loved them as much as I remember loving them as a young girl. I still plan on working my way through the rest of the series. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Homemaking

Cleaning House

The Pioneer Woman Cooks

When I first discovered The Pioneer Woman, I found her first cookbook and sat and read it like a novel. I made several of the recipes, and as with all cookbooks, some were hits, and some were misses. When she came out with a second cookbook last year, I was excited to get my hands on it. Finally I was able to get a copy from my local library and I think this one far surpasses her first cookbook! While I loved all the personal stories in the first book, I was happy to see so many more recipes in this one. Flipping through it, I think just about everything looked like something I would make. I honestly can't rate the actual recipes as I had to return the book to the library before I had a chance to make anything, but this will definitely be my next cookbook purchase!

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A Life That Says Welcome

French Kids Eat Everything

French Kids Eat Everything is a really fascinating book chronicling one Canadian family as they move to France for a year, and what it taught them about the French attitude toward food.  Some of her French food rules, I found to be very practical and have started implementing some of them in our home. Some of them were not as practical for us, but as with any book, you take from it what works for you, and leave the rest. My kids are not super picky eaters, but this has definitely helped in introducing new foods in a positive way in our house. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

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The Homemade Pantry

While I didn't actually read this book cover to cover, I did flip through it and concluded that it would indeed be a great addition to my cookbook collection. I was particularly intrigued by the idea of making my own yogurt.  There were recipes in this book for things I would have never even thought to make at home before seeing them in this book. I can't properly rate this book as I haven't actually made anything from it, but I can definitely say it's worth checking out.

Parenting

Reading Magic

I think this book would be really beneficial for someone who doesn't regularly read aloud to their kids. For me, as someone who regularly reads aloud to my kids, and possibly the fact that I was raised by a librarian :) I found that this book didn't really offer anything new for me. If you already read aloud to your family, you probably already do most of what she suggests in Reading Magic. I personally gave this 3 out of 5 stars, but I would still recommend it for someone just starting out reading aloud.

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The Creative Family

How Do You Tuck In A Superhero?

15 Minutes Outside

Give Them Grace

Families Where Grace Is In Place

Creative Correction

Personal/Spiritual Growth

Let. It. Go.

Jump Off The Hormone Swing

Made To Crave

Unglued

Jesus: 90 Days With The One And Only

A group of ladies from my church all did this study together starting in January. I had done other studies by Beth Moore previously and really loved her insight into the scriptures. I enjoyed this Bible study, but was kind of glad when it was done. I thought it began to get a little repetitive by the end of the 90 days. I also felt that after about 60 days I was ready to move onto a different writing style and perspective. I will more than likely use this book again in the future, but in small doses, putting it down and moving onto something else when I want to. 3 out of 5 stars.

Forever

Excellent, Excellent book! Our pastor recommended that the whole congregation read this book as it goes along with our churches theme this year. I have had the privilege of reading and watching some of Paul Tripp's other materials and I've always loved his approach and sound Biblical teaching. This book will really give you a great perspective on eternity and how it affects your relationships, your job, your parenting, and pretty much everything in the here and now. I think this is a fantastic book and would highly recommend it. 5 out of 5 stars.

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     I have so many more than this that I'd like to read eventually, as well as a long list of selections to read aloud to the kids, but that could fill an entire post by itself. So, what am I missing? I'm always looking for good suggestions, so if you have a favorite book that you don't see on this list, leave me a comment and I might add it to next years list. Also, I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to reading that you can follow here.