I’m really excited about my line-up this year. Some of these books come highly recommended by friends, others deal with topics I want to grow in, or subjects that simply interest me. As usual I will keep the fiction section small because it tends to mushroom throughout the year. Feel free to make recommendations. As I cross books off the list, I’ll write a brief review here. Happy reading this year!
Non-Fiction
1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp This book has been recommended to me numerous times by people who think I will not only love the content, but the author’s unique writing style. Having visited her blog, I think I will agree.
Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss If there’s one thing I want stamped upon my heart this year, it’s gratitude. Deep, whole-hearted, God-exalting gratitude.
Fierce Women by Kimberly Wagner This suggestion came via Challies’ top books of 2013. In his words, “She writes about the beauty of fierceness, the beauty of strong women who use their strength to honor the Lord by honoring their husbands.” Sounds good to me!
Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson A carry-over from my 2013 list… The husband has agreed to read this one with me, so hopefully that will be accountability to cross it off the list this year! From what I hear, it’s well worth it.
Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman “Sometimes life feels a lot like a burden—day-in and day-out its the same chores and tasks, challenges and discouragements, anxieties and responsibilities. So where is God in all of this? Does he care about the way we unload the dishwasher or balance the budget? Do the little things like changing diapers or cooking meals make a difference? And how can we use our spheres of influence for God’s glory and our joy?” My husband recommended this one…I wonder why he thought of it for me? 🙂
Heaven by Randy Alcorn I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it, but I’m part of a wonderful little book club. One of the members, a beautiful friend of mine, lost her father in a biking accident this year. The tragedy has prompted us to pick up this book and explore our many unanswered questions about heaven.
Radical by David Platt I have long feared this book…which is exactly why I think I need to read it. True confession–I’ve already dug in, and let me just say, yowzers. It is powerful, inspiring, and painfully spot-on. For every chapter I read, I need about a week to pray and process. And I think that’s a good thing.
Resisting Gossip by Matthew Mitchell This is one of the books I’m most eager to read. I think the subject matter, as well as its importance, is self-explanatory.
Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Moore speak a few times, and cannot wait to read his book about temptation, the triumph of Christ, and how it applies to us today.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey While my family is probably a little bit young to put all the principles of this book into effect, I figure it can’t hurt to hear what Covey has to say.
What is the Meaning of Sex? by Denny Burk This is my final non-fiction choice, also highly recommended by Challies. Here’s what’s being said about it: “This book clearly explains the truth about sex and winsomely responds to society’s evolving views on human sexuality and gender. From marriage to birth control, homosexuality to singleness, What is the Meaning of Sex? sets forth a distinctly Christian perspective, equipping you to engage our confused culture with a God-glorifying vision of human sexuality.”
Fiction
11/22/63 by Stephen King Ever since reading King’s book On Writing, I’ve wanted to read one of his novels…but been too afraid to do it! My sister recommended this one since it’s not horror. It’s the story of Jake Epping, a 35-year-old English teacher who discovers a portal into 1958. Thus begins his life as George Amberson. His mission? Kill Lee Harvey Oswald and prevent JFK’s assassination.
Into the Free by Julie Cantrell A New York Times Bestselling Christian fiction novel about a girl from Depression-era Mississippi who joins a band of Gypsies to escape her family.
Swimming in the Moon by Pamela Schoenewaldt I loved Schoenewaldt’s first novel, When We Were Strangers, so I thought I’d give her second a try. It’s the story of a mother and daughter in 1905 Italy who immigrate to Cleveland.
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom A friend recommended this New York Times Bestseller about a white servant girl from Ireland who is sent to live with the slaves of the kitchen house. Despite the color of her skin, she becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family. Later when she is accepted into the big house, she must choose between two very different worlds, with risky consequences.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey “Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart–he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season’s first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone–but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees…”
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Loving My Lot 
Great list! I added some of these to my own list. Thanks for sharing!
I love your blog. Here are some concerns about Ann’s book expressed by Tim Challies. Looking at the rest of your non-fiction list, I would say it is the one that does not fit with the rest of those authors. http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/one-thousand-gifts
Wow, thanks a lot for sharing that review. I had not seen it. I know the book has gotten mixed reviews–some who love it and some who hate it, but Challies final point (that the book doesn’t rely on Scripture as the ultimate foundation for hope) is very compelling. Since I have other books on my list that focus on gratitude, I will probably take Voskamp’s book off. Thanks again.
Such a good list! I, too, am a dedicated reader despite having little ones underfoot all day long. Thank you for sharing so many of your great choices!
beccagarber.com
What a great list – I will be adding a few of those to mine. I saw you are reading Heaven due to a friend losing her father. After losing my father my capacity was limited. I read Deadline, Domion and Deception by Randy Alcorn. They were fictional books with insight into Heaven and the spiritual world that provided comfort, insight without being as stressful during such a difficult time. Please pass on my support of your friend, grief is a journey and becomes part of your DNA.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I will definitely pass it along to my friend.
My husband and I listened to 11/22/63 on audio (because we both wanted to read it together, but we read at very different speeds). It was riveting!
I also loved 1000 Gifts (life-changing) and Radical. Have you read Katie Davis’ Kisses from Katie? That was another life-changing book for me last year.
No, I haven’t read it! I looked at it at the bookstore and have seen it on some other lists. I forgot about it, but it looks awesome. That may be one I add on to my list–thanks!
Jeanne, looking forward to reading your review of “Resisting Gossip.” Thanks for your blog! Blessings, -Matt Mitchell
Wow–you made my day! Thanks for writing in 🙂
I am not a big fiction reader but think I will add some of your non-fiction to my list. The one book on your list that I have read is 1000gifts – read it two years ago and it still sticks with me!