“You’ll be the same person you were last year except for the books you read and the people you meet.”
Books have had a profound impact upon me since I first began reading many years ago. They’ve helped to shape the way I think and the way I live. They stimulate me intellectually; they challenge me to improve as a person; and they teach me new concepts and ideas.
I set a goal at the beginning of 2009 to read 50 books over the course of the year. I didn’t quite reach that goal, in fact, I only ended up reading 26 books in total. However, aiming high motivated me to find the time to read more than I likely would have had I not set that goal in the first place.
In 2010, I’ve committed to attempt to read 4 books per month–a book which encourages me spiritually, a practical book (on homemaking or homeschooling), a business-related book, and another book of my choice.
I’ll be joining in with FishMama’s Bookin’ It Challenge and posting an monthly update with the books I’ve read and a short review on each of them. This is not only for my own personal accountability, but I hope it also serves to inspire you to consider making time in your life to read. You just might be surprised at how much you learn and change as a result of reading!
Here’s my list of books I’m hoping to read this next year:
(Please note: My list is rather audacious and I don’t necessarily think I’ll actually find the time to read all of these in 2010, but I’m at least going to try! My husband and I are also reading through the Bible in a year using The MacArthur Daily Bible.)
January
Bootcamp for Lousy Housekeepers
Flipping the Switch…: Unleash the Power of Personal Accountability Using the QBQ!
Still Growing: An Autobiography
Treasuring God in Our Traditions
What He Must Be: …If He Wants to Marry My Daughter
First Things First: The Rules of Being a Warner
March
America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money
Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone Is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone.
April
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking
May
Put More Cash in Your Pocket: Turn What You Know into Dough
Womanly Dominion: More Than A Gentle and Quiet Spirit
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson
June
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t
The Coupon Mom’s Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half
Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment
Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His Wife
For the Family’s Sake: The Value of Home in Everyone’s Life
July
Frugillionaire: 500 Fabulous Ways to Live Richly and Save a Fortune
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms
Creating an Intimate Marriage: Rekindle Romance Through Affection, Warmth and Encouragement
August
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Michael Phelps: The Untold Story of a Champion
The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
Professionalizing Motherhood: Encouraging, Educating, and Equipping Mothers At Home
September
The Financially Confident Woman
October
Living Rich for Less: Create the Lifestyle You Want by Giving, Saving, and Spending Smart
Created for Work: Practical Insights for Young Men
Francis Schaeffer: An Authentic Life
November
The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play
Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee
A Mother’s Heart: A Look at Values, Vision, and Character for the Christian Mother
December
Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More
My biggest problem when it comes to reading books is actually finishing them. I’m really good at starting books–and often have 4 to 6 started at once!–but I’m much less disciplined about finishing them.
I’m going to aim to only start and finish each month’s designated books during the specified month. If I finish them all early, I’m giving myself license to read whatever–but not until I’ve finished that month’s books. Yes, I’m really working on following through with things I’ve set out to do this year. 
Photo credit: Yves
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Parenting in the Pew is a fabulous choice! I have read it, used it with my kids, and taught it as a class in our church. It is a MUST READ, imho! When I first read it, our first child was a toddler and we were just starting out teaching him to be in church. A lot of the families in our church didn’t bring young children into the service because they were afraid of noise or distraction, etc. Many of the ones who did, sat in the back and occupied their children with coloring books, toys, etc. A group of us read this book together and begain to sit at the very front with our young children, teaching them to really participate in the service. It was so nice to have the support of other parents who were doing the same thing and it was a huge success! The whole church took notice and there are many more children in the services now and more young families in the church as a whole. I love this book!
Thank you for this post. I love hearing about good books. I also look forward to reading the comments that will surely follow for even more suggestions!
I have a simple philosophy on books (and finishing them!): If I’m not getting what I want out of a book, I allow myself to stop reading it. Plain and simple. Our libraries are full of books just waiting for me to read them. I’m sad that I won’t be able to get through them all in a lifetime, so why waste my time on a book I’m not enjoying?
Then again, I also don’t want you to beat yourself up if you feel like it’s a self-discipline issue
We all do what works for us!
Thanks for the tip on the Bookin’ It link. It looks like tons of fun!
Great list, but you gotta get some great fiction!
Try Chronicles of Narnia! Christian, very well-written, inspiring, AND GREAT FUN!
Anne of Green Gables
Blue Shoes and Happiness
Cheaper by the Dozen
Little Women
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
I recommend anything by Rabbi Harold Kushner … “When Children Ask About God” is excellent, as is his meditation on the 23rd Psalm. He’s most well-known for his book “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” I heard him speak some years ago, and he’s as erudite in person as on the page.
One fiction book I keep going back to is Helen Hooven Santmyer’s “… And Ladies of the Club.” It’s a doorstop, but an engaging read. Same for “The Source,” by James Michener, which is all about Israel and Palestine.
have you used goodreads.com before? LOVE IT! great way to track books and share what you’ve read with friends!
here’s my link http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1335448
That sounds like a great idea. I love to read and I’m always looking for good books to read. I’m looking forward to seeing your results. I’ll try and join you.
Deborah
In response to an earlier question/comment, the quote at the beginning of the post is generally credited to Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. You’ve got some great books on the list and some I’d like to read. I also highly recommend God’s Greatest Passion (by H.L. Hussmann) — it’s an equipping and motivating read for those who want to share their faith in Christ but feel afraid or unsure how. It’s a life-changing book. I saw the comment about fiction. I just read A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) a couple years ago and really feel like I gained from having read it. Great story of redemption.
Well, if you really want to read some great fiction christian books read anything that Karen Kingsbury has written. She is wonderful. Her 911 series was one of the best I have read. I have not read a book of hers that isn’t good.
WOOT! Heidi (author of bootcamp for lousy housekeepers) is my friend. You’ll love this book! Its so challenging, especially for me.
Money Saving Mom-
She is self-published by I know Amazon and Barns and Noble have her books. 
Plug for my mom, You might like Noble Pursuits by Chautona Havig. Not your average story. Most people I know who do not enjoy fiction book have really enjoyed hers. They mainly read it because she was their friend and then begged for more. LOL.
I just keep on going dont I?
Professionalizing Motherhood: Encouraging, Educating, and Equipping Mothers At Home
I have that one. SItting on my shelf to read.
Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His Wife
one of my all time favorites
That’s so encouraging to see your goal of reading. I also enjoy reading and the past 3yrs now, my goal was to read 24 books – 2 a month and I’ve made it. I’m impressed that you planned out each book to read already too! yes, you’ll enjoy the Five Love Languages and if you get a chance, read the Five Love Languages for Kids too. A good one!
I wanted to thank you too for the time you’ve put into blogging, sharing secrets, recipes and money saving ideas. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for about a year now. Next week, my husband and two little girls are moving to Asia as missionaries. I know I’ll check your blog periodically, but not much since I won’t be able to cut coupons and do some of those deals. =) Its been fun and I’ve enjoyed it though. Blessings!
Here a post on how I manage to read MANY books each month: http://mujerradiante.com/?p=346 It’s in SPANISH (you can read it in english with Google’s translator).
Thanks for sharing your list Crystal!! (I have written down many titles =)
Getting Things Done is fabulous! I was fortunate to take a class based on this book when I still worked, and I really had a paradigm shift in my thinking after that. I agree with the other person who suggested you move it up in your list. It really will help you throughout the rest of the year.
Good to Great isn’t that great! : )
Eats Shoots and Leaves is hilarious!
Great list and great idea… but like the others,I hope the list doesn’t overwhelm you. The greatest thing about reading is when you don’t have to do it, it is such a joy and when you have to do it, it is such a job (remember what it was like to read when you were in school?). Just keep yourself open to all the possibilities out there and use your list to know what book you want to reach for next.
How did you decide what to read? Is it whatever comes to you from others or do you go by a popular book list? Have you found a site that has you note what you like and it pulls recommendations you may like based on that?
You have some great books on your list!
Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment is a book that I loved and hope you will too!
This is such an inspiration! Thank you!
Somehow, I doubt you really need the first one (Bootcamp for Lousy Housekeepers), but I am SO glad you posted it. I’m losing my luster for folding the laundry. But, praying oh so much to find the love!
This is an intriguing list! I’d love to be this ambitious, but I have not found the time to read besides a few minutes each night before falling asleep. I am in a similar stage of life, homeschooling a 5 year old, somewhat homeschooling a 4 year old, and nursing an 11 month old, all staying at home. Could you post your daily schedule to give me some ideas of possibly how to better manage my time? I could definitely use some help to find more reading moments! Thanks!
I like the way you are structuring your list (one for spiritual encouragement, one for home, etc). I have a very long list of books I want to read, and I really like this approach!
Crystal, I read 86 books in 2009 (I kept a list) — each book over 300 pages each, several as many as 800 pages. All of mine were fiction, but I am definitely what you would call an “avid reader.” But I am completely the opposite of you as I rarely read non-fiction. I start many, but I just don’t finish them! I get bored. LOL
I know you have had a lot of book recommendations already, but I thought I would throw in one of my favorites – it’s called Husbands and Wives and is compiled by William J Petersen. It is a collection of accounts of the marriages of “famous” Christians from the past – Johann Sebastian Bach, Jonathan Edwards, C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, etc.
The book focuses on the marriage relationship – the good and the bad within the couple and truly shows God’s grace to individuals.
I also like that, although it is not inclusive of the individuals life work, you do get an idea of each individuals life work and when you finish reading this average size book you walk away having read about 19 couples.
Each chapter focuses on one couple, so it is easy to pick up and read one or two stories at a time and then put the book away.
I am reading it again for the third time in our 5 year marriage – I truly enjoy it. I haven’t blogged about it before, but will once I finish it this time around.
Crystal – Read Artisan Bread in five minutes in January (along with its follow up – Healthy Bread in five minutes) These bread baking methods will save you time all year long, giving you plenty more time to do that reading you’ve planned.
As someone who also mills flour – the healthy bread book has whole wheat recipes – that really save you time!
Great list, I am taking a few books to add to my list myself. With my baby due anyday I set my goal light this year at 4 fictional works and 4 non fiction works. But I had not made a list yet.
For those of you who are also inspired to read the Bible in its entirety this year, here is a great resource.
http://www.ewordtoday.com/year
They have many different translations to choose from and ways to read it in one year (i.e. Gen to Rev, chronologically, etc…) It’s nice to do it online and it is pretty cool to see the days reading dim once you do it, a sense of accomplishment I suppose.
Although, I have been reading the Bible for many years now, I have never read the whole thing purposefully. My mother inspired me by reminding me of how many books I have read, but probably not the most important one in its entirety. Something to think about!
I loved Calm My Anxious Heart, and I don’t think it’s only appropriate for women, FYI. I also loved the Five Love Languages. It would be a great one to keep around an re-read every so often. It really helps out – no matter what stage you’re in! Please update with what you think about each one. The list sounds intriguing!
I love reading but mostly stick to fiction but am going to try to read some nonfiction this year as well.
If you are looking for Christian fiction books. I LOVE Karen Kingsbury’s books. All of her books are just wonderful, realistic books about real people who might make mistakes or life might not be going as they had planned but they still trust in God. I recommend her books to everyone. The Redemption series is a great series to start with.
The Five Love Languages is a great book. I read it years ago, and still think of it at least (and try to apply it!) a few times a week.
I would seriously like to know when you find the time to read.
April contains two of my favorite books: The Complete Tightwad Gazette and Eats, Shoots & Leaves. And I just checked out The Five Love Languages from our library. I love books!
Wow, that’s an ambitious list! When do you find time to read? I think I read 3-4 books last YEAR! (It might help f I would get off the computer at night and get in bed with a book instead.)
“Eats, Shoots, and Leaves” and “The Elements of Style” are on our bookshelf as well; I think I’ve read the former. We are grammar geeks at our house. Have you heard of “The Elephants of Style”? It’s a grammar guide written with a funny, entertaining twist.
Thanks for posting your list; I think I’ll bookmark this post so I can find some new books when the time is right.
What a great idea! I’m going to put together my list today. I think this will really help to keep me on track for reading more and staying focused throughout the year. Way too many on my night stand right now! Happy reading!
I saw the bootcamp book on your list and HAD to pick it up. I am about half way done now and there are lots of good tips. I think that I am going to have to read it twice to catch it all.
I second the comment about Good to Great. I struggled to get through it last year. Just a warning, much of the information was relevant about 10 years ago, but with the changing economy, many of the “great” companies have filed bankruptcy.
Oh, how times have changed.
This is not meant as a criticism in any way, but in almost every month, you have a book slated on how to save, do more with less, practice simplicity, etc etc…
You are a paragon of frugality, you could write these books yourself. Why in the world would you spend so much of your time looking for ways to improve on what you have already mastered? Isn’t there a “good enough” when it comes to squeezing the pennies out of every dollar? You have achieved some mighty goals. You should reward yourself by cultivating other aspects of a good life.
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Money Saving Mom here: Laura, one of the biggest things I’ve learned, is that I can never stop learning. I constantly am seeking to grow, improve, and be re-inspired. Reading books on money stretches me, inspires me, and re-energizes me as far as our finances go! I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that one of the reasons we are where we are financially is because of the wonderful books we’ve read and people we meet. I don’t ever want to stop learning from people and books!
Good job for reading at least half your goal last year. I think I made it to there too; about half my goal of 50
This year, I haven’t set a goal, persay, just certain books I should/want/have to read this year
I think you will really enjoy : “Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment”
I read this last year and it really helped me to think about things in a different way. It helped me learn to trust God more. It was a real eye-opener for me!
I can’t wait to see what you think of all the books you plan to read.
I love reading reviews on books!
And you’ve mentioned some titles that look intrigueing to me; some I may have to read myself.
Good job for reading at least half your goal last year. I think I made it to there too; about half my goal of 50
This year, I haven’t set a goal, persay, just certain books I should/want/have to read this year
I think you will really enjoy : “Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Contentment”
I read this last year and it really helped me to think about things in a different way. It helped me learn to trust God more. It was a real eye-opener for me!
I can’t wait to see what you think of all the books you plan to read.
I love reading reviews on books!
And you’ve mentioned some titles that look intrigueing to me; some I may have to read myself.
You have definitely inspired me! In fact, I’m thinking about starting a book wish list on the same place I’m registered for my upcoming weddng, myregistry.com. My fiance and I keep hearing about that 5 love languages book, so that will be the first one I put on my wishlist. Thanks for all of the ideas!
Wow, you are so ambitious! I think I’ll shoot for one book a month. I just ordered two off of your list that looked like something I’d be interested in. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Have you tried the audio books from the library? They are really great because you can listen while you clean house, cook and do laundry.
Oh, great list! I joined in and wrote one too but much less ambitious
And I wanted to say that I too have trouble finishing books sometimes. A busy time comes along, the book gets set to the side and I have trouble getting back to it. Let’s finish some books this year!!
Great list Crystal! I’m adding a few to my list- thanks. In the spirit of reading, on my blog we are having a give-a-way for a 3 hand painted sand dollar watercolor Book Marks. Post a comment about what family or money saving book you are planning to read this year for a chance to win.
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