As I shared in January, I’m changing the way I’m approaching my reading goals in 2014. Instead of picking books for the whole year, I’m just choosing books a month at a time.
Here’s my list of what I’m planning to read in July:
12 Books I Plan to Read in July
- Boundaries
- Unstuff
- A Mother’s Heart
- A Proper Pursuit
- Essentialism
- Atlas Girl
- All In
- Made for More
- The Opposite of Me
- True Beauty
- Between Walden and the Whirlwind
- Wine Bar Theory
I also am reading through the Bible using the plan in my Blessing Journal and reading one devotional from Jesus Today every day.
3 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to My Kids
What books are you planning to read in July? Leave a comment and let us know — and then you can come back at the beginning of August to tell us what you ended up reading and what you thought of the books you read!
Amy S says
I read Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson on vacation last month and it was excellent! It was the perfect blend of historical and contemporary fiction. I am an avid reader and it was probably the best fiction I read this year.
Kim says
I always enjoy looking at your stack of books posted and have noticed we have a lot of reading choices in common. I kept smiling as I put the books in my To-Read list on my Goodread app. 🙂 Thank you so much for keeping up with your blog. I come on everyday to see what is happening and it is always such a treat to read.
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Marisa says
I LOVE the Four Story Mistake! That is one of my favorites from my childhood. I had a copy but it was ruined when mice got in the box :(. I’ll have to see if my library has it – you’ve inspired me to read it to my children!
Bea says
I recently re-read all three of the books about Ralpht the mouse, and loved them all over again.
I’m curious to know what you think of Boundaries. It is one I’ve planned to read, but life interrupted reading it. I can’t read very serious books when I’m highly stressed – they make me only think of stresses!
I’ve been reading the Henry Huggins books (and loving them!) and began re-reading “Drummer Boy at Bull Run” by Gilbert Morris (an older young adult novel, first of ten in a series). My goal is to finish reading the YA novel and read the last two Henry Huggins book this month, and read “The Problem of Pain,” by C.S. Lewis.
Ruth says
I know the weight of my comment doesn’t mean much, but I loved Fleming’s “A mothers Heart”. I continually go back to it for encouragement. It really is one of the best mothering books I have read and feel it is from a heart of a women who has really lived it. I really hope you are encouraged when you read it. The chapters are small enough that it can be a quick read or whenever you have time for busy moms.
Crystal Paine says
It has come highly recommended to me, so I can’t wait to read it! My mom is reading it, too!
Julie says
Oh I so want to read A Mother’s Heart! I’m currently reading Pursue the Intentional Life and am loving Jean’s writting and her heart. I’m interested to hear how you like it.
I’ve also read Bounderies and highly recommend it! Looks like you have a fun list this month. 🙂
Keren Threlfall says
I’m so glad you have Made for More on this list! This is a powerful, needed message, and Hannah is a gifted writer. I just reviewed the book here, and highly recommend!
emily wierenga says
So grateful to you Crystal, for this mention of Atlas Girl! I would love to hear your thoughts on it when you’re done. Bless you, and thank you for the other great book recommendations! e.
Randi says
I didn’t like Atlas Girl at first but really loved it by the end. I also really loved UnStuff when I read it a few years back!!
I read my kids The Mouse & the Motorcycle about a year ago and then we watched the movie. It’s probably one of the books I’ve read out loud that they’ve loved most.
Olivia Mullins says
I would like to hear what you think of Boundaries. I’ve had a few friends read that book and they rave about it, but they also became worse friends… and I’ve heard spouses complain when their partner has read the book and implemented its advice as well.
Yvonne Reynolds says
I just finished reading ‘Chasing Francis’ by Ian Morgan Cron, really enjoyed that one! And right now, I am almost done with ‘The Nesting Place’ by Myquillyn Smith.
Crystal Paine says
Oh, I really enjoyed Chasing Francis *and* The Nesting Place. Great choices!
Kristina says
Crystal, how do you come up with your monthly reading list? How do you select the books?
Amy Senecal says
I’m curious, too, as to how you come up with your selections. Also, do you have a previous post or reference as to where or how you acquire your books? Judging by the photo, you prefer to read hard copies vs. kindle or online? I”m considering a kindle, but am torn since I really enjoy paper in my hands. Also, do you have a set-aside time for reading for yourself? Obviously, you do for the children, but do you schedule your own reading time?
I always enjoy your blog because your goal-driven nature to always be better and do more is something I can relate to. If you don’t already have a post on all of this, I would LOVE it if you could find time to write one!
Crystal Paine says
I am always on the lookout for good book recommendations and have a long list of books I want to read. When a new month is on the horizon, I look through my list and pick a variety of books from it — I try to have a good mix of different types of books so that I don’t get into a reading rut — some for fun, some for personal development, some for business development, etc.
Here’s how I get most of my books for free or almost-free:
https://moneysavingmom.com/2013/02/8-ways-to-get-books-for-free-or-almost-free.html
And here are some ways I fit more reading into my weekly schedule: https://moneysavingmom.com/2014/01/qa-fit-reading-daily-schedule.html
Amy Senecal says
Thank you, Crystal. Great ideas here and so inspiring. I’m about to sort through our entire collection of homeschooling books and supplies from 20 years and 13 children (three graduated and one yet to begin), so I was really excited to read about Amazon Trade-ins!
I also have a large pile in my closet waiting for me to read myself or approve for the children. I’m sure that setting short-term goals will at least get me started.
Dawn says
Thanks for your reading list. I’m always looking for a good read. This month I’m reading:
A Million Miles in a Thousand Year by Donald Miller (reading now, and so far my favorite this month)
Craving Grace by Ruthie Delk (Loved it!)
When Others Shuddered by Jamie Janosz (Loved it!)
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp (having a tough time finishing)
A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman (Love it!)
Crystal Paine says
I loved a Million Little Ways, too!
Charlene says
I love historical fiction. A Proper Pursuit is one of my favorites by Lynn Austin. In fact, when I read it just a few weeks ago, there were several parts I laughed at. My 11 year old daughter was so intrigued that when I finished, she read it! …. and liked it also, I might add. It was one of her first “adult” books… but she flew through it. I like Lynn Austin, because you can tell she has done her research to know lots of facts about the era she is writing about, but she brings the time period to life with her characters… I hope you enjoy it as much as both my daughter and I did! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Oh, that makes me want to start it right away! I’m a big Lynn Austin fan, too!
Jennifer H says
Oh, The Four Story Mistake is a fun one! Did you read The Saturdays first?
Crystal Paine says
Yes, we read The Saturdays last month!
elizabeth says
Wow that is a lot of books I am finally finishing a book just for fun reading and I checked it out in April which is near record time for me… though only because I was at work feeling very ill so I had like 4 hours of being irresponable. No way in heck I could read that many books in a month.
Crystal Paine says
Great job on finishing up a book!!
Gina says
Thanks for including the kids books as well! I get so many ideas for books for my own kids from your list. And, since they’ve liked your picks in the past, my kids are always excited to hear that this was a recommended book!
Crystal Paine says
Oh, that makes me so happy! I love passing on good book recommendations!
Sarah Pinault says
Looking forward to Atlas Girl too. Also Finding your Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Grey. I’m currently working on Holly Gerth’s God Sized Dream book, and An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Crystal Paine says
Finding Your Spiritual Whitespace is one I’ve been eyeing for awhile now. It looks good!
Allyson @ All Our Days says
I plan to finish Christ in the Chaos for me and a couple of Boxcar Children books with the kids.
The kids and I also recently started doing the Jesus Calling for Kids devotional together and I’m reading through Jesus Calling as well so they get it on their level and I get it on mine 🙂
My husband and I are also reading through the book of Romans this month.
I’m not adding any additional books to read this month because I have a few big projects I need to finish before Baby #6 joins us sometime next month or early September.
Crystal Paine says
I LOVE Jesus calling!
Allyson @ All Our Days says
The kids and I are all enjoying it. I love reading mine early in the morning and then reading the kid version after breakfast. It really helps keep the message fresh in my mind.
Jillian Kay says
I just finished The Mouse and the Motorcycle with my son. It was the first book where he asked “Just one more chapter please?” It felt like such a milestone!
Crystal Paine says
My kids are really enjoying it so far!
katie says
I think Lynn Austin ‘s book looks good thanks for sharing!
Crystal Paine says
I’ve really enjoyed all of the books of hers that I’ve read so far!
katie says
That’s a big stack! I think some of these books could be speed read because they read like a magazine article or blog post but novels usually require more time to savor. I’m a fast reader but a 300 to 400 page novel still takes me 8 plus hours. Some novels will take me a good 2 weeks to read depending on their complexity.
denise says
I am not a speed reader but I do read very fast. If a novel is good I read at a rate of about 100 pages per hour. Most booms I finish I. 1-2 days unless I’m really busy.
Crystal Paine says
I can typically read about 100 pages per hour, too — well, without interruptions. 🙂 Which isn’t always possible, but on a lazy Sunday afternoon or after the kids go to bed or while on an airplane, etc. I can usually get through books rather quickly — especially if it’s one I’m really engaged with and find very interesting and compelling.
Jamie says
If you like Boundaries, make sure you put Boundaries with Kids on your August book list 🙂 best parenting book I’ve ever read!
Amanda says
I totally second that! I’m reading Boundaries With Kids right now and it is fantastic.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Courtney says
When do you find the time to read? Also – are you a speed reader? I am just wondering b/c I would LOVE to know the secret to being able to read so many books! I love to learn and read but I feel like I’m lucky to get one book read in two weeks. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Here are some ways I fit more reading into my week: https://moneysavingmom.com/2014/01/qa-fit-reading-daily-schedule.html
Jennifer says
Atlas Girl looks great!
Jennifer says
And I am surprised you haven’t read Boundaries before, it’s recommended by just about everyone these days! Great book and I am looking forward to hearing about your three favorite books.
Crystal Paine says
I can’t wait to start reading it!