In previous years, I’ve picked a long list and big stack of books I want to read that year. I’ve found that I struggle to stick with that list because I always find so many other books I want to read and that initial list makes me feel kind of guilty that I’m not following through.
Instead of trying that approach again, I’m experimenting with something different in 2022: I’m going to set monthly reading goals. At the beginning of the month, I’ll pick a stack of books I want to read that month and I’ll focus on reading those books throughout the month.
This way, I can make room for the many new or new-to-me titles I discover throughout the year. Plus, I can pick fewer books to read on the months that I know there is a lot going on.
My Book List for February
Here is my book list for February and why I chose each title. I didn’t finish three books from my January list, so I carried these over to February and plan to read them first. (Note: Inclusion on this list does not mean I am recommending or endorsing the book as I haven’t read it yet! So read at your own discretion and look for my weekly book review post to hear my honest thoughts on each title!)
Beneath a Scarlet Sky
So many of you have highly recommended this book and it’s high time I finally read it. I wanted to pick a really good fiction book to start the year off with!
Win the Day
I love so many of Mark Batterson’s books and have gleaned a lot from them, so I’m looking forward to many takeaways from this book!
The Woman They Could Not Silence
This book was chosen by Sharon Says So on instagram for her recent book club. I wasn’t part of the book club, but the title intrigued me. I’ve read half of it so far and have mixed feelings on it, but I’ll wait to decide until I finish it!
Hero on a Mission
I’ve loved other books by Donald Miller, so I’m excited to read this one! It has mixed reviews… so we’ll see what I think!
Forgiving Paris
This fiction book was highly recommended to me by multiple people. I’ve really enjoyed other Karen Kingsbury books in the past, so I can’t wait to dive into this.
Unoffendable
I’ve heard rave reviews of this book and think the message is so needed in this divisive culture. I am sure I will get my toes stepped on some from reading it!
Forever Boy
The author sent me this book and it looks like a beautiful story of what it’s like to mother a child who is autistic.
Jesus Everlasting
I am reading this book in consideration for a possible podcast topic/guest, but I’m also just excited to read it for myself.
Emily says
I’ve listened to Unoffendable at least twice in the last few years, and seeing your post here makes me want to listen to it again, to start off the new year right! It is THAT good, convicting but not in an accusatory way. There is humor and authenticity and very relatable.
Crystal Paine says
That’s so great to hear! I just started it and am a few chapters in. Lots of good stuff so far!
Nancy says
Beneath a Scarlet Sky is an aspect of WW2 history that I had never heard before. (And I was exhausted when I finished reading it!) For February I’m reading Persuasion, rereading the first book in C.S. Forester’s Hornblower series, and finishing Geekerella. Ready to start listening to John Green’s The Anthropecene Reviewed. Anything else will likely be determined by what shows up in my library holds.
Crystal Paine says
Yes! I never know what audiobooks I’ll be listening to because it depends upon what is available on Libby/Hoopla!
Angela says
How are you finding time to read so many books with so many kiddos???
I would love to read more!
Crystal Paine says
I share three of my top tips here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwJ4Qarr3n/