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I have loved to read for as long as I can remember, but somehow through the years of being a mom and homeschooling, my reading has been reduced to lesson plans, age-appropriate read-alouds, and whatever Bible study I’m working on.
This year, I would like to change that. And because “no one plans to fail; they simply fail to plan”, I have come up with something of a plan. My goal is to read 12 books this year. That means one/month. They are from several genres: self-help/Christian growth, parenting, classic fiction, and just plain enjoyable fiction.
Here’s my list in no particular order… 
1. Trim, Healthy Mama by Pearl Barrett & Serene Allison: I’m reading this one now. I said I wasn’t getting sucked in to buying ANOTHER weight loss/diet book, but I did. And so far, I’m loving it. The authors explain things thoroughly while keeping it simple for this distracted mommy-brain. I’ll let you know when I finish the book, and if I am able to follow their plan/lifestyle changes.
2. Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel: This one has been on our shelf for more years than I care to admit. It’s time I actually read it.
3. Shepherding a Child’s Heart: Same thing on this one. I’ve owned it for at least 12 years. It’s time to read it. I’m sure I’ll be kicking myself when I’m done with it for not reading it sooner.
4. The Connected Child byKaryn Purvis: I’ve actually read this one before, but I plan to read it again this year.
5. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: I love C.S. Lewis’s writing. He makes me think, and I appreciate that. I’ve never read this one, so I’m looking forward to it.
6. Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess by Stacey Thacker & Brooke McGlothlin: I already own this one on Kindle, and I started reading it about a year ago. I never finished because… You guessed it! I was TOO weary!! It’s on my list this year, and I am sure I will find great encouragement here.
7. Mom’s Night Out by Tricia Goyer: I have followed Tricia Goyer’s writing career for several years, ever since I heard her speak at a Homeschool Conference in Memphis. She was asked to write this book after the movie was made–how cool is that? Because I love the movie so much, I’ve added the book to my list of ‘must reads’ this year.
8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Can you believe I’ve never read this classic piece of American literature? It’s on my list!
9. The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers: I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read by Francine Rivers. I’ve even passed up her books before, because I know I’m never able to put them down once I get started. I’m making time to get sucked in to at least one of her awesome stories this year.
10. Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life by Ruth Soukup: Ruth is the author of the blog Living Well, Spending Less and her other book, How to Blog for Profit without Losing Your Soul has been my motivation for re-starting my blog. I’m looking forward to reading this one too.
11. Life Management for Busy Women by Elizabeth George: This is another one that has been sitting on my shelf unread for far too long. And I can use all the life management help I can get!
12.Raising a Daughter After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George: Apparently, I bought this book about the same time I bought the time management book. I’ve never read it either. See a pattern here?
So, what are you reading this year? Do you have a list? Have you made a plan? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.