Before I had Jackson, I was a voracious reader. I’ve always loved to read. A few years ago, I read a book a week without even trying all that hard. Since having Jackson? I can count on one hand the number of books I’ve managed to make it through. There’s just something about shifting priorities and disappearing time that makes it much harder to get through a book. But, one of my 2016 resolutions is to have more reading in my life, so I’m making it my personal goal to get through at least 1 book every month this year.
That shouldn’t be too hard, right?
The only problem is, I always struggle to choose books to read. There are so many books out there that I don’t even know where to begin. And what’s more, I’m cheap and don’t like to spend money on books, so I always try to find books at the library or through other free avenues, so even if I hear about a book that I’m interested in, it’s often not available unless I want to buy it. So, when I was deciding what books to add to my reading list this year, I went to my library’s website and browsed the e-book section for books rated 4 or 5 stars. Then, I did exactly what you’re not supposed to do and judged the books by their covers to choose the ones that appealed most to me.
I’m a rebel.
Some of the books on the list are actually books I’ve wanted to read for years, others are ones I’ve never heard of. But, to me, that’s half the fun of reading new books – sometimes it’s best to just pick a random one and try it out, because you never know which ones you’ll love the most! So, here are the novels I’m planning to read in 2016:
- The Blue Moon Circus by Michael Raleigh
- The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
- The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards
- What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
- The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
- The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch
- We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
- Four of a Kind by Valerie Frankel
- Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
- 11/22/63 by Stephen King
I’m playing around with the idea of also adding in 12 non-fiction books, averaging out to two books per month. I’m working on that list now! I’m excited to get started and get back into reading…and interested to see if any of these are any good! I’ve already dove into my first book, so here’s to more reading in 2016!
What’s on your reading list lately? How do you find books to read?
Ashlea says
I too used to read like crazy- and then I had 3 kids and took a 7 year break from reading books. 😉 ha! But in the fall some of my co- dance teacher friends all said they too wanted to read more- so we started a book club. I’ve missed books! This seems like a great list- I will have to check some of these out. Happy reading!
Kacie says
Lol! I always decided what to read by the covers too! This year I’m going to try to finish The Night Circus (which is pretty good, i just never find time to finish it!), and I’ll have to choose some from your list as well!
Amanda says
I LOVED the Night Circus!
Colleen says
One of the best books I’ve ever read is Kristen Hannah the Nightingale. Highly recommend.
Amanda says
Oooh I’ll have to write that one down! Thanks for the recommendation!
Jamie says
11/22/63 is on my list, too! I just finished Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and finished it in like 2 days because I couldn’t put it down (YA fiction). Currently reading Luckiest Girl Alive, which is supposed to be similar to Gone Girl (by the way, if you haven’t read anything by Gillian Flynn, you’re missing out).
Amanda says
I’m actually reading 11/22/63 right now and I’m absolutely loving it. It’s one I’ve wanted to read for a long time and it is fantastic! I’ll have to add those other to to my list – Gone Girl is one of my favorites (and I’ve read all of Gillian Flynn’s books!)
Sandi says
Consider adding The All-Girl Filling Station Reunion By Fannie Flagg. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
Amanda says
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll have to look for it!
Jenn(ifer) says
Hi Amanda.
I just finished the day we disappeared by Lucy Robinson and can totally recommend it! Have fun with your books, and please tell us which ones where really good – I am always looking to add to my list!
Greetings from Germany
Jennifer
Amanda says
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m reading 11/22/63 right now and it’s fabulous so far!