Books, Glorious Books!

I'm linking up with Victoria and Sarah this morning to share some of my favorite books from last year and make a list of books I want to read for this coming year.

I started the year off with a lot of reading motivation, and like many times before, I lose momentum somewhere along the way.  Once again, I have a goal to read at least 10 pages of a book each day...preferably a self-enrichment type book.  I also have a few pleasure reading books thrown in as well that I want to read.

I'll start with books I read last year that I would highly recommend.

My husband and I are HUGE Dave Ramsey fans and pretty much accept anything he says as Gospel.  He and his daughter, Rachel Cruze, co wrote a book last year called Smart Money, Smart Kids.

We have two boys who are 8 and 11, and we are working like crazy to make sure that we set the best example possible in how to deal with money.  This book was an easy and practical read about ways to teach kids to handle money.  I have two main goals where my kids and money are concerned: get them through college debt free and instill in them the belief that we don't ever use credit.  If we can't afford it, we don't buy it.  

I am not the best house keeper, but I am always interested in the idea of keeping a nice house.  I started noticing this book on social media and thought I'd check it out.  LIFE CHANGING!  I say that because more than teaching me how to clean my house, it focused more on how to only hang onto possessions that bring you joy.  This resonated deep within me.

I struggle with hanging onto items simply because they were a gift (even if I don't really care for it), or because it has memories attached (whether good or bad), or because I might use the item in the future.  Marie talks about letting go of anything that doesn't bring you joy.  And I did just that.  We donated bags and bags and bags of items that were just kind of hanging around the house causing clutter. We are still working through various areas of the house, but by and large, the items we have in our home are things we love and cherish. Best feeling ever!

This was a sweet and funny book.  It's been a while since I read it, but I know I liked it and it made me smile.  I love stories where people talk about their love for their spouse.  Eric is my best friend and the one that I always want to see/talk to/be with.  I appreciate the effort it takes to keep a marriage strong.  

Along the same lines of keeping a marriage strong, I also read this book last year.  It was a great book on how to communicate and engage with your spouse.  Men and women need different things from each other.  Often times we react to one another with our own emotions, but that is not always the right way to reach your spouse.  It was an eye opening book that gave me insight into how my husband thinks and acts, and it made me respect him all the more for how he provides for, takes care of and protects our family.  I think I might reread this one this year!

I also read several books by this author and loved every single one of them.  You could pick up any one of her books and be happy with the story.  I enjoyed this one and didn't see the end coming!  I like it when I'm shocked with a book.

And now for books that I've already got lined up to read.

I want to read this book because it was written by an acquaintance of mine.  I taught her oldest son when he was in third grade.  He's now a freshman at West Point!  It's pretty cool to know an author! It delves into the world of foster care.

I am currently reading this book.  It is one of the books for this year's Academic Decathlon competition for Catholic Schools.  It is really interesting so far.  I need to finish it so I can coach the kids properly!  I'm not letting myself read anything else until this one is done.

After reading Marie Kondo's other book (see above), I wanted to read her latest book that just came out.  I have it, and I've read a few pages, but I need to focus on the "Giant" book before I start anything else.

This is another book I want to start right now...it's sitting on my counter waiting for me!  But I need to get my school reading done before I focus on anything else.  Chris Hogan works with Dave Ramsey and we saw him speak in person a year ago. I am eager to learn more about how to retire in the best way possible.  (I'm going to need to plan for retirement because I didn't win the PowerBall tonight!)

Besides self-enrichment books, I also love a good trashy romance from time to time.  Something that is mindless or doesn't take much effort to absorb is exactly what my brain needs every once in a while.

I love anything by Nora Roberts and always have.  I'm also waiting for my friend to loan me her copy of Mindy Kaling's latest book.  

I can't wait to see more book suggestions.  I'm going to need to make a list of musts!