These 10 books will keep you entertained, strengthen your faith, and improve your family’s health for years to come. Check them out!
Since 2014, I’ve been sharing the best books I’ve read each year. I feel a little late to be publishing my 2016 list, but better late than never, eh?
I was sad that I didn’t make my reading goal last year. I had hoped to read 40 books, and I think I ended the year somewhere in the 35 range. BUT, I made my goal before I knew I would be sleeping so much extra during my first three months of pregnancy!
This year, since I will have a new baby and be launching a book, I’ve made a much lower goal. I hope to read 24 books in 2017–which equals two books each month. I’ve met that for January!
Follow along with what I’m reading via Goodreads.
Check out my favorite books from 2014 and 2015 in the following posts:
The following are my top ten favorite books that I read in 2016. These are in no particular order!
I had not enjoyed a fiction book as much as I enjoyed this one in a really long time. This book was SO good! I read it in bits and pieces and didn’t get into the story until 40% of the way in, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I cried at the end. It is such a beautiful, romantic story.
I read this one while on the way home from a trip to Missisippi last spring. I couldn’t put it down! It was the first Lynn Austin novel I had ever read. I’m always drawn to the World War II era. This book doesn’t disappoint.
3. Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story
This was my favorite Bible study of 2016. Although I’ve been a Christian since age 9, it was really helpful to go through this study. It would be a great one for both new and seasoned Christians alike.
4. The Comprehensive ENFP Survival Guide
This book is a must-read for ENFPs and those who live with them, love them, and work with them! I learned a lot about my strengths and how to overcome my weaknesses that come with being an ENFP. This is another one I couldn’t put down.
5. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity
This book chronicles Nabeel Qureshi’s journey from growing up as a devout Muslim to converting to Christianity. I loved the depiction of the friendship between Nabeel and his college friend, David, a Christian. Instead of focusing on their differences, their friendship budded from their similar morals and the shared belief in one god–Jesus for David and Allah for Nabeel. Instead of pressuring Nabeel to convert (which would have, most likely, ended the relationship), David shows him true love and extends a mutual respect and friendship. Nabeel’s conversion entails both an intellectual and supernatural transformation–but you’ll have to read the book yourself to find out how it all unfolded. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus should be a must-read for both Christians and Muslims alike.
6. Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
I can’t believe I just read this book in 2016! It published in 2003, right after I graduated from college. I had heard some bad things about the theology of this book, but I found it honestly refreshing. It was one man’s honest look at his faith. I absolutely loved it (and didn’t find it changed my beliefs at all).
7. Essential Oils: Separating Truth from Myth
This book is concise but meaty–a must-read for anyone interested in separating fact from fiction when it comes to essential oils.
8. Trim Healthy Mama Plan: The Easy-Does-It Approach to Vibrant Health and a Slim Waistline
I had the original Trim Healthy Mama book, but this one is so much better. It really helped to read it as I started the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan in January 2016. I ended up losing 25 pounds before our surprise pregnancy, and I really hope to be able to lose the baby weight faster this time around with the help of this plan.
The girls and I have been reading the Little House series via audio book for over a year now. I had never read On the Banks of Plum Creek before, and now it’s definitely a favorite of mine from the series. The Ingalls encountered some hard times during this book, but their faith and resolve was unwavering. It made me tear up in spots!
I feel slightly funny about including this one because I haven’t technically finished it yet! This book is more of a reference book; so far I’ve read the parts I’ve needed (pregnancy, babies, and vaccines). Seasoned pediatrician Dr. Paul Thomas starts at pregnancy and goes all the way through the teen years in this book. I found it very objective and informative. It’s one I wish were out when my oldest was a baby, but I’m so glad it’s out now! I highly recommend this book!
Ursula
We started listening to the audio series of Little House after you mentioned it – thank you for the recommendation (just finished last month)! On The Banks of Plum Creek was my favorite by far! The kids (especially my son) still like Farmer Boy the best. I have to find that ENFP book. Sounds like fun and helpful for my husband.
Erin
Oh I’m SO glad you enjoyed those! You are ahead of us, then! We only listen to them in the car, and when we have long school breaks, etc. we get behind! We are about to start The Long Winter! I heard they are about to come out on Audible!
Hannah
Oh!!! Seeking Allah and Finding Jesus is such a good book!
Erin
I couldn’t put it down! (And it is so timely right now!)
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This is very good and great books, thanks for sharing.