I absolutely love to read, so I was excited to join in with the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2015 Reading Challenge at the beginning of the year. Inspired by Mandi at Life Your Way, I’ve decided to give a little update of the books I’ve read in each category of the reading challenge. (These aren’t the only books I’ve read in 2015. You can keep up with the books I read and my book reviews on Goodreads.)
READ: A book you’ve been meaning to read…
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
I had heard that this book was a must-read for creatives of any type, particularly writers. While I did get some things out of this book–namely, the fact that I was experiencing “resistance” with finishing my book proposal–I found other parts of this book very, very strange.
In the end, I’m glad I read it, but I’m also glad it was a short book because it definitely wasn’t my favorite read of the year.
READ: A book published this year…
The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins
I loved this book, and I’ve come to love Jeff Goins’ writing in general this year. If you’re struggling at all with your life’s calling, I highly recommend this one. I found it very encouraging and affirming.
READ: A book in a genre you don’t typically read…
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Although I fell in love with reading through fiction, it’s a genre that I mostly left behind in my teen years. I have only read an occasional fiction book since I “grew up,” mostly since I am so information hungry!
However, after watching the North and South mini series with a friend in January, I knew I had to get my hands on the book. I ended up reading it while I had the flu, and it reminded me of why I loved fiction so much in my youth!
READ: A book from your childhood…
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I think this category is technically for a book you read in your childhood that you are re-reading now, but, instead, I chose one that I should have read in childhood–The Secret Garden.
My girls and I listened to the audio book of this one a couple weeks back, and we all loved this sweet, surprising story.
A book your mom loves…
Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B. Ross
My mom is not a huge reader, but I remember her talking about the Miss Julia books several years back (maybe a decade ago?!). She said the story of the lady who takes a sleepy Southern town by storm kept her in stitches. I stole this one off her bookshelf, and I hope to read it before the end of the year.
READ: A book that was originally written in a different language…
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Disclaimer: There are some very, very strange parts of this book. The author is not a Christian, so keep that in mind as you read it.
But, truly, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has been one of my favorite reads of 2015. I listened to the audio book in September, and Kondo’s take on decluttering is truly inspiring and motivational. On top of that, she made me laugh with many of her illustrations!
The book was originally written in Japanese.
READ: A book “everyone” has read but you…
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
This seemed to be a book that bloggers everywhere were writing about, so when I saw the Kindle version on sale, I knew I had to grab it up!
I devoured it in several nights. The story was not only a page-turner, but the plot was very thought-provoking an applicable to real life (in particular, to marriages).
READING: A book you chose because of the cover…
The Girls from See Saw Lane by Sandy Taylor
I got a review copy of this one for free. The only reason I chose it was because I loved the cover so much! I love period pieces, and the 1960s seem like such a pivotal point in our country’s history.
I cannot recommend this book yet, as I have barely begun it. Though I have no idea what’s in store, but I’m excited to find out!
READ: A book by a favorite author…
Making it Home: Finding My Way to Peace, Identity, and Purpose by Emily T. Wierenga
Emily’s Atlas Girl was my favorite read of 2014, so I was excited to get my hands on her newest memoir. I finished it yesterday, and it does not disappoint! Emily’s writing style is one of my favorite’s to read!
READ: A book recommended by someone with great taste…
Money Saving Mom by Jessica N. Turner
This is one that many blogging friends recommended, in particular my friend Crystal at Money Saving Mom. I really enjoyed Jessica’s ideas on how mom’s can fit in time to recharge, even if in the tiny pockets of life.
A book you should have read in high school…
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
I chose this classic because I must have gotten it for either really cheap or free because it’s already on my Kindle Paperwhite! I have not yet started this one. If I start reading it and don’t like it, I will likely trade it out for a different book. I have learned to shelf a book that doesn’t hook me within the first few chapters.
READ: A book that’s currently on the bestseller list…
The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa Terkeurst
Although this one’s not still on the New York Time’s Bestseller list, it was on the list the week that I read it. I really loved this book. My copy is well-loved, with plenty of earmarks and underlined sentences. It will definitely be one in the running for my favorite read of 2015!
What have been some of your favorite books to read in 2015? Did you give yourself a reading challenge?
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