Wednesday, August 31, 2011

12 Books in 2011 *Reading Update*

Remember my goal of reading at least 12 books in 2011? I was plugging along cheerfully with a book each month until I hit May--my 1st trimester. Sound familiar? I would read blog posts by all these women who were conquering the world--cleaning their houses, cooking fabulous food, reading books, setting goals, actually getting out of bed--and I would give a half-way groan and wonder if I would ever have energy again.

Dramatic, I know. :) But of course, I was hormonal as well. Now I'm back, and thankful it was just a season. If you're in that season, please don't be hard on yourself.

Library Time
Squishy is way ahead of me on number of books read...:)
So a few days ago, I broke out my list to see how I was doing.

1. Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp: Read this--a very good resource!

2. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp: My best read so far this year. I'm ready to read it again, this time more slowly so I can digest it more fully. This book deserves it's own post.

3. The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby: I read *most* of this book. Skipped the part on sports photography, since I'm not super interested in that right now. I'm keeping this book handy, because it's a great photography resource with helpful, easy-to-find tips.

4. Hinduism by H.L. Richard: Not yet.

5. Peace Child by Don Richardson: Not yet.

6. The Fortune of War by Patrick O'Brian: I finished this and then followed it up with #7 in the series, The Surgeon's Mate. I enjoy these books for the intricate (and historically accurate) look they give you into the British naval world during the Napoleonic wars. The author is also incredible at painting a person's character.

7. Competent To Counsel by Jay E. Adams: I started this, but then stalled when I hit my 1st trimester. Need to pick it back up.

8. Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois: Still eager to pick this up!

9. The Autobiography of George Muller by (you guessed it!) George Muller. Sitting on my shelf, waiting for me.

10. The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer: Not yet!

11. Sampson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood by Nate Larkin: Another book that I started (actually got over half-way through) and then put down during my 1st trimester. This book takes a super intense look at pornography (a huge problem in our culture and in the Christian church today) and the affect it can have in a person's life. My advice would be to talk to your husband before reading it, and if you do read it, do so prayerfully.

12. I left book #12 up in the air...so I'll fill you in on the other books that I have read so far this year. Just this month I read The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Loving The Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic (both were awesome!). I've also started Against the Tide: The Story of Watchman Nee by Angus Kinnear and The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson.

So far, that's 7 books out of 12...I'm only one book behind my original goal!

Reading is difficult to fit in during this time of life (mothering tiny ones and all that involves), but I know I want to make it a priority. Even if it's just 10-15 minutes a day. Or 5. I'm glad I made this list at the beginning of the year to help keep me accountable (it works for me).

Do you have a reading list? Or a book you're eager to get your hands on? Would love to hear in the comments....


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7 comments:

  1. I'd say you're doing great for having just lived through your first trimester! I heard lots of good things about Water for Elephants, so recently picked that up. However, there were some less than awesome scenes that took place early on that sort of ruined it for me. So I stopped. Since then, I haven't picked up another book and have been working on other crafty things during that time.

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  2. I have a reading list, but I don't have any time frame to complete it. I tend to add books to it faster than I can read them! I have to read all my books in 3 weeks since I get them from the library, so that keeps me from slacking off.

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  3. I do keep several reading lists. One is my summer list. I strive to read 50 books each and every summer (it was a dare from a high school english teacher that I have made good on each and every summer but one--the summer I had a colicky newborn). That is a paper list.

    My ongoing wish list is kept online at Amazon.com

    The book on the top of my reading wish list right now is "What Alice Forgot".

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  4. Way to go! That is a very interesting list! I am reading Ministry of Motherhood and loving it! Especially after reading a few other parenting books that were discouraging. She has such a great voice and kind spirit!

    I don't have a reading list but would love to. I got A Thousand Gifts for the Kindle and might start that soon.

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  5. I've never made as large-scale of a plan as yours for books I want to read, BUT I do keep an ongoing wishlist on Barnes and Noble. I LOVE to read, but of course, don't get to do it as much as I'd like. By writing the books that look good on my wishlist, I at least feel like I won't forget any of them when I'm looking for my next book. It takes some of the stress away... LOL

    P.S. I'm not sure if I've ever commented, but I found your blog through Sarah W. :)

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  6. I've read Peace Child. It's really good. :) You can do it!

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  7. Alicia I have a copy of the Hidden Art of Homemaking I'd love to give to you. I ordered it and just have never read it. I have tried, but I am not much of a book reader and to be able to stick with it, it must grab my attention right off the bat. Email me at crazyforthecountry@gmail.com with your address and I'll send it right out to you :-)

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