28 Books to read in 2018
It’s no secret that reading is one of my very favorite things to do, which is why I’m so excited for my 2018 book list! I can’t wait to dive into all of these titles.
This year, I’ve split up my reading list into four categories: Fiction (obviously!), Personal Growth, Relationships, & Business. And I figured I’d share my picks here with all of you book-lovers.
Fiction Books for 2018:
- In This Moment, by Karen Kingsbury | I have long been hooked on Karen Kingsbury’s books, and I’ve already started this one! I love that her books are fiction, but go right along with current events. This particular book is about a public school principal who begins an after-school Bible Study, and the fallout he deals with as a result.
- The Wedding Chapel, by Rachel Hauck | The other two books in this three-part series were so good, I can’t wait to read the third! I just realized it was free for Kindle Unlimited readers, so I’ve got in in my queue!
- The Austen Escape, by Katherine Reay | Again, I just love this author. Dear Mr. Knightley is one of my favorite books of all-time, and I’m hoping this new book from Katherine Reay tops the charts too!
- Wonder, by R.J. Palacio | I know, I KNOW, I’m the last person in the world to read this book, but I’m excited to dive in. I don’t want to see the movie till I read the book!
- Turtles All The Way Down, by John Green | I haven’t read anything by John Green before, but my friend Mary is an expert on all things reading (and TV and movies), and she says he’s a pretty great author. His new book looks great, so I ordered it as a part of my Book of the Month membership!
- This Must Be The Place, by Maggie O’Farrell | Again, this book comes highly recommended, and is said to be “perfect for those who loved Where’d You Go Bernadette?”, which I did.
- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman | This was another of my Book of the Month books, which I just haven’t gotten to yet! It’s called “satisfyingly quirky”, which is another way of saying PERFECT FOR ME. Plus, Reese Witherspoon bought the rights and is making it into a movie, so gotta read the book first!
- The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah | Yep, I’m behind the times. I’ve heard this one is amazing, and a must read. It’s, like, a zillion pages, so I’ve been intimidated to start it, but also excited because a zillion pages of a great book is magnificent!
- When We Were Worthy, by Marybeth Whalen | This one is said to be reminiscent of Big Little Lies, which is a book I absolutely loved and still re-read. I’m thrilled to find another author in this style!
- Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng | Another Book of the Month find, this book looks intriguing and twisted. I’m looking forward to a different sort of read than I usually pick.
- Surprise Me, by Sophie Kinsella | I adore Sophie Kinsella, and just buy every book she writes, as a general rule. This one comes out in February and you can bet I’ve already pre-ordered it!
Personal Growth Books for 2018:
- A Simplified Life, by Emily Ley | I’ve started this book, but haven’t finished it. It’s chock full of OUTSTANDING practical tips for simplifying your home, schedule, technology, motherhood, and more. It might end up being my favorite book this year!
- Cultivate, by Lara Casey | We’re reading this book as a group in the Intentional Moms Toolkit, and I can’t wait to dive in! Lara Casey has a way of breaking through the noise to speak clearly and help you clarify what really matters. Perfect for developing intentionality this year.
- Idols of the Heart, by Elyse Fitzpatrick | Elyse Fitzpatrick is an author I trust, and this is another book I’ve started but haven’t finished. It’s phenomenal, but one of those books you need to read slowly and really absorb. I’m planning to finish it this year.
- Home, by Elyse Fitzpatrick | This is another book by the same author, but all about Heaven. I find myself missing my mom a whole lot lately, and realizing more and more that we were not made for this earth. I’m looking forward to reading this wise, highly acclaimed book on Heaven.
- Simply Sacred Daily Readings, by Gary Thomas | I’ve read (and loved) Sacred Marriage & Sacred Parenting, so I’m excited to have this book full of short daily readings by the same author!
- The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis | We’ve been talking about the topic of pain and suffering in our Bible study at church, and last week there were so many quotes from this book that I decided now’s the time to read it.
- Full, by Asheritah Ciuciu | A gospel-centered book on creating a healthy relationship with food? Let’s just say I should have read this one a long time ago.
Relationship Books for 2018:
- Parenting, by Paul David Tripp | I started reading this book after a friend recommended it, and it’s so, so good. It talks all about approaching parenting as our children’s ambassadors on God’s behalf, rather than their owners. It’s a hard concept for me to get my controlling personality to understand, but it’s so very good for me!
- Triggers, by Amber Lia & Wendy Speake | As the saying goes, I didn’t know I struggled with anger until I had kids! I’ve read this book before, but will be reading it again, especially in light of my focus for 2018: Gentleness.
- Family Vocation, by Gene Veith Jr. | This one has been on my list and in my bookshelf for YEARS. It’s all about our God-given roles within our families, and how we can fulfill His will right where we are.
- Mom Set Free, by Jeannie Cunnion | This book is essentially the Gospel, for moms. And I think we all need a little more of that!
- The Highly Sensitive Person, by Elaine Aron | I’m pretty sure I fall into this category, so I’ve been trying to read up on it.
- The Highly Sensitive Child, by Elaine Aron | And I’m pretty sure my kid falls into this category, too!
- The Read-Aloud Family, by Sarah Mackenzie | I love Sarah Mackenzie’s passion for reading aloud & all the resources she shares, so I’m thrilled that she has a book coming out! It’s all about how reading aloud creates lasting bonds within a family – yes, please!
Business Books for 2018:
- What’s Best Next, by Matt Perman | I’ve been listening to this book on Audible and it’s so good! Perman writes about productivity in light of the Gospel – not just how to get things done better, but how to get the right things done. It’s a great read, and very practical.
- Essentialism, by Greg McKeown | This is another that comes highly recommended, all about choosing the most important things and letting the rest go.
- EntreLeadership, by Dave Ramsey | Now that I’m leading a team, Jon keeps telling me I HAVE to read this book. I want to lead well, so I’m excited to hear what Ramsey has to say on the topic!
How to read when you have no time:
Reading is such a GOOD use of our time, as long as we’re choosing good books. I try to read in the holes of my day – waiting for Emily to finish her piano lesson, a few minutes before bed before I fall asleep for the night, and even in the bathroom! Even just a few pages at a time really add up, and you can read more than you think you can.
When it comes to digital versus paperback books, I tend to waffle back and forth. I love holding a real book in my hands, but I also love that with my kindle, I can have a bunch of books with me, all at once. Here are my favorite resources for both:
For digital books: My Kindle Paperwhite | I love my Paperwhite because it’s tiny and fits easily in my purse. I can keep it with me all the time! Plus, it’s lit to look like the pages of a book, so it’s not hard on my eyes. I also can’t access the internet on it like I can with a Kindle Fire – so no distractions!
For physical books: Book of the Month Club | It took me a few months to get into it, but I really love the BOTM club! Every month there’s a selection of popular new reads to choose from, and you can even add in extras for super cheap. Plus, if there are no books you are interested in that month, you can just skip a month and save that box for another month – this is my favorite feature, because I never HAVE to use my credits – only when I want! Use this link to get a free tote bag with your first order!
Now I’d love to hear from you – what books would you add to this list? How do YOU prefer to read?
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Kayse Pratt serves Christian women as a writer + designer, creating home + life management resources that help those women plan their days around what matters most. She’s created the most unique planner on the market, helped over 400 women create custom home management plans, and works with hundreds of women each month inside her membership, teaching them how to plan their days around what matters most. When she’s not designing printables or writing essays, you’ll find Kayse homeschooling her kids, reading a cheesy novel with a giant cup of tea in hand, or watching an old show from the 90’s with her husband, who is her very best friend.
The Nightingale was an AMAZING book! I’m a huge fan of historical fiction so this book was quite long but very compelling! Loved it – enjoy!
I just picked up Emily Ley’s book today on Amazon. It’s on sale!
We have similar tastes! I’ve read Essentialism and Cultivate and they definitely resonate with the Intentional Mims message. I’m highly sensitive and while I think Aron’s books are interesting they are a bit dense in the psychology theory (I didn’t finish lol). And one of my goals this year is to have fun and read more fiction so I’ll check out some of those titles. Thanks for the recommendations!
Full and Parenting are AMAZING reads!!! HSP is very enlightening too. A Simplified Life was great – I have her 30 day simplicity challenge on my fridge right now! Excited to read Cultivate with you 🙂
Wow, I have to add some of these to my list. So far on my list I have The Miracle Morning and The Miracle Morning for parents and families.
I use Goodreads to keep track of my “to read” books, but I’ll have to add a few more after going through your list!
I cannot believe you’ve delayed so long on reading John Green! His books are wonderful. They’re dealing with difficult subjects, often, but filled with super funny moments right along with the sensitive ones. Love him.
I’m so excited to see Family Vocation and the Highly Sensitive Person books on your list! Discovering that my family and I are HSPs was life-changing for us all. Family Vocation is great for refocusing the “shoulds.” Mary Moerbe is a good friend, and actually my son’s godmother.