What I Read in 2014

Let’s talk about books! One of my favorite topics.

In 2014, I read 19 books. I read a lot more non-fiction than fiction, which has been a pattern in the last few years. Growing up I devoured novels, but these days I have a hard time getting into them. My criteria is so picky and my attention span is short.

Here’s a little info on my reading habits:

• I go through spurts of reading, normally read in the dead of winter (cozied up next to the fire), or in the middle of summer (in the shade by a body of water). Isn’t that how most people are? :)
• I keep track of all of the books on Goodreads — what I have read, am currently reading, or want to read.
• Most of the books I read are from the library, which saves me so much money. I normally always have a book checked out and usually one on hold. Sometimes I will borrow a book and wish I owned it (like The Best Yes below), but that’s probably one out of every six books or so.

FICTION:

Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie –  I started re-reading the Little House books at the beginning of the year, but only made it through the first two. They remind me of my pre-teen days and make me nostalgic for days of yore. But also very thankful for the modern amenities I take for granted every day.

Me Before You –  This was the only fiction book that I flew through. It’s a story of girl who becomes a nurse for a quadriplegic. I didn’t like the way the book ended, but fell in love with the characters and really liked the author.

Calling Me Home – I read this while I was on the plane to/from Haiti, and it just didn’t really do it for me. I wasn’t in the mood for fiction and probably should have brought a different book. I didn’t like the writing and character development which kind of affected my perspective of the plot.

Secret Daughter – A story about an Indian who gives up her daughter for adoption, an American who adopts the girl, and the daughter who grows up seeking identity with her birth family. I liked it.

NON-FICTION:

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess – Jen Hatmaker and her family give up seven different luxuries over seven months: clothes, spending, waste, media, possessions, food, and stress. I liked the sentiment behind the experiment, but thought her execution was a little weak at times. But still, I love Jen Hatmaker, and it was an entertaining read and made me evaluate my own life and how I can simplify.

Choosing to See – A memoir of Steven Curtis Chapman’s wife and their journey to adoption and grieving through the tragic death of their daughter.

Radical – This book was insanely influential for me, and I think I should reread it every year for a little kick in the pants on what’s important and what’s not. Highly recommend.

One Thousand Gifts – A lovely book on counting your blessings and seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary mundane world. Her writing is beautiful but can lose me sometimes.

Generous Justice – A good book on how God views justice and the injustice in our world. I love Tim Keller, but sometimes have a hard time keeping my attention in his books.

No Biking in the House Without a Helmet – A story of how a mom of four decided to adopt five more kids. Hilarious and very entertaining read.

You Grow Girl – I read this in an attempt to grow my garden and learn more about the process. It was good, but overkill since I was just growing tomatoes and herbs. I may pick it back up if/when I have more to grow.

The $100 Startup – An entrepreneurial book on how to start a business and grow it with little money. Inspiring, but not really relevant to my life right now.

The Best Yes – I started reading this book on my birthday, and it was great timing. This book actually spurred the 31 Decisions I’m Glad I Said Yes To series I did in October (see the whole series here).

Mudhouse Sabbath – A short book on what a Judaic Christian thinks Christianity can benefit from orthodox Judaism. The author is really likable, and I found myself longing for the liturgy she sees lacking in contemporary Christianity today.

Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me? – Funny, light and finished it in two days.

Notes from a Blue Book – I wanted to like this book, but the author rubbed me the wrong way. The premise is about simplifying your life, which is something I strive for, but her “simple life” seemed to fit into a box that was not relatable to my life. So disappointing.

Surprised by Motherhood – A sweet memoir about a mom’s journey into motherhood.

Surprised by Oxford – This book has been on my reading list for about six years, and is probably the book I’m the most proud to get through because it was a long one (480 pages). It’s the story of how an atheist became a believer during her first year at Oxford. I read this book curled up by the fire on the days leading up the Christmas, and was a little sad when it was over.

I tried to read, but couldn’t get into or didn’t finish:

A Place at the Table

Longbourne

The Paris Wife 

So long, Insecurity

I may pick up these books again in the future, but they all were loans from the library and when the due date approached, I found myself not invested enough to renew the book.

 

Have you read any of these books? Do you agree/disagree with any of my reviews? Do you have any recommendations on what I should read next? I am looking for my next great novel! Or memoir! Or great series! 

 

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