My 2012 Reading Plan

Yesterday, I shared the highlights of my 2011 reading. Today, I want to share some of my reading list for the upcoming year.

My plan is to make it to 100 books read this year (97 in 2010 and 98 in 2011) but I will share my top 10 for this year. These are ten of the books that are at the top of my reading list for this upcoming year.

I seem to have lots of non-fiction books on my list now and that’s okay by me because I know I’ll easily read lots of fiction throughout the year. Historical fiction is my favorite so I am working at broadening my horizons.

In no particular order, they are as follows, with my explanation as to why.

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I’m reading this one right now and it’s an interesting adolescent literature take on World War II. It’s sad but thought provoking. 

2. Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

I want to try reading again this series based on the Biblical story of Leah and Rachel, set in Scotland. Liz Curtis Higgs is a gifted writer and I plan to read all four books in this series. I only read the first one, many years ago, so it’s time to start fresh. 

3. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

This book is the story of a young girl, Katie, who traveled to Africa on a mission trip and was changed by what she saw. Soon after, she moved there and has since adopted eight children – all while in her single 20s. She has truly taken the Great Commission to heart!

4. Inconceivable: A Medical Mistake, the Baby We Couldn’t Keep, and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift by Carolyn and Sean Savage

I started reading this the other day and am already halfway through. This is the story of a couple undergoing IVF when their doctor implanted the wrong baby into Carolyn. It is their heartbreaking story of loving this little one and choosing life – even though they had to give him away as soon as he was born. What a pro-life witness!

5. The Color of Rain: How Two Families Found Faith, Hope, and Love in the Midst of Tragedy by Michael and Gina Spehn

This book was recommended in WORLD magazine. It is the story of two couples, who both lose spouses to cancer, and how the remaining spouses found love again with one another. 

6. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Again, I’m already reading this one and it’s been a great reminder to choose happiness. I’m contemplating my own happiness project as a result. 

7. The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year by Crystal Paine

Crystal’s blog (Money Saving Mom) is one of my favorite websites. She is a great source of frugal encouragement for me, and I expect that her book will be the same. 

8. Saving Savy: Smart and Easy Ways to Cut Your Spending in Half and Raise Your Standard of Living…and Giving by Kelly Hancock

This is another frugal book that caught my eye. It’s one of the many reviews I’ll be sharing with you this year!

9. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Ann is the reason I started sharing my Journey to 1000 Gifts. She is a talented writer who regularly touches my heart. 

10. Being George Washington: The Indispensable Man, as You’ve Never Seen Him by Glenn Beck

I promised my husband that he could pick at least three books for me to read this year. This was one of his choices – the true stories of George Washington. 

Well, there you have it. Those are ten of the books I plan to read this year. If you’re interested in reading any of these with me, feel free to click on any of the pictures for an Amazon link to the book.

As I said yesterday, feel free to add any recommendations to this list! I love to read and am looking forward to another good year of reading.

Happy reading to you, too!