One of my never ending new year resolutions are reading challenges. I set a goal at the beginning of the year and do my absolute best to accomplish it. The goal for 2019 was to read 6 books. Baby Rosie was only 5 month old when I set this goal and by that time I was definitely drowning in motherhood where 6 books for the year seemed like a fair challenge.  I made it to 5 books and I am ok with that considering how busy life got with the kids.

Every year I debate on writing a post about my books read but ehhhh I’m that book worm who likes to keep track of everything HA! So below I’ve included a small summary of each book I read and the reasons I read them. Enjoy!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

I chose to read this book because everyone was reading it, HA! But also because everyone who did read it said it was such an inspiring story. The book was very inspiring. I love to read about what drives and motivates people to be who they are. I’m not into politics much, so it was nice that the talk on politics was in terms I could understand. I do wish it were a little more personal, I’m sure someone in her position has seen a lot to have very specific stories and feelings. I understand that for someone who is such a public figure it may be hard to give too many details but I guess that’s what I expect from a memoir…stuff that I can’t find on Wikipedia. It was nice to read about the details of her relationship w Barak and learn about how they started their political career.

The Saturday Evening Girls Club by Jane Healy

I read this book as part of a online book club. It isn’t something I would normally be interested in reading but I still gave it a chance. It’s a very light and easy read. Definitely YA and a bit predictable. It was nice to read about the unconditional friendships between the characters and the differences in culture and eras. It’s set in the early 1900’s and details four friendships and their struggles to fulfill or break traditions amongst their own families. A lot of the book was a bit cheesy and the storyline was definitely something a young reader would be more interested in.

My Husband’s Wife by Jane Corry

I read this book as part of a Facebook book club that my sister in law started. We all voted on a book to read together from a list of suggested reads. This book was such a thriller for me! It was the first time I read any type of murder mystery novel and it was so interesting and intriguing for me. Definitely a lot of twists and unexpected turns in the novel. I didn’t see a lot of it coming which makes it an amazing read because you want to keep reading to find out what’s next. The book is written with multiple view points, so each chapter switches between two characters. It kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter!”

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

I don’t read poetry but I read Milk and Honey (also by Rupi Kaur) and loved it, so it only felt right to read this as well. I enjoyed the poems, a few of them I had to re-read because they were that deep and I needed to fully grasp the emotion in it. Lots of topics are discussed, plenty to really make you think beyond your limits. Some of them made me cringe at the topic but it felt real to read about sadness, grief, loss, shame and so much more.

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan

This book was recommended by a cousin as we both wanted to learn about better disciple techniques and this book was recommended to her by her pediatrician. It was a good read but I felt like it dragged a lot. It has plenty of useful information but was definitely too long of a read for something that could have been simplified a little better. I understand that in order to follow the 1-2-3 system you need to understand it but I’m sure if you’ve picked up this book there’s a desire to attempt the 1-2-3 system, there’s no need to go on and on about how great it is.

I actually tried the technique with my kids and it does work! I simplified the book to my husband so that we can both be on the same page as far as discipling. So the method does work, the book just needs to get to the point a little better.

For 2020 I have set a goal of 10 books. I already have a few books lined up that I want to read so that’s already motivating me. If you have any book suggestions or favorites please send em my way!! I hope everyone has a great reading year!