Reads of 2018… So Far

Adventures aren’t just found through traveling. They can be found in books as well. So far this year,  I’ve completed the reading of 17 books and have 20 something incompletely read which are listed at the bottom of this post. Some have been fiction, others religious, some devotionals, a few historical and many personal development. You can check out the full list below. I’d normally include a bunch of photos of the books, but when I moved, my favorites I gave away so someone else could enjoy them and share the story. So I’ll leave you with a quote instead.

A few of my favorites so far as well as why are included below along with one of my favorite quotes from each of the books. Hopefully that gives you some insight into the way each author writes to determine if it’s one that may suit you.

Authentic & Real –
The mostreal and authentic author I’ve read is Rachel Hollis who wrote Girl Wash Your Face. If you’re a woman and haven’t read this book, I recommend you do so immediately. She also has a Podcast I’d recommend checking out too!

“Turns out, the most beautiful things in life were never on my to-do list.” 

Fiction that Makes You Think-
A book that will make you really think and consider what we value as a humanity in this technological age is Origin by Dan Brown. He’s the one who wrote the Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, etc.

“Remember death. Even for those who wield great power, life is brief. There is only one way to triumph over death, and that is by making our lives masterpieces. We must seize every opportunity to show kindness and to love fully.” 

Beach Reads –
If you’re looking for a thrilling non-fiction book, pick up any of Liane Moriarty’s works. They make great traveling or beach books to draw you in and not stop until you finish.

“The weather wasn’t helping. It was far too lovely, mocking her pain.” – The Husband’s Secret 
Leadership –
I hadn’t read Phillip Van Hooser prior to this but I really enjoyed Leaders Ought to Know. Some of the best leadership books are the ones that tell you what you already know, but in a new light. That’s what this one did for me.

“Don’t leave your personal leadership development to chance or to the discretion of others. Remember, everyone can learn to lead if they will just decide to do so – but first, you must decide.” 

Spiritual –
The Alchemist is one I’ve had on my list for some time. Someone even lent it to me but I didn’t get around to reading it so I returned it before I moved. But it kept coming up in other books I was reading or Podcasts, so I listened to this one on audible on my drive to FL. It was wonderful. It was exactly what I needed to hear, at the exact time I needed to hear it. If you want something about self discovery, pressing on to your dreams, and perspective, this is a book for you.
“I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure. It’s all a question of how I view my life.” 

Devotional

Annie Down’s is an author and speaker I very much appreciate. She’s real and honest and shares her heart. Her devotional called 100 Days to Brave is an undated, so you can start it at any time. It’s for the person making a big decision, making a move, or going through any transition. And it’s currently only $2 on Kindle.

“Are you brave enough to pray and believe that God hears you and changes things?” 

January

  • Little Book of Hygge 
  • Big Little Lies
  • What Alice Forgot
  • Origin 

February

  • Girl Wash Your Face
  • If You Only Knew
  • Never Split the Difference 

March

  • The Husband’s Secret
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age 

April

  • Hypnotist’s Love Story 

May

  • 100 Days to Brave 

June

  • The Alchemist
  • Anxious for Nothing 

July 

  • Leaders Ought To Know
  • 15 Laws of Invaluable Growth
  • The Last Castle 

August 

  • Fail Until You Don’t 

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