Last year I set the goal for myself that I would read 50 books in 2016, and while I only made it to 38, I enjoyed keeping track of what I read and having a goal to work toward. This year I’ve decided to be a little less ambitious and am hoping for 45 books, but am off to a better start already. Here are some of my suggestions from the year, and one I just finished but had to include. So tell me, what should I read in 2017?
My recommendations…
When Breath Become Air
A must read for clergy, doctors, nurses, we’ll I clearly think everybody should read it. Beautifully written and both deep and understandable. The author walks us through how to live and die well. I wish I had read it before I did my chaplaincy residency.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
Delightful, humorous, and heartwarming. One of the best novels I’ve read in a long time. Something everyone in my family enjoyed even though we all generally read very different books. Also, it revolves around books, so if you love to read, you’ll be doubly delighted.
On Immunity: An Inoculation
Incredibly informative without being dull. The author intertwines both her personal journey with history and science. She looks into both the metaphors and myths that surround inoculations. One of those books where you enjoy yourself and come out feeling smarter.
Simplicity Parenting
A friend recommended this for me knowing my love of child development and psychology, and I found it helpful and convicting even without children. The author is convincing without being judge-y and helped me to think about how I use time, habits, stuff, and rest. One I will need to read again.
Better Than Before
My mom gave me and my husband this book before we moved, so technically it was my second read through this year, but y’all need to read this book. I love learning about habits, but this book went a step beyond by helping me better understand how I’m motivated so that the habits I make I’m more likely to keep. Another book to read yearly.
A Man Called Ove
So technically I finished this book a few days ago, but it was So. Good. So I had to recommend it to y’all. It’s beautiful, charming, heartwarming, and sad all in the best possible way. Think of the movie Up but more complex with the past and present intermingled to show you more and more of the characters. I couldn’t put it down.