This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
When I told some friends recently that I’ve already read 30 books so far in 2019, they were shocked.
My secret?
I started reading differently in 2019.
First, I whittled down my To-Read shelf on Goodreads. I removed books I’m no longer interested in and added books from my Amazon wish list (which I’d been using as another to-read list, but having two was just confusing!). It’s nice to have it all organized.
Next, I made a separate Goodreads shelf of books I want to read this year. I’ve never used this Goodreads feature before, but I’m loving having my reading goal for the year neatly in one place. I chose to put 25 books on this shelf at first.
As a goal-driven person, I figured chipping away at that list would motivate me to read more. And it worked! (Maybe too much so, because I’ve had to add more books to that list!)
But the most important thing I did?
I researched what books on my Read in 2019 list are available to me for free.
To do this, I looked up each book at my local library (the catalog is available to search online) and checked if it was available at a local branch. I was surprised by how many I found! I also looked up each book on the Hoopla app, an app I adore because it allows me to borrow e-books and audio-books for free.
I’ve fallen back in love with reading and here are the books I loved this spring.
My Favorite Fiction Titles of 2019 (So Far!)
First, let’s start with fiction…
The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Exquisite! I listened to this on audiobook! Best narrator I’ve ever heard (her name is Aimee Lilly). Someone told me Aimee reads all of Laura’s audiobooks, so I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying more of Laura’s titles this way.
When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin
Sarah’s WWII novels are such a historically accurate treat. I really enjoyed the well-developed character arcs and growth of the main characters, too!
Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill
I will think about this book long after I close it. What a stunning, stunning story. Well-written. Haunting. Highly recommend.
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
Amazing, amazing story. This book had been on my To-Read list for too long before I finally picked it up. I think this may be Joanne’s best book yet, and I’ve been a huge fan for years!
The Empire State Series by Elizabeth Camden
A Daring Venture, A Dangerous Legacy, and A Desperate Hope comprise Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State series and it is an epic one! The heroines are all ahead of their time, pursuing professions that put them in the paths of men at odds with their goals but nonetheless attracted to them. Set at turning points in history, this series is fascinating.
My Favorite Nonfiction Titles of 2019 (So Far!)
Now for the nonfiction books I’ve loved so far!
Book Girl: A Journey through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life by Sarah Clarkson
I read this book for free via Hoopla app, but I loved it so much that now I want my own copy! The book lists are gold and I know I will especially want them to refer back to when I’m a mother someday.
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in its Proper Place by Andy Crouch
Inspiring and enlightening, this guide to raising a family of wisdom and courage with (and in spite of) technology inspired my husband and I to move our television out of our living room. This is most of all a story of a family working to pursue true community with each other without technology getting in the way. I enjoyed the author’s illustrations (and the kids’ perspectives!) more than the stats and data provided.
Battle Cry by Jordyn Glaser
I wish I could give this book ten stars. It’s riveting. This inspiring story of difficult pregnancies and adoptions highlights God’s love. The crisp, clear writing made the story come alive, and I didn’t want it to end. Jordyn is an author I’ll be watching!
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin
I highly recommend this book! An in-depth look at what it looks like to not depend on a devotional but to truly hide God’s Word in our hearts, this book will be one I loan out often.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien
This book was eye-opening! I really enjoyed the perspective of both authors as they taught me how to better view the Bible as the original audience would have read it.
Now it’s your turn!
I’d love to hear about some of your favorite reads so far from 2019!
Disclosure: Links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. But I only recommend books I love and believe you will love, too. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.
I’m on number 25 for the year!
Not a huge number of stand outs yet, but I’ve read a few that I would recommend. The first being With this Pledge by Tamera Alexander, the second being A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter.
Good job, Patty! That’s an impressive number! I like those titles a lot. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rachelle,
I love getting your emails. It seems like we have very similar approaches to reading, and I’m always looking for new GOOD books, so I clicked this email eagerly. I’m currently participating in the Pingel Sisters’ 2019 reading challenge (to read 52 books in the year), but I don’t think I’m quite as far as you are. I’m probably around the 20 mark. Unfortunately, my writing requires that I read parts of many books, but don’t necessarily finish the majority of them :'(.
I just wanted to add another suggestion. I’m not sure if your Hoopla account is different than mine, but Hoopla only allows me to take out 5 books a month. I recently discovered Scribd, which is like the equivalent of Netflix and Spotify for books. It’s $9/month but I find that it’s worth it as it has so many of the obscure books I’m looking for as well as the newest titles from my reading list. It’s been a game-changer for me this year.
p.s. I loved Tech-Wise Family last year – it was one of my favourite summer reads and had a profound impact on how we organize our home and our time. I look forward to checking out Sarah Sundin. WW2 Fiction is my favourite.
Thanks for the post!
Sophie, thank you so much for saying that! Sometimes I struggle hitting Send on a reader-y, bookish email because I’m not sure if my audience will love it, too, but I’m consistently surprised by how well such emails are received so I should just stop struggling LOL.
That’s a good challenge and good progress you’re making toward your goal! In the end, it doesn’t matter nearly as much how many books we read, but how changed we are by the books we read.
I currently supplement my five Hoopla titles with my stack of paperback to-reads, but I hadn’t heard of Scribd. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy Sarah Sundin’s books! I’ve found some on Hoopla! :)
I’ve read 60. I don’t tell everyone 🙈
Wow, that’s so impressive, Naomi!