My Favorite Books From 2020

I read more books than were mentioned here, but am only mentioning the ones I loved/were impactful.

I often hear or see pictures of Moms doing things and think, “how on earth do you do that?” Not in a judgmental way, but in an overwhelmed way!! I’m still figuring out how I get everything I need to done while spending quality time with my child and I’ve been at this for a decent amount of time! The quality time with LO is the most important thing, yet if the house is a disaster, I struggle to relax and be in the moment.

Anyway, whether you are a mom or not, we all have so much on our plates! If you see these books listed, know I’m not cozying up with a blanket and a book (though if you do that, good for you!!). Here’s how I read: I listen to a 10-15 min sermon while I get breakfast ready, I go on a walk daily and listen to abt 1/2 hour of a book while LO sits and eats a snack in the stroller (then I get LO out and we walk/run the rest of the way together (whatever LO feels like)), I then listen to more books as I make dinner. I read my scriptures usually after I’ve put my little one to bed. I know this won’t work for everyone, but it works for me and gives me a boost throughout my day in spurts to be doing things of growth for myself. Before I had kids, I used any time I was in the car, oftentimes while getting ready, and always while on a run to listen. For me, reading is a way to always feel I’m learning/growing, even if it’s just gaining insights/understanding into another person’s experience.

Parenting

• How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King
  • It’s a gentle parenting guide that encourages us to talk to our children with the same respect we expect to be treated with. It provides insights and ideas for setting boundaries and reinforcing them in a gentle/loving way.
• The Calm Birth Method by Suzy Ashworth
  • A calm and empowering approach to birth but applicable for natural birth, cesarean, epidural, etc. I love this book so much!
  • Dal read this too and it’s SO helpful to have him know exactly what I mean when I talk about hypnobirthing and to have him as excited abt it as me! Highly recommend asking your birth partner to read it. Too often baby/pregnancy prep and expectations fall squarely and solely on the mom’s shoulders. Even if it’s not a partner, find someone in your life if you can (sibling, parent, friend), who can help you with the prep, be your birth partner, and equally share the responsibilities including book reading!
• The Second Baby Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
  • Such helpful info on transitioning from 1-2. I skipped the first 4 chapters because it’s when she discusses making the decision of a second child and I was already pregnant.

Political autobiographies/memoirs

A quick note on this! I’ve talked quite a bit here abt my approach to everything in life: politics, health, religion, etc. I read arguments/studies, etc. for both sides. I then go with how I feel and what aligns most with my values. But I read/learn from each side with the intent to understand. I LOVE reading autobiographies/memoirs, especially political ones. I always make sure I’m reading ones that aren’t really my viewpoint so I don’t get too one sided. I do this with the news too. Purposefully seeking out and trying to understand viewpoints opposite of mine has been life changing. It’s a practice I have tried to do forever, but really committed to later in college and it was life changing. Some views were further solidified, some changes, but understanding for both sides ALWAYS increased which is always a good thing! Anyway, I am an independent, but very liberal. You may notice I only have liberal leaning books below… that’s because I had a lot to focus on/read this year, and with the election coming up, I really wanted a deeper look into all the Democratic possibilities. But next year I will read more Conservative ones in addition to liberal.

• Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden
  • About the year that his son, Beau Biden was fighting cancer and he was balancing being there for his son and being vice president. It was moving and so inspiring and shone such a light into his soul. I did not know before I read this book, but as a young father, around Christmas time, his wife was driving all their children. They got in an accident and her and their baby girl passed away and their sons Hunter and Beau were critically injured. Years later, his son, Beau passed away from cancer. He has suffered so much loss. He describes so much of grieving so well and a way I, as someone who has also encountered a great deal of loved ones passing in a way that really resonated with me. I love so much that every ounce of suffering, he has turned into empathy and sincere care and service for others

• The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris
  • Talked about so much of her incredible life and work. I loved getting a peek into who this incredible woman is and the work she has done and will continue to do.
• A Promised Land
  • I have not yet finished this book, but man it is so good, down to earth, and honest. Love it so much!

Inspirational

• I read in the Book of Mormon or Bible daily and have read them both all the way through multiple times and love them. They are a crucial part of my life
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle
  • Disclaimer. I don’t agree with everything I read in every book, especially this book! She has a lot of beefs with organized religion. I honestly get it and think culture vs doctrine can be really difficult oftentimes. I do, personally, however, love and find so much meaning and purpose in organized religion. I did love though where she says we have a conscience and intuition for a reason. Church leaders are not our connection to God. We are. I’m a big believer in receiving our own witness for anything in religion and life and following it no matter who does or doesn’t agree. That being said, I still found it insightful and inspirational.
  • Here is my favorite quote from it, “A woman becomes a responsible parent when she… begins to build her island not to their specifications but to hers. When she finally understands that it is not her duty to convince everyone on her island to accept and respect her and her children. It is her duty to allow onto her island only those who already do and who will walk across the drawbridge as the beloved, respectful guests they are.”
• The Best Advice I Ever Got by Katie Couric
  • Again, you don’t have to agree with every piece of advice given (I didn’t!) but I found it so intriguing to learn what been one of the most important guiding principle in different people’s lives
• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
  • We’re all leaders in our own way and I think it’s an amazing read for anyone! I love so much how frequently she speaks of standing up for what we believe in and not taking to heart others who are criticizing from the “cheap seats”
• The Gift of Forgiveness by Katherine Swarzenegger
  • Such a moving book. I love that it includes different ways different people forgave. Some people forgave but kept their boundaries. I love that. Some people forgave, but maybe didn’t set the needed boundaries. You don’t have to agree with everyone’s approach to forgiveness, but I think it’s powerful hearing the different ways that worked for different people and brought peace.
• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
  • I love this book, but also have to give a trigger warning for anyone who has ever experienced unexpected loss. I loved the book, but feel a book about therapy isn’t the best place for shocking revelations that smack you in the face. I think the stories can be told in a more matter of fact way that lets you know before what happens so you don’t feel blindsided. It’s about a therapists experience as a therapist and as a patient.

Anti racism

• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
  • I honestly believe every White person should read this, THEN go on to seeking out materials, stories, books that Black people and other POC have chosen to put out there. It’s about why it’s so difficult to talk to White people about race. A big theme was about how many people think of racism as the KKK and horrific acts, this makes so many White people defensive whenever racism is brought up and prohibits them from being curious about systemic racism, how it may affect them, and most importantly how it affects others. It talks about the importance of recognizing our bias so we can root it out. I really disagreed with where she said racism will always be here and be part of us. I think it’s really important to hope and work as though someday we can achieve equality
• I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
  • A moving and insightful book about a Black woman’s experience and learning her parents had named her Austin hoping she’d be mistaken for a White male and more doors would be opened to her because of it

The Books Next on My List: One thing I recognized and tried to course correct this past year and hope to do even better this coming year, is making sure while I’m reading a variety of books, that I am seeking out books written by People of Color. I am consistently adding more books than I could ever read to my “wish list” on Audible, so these are what I’m hoping to read- I’ll definitely read some, hopefully all, but it will probably change as different needs arise (so don’t be surprised when my book list from next year is many of these, some of others)

Antiracism

• How to be an Antiracist
• How to be Less Stupid about Race by Crystal Marie Fleming
• Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving
• Raising White Kids: bringing up children in a racially unjust America by Jennifer Harvey
• Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

Parenting

• Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman
• Gentle Discipline: using emotional connection-not punishment to raise confident, capable kids by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
• No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury

Inspirational

• You Say More than You Think by Janine Driver
• More Than a Body by Lexie and Lindsay Kite

Political

• While Justice Sleeps and Lead from the Outside by Stacey Abrams
• The Room Where It Happened by John Bolton
• An American Life by Ronald Reagan
• The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt
• I Love You, Ronnie by Nancy Reagan
• In This Together by Ann Romney

Favorite Books I’ve Read Overtime (not just in 2020)

Inspirational

• The Last Man at the Inn, The Christmas Gift, and Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett
  • The above are all by my Dad so I may be a little biased, but I don’t think so. I think they are all beautiful books especially nice to read at the Holiday season
• Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush
  • An amazing book by the Bush twins. It’s inspiring, sad, funny, and just wonderful.
• The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
  • Again, like most books I don’t agree with every single word, but I do agree with the general message that by empowering women to be equal to men and giving them those opportunities they deserve, we can change the world. I couldn’t agree more. Women and men being equal, no one above the other, we can accomplish such amazing things, but we need each other. We need all races, religions, genders, etc. not only represented, but in the room, making decisions together to create a more beautiful and equal world where all an thrive.
• This Is Me by Chrissy Metz
  • Man, this book was moving. She has been through so much stuff no one should ever have to go through but talks constantly about the power of daily gratitude.
• In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham
  • Not only do I have an undying love for Gilmore Girls and all things Lauren Graham, she’s such a talented author! Hearing her voice over audiobook makes it even more amazing! This is a really short book, but inspiring and sweet
• Talking As Fast As I Can : From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls to Everything In Between by Lauren Graham
  • Again, amazing writer, so charismatic. I listened to this book on runs while training for a race and would literally look like a crazy person just laughing out loud. Funny and insightful! One of my very favorites.
• I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by The Taliban
  • Sobering but inspiring. I can’t believe all she has been through and I’m so grateful for her work
• Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
  • The story of a man placed in concentration camps and lived to tell the story of it all and how he chose to live his life. Again, sobering, but so impactful. From the description, “Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, finding meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose…a conviction that the primary human drive is not pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.”

Political autobiography/memoir

• My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • So inspiring and mind blowing to hear about her life and work. I’m so grateful for this incredible woman and all she did and fought for!
• The Restless Wave by John McCain
  • I loved hearing about his life and career. It was such an incredible book. His perspectives on torture, his bipartisan work, the election against Obama were all fascinating and enlightening to read.
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
  • This is mostly just about her life, but does include some politics because you’d have to cut out many years of her life to not! It was so inspiring and moving. I actually cried and felt sad when I was done and didn’t have any more to read!
• Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush
  • Again, it’s more about her life, but politics do play a big role because it’s been such a big part of her life. She’s such an amazing woman. I loved hearing about her life and perspectives.
• What Happened by Hillary Clinton
  • She has done so many incredible things in her life and I loved hearing about it and her perspective. Such an interesting and informative read
• A Matter of Interpretation: Federal Courts and the Law by Anthony Scalia
  • I love this book and Scalia’s description of how he interpreted the Constitution. Again, I don’t have to agree with everything to appreciate it and find immense value in it.

Informative (most of what I read that falls in this section is research and studies which obviously are not on Audible, but you can find many cited on almost any health article I post)

• The Vaccine Friendly Plan by Paul Thomas
  • A note on this: I am not anti vax. I understand the science behind them, I know they have saved so many lives and are a miracle. My concern is some of the gaps in studies (not studying cumulative effects of injected toxins, no studies unvaccinated vs vaccinated children, etc). I also have major issues with some of the ingredients/parts of vaccines (aborted fetal cells, formeldehyde, aluminum, mercury, etc.) I think it’s important to know many medical professionals spend time understanding the science of vaccines, that they work, etc. which I agree with, but they don’t always know or learn the ingredients or read the inserts (some do which is great!). I’ve received the flu shot twice in my life and both times were at different dr offices. I asked the nurse to make sure it was the one without Thimerisol (Mercury). Multi dose ones have it, single do not). Both times, the nurse asked me what that was and I explained. I personally feel 1) you should be aware of all the ingredients in something you’re injecting into someone and aware of what the inserts say 2) you should never shame someone or call them ignorant for their medical choices but especially if you don’t even know what’s in them.
  • Anyway, in summary, I don’t believe it’s one size fits all. I personally feel that for some people the risk from the illness outweighs the risk from a vaccine and that’s their choice. In some diseases and some people, the risk of the vaccine, the ingredients and complications outweighs the risk of the illness. I just believe every single person whether pro or anti vax should understand exactly what is in them, potential side effects, read the inserts, then make the choice that’s best for them and their family and no one should be judged for their choices either way. I also feel strongly people should not be scared to share data or feelings on this subject for fear of the extremely harsh public backlash.

Fiction

• The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
  • A discussion between a devil and his nephew about how to bring down the human race.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  • Unless you live in a cave, I don’t think I need to explain this one!

There are my favorite books of 2020, all time, and those I hope to read next year and the years to come! What’re some of your favorites?