I read almost double this which is a light reading year for me, but only listed what was truly my favorite/I recommend. Most years I read much much more, last year I read almost nothing because my year was so chaotic. Everyone’s lives are in different places going at different paces. I love reading because it gives me a way to work on personal development and exercise my brain and something that has nothing to do with being a mom (which is why I try not to read only parenting books or those back to back- it’s MY time!), but one thing that’s made it possible is audiobooks! I pour myself some sparkling water or a mocktail, light a candle, and just listen as I meal prep or make things throughout the week or get ready for bed. It helps me feel human again haha, but again, that fluctuates based on circumstances and i think just any level of effort towards something that pours anything into our cup emotionally is so great!
- Essentialism by Greg McKeown
- This book is so powerful and life changing. My takeaway: decide your priorities and make choices based on that. Sounds so simple, yet when we overcrowd our schedules and lives with small, big different things that don’t allow the space needed to devote what we want to our priorities, by default, we have chosen other priorities.
- Man Enough by Justin Baldoni
- So neat and helpful for me to understand a lot of the pressures boys/men face and how to raise boys in touch with their emotions, able to express themselves, be vulnerable, etc.
- Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager
- This is the second book I’ve read by her and they’re always beautifully written and inspiring. I love hearing abt who/what makes a difference in people’s lives and trying to be that in my own way for others.
- More than a body by Lexi and Lindsay Kite
- If you’re a woman or a human for that matter, you’ve likely struggled with body image at some point. This book though, instead of saying “just love yourself!”, takes an evidence based and data driven approach to why it’s absolutely critical, how to do it, etc.
- The Book of Gutsy Women by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton
- The Clinton name, Hillary’s in particular evokes some strong emotions for people (side note: may be something to look deeper at why she seems to evoke a stronger response than her husband 😒🤔), but if you’re like me and love Hillary, you’ll love this, but the beauty is, if you hate her, you’ll also love this. It’s not political, it talks abt politicians but not really politics, more just about inspiring people and why. I love this book and for any woman like myself who VERY often feels too much and feels called to use her voice, yet is attacked, put down, or feels like she’s too much, it’s really inspiring to remember the world needs all kinds of people outspoken, not outspoken, etc. but one thing for sure… no woman/person should hesitate to be who they are or use their voice in a respectful and constructive manner
- The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
- I just love her! She’s so inspiring but beyond that she’s humble and down to earth and I honestly just love listening to her (I always do audiobook- (only way for me to read with kids 😂) and I cried when Becoming ended). I appreciate so much her raw and honest telling of her life experiences that help the rest of us normals know we’re not alone and that life is beautiful, messy, wonderful, and hard. Our outlook and ability/desire to love ourselves is one of the few things completely in our control.
All Time Favorite Books (previous years included)
- All the above mentioned
For Fun/Inspiring
- Pride and Prejudice
- No more info needed 😉
- Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham
- If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, this is a must especially in audiobook to hear her voice! Its extremely well written, partial autobiography, and SO fun and had me laughing out loud on my runs, looking like a maniac
- In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham
- Another great one, comforting and beautiful
- This Is Me by Chrissy Metz
- Heartbreaking and inspiring autobiography. Also, WHY did This Is Us have to end??? 😭😭 the nerve.
- Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush
- Extremely well written, beautiful, and touching story telling from the Bush twins
- The Gift of Forgiveness by Katherine Schwartzenegger
- Incredible and heart wrenching stories of people who’ve forgiven others and how
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- Wildly inspiring and empowering. I didn’t agree with every word, but don’t have to in order to be inspired. My three favorite quotes from it:
- “What if we revised our memo? What if we decided that successful parenting includes working to make sure that all kids have enough, not just that the particular kids assigned to us have everything? What if we used our mothering love less like a laser, burning holes into the children assigned to us, and more like the sun, making sure all kids are warm?”
- “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.”
- “I have met myself and I am going to care for her fiercely.”
- Last Man at the Inn by R. William Bennett
- I may be biased because my Dad wrote these last two but I love them
- A man who happens to see moments of Christ’s life throughout it, being at the same place but slightly from afar and what he learns
- Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett
- The story of Marley and how he came to be Marley and his redemption
Political /by political figures (not necessarily political): I’m extremely liberal but feel strongly about not living in an echo chamber. I believe we can’t talk abt politics civilly because we all avoid it unless it’s with like minded people which robs us of healthy and respectful discourse with those we disagree with. I make it a practice to try and always listen to autobiographies (always autobiographies because I think it’s most fair to hear people’s perspectives in their own words) from both sides equally so I don’t live in an echo chamber and always challenge my political views. Reminder these are just my favorites, not all I’ve read.
- What Happened by Hillary Clinton
- A reflection on 2016 election, some autobiography as well. Definitely political
- Spoken From The Heart by Laura Bush
- Autobiography. Has political stuff as much as it relates to her autobiography but wouldn’t categorize as a political book
- The Restless Wave by John McCain
- Autobiography mainly of political career
- I miss him and wish there were more politicians like him!! His ability to reach across the aisle and prioritize principles/values over party is so crucial!
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Autobiography with a bit of political stuff but not heavily and wouldn’t categorize as political
- In My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsberg
- This is long and can be a bit boring and technical at parts, but also really interesting, especially if you enjoy hearing about cases. I also loved hearing abt the sweet friendship between her and Scalia.
- A Matter of Interpretation by Anthony Scalia
- Read this in college but really enjoyed hearing his perspective
- The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris
- Political and some life autobiography. Very inspiring.
- Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden
- Autobiography with some politics (def still categorize as political)
- Really touching and heartbreaking
Parenting
- The Second Baby Book by Sara Ockwell Smith
- All about adjusting to that second baby with telling your LO you’re pregnant and after birth, etc! But done in a very low pressure, no guilt way!
- The First 40 Days by Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, Marisa Belger
- Completely changed my approach to postpartum and did wonders for my postpartum mental health. We didn’t have any help when we brought our last home, so what she describes wasn’t feasible (prob not for most) but we did an altered approach sticking mainly to the principle/idea
- No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury
- Gentle parenting
- The Calm Birth Method by Suzy Ashworth
- I honestly can’t say enough good things abt this book. I listened to it almost 4 times throughout my last pregnancy and did the meditations daily. I credit it to how peacefully my baby came into the world, their peaceful demeanor the first while, and to how it was my most peaceful pregnancy I’ve ever had
- The Vaccine Friendly Plan by Paul Thomas MD and Jennifer Margilus, PHD
- Written by a doctor, no matter your feelings, this is SUCH a good book to read. It’s not anti vax. It goes through each vax, the ingredients, it’s effectiveness, and the risks of delaying/skipping. It’s very clear headed and extremely helpful and information every parent should know.
- How To Talk so Little Kids Will Listen by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- The best parenting book I’ve EVER read
Learning
- White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
- I know some people feel angry abt this book because she’s White, talking abt race and I get that and feel she should’ve co-authored with someone Black, but who better to reach White people from their frame of mind then a White person? I personally feel every White person should read this and THEN read books from Black people but it’s really helpful for understanding harmful perspectives we often don’t realize and understanding how and why for being more receptive
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
- Eye opening and amazing
- Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
- Is it possible to be human and not love Brene Brown? She’s the greatest and I love everything she produces
What’re your favorites? What should I add to my list for 2023? Wishing you a happy, peaceful, and wonderful new year!
Holiday Gift Guide 2022