What I've Been Reading

At the start of the year, I set a goal for myself to read twelve books. For me, reading one book a month sounded like a huge accomplishment. I’ve always enjoyed reading, but have had a problem sticking to consistently reading. Once I finish a book, I typically don’t pick up another for a few months, and I decided 2020 was the year I was going to change that habit.

How did I do it? I started small by reading for 15-20 minutes before bed. Then this spawned into reading a few pages over breakfast instead of scrolling through my phone. I continuously reminded myself that I could just as easily pick up a book as I could my phone or the tv remote. Soon enough, I found myself coming home from work and reaching for my book to unwind from the day.

These small habits added up to big rewards. It’s the end of March, and I’ve read eleven books. ELEVEN. I’m only one book away from my 2020 goal in three months. Maybe I’m reading a lot now before the baby comes this summer, and I know my time will be devoted to caring for a little one, or perhaps I’ve just rediscovered my love of both fiction and nonfiction. Either way, I’m not complaining. I have loved getting lost in other worlds and reading up about pregnancy and parenting.

To track my reading progress, wants to reads, and book reviews, I’ve started using the GoodReads app. It’s awesome! I love adding books to my want to read list and tracking my percentage of a book read. It’s so much easier to manage than a list in my planner that I’ll inevitably forget about. You can check out what’s on my bookshelves here.

In this weird and uncertain time of the Coronavirus pandemic, I know we’re all looking for a break from the news and chaos happening right outside our front doors. So, I wanted to share my reading list thus far this year in case you’re looking for an escape, too.

Here are the eleven books I’ve checked off my reading list this year and the one book that’s going to get me to my annual goal. (Side note: If you’re interested in any of the books, click on the book image to be redirected to Amazon.)

Fiction

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

I LOVED this book! It’s so beautifully written. It’s not something I would have typically picked out myself, but multiple people recommended it, and after finishing it, I completely understand why.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Books like this one and Where the Crawdads Sing remind me why I love fiction. I went through a streak a few years back where I only read nonfiction, and I have definitely missed getting lost in stories like this.

Business

Shut Up and Listen!: Hard Business Truths that Will Help You Succeed by Tilman Fertitta

Tilman Fertitta was a guest speaker at a work conference in February, and I read his recent business book in preparation for the talk. He has great business tips to offer up (I mean he is a billionaire and the owner of the Houston Rockets). It was a different kind of business book than I’d typically pick up.

Biography

Everything is Awful: And Other Observations by Matt Bellassai

I’ve been a Matt Bellassai fan ever since he worked at Buzzfeed. I’m an avid listener of his podcast Unhappy Hour, and I’ve had this book on my to-read list since it came out. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It read just like his podcast and was chalked full of entertaining anecdotes. He’s definitely an acquired taste, but if you like him, you’ll love his book.

Thriller/Suspense

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

Doug and I started a tradition this past Christmas, where we pick out a book for the other to read. This book was his choice, and it was right up my alley! The story was a little slow to start, but by the end, I couldn’t put it down.

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

The thriller genre has quickly become a favorite for me! I borrowed this book from a friend and flew through it. I loved the suspense and intrigue.

Looker by Laura Simms

I picked this book up from the library as an employee recommendation. It was unlike anything I’ve ever read because there were no chapter breaks. The unique format of the book made it hard for me to stop reading the interesting and bizarre story. So far, I haven’t met a thriller novel I haven’t liked.

Young Adult

Looking for Alaska by John Green

This book will be the one to help me complete my twelve books in twelve months challenge in only three months! I’m a huge fan of John Green, especially The Fault In Our Stars and Paper Towns, so I have high hopes for Looking for Alaska.

Self-Help

Average is the New Awesome: A Manifesto for the Rest of Us by Samantha Matt

I devoured this book in a weekend! It’s the pep-talk from your best friend that you didn’t know you needed.

Pregnancy & Parenting

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong - and What You Really Need to Know by Emily Oster

I heard from numerous people, websites, and podcasts to read this pregnancy book. I love that it’s all about the facts. The book provides a deep dive into data-driven research about pregnancy from the economist Emily Oster. It broke down some common pregnancy misconceptions and gave me the peace of mind I think all future moms are looking for.

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster

A follow-up to her first novel, Emily Oster explores the world of parenting from the same evidence-based approach. I can’t recommend her books enough for any expecting or new parents.

Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes

I grabbed this pregnancy book off the shelf when I couldn’t find a copy of either of Emily Oster’s books, and I’m glad I did. Written by Journalist, Angela Garbes, the book explored a lot of pregnancy topics I’ve had on my mind that no one else was talking about.

What are you reading right now? Let me know in the comments!




*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.