It wouldn’t be the last day of the year without some kind of recap post. Thankfully, this is not that. I’m looking forward today to 2020. 

Okay, there might be a bit of recap – just for context.

2019 was a crazy busy year for me – I spent all kinds of time at doctors and therapists offices in addition to my full time job and doing all the single mom things. I wanted to read, I have stacks of books all over the house, but I wasn’t able to carve out much time to actually sit down and read.

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Reading glasses has really ruined reading for me by the way. I used to read in bed, but that’s nearly impossible with reading glasses. 

I did listen to several audio books, but that’s not the same as reading the words from the page. I am also sure I process the information much differently than if I was reading from a book rather than listening. Audio books are great for long car rides and long walks, but they suck for sitting on the couch and “reading”. 

This year I plan on reading more and that means watching less TV and spending less time on Facebook. I love the connections that come from Facebook, but it’s a huge time suck. I’m tossing around the idea of taking January off so if you don’t see me, that’s why. 

I love reading, I love books – everything about them is spectacular. Each one is filled with wonderful possibilities. I love getting recommendations from friends (this is where most of these books come from) because it helps me to learn more about them. Books are subjective – I might love one completely like The Stand or Mists of Avalon, but you might find both of them are contrived or silly – they aren’t, both are the most wonderful thing you will read, but in gloriously different ways, though now that I think about they have more in common than you would think.

Here is my list of the books I want to read or reread in 2020. Some, like Little Women, I have been meaning to read for decades and honestly, I’m surprised as all get out that I haven’t read it yet – God, I hope I like it. Others I have loved and simply want to read again. And, there are one or two that I really didn’t like, but want to give another try. 

If you’ve read any of these books please feel free to share your thoughts on them. If you’ve got some recommendations for books to read in 2020, please share in the comments.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

My 2020 Reading List

Becoming – Michelle Obama

Who doesn’t want to read about Michelle Obama? No one, that’s who. 

Educated – Tara Westover

This book is one I am most excited to read. So many people have recommended it to me – partly because it is a memoir, but also because it’s just a fantastic story. It’s been sitting on my nightstand for way too long.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399590501/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399590501&linkCode=as2&tag=redhead0d-20&linkId=ef0c4baca07d66ccec1268973cd0c2f4

Talking to Strangers – Malcolm Gladwell

I love everything Malcolm Gladwell writes. Easy to read and digest books about the stuff that is fascinating, but most of us don’t take the time to figure out or delve into.

Miracle Creek – Angie Kim

Murder mystery, courtroom drama, secrets, betrayals… my kind of book. It’s gotten great reviews and tops most best of books lists.

The Volunteer by Salvatore Scibona

The Bright Hour – Nina Riggs

Manifest Now – Idil Ahmed

I can’t recommend this book enough. This book works. If you’re even a bit curious about manifesting, then give this book a try. Better yet, get the audio book as well. It’s beautifully narrated by the author.

How to get shit done – Erin Falconer

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

I’ve read this a couple of times and each time I learn something new. I also cry a lot – in a good way. I love Brené Brown and you will too.

The Way I heard it – Mike Rowe

I can’t wait to read my future husband’s book. 

How To – Randall Munroe

Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens

I’m probably the only one on the planet who didn’t like this book. It left me feeling ill at ease. That said, I’ve thought about this book a lot since I read it. It has stayed with me for reasons I am not sure. I will probably read this again to see if I like it better the second time around.

The Institute – Stephen King

There’s a Minnesota connection to this book and it’s Stephen King so I’m going to read it, but probably not for a while.

The Stand – Stephen King

I’ve read this book more times than any other book and that includes the Little House books I read over and over as a child. I love The Stand and can’t wait for the new mini series currently in the works. If you like post-apocalyptic stories, you’ll love The Stand. 

The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides

I Miss You When I Blink – Mary Laura Philpott

The Water Cure – Sophie Mackintosh

The Golden Child – Claire Adam

Mrs Everything – Jennifer Weiner

Once More We Saw Stars – Jayson Greene

Orange World – Karen Russel

The Dreamers – Karen Thompson Walker

Bowlaway – Elizabeth McCracken

Maid – Stephanie Land

I’m Telling the Truth But I’m Lying – Bassey Ikpi

The Need – Helen Phillips

Hollow Kingdom – Kira Jane Buxton

Little Women – Luisa May Alcott

You – Caroline Kepnes

Unspeakable Things – Jess Lourey  

This Tender Land: A Novel – William Kent Krueger

The Mists of Avalon

Win Bigly Scott Adams

If you’ve been perplexed how Trump won the election in 2016 (and how he’s likely to do it again), then read this book. Even if you don’t like Adams, you should read this book.

You Are A Badass – Jen Cincero

Another life changing book. I’ve been recommending this book for years. If you want to get pumped up, motivated or find the courage to make the changes you want – this book will help you do just that. It’s also hilarious.

Tools of the Titans – Tim Ferris

Steering by Starlight – Martha Beck

My life coach recommended this to me and it was a brilliant suggestion. Yes, I have a life coach, therapy was taking way too long. One of these days I’ll write about it.

Cruel Beautiful World Caroline Leavitt

The Valedictorian of Being Dead – Heather Armstrong