This year I’m setting a goal to read a lot more! This is my reading list for 2019– books for myself and for my kids.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

One of my goals this year is to read much more frequently. I’m not sure how many books I got through last year, but I’m pretty sure it was less than five, unless you count audiobooks.

This year, though, I want to make more time and practice more discipline to get through my reading list. With so many great books literally at my fingertips, I have great motivation to do it.

I’m going to be honest and admit that my brain is a little mushy from motherhood and smart phones. So, I know in some ways it’s going to be a struggle to read consistently when other habits are so easy and enticing. Maybe you’re the same way.

Thankfully, I also know it’s not a lost cause. So I’m sharing my reading list here, and you can feel free to ask me how many books I have read in a couple of months!

Share the Love Month! This is my second post and giveaway for Share the Love month, so make sure you read to the end of the post so you can enter to win! 

My Reading List for 2019

One of my holdbacks last year was finding time to read. Life is busy, whether you are a mom of little kids, work out of the home, retired, or whatever. For me, five young kids, homeschooling, keeping up with housework, and running a blog do not leave much free time at all.

I have noticed the past few weeks, though, that if I keep a book near me at all times, there are small moments when I can pick up a book and read a few pages before my attention is needed elsewhere. 

A few of the times I am getting reading in are…

• while my kids play at the park
• while food is cooking in the kitchen
• sitting on the couch while my family watches a show
• before appointments
• during my daughter’s dance lessons

You won’t see reading before bed on my list at this point. Maybe in the future, but nighttime reading is never good for me because I immediately fall asleep. Each of the times above are also super inconsistent.

It’s rare that I read more than a few pages in one sitting, but I am learning that I need to accept that and make the most of it in this season of life. 

Crystal Paine (Money Saving Mom) has been very inspiring as she shares what she is reading on Instagram. She shares a lot of helpful tips on her blog on how to find more time to read if that is something you struggle with.

Current Reads ::

Cozy Home Minimalist :: Myquillyn Smith

No Longer Little :: Hal & Melanie Young

Naturally Sweet Food in Jars :: Marisa McClellan

The Road Back to You :: Ian Morgan Cron

The Sermon on the Mount :: Jen Wilkin

New Morning Mercies :: Paul David Tripp

 

Cookbooks: 

Each of these cookbooks not only has recipes I want to try, but also a lot of experience and tips that I want to learn from.

Salt, Fat, Acid, & Heat :: Samin Nosrat (“mastering the elements of good cooking”)

Seriously Good Freezer Meals :: Karrie Truman

Eat What You Love :: Danielle Walker (gluten-free, dairy-free, & paleo recipes)

Ball Blue Book of Canning and Preserving :: Ball

Tasting Italy :: America’s Test Kitchen

Reading Next ::

You Who :: Rachel Jankovic

I love Rachel’s other books and am looking forward to reading this book. You can follow her on Instagram to get a good idea of what she discusses in this book.

I’d Rather Be Reading :: Anne Bogel

This is a gift book, and should be a quick read

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality :: Peter Scazzero

I have heard so many great things about this book from several different friends/people I follow.

All That’s Good :: Hannah Anderson

I heard about this book when the author came on one of my regular podcasts. Then, a friend mentioned the author was coming to speak at a local event. I’m looking forward to reading her thoughts on “recovering the lost art of discernment“.

 

More On My (eventual) To-Read List ::

I don’t know that I will get to these books this year, but they are still on my reading list. Many are available in Audible, so I may listen to them instead of read them. If you’re looking for more reading ideas, here you go.

Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart :: J.D. Greear

This book comes highly recommended by a good friend.

Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses :: Amber Lia

Idols of the Heart :: Elyse Fitzpatrick

I really enjoyed Elyse’s book, Give them Grace, and this book gets great reviews as well.

A Grace Disguised :: Jerry Sittser

This book was recommended during a discussion on books we had during our mountain getaway with our co-op moms. It is on Audible, so I think I will likely end up using a credit and listening to it.

The War that Saved My Life :: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This is another book recommended on the getaway. I really enjoy historical fiction, but usually do not read much fiction these days. I will read/listen to this book to preview it for when I can read it to my kids.

Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him :: Sally & Nathan Clarkson

 

My Kids’ Reading List for 2019

At first, I was only going to include my books in this post, but as I was gathering my books I realized that I also had so many new books for my kids that I wanted to share with y’all too.

Technically, this list is more just for the first half of the year, but I’m sure we will return to these books again and again. Also, technically, we will read much more than this during school and family read aloud time.

Books about God ::

This is the Gospel :: She Reads Truth

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing :: Sally Lloyd Jones

Who Sang the First Song :: Ellie Holcomb

Hinds Feet on High Places :: Hannah Hurnand

 

Books for Enjoying ::

Robin Hood :: Classic Starts abridged edition

ABC’s of Space :: Chris Ferrie & Julia Kregenow, PhD

This is a board book, but is written for kids of all ages. I love it!

 

Books for Playing ::

Epic Lego Adventures :: Sarah Dees

This is the third of Sarah’s books and includes a lot of higher-level projects.

101 Kids Activities that Are the Ooey, Gooey-est Ever :: Jamie Harrington

All the dough, slime, and gooey-ness you could ever want.

Sticks and Stones: A Kid’s Guide to Building and Exploring in the Great Outdoors :: Melissa Lennig

(This book comes out in June and I can’t wait).

 

Share the Love Month Giveaway #2!

For the second Share the Love giveaway of the year, I will be giving away a book from this list. Your pick! 

There are still two more giveaways to come, so be sure to stick around so you don’t miss the other great giveaways of my favorite things!

Follow This Pilgrim Life on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

Sign up for the newsletter:

Enter the giveaway using the entry form below. The giveaway will be open from Tuesday through Monday. A winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 19th! This giveaway is open to residents of the continental US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!