You know I love reading. Some books you read for a break, or for inspiration, or for education. Some books you read for the sheer joy of the book. Here are the books that I have used, read, re-read and loved in the past year.
Getting Things Done – This is the only goal-setting/business organization book I have ever read more than twice. I think I went through it a 3rd time this year. It’s not his fault. I just have so many fluid things changing all the time, and every time I read this book I get inspired to adjust and improve things. It’s effective, it’s a pleasant read. And you can probably find it pretty cheap on Amazon because it’s not a brand new book.
Fringe Hours – This is a sweetly inspirational book that helped me understand the importance of feeding my own soul on occasion. As a result of this book, I’ve started writing again, I started playing piano (a very very little, please don’t ask me to play) and I have been allowing myself to read more for pleasure. Which leads me to the next book:
Pioneer Girl An Annotated Autobiography – I bought this book because I absolutely love the Little House on the Prairie Books. This is a book that includes the original book as it was first written, before it was heavily edited to change it to children’s book. Even more, every fact, every name, every editing mark is footnoted and verified, and expounded upon. I have read every single footnote in the book. It’s fascinating. I love it. This is a big, heavy, hardback book. Don’t expect a paperback you can carry in your purse. It’s worth it.
If – This book warrants re-reading every six months or so. You could read the whole thing in under an hour. And you should. I should. Anytime you start feeling a little uppity, grouchy, demanding or overly proud, this book will point you right back where you belong. Written by Amy Carmichael during her extended illness in bed, this book will convict you and quiet you, and change you.
Don’t Panic, Dinner’s in the Freezer – I know. It’s a cookbook. But seriously. It’s a favorite. If you are new to freezer cooking, the recipes covered here will transform your cooking forever. I’ve loved every recipe we have tried. Also, it has a sequel which I also love: Don’t Panic, More Dinner’s in the Freezer.
The New Best Recipe – This was a gift several years back and I still use it more than any cookbook besides my freezer cookbooks. Instead of just giving you a recipe, they explain the process of several options for each recipe, share which one is the best from the test kitchen. I feel like I get educated every time I open this book, and I absolutely love it.
Tools4Wisdom Planner. The most useful, most effective planner I have ever used. It’s full sized, 8.5 X 11, and Spiral bound. I hope they never go out of business. I’ve used it and I converted several others to using it, too.
What books have you read and loved this year?
