2016 Reading: Somewhat of a plan

[disclosure]

Here’s the thing: I haven’t been reading much lately.

Once upon a time, I read a lot. Thirty to fifty books in a year was pretty typical, and if I focused more on fiction, it could be considerably more. But then…well, I slowed down. I started listening to more podcasts, playing more Candy Crush, reading more message boards… and reading fell mostly by the wayside. Don’t get me wrong: I still always have a book or two going. But it’s been a while since I read a nonfiction book in its entirety. And fiction? I even struggle to get through novels these days. It’s a weird feeling.

So for 2016, I have made somewhat of a plan. I don’t want to call it a resolution or even a “goal.” But I’m thinking I want to actually start AND finish some books. I’m keeping it simple: my list is only thirteen books long. That’s not very many over the course of a year, I know. But the point is to actually finish them.

These are books that have been on my Kindle or nightstand for a while: a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years. Maybe I picked one up when it was recommended by a friend, or when it was on sale in the Kindle store. Maybe I started one and then stopped. And then started and stopped again.

I’ve chosen books along a few themes: productivity, creativity, faith, homeschooling, and fiction.

And that’s it. I just want to make a point of reading — and finishing — some books this year. Curious as to what’s on my list? Here you go:

(*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you.)

The Creative Fight: Create Your Best Work and Live the Life You Imagine by Chris Orwig

Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color, and Composition in Photography by Bryan Peterson

On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts by Ann Kroeker and Charity Singleton Craig

The Story of Everything: How You, Your Pets, and the Swiss Alps Fit into God’s Plan for the World by Jared C. Wilson

Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love by Edward T. Welch

Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World by Emily P. Freeman

Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity by Tim Challies

Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by Jocelyn K. Glei

Deconstructing Penguins: Parents, Kids, and the Bond of Reading by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone

Caught Up in a Story: Fostering a Storyformed Life of Great Books & Imagination with Your Children by Sarah Clarkson

Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley

I’m tracking my reading in my new Bullet Journal (which I’ll blog about at some future point), and I’m trying to set aside a little time every day to do some reading from my list. So far, so good!

And just in case I finish my entire list and am looking for new books to add, I’d love to know what book (or books) you’ve read and loved in the past year or so. Please share in the comments!