2017 Reading Plan: Parts 1&2

I’ve started planning out my reading, which I haven’t done since high school. I used to write out the list of books I wanted to read next on a little notecard and use it as a bookmark. It was great at motivating me to read faster. So I started doing that again because I keep thinking of all the books I want to read next, so I thought writing them down would be good because I’m a mom now and keep forgetting things.

I have the first 20 books of the year written on here, so I’m keeping myself very busy:

1. Happiest Baby on the Block: I just finished this book this morning. It’s such a great tool for parents to gain confidence in soothing their babies. I think anyone who deals with babies regularly needs to read this book. Read my review.
2. Out of the Silent Planet: Another great fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis, except this one is written for adults. It’s about a very average guy who is kidnapped and taken to Mars (Malacandra) as a human sacrifice, but he escapes and learns more about the planet and our own Earth in the process. Read my review.
3. The Bad Beginning: I watched the new Netflix adaptation (loved it) and realized I hadn’t read the books in like 15 years, and I am pretty sure I never even finished the series. So I’m rereading them to freshen my memory and prepare for season two! Read my review.
4. Parenting: I’m sure it’s obvious why I’m reading this book, but I am very nervous to parent and discipline my sweet baby girl. I don’t want to screw it up, so I’m looking to every resource I can – my parents, my sister and friends with kids, and books. I love Paul David Tripp, so I’m super excited to read what he has to say. I’m sure it will be one of the few parenting books I actually look to.
5. Every Good Endeavor: This was recommended to me at a women’s conference I went to last year. I went to a session on work and wanted to read more about the Christian view of work, especially women and their work. It couldn’t be at a better time now as I’m conflicted between being a stay at home mom and going back to work. Hopefully this book makes my answer more clear.
6. The Reptile Room: book two of the Series of Unfortunate Events
7. Perelandra: book two of the Space trilogy by C.S. Lewis
8. The Wide Window: book three of the Series of Unfortunate Events
9. That Hideous Strength: book three of the Space Trilogy.
10. Letter to my Daughter: A powerful book written by Maya Angelou and the first book in the Solly Baby Book Club that I joined last month. I’m so excited to read more books with other mothers, and this was a great one to start with. Everyone should read it. It offers such objective advice and insight into popular issues today, joined with Angelou’s amazing life story. Read my review.

    

11. Present Over Perfect: Book two in the Solly Baby Book Club that offers advice on how to not be so hard on yourself in the pressures of life. I’ve heard really great things about this book, so hopefully you will pick it up too!
12. The Miserable Mill: Book four in the Series of Unfortunate Events
13. Life Creative: A book that offers inspiration to mothers who want to fuel their creativity.
14. The Austere Academy: Book five in the Series of Unfortunate Events
15. The Sorcerer’s Stone: I also decided I’m going to reread the Harry Potter series this year. It’s been a few years and I decided that I’m going to do what I want and read what I want.
16. The Time Traveler’s Wife: Another book I’m rereading this year. It’s been 5 or 6 years and when I pass its spot on the bookshelf, I miss it.
17. The Ersatz Elevator: Book six in the Series of Unfortunate Events
18. The Chamber of Secrets: Book two in the Harry Potter series
19. The Measure of Success: Another book that was recommended to me at the women’s conference I went to.
20. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: I read this book my freshman year of college and loved it. I recently heard that it’s being made into a movie, so I want to read it again to prepare for that. If you haven’t read it, you need to pick it up. It’s a fantastic true story of human rights. It’ll have you conflicted between the tragedy and the miraculous scientific discovery.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? Follow along with me so we can discuss! Look out for my reviews.