I have 58 books on my have-read bookshelf so far this year – a lot more already than my usually 52 books a year! I really think that setting reading goals each month is not only helping me read more, but also read a wider variety of books. I’m glad those 58 books include at least 6 classics, 6 inspirational, 6 historical and 6 biographical books. I have learned a lot this year so far from the books I’ve read and have been starting to make a dent in the to-read bookshelf.
In the past, I would usually just grab a book from my to-read pile or start reading what is available from my hold list on Overdrive. Instead, I am choosing a fiction, historical, biographical, inspirational and classic to read each month and then after I have read those five, I can read whatever I find that’s available. I will also have book club books to read from a moms group and the online book club on this site. Oh, and there are the advanced copies I receive to review. Lots of reading going on here!
In June, I read the following 11 books (reviews to come soon):
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (June Online Book Club book)
- Harmony Blues by Victoria Kimble
- Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
- The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Riesz
- Nothing is Strange by Mike Russell
- Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
- Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux
- Killer Jam by Karen MacInerney
- Lights Out by Ted Koppel
- A Medley of Modern-Day Miracles by John P. Herzog
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
For July, here is my to-read list:
Fiction: Last Hope Island by Lynne Olson
It’s hard to pass up WWII historical fiction and this one looks really interesting. The bombing of London intrigues me as I try to picture living through it. I think I will enjoy this book.
Historical: Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O’Reilly
I read O’Reilly’s Killing Reagan book last year and learned a lot about Reagan by reading it. My husband read Killing Lincoln and said it was well written, too. If this book is written to the same standards, I will learn a lot about this part of history.
Biographical: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
A friend of mine recommended this book to me when we were talking about good books we recently read. Since then, I’ve seen that several friends have read it. It sounds like an interesting story.
Inspirational: Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
I have read several of Niequist’s books and have wanted to read Cold Tangerines for a while. I always feel pushed to be a better person after reading her books.
Classic: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
I’m sometimes amazed by the number of classics I haven’t read yet considering the number of books I have read. I just started this book and am engrossed in the characters and scene a few chapters in already.
Online book club: Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Read more about this choice at the link above.
Moms book club: Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan
This book has been widely talked about since it’s release and I’m excited that it’s our moms’ book club choice this month. I think I will probably relate and laugh a lot!
Requested Reviews/Advanced Copies/Book Launch books:
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Fearless Parenting by George Barna and Jimmy Myers
If you’re curious about what else I’ve read this year, you can visit my monthly bookshelves: January, February, March, April, May and June.
What are you reading right now?
What are you planning to read this month? Comment below!
