Hey there, bibliophiles! Before January is over (how did this month fly by so fast?!), it’s time to share my ten favorite reads from last year. In preparing this post, I noticed that I apparently didn’t create a “best books” post last January. Huh. I know I read some great books in 2017. Maybe I should go back through my journals and see if there are any gems I just have to suggest.
Meanwhile, onward and upward with my recommendations for great reads from 2018. As always, please note that these aren’t necessarily books that came out in 2018. They’re just my top favorites of the 42 books I read during the year.
Here’s my list:
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman. This luscious novel is a prequel to Hoffman’s classic Practical Magic. I’d read that book many years ago, but this new novel swept me effortlessly into the story, and carried me along like a powerful current. This is masterful writing.
The Transformational Power of Dreaming: Discovering the Wishes of the Soul by Stephen Larsen and Tom Verner. On the subject of dreams, my all-time favorite author is Robert Moss, and this book ranks right up there with his best works. The authors offer many entry points into exploring your dreams, and they sprinkle the book with stories that connect and inspire. If you’re at all drawn to working with your dreamscape, you’ll want to read this.
Art & Soul, Reloaded by Pam Grout. I’ve put this book on the list because it provides a perfect entry point for those wishing to expand their creativity. I didn’t go through the week-by-week program she offers, because I feel like I’ve already done this work on my own. But if you’re looking to include more deliberate creative time in your daily life, this book is an excellent guide. I love her playful, sassy writing style.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. This is the first book in a series, and it’s wonderful. I love writing that feels like a faery tale, and this one definitely qualifies.
Green Rider by Kristen Britain. I came across this fantasy novel, another first book in a series, last summer, and immediately wondered why I hadn’t heard of the author before. The world-building is great, and Britain puts her own spin on the “heroine’s first adventure” thing. I plan to read more.
You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero. I absolutely LOVE this book. Why? So many reasons, including Sincero’s philosophy, her humor, her badass self… It really resonated with me, big-time. I read it as part of my self-designed curriculum for upgrading my beliefs and actions around prosperity. I worked through all of the exercises and found them very helpful – and this book was never boring, which, face it, some books on money can be. I highly recommend it!
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. Because I loved her money book so much, I read her previous book, too. Super good. You’ll love it.
The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future by Ryder Carroll. I’ve been bullet journaling for just over two years now, and I love it. Reading the how-to manual from the inventor of the method seemed like a no-brainer. I’m so glad I did – I learned a ton! If you’re a bullet journaler or if you’re intrigued by it, get this book.
The Martian by Andy Weir. Between seeing the movie, which was great, and the book making the PBS Great American Read list, I decided to check it out. It’s even better (of course) than the movie, and I couldn’t put it down.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown. I read this book on the recommendation of a colleague, and now I want to read all of Brown’s books. Her work is revolutionary. I hope these ideas spread far and wide. Just…wow.
White Hot Truth: Clarity for Keeping It Real on Your Spiritual Path From One Seeker to Another by Danielle LaPorte. This book made me laugh out loud, a lot. It also made me think, deeply. What more could you want? Plus, it’s Danielle LaPorte. She’s freaking amazing.
I also finished reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson) in 2018. I loved the ending! These books got better and better all the way through the series. If you love fantasy and haven’t read them, they’re a classic and a must.
What gems have you been reading lately?
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