Every year I set a goal to read some amazing books from my book list a mile long. This year I had narrowed it down to 24 top choices, all marvelously rated, and many with hundreds of reviews on Amazon.
Throughout the course of the year, I ended up reading over 300 books by the time you factor in the many books I read to the girls as well as myself. Throughout them all, I learned some things about myself.
Things I Learned About Myself While Reading This Year
First, I tend to enjoy reading a book more if I own it. I don’t feel rushed to get through it, and I can highlight in the book if something really stands out to me that I want to go back and read again.
Second, I prefer reading paperbacks to eBooks. I say prefer, because I still read both, but a paperback is so much less distracting than eBooks. With eBooks I’m constantly getting distracted by other apps on the iPad or other books I might also want to read.
Third, while I often choose non-fiction over fiction these days, sometimes a good dose of fiction is just what I need when stressed or having a hard time focusing.
That said, here are the top 3 most influential books I read this year. These 3 books are most likely to influence my life for a long time.
Sometimes a good dose of fiction is just what I need when stressed or having a hard time focusing.Click To Tweet3 Most Influential Books I Read This Year
Confident Heart by Renee Swope
A Confident Heart is exactly what my heart needed to hear this year. With a recent rise in self-doubt and a lowering self-confidence, this book was just the thing I needed to read to help me get out of my “funk” as some might say.
The End of America
Oh man. I’m not sure where to start with this book. As a girl who usually doesn’t keep up with world news very well, this book was a HUGE eye opener for me. Quite frankly, it scared me stiff. And, it also made me realize how valuable our time is that we have on earth. Do I agree with everything in The End of America? Absolutely not. Would I recommend it to others? Absolutely. If for nothing else, it does an excellent job of opening eyes to the need of prayer for our nation and our world. We are in desperate need of the Lord’s grace and wisdom.
Out of Mormonism
While I had a Mormon friend in high school, until I read Out of Mormonism I really had no idea what being a Mormon really meant. Talk about another eye-opening book! I’m now interested in reading more autobiographies of Christians who have converted from other religious backgrounds as well. It helps me to better understand those around me and how to reach them for Christ.
