Do you remember getting a summer reading list in elementary and middle school? Or maybe it was just a form for you to keep track of all the books you read over the summer, that a parent would sign off on, for a prize when you went back to school? 

I missed that. Then I realized that nothing was preventing me from creating my own reading list and going to town, so that’s exactly what I did. Here are the books I’ve read so far this year (I’m actually typing this post in September!) plus a couple that I’m looking forward to reading. I have them categorized by genre for you to school until you see something you like! 

Christian Living

Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning – The book really focuses on the Love that God has for us as His children and it’s so healing. 10/10 recommend. 

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning – See above, except this book revolves more around God’s grace. Brennan is truly a gifted writer. 

Amazing Encounters with God by Clayton King – This was as fun to read as it was eye-opening. If you like compilations of short stories, you’ll love this book. 

Scary Close by Donald Miller – Donald has such an easy, laid back style of writing while prompting the reader to pause and think about what he’s saying. 

Fantasy Fiction

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling – I’m rereading this series simply because it’s nostalgic. 

Blood of Elves (Witcher Series) by Andrzej Sapkowski – What The Witcher on Netflix is based off of. There is a lot of dialogue and can feel slow paced at times, but it’s a very immersive world. 

Romance 

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen – Finally read this classic piece of literature and even though the writing style was much different than what I’m used to, it was enjoyable. 

Here’s what I’m hoping to read in the near future:

Christian Living

40 Day Social Media Fast – I’d love to read this one between December and January, when I take the month off. It seems like such a great way to start a new year. 

Paranormal Romance

Wicked All Night by Jeanine Frost – Jeanine is an amazing writer; I’ve read almost all of her published work. This book is actually #3 in her latest series about two vampires. 

It’s not necessarily my goal to complete my whole list by the end of this year. In fact, as of August, I stepped into a women’s mentoring group with my church as a mentee. Part of our studies include reading a new book each month until May of 2022. This means I’ll also be reading much more of the Christian Living genre, which I’m excited about. I typically like to alternate between fiction and non-fiction because, speaking personally, it became unhealthy for me to have my nose buried in fiction novels all the time. Reading is such a big hobby of mine that I need books that will ground me and educate me. 

I’ve enjoyed every single book I’ve read so far this year. I know that streak will break at some point, but it does have my hopes up for the books I have my eye on for future reads. Sharing my favorite things with people and introducing them to new/different things is something I truly enjoy so I encourage you to pick a book from this post and read at least the sample. Don’t forget to let me know what you think!