I read for relaxation. I read for learning. Reading is a big part of who I am. I normally have a book with me just in case I have time to read. 

I read e-books. I read real books. Some books come from the library. Some books I borrow. Some books I purchase. 

I read current books and a few classics. I read Christian fiction and Christian living. My reading preferences are varied. 

With a few more days remaining in the year, I am guessing that I will reach my goal of 100. I am currently at 96 books read. I am not going to list all 96 but rather give some of the highlights. I do keep a list of the books that I have read as well as a list of recommendations. 

One of my reading goals for the year was to read all the books I acquired this year. I have done well but will probably have six books that I won’t finish this year. We won’t talk about books purchased in previous years. 

I had a goal of reading some more classics. I read some but not as many as I wanted. 

Some of the books I read this year. 

Best Business or Productivity Book Deep Work – This book challenged me to learn to focus. I think I still need to practice that. Here is just one quote from the book. “To master the art of deep work, therefore, you must take back control of your time and attention from the many diversions that attempt to steal them.” (page 182). 

Best Christian Living book – This is a three-way tie: Real Peace, Humble Roots, and The Art of Rest – Real Peace – I selected this book when I was studying Peace for the fruit of the spirit study through the year. This book gave me a visual of what peace is. It helped me to consider peace in a new way. It was an easy read and one I would read again. Humble Roots – I read that as an e-book. There were numerous bits that I highlighted and challenged me as I considered humility. The Art of Rest – I remember years ago a sermon on Sabbath rest. It impacted me that even though I was in grad school I began to practice having a day of rest. I will confess that I have not practiced that as much but this book challenged me to again begin to practice having a day of rest. 

Book inspired by travels – Stasiland Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall – In April we spent a few days in Berlin. We needed something to do one day and went to the GDR Museum. Having visited the museum and getting a bit of insight into life in the GDR this book was interesting to read. My husband bought it at a used book sale and we both read it.

The book that took me the longest to finish – Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices – I really don’t know how long it took me to read this book. This is a Puritan Classic so that might explain why it was the book that took me the longest to finish. I will say it was worth the read. I might challenge myself to read just one Puritan Classic a year. I thought I could do four in a year but reality is that is more than I can handle. 

Favourite Best seller – A Man Called Ove – I borrowed this from the library. I am not always a fan of the best sellers but this one surprised me. I enjoyed the story. It has a great message of reaching out to those around you. 

I am pondering my reading goals for 2019. I do want to read more of the books on my shelves that have been there for a few years. I want to add some classics to my reading list. 

What have your read this year? Do you have a favourite book?

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