Hi there! Just popping in with a book list in case you’ve set some reading goals and need a little inspiration. Here are my favorite books from 2018.

Nonfiction

My Squirrel Days, Ellie Kemper

Fun, light-hearted, told in short vignettes so it’s easy to read if you only have snippets of time here and there for reading.

Becoming, Michelle Obama

I thought I’d be more interested in her life in the White House than anything else, but I was captivated by her stories of her childhood and young adulthood. This was one of those rare books for me that changed my perspective in ways I didn’t expect.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

I neglected pretty much everything I needed to do in my life while I read this book. I picked it up because I wanted to learn more about Henrietta Lacks herself, and then I got caught up in the stories of all of her family members and how the HeLa cell research affected their lives.

Faith-based

Life of the Beloved, Henri Nouwen

This is a book I will come back to again and again throughout my life. It’s a beautiful reminder of why we are here and a look at what our existence means, as well as a reminder to keep seeking God, regardless of circumstance.

The Dream of God, Verna Dozier

I kept planning to write a post on this book and never finding adequate words, so I decided just to pass along the title to you instead. Be sure to have a journal and pen nearby.

Cookbooks

Cooking for Jeffrey, Ina Garten

My overly loftly Goodreads reading goals for 2018 included reading a lot of cookbooks, specifically the ones that tell stories, like Ina’s. I adore Ina and Jeffrey–and all of the ridiculous memes about them!–so this was a fun read for me. And the recipes are out of this world, of course.

Fiction

State of Wonder, Ann Patchett

If you’re firmly in the happy ending / beach read / light and airy camp, this one is not for you, but if you are looking for exquisitely written, perfectly executed fiction, get a copy of this one right now.

The Forgotten Garden, Kate Morton

I’d read Kate Morton’s grocery lists if she published them. That is all.

Children’s Lit

The View from Saturday, E.L. Konigsburg

You can never go wrong with a childhood favorite, right? Reading this one as a grownup was a treat. It’s on the shelf of novels to read with my kid when he’s big enough.

What were your best books last year? I’d love to hear some recommendations!