It’s that time of the year! It’s time to share a recap of the books I’ve read in the past 12 months.
If you’ve created your own list, I invite you to share it either in the comments or by adding your list to the link-up using the blue button at the bottom of this post.
I always love seeing what other people have been reading!
Please note, the links in this post are affiliate links to Amazon. If you choose to click through and make a purchase I will receive a (very) small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Click each title below to view the Amazon listings:
Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done
by Katie M. Reid
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I enjoyed reading an early copy of my friend Katie Reid’s book, Made Like Martha. This book was freeing in so many ways, as it reminded me of my position as God’s beloved daughter, and that He loves me unconditionally, regardless of what I manage to accomplish in this life.
Fledge: Launching Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind
by Brenda L. Yoder
This book by my friend Brenda Yoder was a timely and helpful read for me, as our kids are now 16, 13, and 11. I know these next few years are going to pass by in a blink, and then they’ll be gone. Fledge helped me to realign my perspective as a parent and reminded me to make the most of the time we have left, while gearing up mentally and emotionally for an empty nest in the near future.
The King’s Knight
by Matthew Blythe and Cynthia Stuckey
I so enjoyed this fictional YA allegory, co-written by my friend Cynthia Stuckey and her brother, Matthew Blythe. It is an action-packed story that beautifully illustrates the many phases of the Christian life. If you’re looking for a gift for an 8- to 12-year-old, I think they (and you!) will really enjoy this read.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
by Trevor Noah
I share this one with a language warning because it does contain a fair amount of swearing, but the story is so captivating. I read it on the plane back to South Africa for our first visit in over five years. I loved reading about Trevor Noah’s childhood, as he grew up as a mixed race child during apartheid South Africa. Fascinating (and funny) read.
All the Colors We Will See: Reflections on Barriers, Brokenness, and Finding Our Way
by Patrice Gopo
This is a lyrical and thought-provoking collection of essays written by my talented friend, Patrice Gopo. Patrice is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and writes about identity, belonging, and place interwoven through stories that range from her Alaskan childhood through marrying a Zimbabwean man who she met in South Africa. Beautifully and skillfully written.
Legacy of Mercy
by Lynn Austin
Legacy of Mercy is the sequel to Waves of Mercy, a historical novel set in my hometown of Holland, Michigan. Like all of Lynn Austin’s books, this one is wonderfully written, with richly developed characters and a captivating storyline.
Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me)
by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin
I read this one a few times in the process of writing and editing it, along with my co-author Shannon Popkin. We wrote this book for any Christian writers or speakers who wrestle with the tension of platform building and promoting oneself and one’s work in light of the gospel.
We Hope for Better Things
by Erin Bartels
This is a gorgeous new novel that you won’t want to miss. I received a free advanced copy at a writers conference I attended, and got swept into the story as soon as I opened the book. It is one of the rare reads that stayed with me long after I reached the last page. Highly recommended.
The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas
Another language warning on this title, but another book worth reading. A few months ago, my sister invited my 16-year-old son to watch the movie that was made about this book. As I started reading about the film, I realized this story could be about my son. After reading reviews about the book, I decided to pick up a copy myself. Though I didn’t enjoy the volume of swear words in the book, I really did appreciate the story and the insights it provided into the realities of so many people. I’m definitely glad i read it.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
by Austin Channing Brown
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I’ve heard Austing Channing Brown speak a few times, and I’m really glad I read her book. I appreciated Austin’s honesty and perceptive insights into a number of aspects of American culture. This was a book I wish I could’ve read with a group of other people so we could have conversations about the many issues Austin raises. Another highly recommended and thought-provoking read.
Never Again: Poems and Pleading for Freedom
by Nasreen Fynewever
This is a beautiful, transparent, and thought-provoking collection of poetry written by my friend, Nasreen Fynewever. A great gift for yourself or someone else.
Sermon on the Mount Bible Study
by Jen Wilkin
The ladies in our church recently finished this Bible study written by Jen Wilkin and it was SO good. If you’re looking for a group study, be careful — this one will cut straight to the heart in all the best ways.
BOOKS I’M STILL BUSY READING:
Love Letters to Writers
by Andi Cumbo-Floyd
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I treated myself to this book a few months ago, and I’m still working my way through it slowly, on purpose. It is meeting me exactly where I am and has ministered to me in so many ways. Honest and encouraging.
The ONE Thing:
The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
by Gary Keller
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My husband recommended this book to me, and it has been a good challenge to think through my priorities, gifts, and time management. If you’re looking for clarity or direction, this is a good choice.
That’s it! Have you read any of the titles on this list? If so, which ones?
I’ve got another full list of books I’m eager and ready to read in 2019. Maybe I’ll share it with you soon. šĀ
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What books did you read in 2018?
Share your list either by joining the link-up below, or by leaving a comment on this post:
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Ooh, I want to add “Influence” to my reading list. Thanks for sharing these! I keep track of what I read each year, too. My 2018 list so far (in no particular order): A Wind in the Door (L’Engle); The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair and The Last Battle (Lewis); A Refuge Assured and Free to Lean (Green); Bird by Bird (Lamott); The Vintage Girl (Brown); The Rabbi’s Heartbeat (Manning); Housekeeping (Robinson); Three Strand Cord (a self-published book by friend) and am currently reading Christmas at the Little Clock House on the Green (Devon).
Ooh, great list, Ann-Margret! Thanks for sharing! I hopeing to read at least one L’Engle book and at least one by Jocelyn Green this coming year. š I’ve heard wonderful things about Housekeeping as well. Blessings to you!
Same to you! And I hope you won’t mind if I steal this idea for a blog post. What a great way to share our love for books! š
It too bad that the link-up closes before the end of the year. I’m not done reading for the year, so I didn’t want to share until then. If you want to see what I’ve read and/or reviewed so far, it’s here: https://iron-diva.blogspot.com/2018/01/2018-book-trek-introduction.html. Check back at the end of the year for the complete list.
This looks like a great list of books, Kate! I haven’t read any of them but will definitely be adding a few of these to my list! Influence was already on my list of books to read so hope to read that soon. Thanks for running this link-up – it’s always fun to get new book suggestions!
Too bad the link-up closes before the end of the year. I’m not finished reading for the year and didn’t want to share until then. However, if you want to see what I’ve read so far, it’s here: https://iron-diva.blogspot.com/2018/01/2018-book-trek-introduction.html. Check back at the end of the year for the final list of all the books I’ve read and/or reviewed.
I follow the church year for my reading year so I actually blogged about the books I read at the beginning of Advent. http://srcogs.blogspot.com/2018/12/one-year-closes-and-another-begins.html
I enjoyed your list, Kate, and I shared my own end-of-year book post in the linkup. We overlapped on a few: Born a Crime, I’m Still Here, and of course your book. Thanks for sharing; you’ve given me some ideas for things to read in the new year. I’m especially interested in reading The Hate U Give because I’ve heard so much about it and about the movie based on it.
I am working my way through Austin Channing Brown’s book too. I appreciate her honesty too.
I just finished Jen Wilken’s Sermon on the Mount Study, too. It was SO good! Thanks for the great suggestions!
What a shame the link up has closed so quickly. Here’s a link to my blogpost about books I’ve read in 2018: https://thestufflifeismadeofblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/books-of-the-year/
Wow this book seems so captivating. I haven’t read any yet but I will add them to my read list for this year.
So far I have read some Christian books which are life-changing. This is the link to the books https://www.isikaemmanuel.com/search/label/Books
Above all these books, there is one I love the most called Evangelism by fire by Reinhard Boonke. It took me 3 months to get this book. it can be found through https://www.isikaemmanuel.com/2019/05/evangelism-by-fire-pdf.html