So, another one of my ‘lists’ for 2016, was a reading list. My step-sister in-law (phew – what a mouthful – hehehe – hi Liz!) very kindly added me to her ‘Booklovers’ Facebook group at the end of last year and it has re-ignited my love of reading again.
Growing up we didn’t have a TV in our house so we all read a lot and I love, love nothing better than to get lost in a good book, especially if it is cold and raining outside and even better if there is a fireplace involved! However, since kids came along – there hasn’t been a lot of time or energy for reading and I’ll have to admit that I have been suckered into watching TV series like Nashville and Friday Night Lights instead spending my down time reading.
Things are changing in 2016 and reading is back!!! Thanks to the help of some great recommendations from my ‘Booklovers’ friends – I’ve come up with a list of 12 books (one a month – that is definitely doable for me) to read in 2016. I’m sharing them on the blog in case anybody else is interested in reading them too;
January – Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
February – The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna
March – The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
April – Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
May – The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
June – All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
July – Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso
August – The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood
September – Almost French by Isabelle Allende
October – What to Do When It’s Your Turn – Seth Goodwin
November – The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood
December – The Country Wife by Anne Gorman
I’m not sure that I will stick to this reading order, but there is a plan and a list at least and I’m very excited about all this reading!
I’m also hoping to squeeze in a few extra’s there too like The Maze Runner books which I am reading with Jack and eyeing off the book Matt is reading at the moment also – Man (dis)Connected by Phillip Zimbardo. Toby is loving the ‘Diary of A Wimpy Kid’ books, but I just can’t seem to bring myself to read them! Lexi and I have been trying to read Charlotte’s Web together for over twelve months now – so I am hoping that this will be the year we finish it! And Kipp loves books too – especially this one – aaargh – so over it!
I’m really keen to just go off now and place a big book order on Booktopia, but I might have to try the library first and see what I can place on hold there. I’m old school and still like to read a real book – haven’t bought myself a kindle yet although I do sometimes read a book on my iPhone.
Also, full credit to my step-sister in law, Liz, again – for introducing me to the fantastic idea of ‘DEAR’ – Drop Everything And Read. The idea is that at 7.00pm every night – we all (everybody in the family) stop what we are doing and read for thirty minutes. This coincides with the kids heading off to bed at 7.30pm. We are starting this when school goes back – I think it will be really great!
Does anybody else out there love reading books too? Got any recommendations for me – I’d love to add to my list!
Happy Reading in 2016!
Love The Fealy Family xoxoxox
Great idea Jes!
I am joining you! Just ordered first book on your list at library.
When I left Samford, Angela W and I started a book club (wine club!) as a way to stay in touch with each other. It’s a bit hit and miss but that’s the whole purpose. Otherwise I tend to go for the same old thing all the time. This month we are reading The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do. I’ll let you know how goes.
Also just finished first of Diary of whimpy kid books. Connor loves them too. Now that kids are too old to read to me it’s nice to read the same books so you can talk about it. We are watching the DVD this afternoon! Bit over the stinky cheese slice!
Thanks for inspiring me ones again Jes!
Happy reading
Carole
Hehehehe – I love the idea of a ‘wine’ club Carole! Might have to try to wrangle some ladies in up here! Definitely keen to hear what you think of the Anh Do book – I’ll add it to my list – thanks!!
I read every night and love it. So so good. A few girlfriends and I started a book club and we were supposed to read a book each month and meet up for dinner to discuss. It hasnt quite turned out that way but still lots of fun! You should read “Room” it’s a thought provoking read. Its coming out as a movie soon. Also Gone Girl, Dark Places, Girl on a Train are good thriller ones. If you like the Maze Runner you should try the Divergent series. That was goos too. Hope you guys are well xx
Thinks for the book idea’s Liz – just checked out ‘Room’ – definitely putting it on the list!! Is the Divergent series to old for a mature 10 year old reader still do you think?
Yeah probably a little too old I think. Lachlan is 10 in August and a very good reader but don’t think he would be up to it yet. Concepts are a little more adult Has he read the Harry Potter series … I reckon that would be perfect!
Also just thought of another for you … The Husband’s Secret. A good easy read. I finished it in a couple of days ?
Jess love your list – our Bookclub (which misses you very much) have read many of them – Anthony Doer’s All The Light We Cannot See was a standout favourite, as was Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (once you’ve read it, look for the Australian Story documentary on the author on ABC). Anything by Margaret Atwood will have you thoroughly hooked and totally fooled! I have just finished Kate Morton’s The LakeHouse – wonderful rainy day mystery with loads of surprising twists, from a local Brissy author. And last night I finished Madga Szubanski’s autobiography Reckoning which was recommended by ABC’s Jennifer Byrne on the BookClub – it was brilliantly written and a fascinating insight into our much loved “Sharon”. We are big readers in our house and we are going to try the DEAR strategy tonight and see how it goes – Audrey tends to like us to read to her. Either way, it’s better than Sunday night TV!
WOW ! love it. Thank you Dear friend for collecting this list , its just love but one thing i note it here that you should also add some books for kids. heheeh
So here is one as a suggestion its hilarious : diary of a wimpy kid book 1
cheers