You guys know I LOVE LOVE to read. I set a high goal of 30 books this year for my reading challenge and I fell short. 🙁 I read 23 books, which is still really good. I slacked a bit on my reading in the early fall months, but now I am back at it. I also got into podcasts this year, so I prefer those to books on tape right now. (Yes, audio books would totally count towards my book goal… don’t judge!)
I read a few great books this year, but most of them were just okay. I guess I made some crappy selections, ha! Let’s focus on the good, shall we? These are in no particular order and I am linking you to them using affiliate links, just so ya know. 😉
My Top Books of 2017:
- Pretty Girls: This was one majorly screwed up book, but MAN was it good! I got halfway through and thought… What else could possibly happen? The story appeared to be over… and then BOOM… sh*t gets crazy. The subject matter is not for the faint of heart and normally I hate gruesome books, but there were so many twists and turns that I flew through it. If you want a book that you can’t put down, this is it! (but don’t say that I didn’t warn you, it’s disturbing)
- The Magnolia Story: I enjoyed every second of this book and was sad when I finished it. I always liked Chip and Joanna from Fixer Upper, I don’t watch them all the time or anything… but after reading this book I LOVE them! Even though this story is about their life and how they got to where they are, it is packed with life-lessons. I found myself wondering if fear was holding me back from certain things, especially since I read it around the same time I was considering a job offer and leaving my TV career. This isn’t a self-help book, but I got so much out of it.
- It Ends With Us: I loved this book, so good… it made me cry. At the end of book, there was a story behind the story from the author that was amazing and made the book that much more powerful. (cryptic, I know… but I don’t want to give any spoilers!) Just read it!
- The China Study: This book was so informative and scary at the same time. I went dairy-free for a month, partly because of what I read in this book. It was a crazy read.
- Leave Me: I loved this book and flew through it in just a few days. The only thing was I wasn’t crazy about the ending. It left too many good storylines open and I hate that.
- The Universe Has Your Back: Great book with a ton of tips, meditations and writing exercises. I started another Gabrielle Bernstein book once and didn’t like it, but this one was really good!
- Between Two Worlds: Lessons from the Other Side: I love Tyler Henry and his show on E! so I loved this book. It was interesting to read about his life and how he discovered his gifts.
- The Secret: I read this book in my late teens/early 20’s and it really stayed with me so I wanted to re-read it to see if it was as good as I remember… and it was!! I 100% believe in the law of attraction and I can’t believe how much this book unknowingly shaped my decisions throughout my life until I was reading it again and thinking “YES!!! I think like that!” This book is a little out there.. but you guys know I love that stuff so it shouldn’t come as a surprise!! I think everyone should read this one.
So out of 23 books only 8 of them are good enough for you, in my honest opinion. 😉 If you read anything amazing this year, please let me know in comments… since obviously, my book selection is slipping.
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I’d love to read the Magnolia Story. I’ve only recently hopped on the Chip and Jo wagon, and I think they’re fantastic!
It is such a good book! You will def enjoy it. 🙂
I have a degree in nutrition and I hear often about the China study. But I’ve never read the book. I’m sure it is scary. Lots of great recommendation here. I like to read but need some inspiration for good books.
It was crazy.. basically saying how big companies control the government agencies in charge of food safety, etc.
I am so adding these to my list for 2017, thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy them! Happy New Year!
These all sound like great books! I have all of the books in The Secret series. Since you love that book you may want to check out Wayne Dyer and Esther Hicks, if you haven’t already. They both talk about the Law of Attraction.
I am reading that one right now! I learned about them listening to the Lively Show podcast! 🙂
I fell short of my reading goal this year by just a few books! It Ends With Us was one I enjoyed reading this year too!!
Yeah I really slacked off the second half of the year… I am trying to make more time to read by going to bed earlier. Happy New Year!
Pretty GIrls does sound like a really good book! I just requested to put it on hold at the library so I can read it!
It is crazy good… but so disturbing at the same time! It sticks with you, thats for sure!
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i am always looking for new books to read! Thank you for this list! I’m adding all of them to my list!
23 is a great accomplishment! I read The Secret again last year and enjoyed the reminders. Thanks for sharing your likes!
Thanks for sharing! I am always looking for new books to read. And sometimes it’s nice to step away from your usual genre.
Thanks for sharing this awesome list. Reading is my me time at the end of a long day and I’m always looking to add new books to my list.
I started listening to podcasts last year as well. They’re perfect for those moments when you have to clean the house and do chores but still want to make it fun. My favorite podcast is “She Percolates”.
I’m always looking for a great new book to read so I’m very happy to find these suggestions. Thanks!
I love getting new book recommendations. I’ll have to check them out!
I love your list. I was unable to read one entire book last year!!!! That’s insane, I know. I have a couple on my phone right now waiting for me when I have the time! Thanks for sharing your list!
Great list – I particularly liked the China Study because it had such a decisive impact on my life. It has changed my diet until today. Thanks for sharing this post – lots of good reads to choose from.
I’m always looking for more books to read and I think I’m going to add some to my list. If yu haven’t read The woman in cabin 10 it’s really good!
Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to check some of these out!
My friend really likes Colleen Hoover books. I will add It Ends With Us to my reading list.
I’ve been wanting to read The Magnolia Story so bad! My husband and I are huge fans of Fixer Upper haha
Thanks for sharing.. I have only read The Secret, so I will have to check out the others. I was wondering if Magnolia Story would be worth the read.. now I’ll have to at least borrow it from the library. I am reading Nicole Curtis’ bio right now and am enjoying it too. (if you are a fan of Rehab Addict like I am) 🙂