This past year has been a whirlwind. When I pause to take a breath, I can’t even believe we survived it. Preparing for and selling a house, buying and remodeling two more houses, and sending The Girl off to college, all while wading through the usual junk life throws at you. I barely had time to eat and sleep, let alone read. And I really have missed reading. The thing I love about reading is that it forces you to relax and calm your mind, so it can be filled with all sorts of other things: humor, knowledge, advice. I forget how necessary and helpful it is for me to unwind, so I’m making reading a priority this year by setting a pretty lofty goal: 52 books in 52 weeks.
Yep. A book every single week of the year. Of course I’ll be blogging all about everything I read! This is going to be fun. I have a pretty long list I’ve been keeping, so I’m excited to start crossing titles off that list. I’m going to read any and every book genre, and I’m always open to suggestions. Plus, my goal is your gain, because once I’m done with my monthly reading, I’ll be giving the books I’ve read away to YOU!
Check out what I’m reading this month:
The Wild Truth by Carine Mc Candless is probably the book I’m most excited about reading. That’s why it’s the very first of 52 books I’m picking up this year. The Wild Truth is written by Chris McCandless’ sister, Carine. Chris McCandless was the subject of Jon Krakauer’s best seller, Into the Wild. Carine essentially fills in the blanks of the Chris’ life. And since I’ve read Into the Wild three times and seen the movie twice, I am fascinated by what Carine has to say.
I think Amy Poehler is, hands down, one of the funniest humans on the planet. I am not sure how, Yes Please, is Amy’s first book, because I’m sure she has books of hilarious content just rolling around in her brain. But I’m super excited to laugh like crazy when I read this. Laughing is good for your soul after all.
This book, Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin, probably wouldn’t have been on my radar at all if it wasn’t for the HH. He picked this up at the airport for his last flight and went on and on about how good it was. So I’m mostly reading it to keep him from badgering me anymore, but I secretly hope it’s as awesome as he says it is!
Still Alice by Lisa Genova was recommended to me by my friend JJ. It tells the story of a super accomplished Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. The storyline fascinates me, plus I’ve heard there is a movie coming out about it. I’ll have to add that to my other never ending list: movies to watch!
Remember what I said earlier about reading every and any type of books? Bugs in my Hair by David Shannon proves I wasn’t kidding. I figured I might need a little break and one week with a bit of light reading, so I threw a children’s book in the mix this month.
So there you have my lineup for my first month of my 52 books in 52 week challnge. Have you read any of the books above? Loved them? Hated them? Have any great reads lately that I should add to my list?
~Mavis
Donna says
The Raft (young Adult novel) by S.A. Bodeen and ONE SECOND AFTER WILLIAM R. FORSTCHEN
Madam Chow says
One Second After is hiair raising! A book I love, and hope to re-read this year, is The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s about Dracula, it’s huge, and it’s excellent.
Donna says
It is a book that I always recommend. I should reread it as well. I lent my copy to so many people that I lost track of it. Its one of those books that stick with you.
Elise says
Hi Mavis, and Happy New Year!
What a great idea! I love to read too, had something to with not having a TV until I was 12… I love long novels, and rarely read anything less than 300 pages. Ken Follett is my favorite, and spy novels and historical fiction (his 2 fortes) are my favorites. Working my way through about 25 W.E.B Griffin novels now. I think I’m on my 8th or 9th… They take more than a week, but SO worth it 🙂
PS- I’ll always love your musings no matter what the topic 🙂 I discovered you in the last 2 years, after the couponing thing was over, I love gardening too.
Jennifer P. says
Wow, a book every week! My goal is to read 12 books this year. With two kiddos, that is challenge enough for me. I, also, have Amy Poehler’s book on my short list. Thank you for sharing your list. I read several great books last year, and find that recommendations from friends is the best way to find books that I like. I just finished “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It was the perfect, after Christmas,uplifting story and quick read.
Mimi says
I just read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. It’s an older book and my 11 yr old begged me to read it. I think it would be right up your alley as far as messages and it is relatively short so it could be one of your lighter weeks reading.
ann in E. oregon says
I love to read, too. I have appreciated (and read) many of the books you’ve found on Amazon to recommend. I have been able to find them through my county library loan system. One of my favorites, that I’d like to recommend to you, (if it’s not already on your list) is “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics”, by Daniel James Brown. You may find it especially interesting considering the setting for the story is the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Seattle area and the University of Washington. 🙂
Delores says
Books! I am not sure what type you like, but here goes: Unbroken (I know, so many have read it, but it truly is a phenomenal story); The Power of Habit; Till We Have Faces (I read it every year); Chronicles of Narnia & Lord of the Rings (I always recommend those); Boys in the Boat; Daring Greatly; The Language of Flowers; George Washington’s Secret Six; The Giver; Adam of the Road. I am looking forward to hearing about your books!
Nichole says
I’ve thought about having this goal but I think I may just stick to 1 book a month considering that would be beating my previous year by quite a bit (if you don’t count children’s books and work books).
If you’ve never read it, I recommend Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It’s a bit of an easy, quick read but the topics covered have everything to do with life and all that comes with it and it really helped me to think more about my own life and how to take it all in stride.
Brooke says
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is still one of my favorite books. If you haven’t already read it, I think you would enjoy it
Nina says
Hi Mavis,
I will reread the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters–entertaining and well researched. I also read CS Lewis and Tolkein. I always recommend Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather. She’s a true American writer and shouldn’t get lost among the males. Another good writer is Louis Owens who wrote Native American/mystery novels. I’ll try to keep up with your 52 books idea and look forward to adding all the recommendations to my book list.
Julie says
Love this idea! My most favorite recently read? Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Biography.” – an absolute must for any Laura Ingalls Wilder fan!
Sue says
I second “Power of Habit” and also “Animal Vegetable Mineral”.
But my current recommendation is “The Big Tiny” by Dee Williams. I think it will hit a chord with you! It’s sure inspiring me and I’m not even halfway through it yet.
Sue
Sue says
Replying to myself to say that I’ve just put in a library request for Carine McCandless’ book — I’m fascinated by Chris too and look forward to this insight about him. Thanks!
Sue
Anna Marie Rosales says
Anything by Nicholas Sparks! He is by far my favorite author! The Notebook, Dear John, The Lucky One, The Last Song, The Choice,The Best of Me, The Longest Ride and so many more! Love love love books that you feel you just can’t put down.
Cheryl says
I just updated my 2014 Goodreads account, I believe I ended up with 54 books in 2014. And am going to attempt to read 60 books for 2015. I discovered that I read a lot of non fiction that falls into 3 categories: Spirituality, anything WWII related, and lately cookbooks. Good luck!
Margery says
I really enjoyed the Splendid Solution by Jeffrey Kluger about Jonas Salk, a favorite classic is Eight Cousins, and the follow up Rose in Bloom by Alcott, A favorite young boy classic is My Father’s Dragon, and my kids all time favorite for a read aloud is Mother West Wind by Thornton Burgess. We are a family that loves books, in fact we are moving from New York to Kansas this year and the hardest part of reducing the amount of stuff we own is getting rid of books.
Debbie says
This is my goal this year too! I will be focusing primarily on young adult literature because I am a high school librarian. I just finished my first book for the new year called The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin. It’s about black sailors who refused orders to load munitions after many of their friends and comrades being killed loading munitions. It was a horrific accident and destroyed the dock and nearby ships and killed hundreds of men. The sailors who refused to continue the same unsafe conditions were tried with treason and sedition. A fascinating and quick read about a part of civil rights history I wasn’t aware of in previous readings.
I look forward to hearing about your future choices and those of the other readers on here!
Karin says
Great goal. I’ll never make a book a week in my working weeks, but on holiday I try to read a book a day. in the morning we go and see the sights, but in the afternoon and evening I read.
A beautiful book I read last year was A fault in our stars by John Green. It is actually a young teen book, but it is very touching. Read it before you see the movie.
Kelley Brown says
I just started the Amy Poehler book. I’m looking forward to reading what you have to share on the subject.
Mary Neathway says
Do read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society…. you become so engrossed you think , “I’ll just go there and visit these people”. and then realize, wait- they’re not real. And if you want good children’s books- Anne of Green Gables. Such delightful language. But then, I read most anything put in front of me because it’s a good excuse not to clean house. Last year’s total came to 122 books…. many were mysteries, none were Harlequins, some were cookbooks and a few were for a book club. I’d rather read than sleep
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Mary! I just put the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on my list.
charwelsh says
I recommend Empty Mansions. Not my usual read – but very good. I also recommend anything by Stephen King or his son Joe Hill.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks! I just took a peek and I think I’m going to add it to my list.
Laura says
I’m reading Wild now. I also just finished Little Britches by Ralph Moody. Which is an account of the family’s move to Littleton Colorado and was written in the 50’s. It’s a sweet book about the family and what it was like setting up their ranch.
ann in E. oregon says
The Little Britches series is fantastic. Our family favorite was “Mary Emma & Company.”
Emma says
I read still Alice not long ago. It was pretty good but not great if you know what I mean. I do think its great to read these books to get a tiny insight. Shattered is also interesting as is A Boy called It. There is a fascinating psych case study book called The man who mistook his wife for a hat. There is another novel about twin brothers one with schizophrenia the other without but can’t remember what it is called at the moment.
My favourite book is The Shipping News, such a beautiful way of describing things. And i have reread Power of One every few years. Another recommendation would be Something to tell you. Took me hours to read the last few pages as I was bawling my eyes out. Still not sure how that happened but it is a beautiful book
Janet says
I liked “Still Alice” – quite an eye opener if you are older and nearing the age of loding your mind (I am the same age as Alice). “the Power of One” is fantastic – I could see rereading that!
Janet says
Add audible books to your reading list and you will double it. I use Audible and listen as I garden, walk, drive and do chores. Listened to 25 books in 2014!
Janet says
I especially like Bryce Courtenay’s books. Long, epic historical fiction. The reader, Humphrey Bower, is very good, especially with the Austrailian accents. Start with “The Power of One” set in South Africa.
Rebecca says
Happy New Year Mavis!
I admire your goal to read 52 books this year. My goal is 12 books/one book a month. I work two jobs – – – one full-time and one part-time, so time is limited for me.
I highly recommend: What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey. I listened to the audio edition while driving to and from work and loved it. Do you like audio books? I was thinking that you might enjoy listening to audio books while you are working in your garden.
Mavis Butterfield says
I am a HUGE fan of audio books. 🙂 Thanks Rebecca.
Sarah says
I love this idea and can’t wait to read all about what you’re reading! (That sentence was confusing… :D) Anyway, one of my favorite authors is Malcolm Gladwell. “Blink” is one of my favorite books of his. It really makes you stop and think about how our minds work. Even though he writes nonfiction, his books are filled with attention-grabbing stories and examples. I’ve been up until the wee hours of the morning reading his books more than I’d like to admit. 😉
Carol says
I just finished reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. It took me a little while to get into it, but the story touched me deeply. It was hilarious and touching at the same time. I laughed out loud and cried from time to time. Usually, books don’t affect me this way. My better half is motivated to read it, as he hasn’t seen a book make me laugh out loud and cry. 🙂 The story seems deceptively simple at first, so you have to keep going. Suffice it to say that Ove is a grumpy man with a big heart. The book has been a best seller in Europe.
Michelle says
We just listened to The Fault in our stars and The River, which is the sequel to Hatchet. They are both YA books but we enjoyed them. ALso the Giver or THe Good Earth by Pearl S Buck. I would like to read more but often don’t know what to read.
Mindy says
My sister says Goldfinch is the best book she’s ever read. She’s already reading it again. I, too, look forward to making reading a priority this year.
Adina says
Can I recommend Me Before You by Jojo Moyes? I couldn’t put it down.
Ellen in Clackamas says
Could I ask Cheryl what is the “Goodreads Account”? I love to read (and read a lot) and would like to have a way to 1) keep track of what I read and 2) keep an on-going list of books I want to read. I see such interesting titles here but always mis-place the list if I just write it down on a piece of paper!
Lilypad says
I loved “All the The Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. It takes place in World War II (my favorite time period to read about, like Cheryl above!) and it’s gripping and beautifully written. I just read Amy Poehler’s book a few weeks ago and I didn’t like it. It was surprisingly crude and mean-spirited, in my opinion. Have you read “Bossypants” by Tina Fey? That was better.
Now that my son is older and much more independent, I read all the time and usually read at least 52 per year as well. Please keep posting your selections, I’m always looking for suggestions!
Melissa says
I love this selection!