My TBR List {as it Currently Stands}

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The other day I saw this fantastic list from Victoria of Creative Home Keeper of the books she plans to read this year. I was so inspired by her titles that I thought it would be fun to share my own reading plans for the year.

You may already know that I'm working through Tim Challies' Reading Challenge. I don't think I will finish all 104 titles {though that would be awesome}, but I'd like to try to beat last year's 75 books. The challenge categories determine a lot of my chosen titles. I'm pleased that there is more flexibility in this year's plan, however.

We own quite a few books... and so many on our shelves have gone unread for years. So very many of these books were chosen because we already had them. I want to be familiar with my personal library! I started this list by matching unread books on my shelf to categories on the Reading Challenge.


Also keep in mind that this is in no way a comprehensive list. I like to leave room in my reading life for picking up random titles that catch my eye in the moment. It keeps things fresh and interesting for me.

Without further ado, this year I plan to read:

Crime and Punishment by Dostevsky. The great Russian novels are completely missing from my knowledge of the classics, and as a self-styled literary enthusiast, I really need to remedy that. Bring it on!

The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitefield by Stephen Lawson. Dear friends gifted us this entire series of Christian biographies for Christmas. I read and enjoyed the Martin Luther one last year, and I have plenty more to work through... so it's time to get started!

Story of the World: Ancient Times by Susan Wise Bauer. I've read excerpts of this series to my kids as sections correspond with our history for school, but I'd like to read through it on my own to expand my own understanding of history.

Parenting the Whole-Hearted Child by Jeannie Cunnion. This is the only one of the 12 Parenting Books I planned to read last year that I haven't finished. I'm over half way through, and there has been plenty of good stuff!

War and Peace by Tolstoy. I told you I'm going to fit in those Russians ;). This should fit the bill for novel over four hundred pages.

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mewed by Alan Bradley. The most recent in the Flavia DeLuce series {The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first in it}. They aren't my favorite books ever, but I do enjoy the characters and settings, and the writing itself. I like that they are mystery books I can put down, as my life isn't very conducive to story grip.

Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery. I so enjoyed Emily of New Moon last year! I definitely want to read the rest of the trilogy this year.

Hilbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. I've heard a lot of buzz, and it works for a book about a current issue.

The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett. Another carry over title from last year. I'm enjoying a few of these prayers from puritans each morning with my Bible reading.

Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper. My Pennsylvania Pastor's wife gave me this book for my birthday a few years back. It looks great, and I keep meaning to read it- time to do it.

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald. This has been on our shelf for ages, and looks promising.

Exodus by Nancy Ganz. I read her children's commentary on Genesis last year and really found it to be helpful {even for grown ups!}. Looking forward to the second in her series of the Pentateuch.

The 5 Points of Calvinism by Richard Steele. Also, on our shelf for ages. My husband recommends it.

The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. My mother says, "I'm not sure the vehicle of the story was great, but the facts were really interesting." Category: book recommended by a family member.

Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I won this in an Instagram giveaway from the author. Very exciting, since I've wanted to read it for awhile anyways!

What the Bible Teaches About Angels by Roger Ellsworth. This isn't a title I would have naturally gravitated to, but my previously mentioned former Pastor's Wife gave me a copy after reading it and enjoying it herself. And I have a lot of theology categories to fill on the Challies plan!

Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola. I saw it on the shelf of a woman at church and she was kind enough to loan it to me. Very excited to learn more about Charlotte Mason home education.

How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren. This has been on our shelf FOREVER. I am very interested in the topic- obviously!

Be Still, My Soul edited by Nancy Guthrie. A collection of writings on suffering. I really enjoyed Nancy Guthrie's book Holding Onto Hope {see below}, and have been so challenged by her own story of suffering.

A Woman's Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George. Yet another gift from my Pastor's Wife :). An area I need to grow in, and E.G. is always good for a motivational boost and lots of practical help.

Salt Cellar by Charles Spurgeon. This old and nearly forgotten collection of wise quips and proverbs from the great London preacher came to us when an elderly retired Pastor handed down his library.

Red Like Blood by Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington. Bought this from the book table when we heard Pastor Tedd Tripp of Shepherding a Child's Heart speak.

The Thought of God by Maurice Roberts. Highly recommended by our former pastor.

Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. A book I've started but never finished. Devotional with readings for each morning and evening. This will probably take me all year!

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. Reader Cindy says, "I've found that the principles apply to absolutely everything--housework, homeschooling, losing weight, spiritual things, etc." Sold!

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. Reader Hannah says, "For a book club I participate in, we read L.M. Montgomery's 'The Blue Castle' which isn't as well known, but it was fantastic easy reading. The main character is 29 year old, so a slight departure from her early Anne books, but that made it all the better to me. "

Spurgeon's Practical Wisdom by Charles Spurgeon. Are you noticing a lot of Spurgeon? Well, we have a lot on our shelves, and I've enjoyed everything I've ever read of his.

Divided by Faith by Micael O. Emerson. Reader Arline says, "{It} has helped me understand the ethnic divisions in the American church and hopefully how to help fight them." Perfect for the Book about Race or Racial Issue category.

Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson. A perfect read to start the New Year off on the right foot.

The Life Giving Home by Sally Clarkson. I've had my eye on this since it came out. The focus of my life in this season is creating a home where the Gospel is central, beauty and grace are displayed, and the souls of loved ones are nourished.

Parenting by Paul David Tripp. I've been interested since it first came out {last year?}, and several trusted sources highly recommend.

Teaching from Rest by Sarah MacKenzie. I adore the Read Aloud Revival podcast, and I've heard people gush about this book. Can't wait!

None Like Him by Jen Wilkin. Loved Women of the Word, heard this one is even better.

The Complete Book of Home Organization by Toni Hammersley. I can always use inspiration in this area.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Has been sitting on my nightstand since I borrowed it from my mothers months ago.

I would also like to do a lot of re-reading this year. There is something to be said for repetition- I need more time with these books to absorb and implement the content:

Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I haven't read this since early college days. I think I'll glean a lot more after 9 years of married life and the real world.

Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thomas. I read this when my oldest was still a baby- it's where I want to live and I need a refresher.

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. The sweet fictional diary of a young woman from her teen years to middle age {I think? Having trouble remembering...}. Read this pre-kids and loved it.

Fit to Burst by Rachel Jankovic. I love love love Loving the Little Years, and I thought this one was ok when I read it two years ago. But one of my IRL besties said this was by far her favorite. Her kids are older than mine, and I think there must be something to it. Must revisit.

Holding Onto Hope by Nancy Guthrie. This really ministered to me after our last miscarriage. Nancy's tale of losing two sweet babies to a genetic condition is heartbreaking, theologically rich, and an absolute balm for the soul.

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. Short articles from her newsletter covering a broad range of topics. SO. GOOD.

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp. Lot's of food for thought, and it's been too long since I last read it.

Together by Carrie Ward. All about reading the Bible to your kids. Only one of my favorite topics :).

The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippets. It's better to go into the house of mourning than the house of feasting, to consider our ends.

It's My Turn by Ruth Bell Graham. Horrible cover, lame title... but an absolute pearl of a book.

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. I was truly surprised by how much this book inspired me.

Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt. So much encouragement and motivation for building a solid reading culture in your home. It is just a pure delight to read and revisit.

Now I'd love to know- what books are you planning to read this year?