Last year I read (but mostly listened to) so many great books. I have my Audible membership to thank for this. It should be noted that I went through way too many pairs of wireless headphones before I realized that I am an old-fashioned plug-in headphones kind of gal but I have officially joined the amazing world of audiobooks. Let me tell y’all… they are a busy mama’s best friend! I LOVE the feeling of a physical book in hand but with two tiny people running around it’s so much easier to listen!
Here’s what I read last year:
HEART
One Thousand Gifts – Favorite read of the year. Definitely had to be the right time of day to listen but it shifted my perspective about life in the best way.
Live In Love – I adore the Akins family and loved reading more about their sweet love story, adoption and life in the spotlight!
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – Excellent read. Inspired, encouraged and empowered to make some major life changes to move in the direction I want to move after reading this one!
To Hell With The Hustle – Jefferson Bethke (and his wife Alyssa, see below!) are Fussell family favorites. This book was powerful!
Satisfied – Jeff’s wife (see above) is the sweetest human. I’ve always enjoyed following along with her on social media. Her book resonated with me so much I read it twice!
HOME / FAMILY
M Is for Mama – Read this one twice! Some really good hard truths mama’s need to be reminded of so that we can be the best for our littles. The message is pretty counter-cultural and I’m here for it.
Family Revision – Okay I only got halfway into this one but I do listen to Jeremy’s podcast episodes and can recommend! Need to go back and finish the audiobook one day soon.
The Lifegiving Home – I *try* to read corresponding chapters out of this one every year! Another book that changed my life and changed our home. 10/10 recommend!
Bebe Day By Day & Bringing up Bebe – Two more that I listen to at least once a year! This was a fave while pregnant with my first daughter and now I love applying it to each new stage!
Designed to Last – I think I bought this by mistake but it actually turned out to be a fun story! I started following the family on Instagram and am so inspired by how they navigate marriage and family!
Risen Motherhood – Similar to M is for Mama this book is full of counter-cultural hard truths AND the sweetest encouragement for moms. Risen Motherhood is on my podcast rotation so the book felt like an extended episode with the hosts. I enjoyed!
Don’t Mom Alone – Another podcaster I love listening to wrote a book that echoes much of what she talks about in the podcast.
Home Sweet Maison – A review I read before purchasing said this book felt like a warm hug and now that I’ve read it, I totally get it! Loved learnign more about the french art of making a home! The francophile in me (fun fact: I’ve never actually been to France!) just ate this up. I read French Women Don’t Get fat in 2021 and was just so fascinated with the culture.
Take Back Your Family – Another Jefferson Bethke read. Explores the family unit throughout history and what the cultural shift has done to the nuclear family. A really interesting and convicting read!
BUSINESS
How To Get Paid For What You Know – So much respect for Graham and Shay Cochrane! Grabbed the paperback version of this as soon as it came out but I could only find time for the audio so I listened that way. As someone who owns a subscription based business as well as a content based business Graham’s tools are priceless!
Business Minded – The OG blogger (College prepster!) wrote a book! It’s basically creative business 101 and I loved the refresher on terminology, strategy and mental health as a business owner!
JUST FOR FUN –
The Hotel Nantucket – My friends love reading Elin Hilderbrand and after my trip to Nantucket this summer, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. I listened to the entire audiobook while hanging wallpaper and it made the project fly by! Picked up 28 Summers to read this year!
To Kill a Mockinbird – Re-reading a classic every year (or diving into one I’ve never read!) is a newer priority for me. I read so many classics in high school and want to enjoy them again now that my frontal lobes are fully developed 😉 I believe this one was free on Audible!
One Day You’ll Thank Me For This – Another re-read. Makes me laugh so hard. Cam was the only reason I ever watched Southern Charm back in the day!
Pearls of Wisdom – Packed full of solid advice and stories that will bring happy tears to your eyes. I think this would make a wonderful gift for a graduate! Doesn’t get much classier than Barbara Bush!
Everything Beautiful in Its Time – Had to move right into another Bush family book after finishing Pearls of Widsom. This one is Jenna Bush Hager’s memoir. Reflections on growing up as a First Daughter & Granddaughter.
Sisters First – Y’all know I love the Sister’s First childrens book. The Bush sisters also wrote this collection of stories from their childhood. Barbara & Jenna bounce back and forth narrating so it’s an easy and entertaining listen!
Greenlights – I am a huge Matthew McConaughey fan. This one’s a bit outside of my norm for wholesome reads but I enjoyed hearing Matthew’s story, especially with him narrating!
Dear Carolina – This was one of the only Kristy Woodson Harvey books I hadn’t read yet so I made it happen in 2022. I believe it was one of her first books, if not THE first. A moving story about a biological mother and adoptive mother. Defnitely enjoyed this one!
