When I think back on the last 15 years of my life, I spent a good chunk of that time reading. I was in college, and then on to graduate school. It was very normal for me to average 200 pages of reading material every night during that time of my life.
And ever since my 3 1/2 year old was born, my time to read anything longer than a blog post or a magazine article has completely diminished.
To the point where I usually read one book EACH YEAR.
In 2010 I read The Help. This was such a great read! And a powerful story about what can happen when women work with each other instead of against each other. Also….that pie!!!!
In 2011 I read Brene Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection. I saw Brene speak at a conference and in that 20 minute talk she gave, I learned several important lessons that I STILL remember and think about at least every week. The book was a great follow-up to her talk.
2012 was a banner year, because I read TWO books! Good Enough Is the New Perfectย and When Did I Get Like This?. By this point, I was fully immersed in reading about balance, just how impossible it is, and the struggle to find a new way as a modern mom. I highly recommend both works.
For 2013, I have selected my book. I even pre-ordered it!
My choice?
Carry On, Warrior
This is written by Glennon Melton, who is the voice behind my all-time favorite blog, Momastery. She writes about just how brutiful (that’s brutal and beautiful) life is, and how we can do hard things, and how love wins. She makes me cry, but they are really fat, healthy tears. She is living her life unarmed and unashamed, and she is SO inspiring. If you aren’t familiar her and would like to hear more about her perspective, I recommend that you subscribe to her blog. If that’s too much of a commitment, then just read one of her most famous posts, “Don’t Carpe Diem“. That piece changed my life, people. Not exaggerating!
Glennon even made an adorable birth announcement for her book. And she didn’t say it was her baby. She said it was OUR baby. Love that!
Are you like me? Do you only have time to read little snippets of info here and there? Is reading a book a HUGE accomplishment for you in this season of life?
If you can only read one book this year, let it be Carry On, Warrior. If I don’t get to read anything else this year (and I likely won’t) I know I will have picked the best possible read for this season of my life.
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Jen S says
The Help is my current book. The few times I travel for work, I can usually get a few in a year, but haven’t traveled for a while, so still working on it. I refuse to watch the movie until I get to the end of the book, so it’s a bit of motivation since I really want to see the movie. Though then the next challenge will be getting a window to watch a movie that isn’t animated!
Tiffany Merritt says
Ha ha! Isn’t that the truth?!
Danielle B says
I will have to look into this! I LOVE to read and even though there are times I don’t have time to read, I still sneak a few chapters! ๐
Diane Cooper says
I am an avid reader, and fortunately, being 56, and retired, I have ample time to read. I am never caught without a book. I have them stashed everywhere- in all our vehicles, and at my daughter’s house, so I’ll always have one there when I babysit my grandchildren. I simply couldn’t live without books! I am glad to have read your post, I haven’t read all the books mentioned, but I intend to. Thanks!
Sherry Compton says
“Brutiful” describes life very well. I’m a librarian so when I saw the title of your post, I knew I had to read it. You grabbed my interest very well. I enjoy reading and wish I had more time to do so. It can be a great relaxing getaway. I hope you enjoy your reading.
Tiffany Merritt says
Glad you checked it out. I hope you’ll get to read Glennon’s book this year!
april yedinak says
Just read the suggested post and I have to admit she grabbed me! Thanks for the heads up!
Tiffany Merritt says
She’s really amazing! I’m so glad you read the post! ๐
april yedinak says
I will have to check it out. I have always been a voracious reader. I carry books everywhere and whip one out whenever I have a minute. I average about a book a day, so I am always looking for something good to read.
JRFrugalMom says
It sure sounds like a great selection! I actually read quite a few books in 2012 and so far in 2013, as I was pregnant and had many doctor’s appointments….with my husband taking care of the boys. Now that I am the mother of four, I am back to reading a page at a time, whenever I get a minute in the bathroom:)
Tiffany Merritt says
Thanks for your comment! That was smart of you to take a book to your dr’s appointments. Why didn’t I think of that?! I probably could have gotten through a few books that way!