Books of 2021

I read some great books in 2021, and I also read a few duds. I haven’t started a non-fiction book and not finished it in a while; but this year, I did that with two books. I used to feel like I couldn’t do that, especially when I bought the book. But I have realized that life is too short to read bad books. Right? There is nothing worse than getting slogged down in a book that does nothing for you. So now, I give myself permission to not finish the book. It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, the next book is usually great and I get right back at it.

My Favorite Read of 2021

I read so many amazing books, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be The Turquoise Table by Kristin School. Not only is the concept so good and something that Matt and I are putting into practice, the book itself is beautiful. It’s hardcover and full-color. It has beautiful pictures and recipes as well. It’s a win all-around and is written so well. It’s all about hospitality and how you can use hospitality to reach out to your neighbors, specifically by being front-yard neighbors. I highly recommend this book and am calling it my favorite read of 2021.

My Second Most Favorite Read of 2021

My second most favorite book was When Woman Pray by T. D. Jakes. I love books by T. D. Jakes; they are so inspirational and moving, as well as convicting. But this book was a little different in that it was almost like a Bible study as well. He dives into the lives of ten different women from the Bible and really pulls out details that we miss often miss. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Those are my top two reads; here’s the rest of them.

My Top Ten Reads of 2021

Creative

A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman. This book is great for any creative. It took a little while to get going, but I really enjoyed it after that. It’s all about being wired for creativity, and I love that.

The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell. This is a great book with hospitality tips and tricks, recipes, and ideas for doing things with and for your neighbors.

Spiritual/Inspirational

You are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly. This is a great inspirational read if you need to be reminded of God’s purpose for your life. Jess doesn’t pull any punches, and I love that. This book challenges you to be reminded that God chose you for a purpose, and you need to step into that purpose.

Kind is the New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure. Candace is such a classy person, and that obviously comes through in her book. I enjoyed reading about her life and being reminded how just being kind can make all the difference in the world.

When Woman Pray by T. D. Jakes is an in-depth look into the lives of ten women from the Bible.

Practical

Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons. This book surprised me. I actually thought it might be a little boring, but it definitely wasn’t. I love all her practical advice on the rhythms of life like sabbath day, eating, exercising, schedules, purpose, and more.

Books with Lots of Stories

Have More Fun by Mandy Arioto. As you can probably guess from the title, this was just a fun read overall. I really enjoyed her writing as she covers ways we can have more fun in every area of our lives. She also has great ideas in breakout boxes.

Love Lives Here by Maria Goff. I love books by the infamous Bob Goff, Maria’s husband. So when this book came out, I knew I would love it. I wasn’t wrong. It’s written with vulnerability and comes straight from a Mama’s heart. It’s heart-warming and thought-provoking.

Dealing with Our Thoughts

Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. This is such a needed book in today’s world. Jennie’s encouragement to us to get out of our heads and start living the life God has for us is both challenging and encouraging.

Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel. This book is great on a practical level. Someone bought it for me as a gift, and I really didn’t think I needed to read it. But boy was I wrong; I didn’t realize how much of my life I spent overthinking things instead of accomplishing things.

Fitting in More Reading

If you want to read more books this year but don’t know how to bring that plan to fruition, here’s the system I use to fit reading into my daily routine. I simply read for ten minutes a day after I read my Bible, journal, and pray. I do this as a part of my morning time routine. You can read my post, but here’s the simple system I use every morning for Bible reading, journaling, praying, and reading books. Matt and I call it 30-to-THRIVE.

It’s that simple. In just thirty minutes a day, you can do all of those things—read your Bible or devotional, journal, pray, and read. If you stick with that system even just five days a week, you will be amazed at how many books you read by the end of the year!

For More Encouragement

Looking for even more great books? Be sure to visit Manney Resources to check out the books my husband and I have written.