One of my goals this year is to read 12 new books, and I'm off to a good start! I usually start strong then struggle in November and December, so I'm hoping a blog post will keep me motivated and on track! 

I've never predetermined which 12 books I will read, but this year I took some time to research books and skim through plots that might be interesting to me to decide ahead of time what I'll read. Of course, I'm hoping to read more than 12 books, but this is a minimum and a great place to start.

I usually start my day with an early workout, then come home, eat breakfast, make coffee, and sit down to journal, pray, and then set a timer for 10-20 minutes to read. I often feel overwhelmed with my daily to-do list and think that I don't have time to read, but building 10 minutes into my morning routine ensures that I get it done. It's part of my "me time" and I really do enjoy reading! 

I usually finish my fiction books in a day or two, especially if I'm on vacation while reading, so that gives me a little more time to get through meaty "growth" or "financial" books. To be honest, I'm a little nervous about these financial books! I feel fairly financial savvy, and have a business degree BUT I've never really read a lot about finances. In 2020, I have some very specific financial goals, so I know that learning more about finances in general will help keep me on track. These four books specifically were all recommended to me, so I ordered them without asking any questions.

Pro Tip: Ordering multiple books at one time can get pricey, so you may want to check your local Half Price Books, or grab a library membership to help! (yes, libraries still exist!) Going to the library was one of my favorite childhood activities so I'm hoping to bring it back this year!

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a few of my favorites from last year: 

Educated by Tara Westover (cried so many times! so good!)

American Royals by Katharine McGee (the sequel comes out soon! eeeek!)

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this year:

fiction:

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (great juicy beach read! finished it in two days!)

Ginger Bread by Helen Oyeyemi

The Farm by Joanne Ramos

Supper Club by Lara Williams (this seems a little creepy but I'm curious because of my #20in2020 goal!)

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

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growth:

How to Get Away by Jon Staff and Pete Davis (my first read of 2020 and a huge influencer in helping me minimize screen time!)

You're Not Lost by Maxie McCoy (easy read, great encouragement for anyone strategizing or launching something new!)

Body Love Everyday by Kelly Leveque (so much good information about how food affects your body + tons of great recipes!)

The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

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financial:

Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan

The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

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