My Reading Spot

I feel like I read a good balance of non-fiction and fiction books in 2016, but looking back I really had a hard time narrowing it down to 10.  I love reading non fiction and looking at my list, I feel like I’ve learned something from each of the books that I’ve read.

If historical fiction was my theme for fiction this year – self improvement and letting go was my theme for nonfiction.  I’m really working hard on being more kind  – towards others and myself – learning more about who I am and what is really important and how I can be the best me I can be.

In no certain order, here are my top ten non-fiction books I read in 2016.

The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown. “Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.  And our world could stand to be a little kinder and braver” – Brene Brown.  If you haven’t read any of Brown’s books – this is a great book to start with.  I recommend all of them. You can read my review here, or you can order on amazon here.

Love Warrior,  by Glennon Doyle Melton.  Well this is the first book that I can say I was so interested in that I read it on my phone while waiting at a race start.  I couldn’t put this book down.  Melton is real and very honest and vulnerable in her writing.  You can read my review here or order on amazon here.

For the Love, by Jen Hatmaker.  I haven’t actually wrote my review for this book yet, but I read it last week after a friend recommended it.  I had me laughing and crying and easy to read.  You can order on amazon here, and someday I will make sure I post more of a review!

The Nesting Place, Myquillyn Smith.  Again, this is another book that I didn’t write a full review for, but I loved it.  And it’s not my typical non-fiction book either, but this book really helped me realize I should love where I live and embrace it, no matter where it is that I live or what it looks like. Since living with our father in law this has been one thing that I struggle with – making this our home even though it isn’t our house.  It might not be my furniture or picture son the wall but I can create an atmosphere that is welcoming and loving.  You can order this book on  amazon here.

Eat that Frog, by Brian Tracy. So apparently I was really bad at keeping up with posting about my nonfiction books, because I don’t have a post from this one either, but the main idea is this – don’t procrastinate.  If you have something that you need to get done that you don’t want to do – do it first.  Eat that Frog.  This book was FULL of great ideas and inspiration if you have a hrad time with time management.  You can order it  on amazon here.

Move Your Bus, by Ron Clark.  I read several books by Ron Clark this summer and this one was short and sweet and my favorite one.  If you are a leader of any sort – church, school, community, work, this would be a great book for you to read and help you motivate your team.  You can read my review here or you can order on amazon here.

Presence, by Amy Cuddy. I was able to listen to Amy speak at my Rodan and Fields convention this fall and loved her book Presence.  This book offers some great ideas on human nature and what we think of our selves and how we act.  My favorite take away – don’t fake it till you make it, fake it till you become it!  You can read my review here or you can order on amazon here.

You are a Badass, by Jen Sincero.  I’m not a huge fan of the title or the cussing in this book – mostly because my kids thought I was crazy and made fun of me for carrying it around and reading it, and I haven’t wrote a full review of it yet, but guys…this book was really good. Hands done some really good stuff.  Love yourself.  Believe you can do it.  And go do it.  You can order on amazon here.

More than a Tattooed Mormon, by Al Carroway.  “Exist to be happy, not to impress.  Don’t lose sight of why we are here and what we need to be doing and striving towards.  Don’t lose sight of what is most important.  If it doesn’t matter, get rid of it.  The greatest thing you can ever have and share is your testimony, and you’ll make the biggest impact when you are fully and completely yourself.  Quit worrying over things that don’t matter.  Just relax, enjoy life, and enjoy being completely true to who you are.” – Al Carroway.  I LOVED this book.  I had a chance to hear her speak.  Her story is amazing.  It is great.  We should be happy.  We should focus on what is important and what matters.  You can read my review here, or or you can order on amazon here.

The Beautiful Balance, Michelle Wilson.  Letting go.  It’s something that I struggle with.  I need to focus more on what matters and let go of what doesn’t and this book was a great reminder of that for me.  I loved her personal stories.  It’s a quick read.  You can read my review here  or you can order on amazon here.

~~

There you have it!  My top ten nonfiction books.

Do you read nonfiction?

What would you add or take away from this list?

I would love to hear your favorites so I can add them to my reading list for 2017.