Yes, I do realize that it’s the last day of January, but I am going to throw it back a couple (31) days and pretend it’s still 2018. I am finally getting around to posting some of my top picks from last year! I read 105 books total, (interested in seeing the whole list? – you can click here) it was really hard to narrow it down to just a few favorites, so I decided to do a non-fiction post and fiction post.
In no certain order – my top 12 non-fiction picks from 2018. If you are interested in reading any of them, just click on the titles and you go straight to Amazon!
” The Lord tells us that “the worth of souls is great” in His sight (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). But how can we know that is true? How can we gain a greater sense of the worth of every soul—including our own?” This book was SO good and gave me a really good sense of how we are seen in God’s eyes. I was surprised how much I really enjoyed it and it really made me think about how I treat others around me.
Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis
There is so much hype about this book, I would be surprised if you haven’t heard of it by now – I have a funny relationship with it, I love it, (I mean seriously, I own the kindle, audio and hard copy) and I do think she has some really REALLY great points, but sometimes I just get a little bit irked by all the hype around it. And she gave up Diet Coke?!? So there’s that.
Jim Larsen is a pretty big deal around my little side gig of R+F. He is a fabulous leader and trainer and I really enjoyed his book – it’s not specifically for any MLM company, but just encouraging to do better and believing in yourself. Love him!
Oh, How We Need Each Other, Sheri Dew
So this maybe doesn’t even count as a book – it’s one of those little booklets that you can buy around Mother’s Day or Christmas at Deseret book – but I love it so much I’ve read it a couple times (and quoted it too!) I love Sheri Dew and her encouraging words. If you are interested in learning more about Relief Society or encouraging women, this would be a fabulous little booklet for you!
Courage to be You, Gail Miller
I didn’t know a lot about Gail Miller before reading this book, but it was part of an Instagram book club and I wanted to read it, so I picked it up. There were many good points and life learning lessons in this book. One of my favorite parts was this quote (although there were seriously so many!):
“God doesn’t want His sons and daughters trying to wedge into someone else’s place. We need to find our own. The best way we can do that is by staying faithful, by being ourselves.” -Gail Miller
Unshattered, Carol J. Decker with Stacey L. Nash
Talk about overcoming obstacles! This book was one that I picked up off a display at a book store and it changed my whole way of looking at things. How do we face trials, how do we overcome bad things that happen to us and still face each day? This book was really inspiring, and while I found it at a church bookstore, I didn’t feel it had an overwhelming Christian tone to it – it could be a perfect gift to anyone, no matter their religion.
You are More than Enough, You are Magnificent, Ganel-Lyn Condie
I’m a big fan of Condie’s books, they are always easy to read and inspiring. This book is different than some of her other complications, it is entirely by her and really such a wonderful book for any women you might know that struggles with self esteem or worth.
Because of the Piano Guys, I had followed the news story a little bit when Michelle’s daughter went missing in Oregon, but I had never really learned the background of the Schmidt family or their story. This book really opened my eyes to their faith and willingness to trust the Lord.
Joy in the Covenant, Julie B. Beck
If there is a book by Sister Beck, I am going to read it – I should put that out there to begin with…so it goes without saying that I enjoyed this book. I read it before I was asked to speak on covenants, but then I read it and refereed back to it several times in my preparation. This book is a compilation of talks and addresses, previously not published, by Beck. It’s a fabulous book you can read right though, or study one chapter at a time.
Kinda on the flip side of all my other non-fiction picks, Educated is still a book about triumph and hardship, but has a slightly harder tone than the other books on this list. Parts of this book were very hard to read, some parts I didn’t love at all, but it’s a book that still has me thinking and wondering, so that’s why it made the list.
My sister loaned me this book to read and I found it really interesting. How does a Mormon girl see herself, and her self worth, and how does she face challenges of being a successful model too. Rosemary has some great thoughts in this book, like one of my favorites:
“At the end of this life, would you rather hear “well done my good and faithful servant,” or “you look pretty” Let’s give compliments like Christ.”
She is also really fun to follow on her podcast and Instagram too!
And last, but certainly not least, I have never included The Book of Mormon on my reading lists until this year, but I decided this year, it totally counts as reading, I don’t know why I hadn’t thought that it had before, but maybe because it’s a different type of spiritual/scripture study reading than just fun reading? Regardless, I made a goal and finished The Book of Mormon 3 times in 2018. I truly believe that reading this book every day, even just one simple verse can change your life.
There you have it! A few of my favorite picks for non-fiction. What did you you read in 2018? Share with me some of your favorites!
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