The infinite bookshelf

As a writer, I am always reading.  Whether it is before bedtime with my kids, self-growth reading or entertainment of my own, there are always a variety of books on our bookshelves. I mentioned in a previous post what my all-time most memorable books as a child were, but I thought it would be fun to talk about what we are currently reading! My kids have a list of books on their “favorite” rotation, but as you know, kids get new favorites often. Perhaps the few we read before nap time aren’t the same few we read before bedtime or maybe one gets switched out for a story we haven’t read in months. They suddenly remembered it is their “favoriteeeeee” book of all time.  Although, this is also known as a toddler stall tactic in my house! I will let you in on a little secret though, I am a complete sucker for this tactic. I love books—always have.  If I can instill a love for books in my kids early on and let them think they are getting a special treat, then I will gladly continue to be a sucker for the “one more book” bedtime routine!

I have a “note” on my phone entitled Need to Read. A list that is constantly growing. Maybe a friend tells me about a book they just finished that they loved. Add to list. Maybe it is a book to better myself or daily life that I hear about on a podcast. Add to list. Maybe it is listed as a new book club must have that I get emailed about. Well, add that to the list too. (I’m on too many email lists to take the time to unsubscribe, add that to the “to do list”). I’m trying to slowly chip away at this growing list. I will say it is satisfying to put a checkmark by a book that I finish. I put some of this list at the bottom of the post, feel free to add it to your own list. I didn’t list all the books I have on my phone note because the list was getting a little too long for this post! I guess I need to get to reading!! Let me know if you have any musts that I need to read in the comments section below.

Okay, now for the fun part…

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What I am currently reading:

·       The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

·       A Daily Devotional / journal

·       hello, summer by Mary Kay Andrews

What my kids currently want me to read:

*This list does not include our rotation of library books*

·       The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg

·       8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie

·       Santa Post by Emma Yarlett (yes, it is March)

·       The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood

·       Because You’re Mine by Nancy Tillman

·       The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

·       Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin

·       Pat the Zoo (Golden Books)

·       I am Cindy-Lou Who by Tish Rabe

·       Pete the Cat stories by James Dean, Kimberly Dean, Eric Litwin

·       Clifford stories by Norman Bridwell

·       There Was an Old Lady series by Lucille Colandro

·       Never Touch a Dinosaur by Rosie Greening

I’m sure this ever-evolving list will change soon so maybe I will share another list like this coming up. I know the children aren’t the ones reading my blog posts so my current list of books I would like to read is below. I also know how difficult it is to find time to read when you are working, taking care of your family and the other million little things we must take care of daily so I have set a goal to read 10 pages a day, maybe that will work for you as well. Be sure to let me know what you or your kids are currently reading!

Some of my must-read list:

·       The Opposite of Spoiled: raising kids who are grounded, generous, and smart about money by Ron Lieber

·       Baby, Unplugged by Sophie Brickman

·       You Can Heal Yourself by Louise Hay

·       How Could She by Lauren Mechling

·       The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

·       The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone and Victoria Pearson

·       The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

·       The Tattoos of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

·       The Paris House by Elizabeth Bowen

·       The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

·       Cobble Hill by Cecily von Ziegesar

·       Peaceful Parent, Happy Kid by Laura Markham

·       The Temperamental Thread: How Genes, Culture, Time, and Luck Make Us Who We Are by Jerome Kagan

·       Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

·       The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Have a great weekend and happy reading!