35 Books in 2012

January 6, 2012 By

In 2011, I read a total of 41 books (yes, I LOVE to read!) and most of them on my Kindle (oh, Kindle how I love you!).  The Kindle is a missionary girl’s dream come true…. one click and you have a new book (I think my husband may regret giving it to me as a gift!).

Here is a list of my very favorite books from 2011:

Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

Educating the WholeHearted Child — Third Edition

Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

The Help Deluxe Edition

Grace-Based Parenting

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart for Eternity

Dancing with My Father: How God Leads Us into a Life of Grace and Joy

Blogger Behave: Make your blog benefit your life, so you can love both!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (P.S.)

Sacred Influence: How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands

And now, I need your help! Since my 35th birthday is coming up in a few days, I would like your help compiling a list of 35 books to read in 2012.  They can be fiction or non-fiction, it matters not.

Please make my birthday happy by telling me your favorite books! Thank you!

*I used affiliate links in this post….my husband will be very happy if I can offset my Kindle addiction* wink,wink*

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Filed Under: Books, missionary life

141 Comments

  • http://www.christine-mary.blogspot.com/ Christine

    Great picks! My favorites were:
    1.1000 Gifts
    2. Grace for the Good Girl
    3.Crazy Love
    4.A Love that Multiplies
    5. The Money Saving Mom’s Budget

    • Joy

      You and I have similar tastes! I’ve read all of those except Money Saving Mom’s Budget which I will read next week!! Thanks for sharing! :)

  • http://profiles.google.com/cherie.gatherinspirit Cherie Froelich

    Oh girl, you’ve tapped into one of my weaknesses…..books! AND I just got a Kindle for Christmas! There are several on your list that I am not familiar with. You know what that means? Off to follow your links I go!!!

    • Joy

      Yay for getting a Kindle!! :) I LOOOVVEE mine! :) Have fun link following!

  • http://fruitinseason.blogspot.com Christine- Fruit in Season

    Hmmmm…this year I loved the Hunger Games trilogy, Stepping Heavenward is one of my all time favorites, Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh is beautiful, and the Mitford series if you haven’t read them. I’ve read many from your list. We seem to have similar tastes!

    Happy early birthday! Live your 30′s well; this decade has been a real game-changer for me. I’m getting ready to leave these years more accepting and grace-giving and real than I’ve ever been!

    • Joy

      Ok, you are and are just too much alike. I’m right in the middle of the Hunger Games Trilogy (book 2), just finished Gifts from the Sea (LOVED), and now I need to put Stepping Heavenward on the list! I read a couple of Mitford long ago, I think I need to finish the series.
      I have been loving my 30′s. Bring on the gray hair and saggy skin because the grace, acceptance, and getting real has been amazing. Right there with you girl! Thanks sweetie.

      • http://fruitinseason.blogspot.com Christine- Fruit in Season

        Oh, you will ADORE Stepping Heavenward. And when you read it, let me know!

  • http://www.susansamom.blogspot.com/ Susan S.

    Just finished The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen. Lovely book.

    • Joy

      I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!!

  • Anonymous

    Here’s my 2011 list that might give you ideas. http://skipperclan.com/2012/01/03/the-year-i-read-100-books/ Hands down though, one of my FAVORITES (that I don’t see in your photo) is the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Also, I <3 my Kindle, it's also a military wife's best friend, less to move!

    • Joy

      Love your list! My hubs is reading Unbroken right now, I am going to have to steal it from him when he is done! :) Yay for the Kindle! :)

  • http://www.eightacresofeden.com/ Ann

    My first book of the year ‘The Grace Effect’ by Larry Taunton – their family story of adopting a little girl from the Ukraine. It gives much insight into the kind of society you end up when Christianity is removed – effectively it is a graceless one. I highly recommend this book!
    And my favourite book of 2011 ‘Somewhere More Holy’ by Tony Woodlief – I reviewed this at my blog. Tissues might be required!

    • Joy

      These sound fascinating Ann. I am going to have to check them all out. Thanks for always taking the time to leave thoughtful comments. I love reading your words!

  • Kimmy
    • Joy

      Looks good! Thanks for sharing!

  • Stacy

    I just did a blog post with my favorite books for the new year! http://www.findingpurposeinthepain.com/2012/01/best-books-for-new-year.html

    • Joy

      Following your link now….. thanks!!

      • Joy

        The only one on your list I have not read yet is The Hole in the Gospel…I’ll have to put it on my list! :) Thanks!!

  • Jnnewsom

    Some of my favorites this year were: Come to the Well by Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns), I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp, Martin Luther:Hero of the Faith, The Bible Smuggler, Pilgrim’s Progress and 20 Kids and Counting by the Duggar’s! Hope it is a blessed birthday! My 34 is coming soon. Reading Heroes of the Faith: John Calvin and Get Out of That Pit! By Beth Moore currently.

    • Joy

      These all look great! I’ve only read the Duggar book and Pilgrim’s Progress from your list. Thanks for the recommendations!

  • Dana

    Thank you for this list! My and my husbands all time favorite fiction books are “The Mark Of The Lion Trilogy” by Francine Rivers. She is one of my favorite authors and her “Redeeming Love” is fabulous as well. “Radical” by David Platt is up at the top of our list as well as “Future Grace” by John Piper. Elisabeth Elliott is my hero of the faith so anything she writes, I love. Someone else mentioned “Stepping Heavenward” and that is another classic to be savored. I can’t wait to check out your list! I read “The Help” this year as well and loved it! :)

    Happy Birthday and Happy Reading!

    • Joy

      Thanks Dana. Someone else recommended the FR series. I will have to check them out. I love Redeeming Love and Radical. Elisabeth Elliott is my all-time favorite author and the one who inspired me towards overseas missions way back when! :) I will need to check out John Piper’s book, and now definitely Stepping Heavenward! Thanks!

  • Bauerjill50

    I will have to check some of these out. I have a goal to read 52 books in a year. I have made it every year for the last six years! Good luck!

    • Joy

      Um, that is one book a WEEK!! That is impressive!!

  • Vanwyefamily

    Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall… its a simple and heart-warming read. :)

    • Joy

      Sounds wonderful. Thank you!

  • Aubrey

    Sister by Rosamund Lipton. It’s a mystery that has you from the first page. So good and not disturbing, gory, or racy. …finally!

    • Joy

      Oooh, sounds great! Thanks!

  • Becky

    Love this, Joy! I am just about finished with “Mockingjay”! Oh, my word!!! So good! I’m excited to be reading again- I do not like the fact that I read so few books in 2011. The next one that I want to read (after Hotel- thanks!) is “Sarah’s Keys”. I also want to dig into some more of Francine Rivers books. And I think I will read “Stepping Heavenward” again. My birthday is at the end of January, so we share a birthday month! Love that!!! Happy reading! I like imagining you and Alyssa in your part of the world and it makes my heart happy. Would love to visit you some day…

    • Joy

      You have passed me in the trilogy, I’m still on the 2nd book! :) Sarah’s Key is also on my list, I think it looks good. That is the 3rd recommendation for Francine Rivers and Stepping Heavenward. You are welcome to visit ANYTIME! :)

  • http://www.onedaycloserblog.com/ Amy {One Day Closer}

    My top favorite fictional book every is The Hawk and The Dove trilogy by Penelope Wilcox. I was thrilled this year when she decided to continue the series and came out with The Hardest Thing to Do. At the end of this month The Hour Before Dawn will be released. They are just wonderful.

    Other favorites from 2011:
    Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer, Marriage To A Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan & Sarah Edwards by Elisabeth D. Dodds, A Place for Weakness by Michael S. Horton, Adopted for Life by Russell D. Moore, Teach Them Diligently: How to Use the Scriptures in Child Training by Lou Priolo, A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Prayer Life by Bill Thrasher, and Erasing Hell: What God Said about Eternity and the Things We’ve Made Up by Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle.

    On my list for this year:
    The Scent of Water by Naomi Zacharias, Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcey, A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss by Jerry Sittser, and A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot.

    I usually have a much longer list by now! Thanks for the inspiration to get going on that!

    • Joy

      Love this list! The only one I have read is A Chance to Die, so I am going to be busy with this list! :) Thank you.

  • Eddy Autumn

    These books changed my life & walk with God: Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ by Madaam Jeanne Guyon; The Secret Place by Dale A. Fife; and Compelled by Love by Heidi Baker. Every book I’ve read by guyon is great.

    • Joy

      Thanks. I actually read Compelled by Love, one of my good family friends, Dr. Ron Frost, is close with the Baker’s. :)

  • http://twitter.com/LittleWriterMom Lisa Littlewood

    We must have very similar reading interests b/c I read a lot of those books this year too!!! I didn’t make it far in the Potato Peel Society book…it was a bit strange– was it worth finishing?

    LOVED Mitten Strings for God…also one of my favorites of the year…

    another book along those lines is a book called Momma Zen (Karen Maezen Miller)…she’s Buddhist (my one small qualm about the book), but the book is mostly about being in the moment with your children, much like Mitten Strings for God…so her religious beliefs are not super relevant.

    Did you read Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (referenced several times in Mitten Strings for God)? How about Tender Mercy for a Mother’s Soul by Angela Thomas?

    I also really enjoy Shauna Niequist– I’ve read both of her books of essays, Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet (the newest).

    What about Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (so inspiring). I’m currently reading a wonderful book called A Good and Perfect Gift by Amy Julia Becker…she’s an acquaintance from a writing conference I’ve attended several times at Calvin College in MI…the book is about her experiences with her first daughter Penny who has Down Syndrome– she’s a very good writer!

    I could go on and on…sometimes I think I’ve developed ADD in my reading!!!

    • Joy

      I did really like Potato Peel, but not all of my friends did. Just a preference thing…I like the history that was attached to the story. :) Just finished Gifts from the Sea, and Shauna Niequist is on my list for this year. I will check out all the others you mentioned! Sounds like we like a lot of the same things!!

    • Karen Maezen Miller

      Oh dear, I hate to think that anything I’ve written gives someone even one small qualm. My apologies.

  • Andrea

    My favorite reads this year, in order:
    1. The Hunger Games Trilogy
    2. A Thousand Splendid Suns
    3. The Kite Runner
    4. Lady’s Maid (it starts slow, but I really ended up enjoying it a lot)

    I also read several on your list this year and enjoyed those too!

    • Joy

      Thanks Andrea! I am in the middle of the Hunger Games books (book 2) and I LOVED Kite Runner and Thousand Splendid Suns (in a sad way). Haven’t heard of Lady’s Maid…will have to check it out. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

  • Carrie Bennett

    Jim Berg’s book “Essential Virtues” is so good at going through 2 Peter 1 in a very detailed manner that will challenge you in a deeper walk with God. He also wrote Changed Into His Image and Created for His Glory which are both also wonderful books.

    • Joy

      Sounds good. Thanks for the recommendations!

  • Laura

    Hey Joy!

    A Sweet and Bitter Providence
    Untamed Hospitality
    Raising Real Men

    These are some of the top ones I want to read this year. Love your blog!

    • Joy

      Ooh fun! Thank you! I’m going to check these out. Raising Real Men has already made my 2012 list and I’ll check out the others!

    • Jen Hutchinson

      Laura, I think I will put Raising Real Men on my list- 3 boys, I need all the help I can get:)

  • Anonymous

    First time commenter here, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog (and am so amazed by all of the pictures that your husband takes!) My favorite fiction book is Safely Home by Randy Alcorn (about missionaries, too!) For Christmas, I also got the Duggar’s two books, and they are excellent!

    • Joy

      Kaitlin! Randy is one of our dearest family friends. He and my dad have been pastors together for many years! I love all of his books, but especially Safely Home. :) I, too, have a thing for the Duggar books. :) I am almost finished with A Love That Multiplies. Thank you!!

      • Anonymous

        We really like all of the Alcorn books that we’ve read (Heaven is another favorite of ours). Very fun that you’re friends – we have a church friend that was in seminary with him (and always has great things to say). Thank you for posting your list – I don’t think I’ll ever have to look for a new book idea again!

  • Julie

    7 by JenHatmaker
    Radical by david platt
    The faith dare by debbie alsdorf
    The pursuit of the Holy, simon ponsonby
    anything by karen kingsbury
    Israel my beloved by kay arthur
    The beloved outlaw by John Etheridge

    • Joy

      Thank you! The only one I have read on your list is Radical. I will look into all of these!

  • H Kogler

    Hmm, I love reading too, and finally got a Kindle for Christmas. It has greatly increased the amount of reading I have done (besides stuff on the internet). I just read Death at Pemberley which takes place 6 years after Pride and Prejudice. It was enjoyable. You should read it since you love P&P. Miss you friend!

    • Joy

      Is it sad? Good to hear from you friend! :) Glad you joined the Kindle crowd!!

  • Amyount

    The Shack changed my life but its probably old. Ibrarely read books when they are first released.
    Bu some of my faces I read this year were
    The Shack
    Crazy Love
    Heaven is for Real
    The Help
    I’m getting ready to read Radical & The Hunger Games.

    • Joy

      Thanks!! I have not read the Shack, but I have read Crazy Love and The Help, Radical, and am on the 2nd Hunger Games book! Love hearing your list!

  • Emily

    I’ve heard great reviews about “The Meaning of Marriage” by Tim Keller. That’s next on my list!

    • Joy

      Oooh, that does look good. Thanks!!

    • Angela

      It’s a wonderful book! Best marriage book I’ve ever read!

  • Frugalflamingo

    sooo many of these are on my shelf for 2012 too! I’m reading Educating the Whole Hearted Child now.

    • Joy

      Great minds think alike! :)

  • Cynthia

    One of the books i read in 2011 was Majeste- The king behind the King James Bible by David Teems. Loved it!! I seen an intreview on 100 huntley street ( a christna show here in canada) and wow it was neat to see how and why that version was made!

  • Jenna

    Hi Joy :-)

    I just put up a list on my blog yesterday… http://jennaflannery.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-reading-list.html

  • Laura

    Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel

  • Stacey

    Inspiring….the only 2 books I have on my list so far – but now I want to make one – is “Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day” and “What Women Fear”. I also want to read something by Seth Godin (probably “Tribes”). I am reading right now a book called “The Right to Write” about the writing life and it is speaking to my writer girl heart!

    You should make this post a linky! :)

    • Joy

      I’m too shy to make a linky, friend. :) What other books do you love on the topic of writing? I’ve never considered myself a writer per se, but I feel like this may be the year to change that. :) Love to you!

  • Susan Pardoe

    Hi Joy!
    These are four of the ones I want to read this year: Making Life Rich Without Any Money, Authentic Beauty, A Daughter’s Worth, and Selah. Happy Birthday early!! :)

  • http://twitter.com/AshlieWrites Ashlie

    This makes me what to put my list on my blog…yep….gonna do it…:) by the way I think my top reads from last year were
    1) Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman
    2) Crazy Love by Francis Chan
    3) So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore
    4) Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman

    Happy early birthday, you’re a blessing :)

  • Fousillysisters

    I enjoyed several of the same books as you in 2011. In case you haven’t read it yet, Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is also very fabulous. Happy Birthday!!

  • Ulrika

    The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel is really good, serious topic but presented in a way that makes you laugh because you can really recognize what he’s talking about regarding many of us Christians today. I also love Francine Rivers’ books. I’m on my third of her books right now. I have read Redeeming love, The scarlet thread and am currently reading The atonement child. All great. :)

  • Leeandtina

    I read The Power of Surrender by Michael Catt twice in 2011. It rarely happens that I read a book twice, especially in one year. Currently reading The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer.

  • Amanda Brown

    Great list! Bookmarking it to download a couple later.

    I loved Sarah’s Key. Historical fiction. Emotional, but very eye-opening story that has stuck with me.

  • Shannon

    I have read a few on your list and enjoyed them all! Unbroken by Laura Hilenbrand. It is a nice compliment to The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. I consider Redeeming Love a requirement for any christian reader, it’s that good. The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drumond, it is a free download on kindle. Thank you for your list, I am always searching for a good read.

  • Jen Hutchinson

    I have read 3 of Lysa TerKeurst’s books- all of which I love. I would recommend reading at least one of her books in 2012!
    Great Idea- I think I will follow suit and read the number of books I will be this year:)

  • Anonymous

    Didn’t read as many as I wanted, but these are my faves:

    1. One Thousand Gifts
    2. Surprised by Oxford
    3. Growing up Amish
    4. Radical
    5. The AD Chronicles series (books 1-3) (Thoene)
    6. Be the People

    Fave read alouds with the kids:

    1. Hank the Cow Dog (hilarious series)
    2. Doug Bond’s Crown & Covenant and Faith & Freedom series

  • http://www.TheSimpleHomemaker.com/ Christy, The Simple Homemaker

    I have had to pretty much bid a bitter sweet farewell to reading for myself. I read what my children read if I haven’t read it yet, read-alouds, books to review, the Bible, aaaaannnnndddd Dr. Seuss over and over and over. That’s not entirely true – I don’t actually READ Dr. Seuss, but rather recite it. :)

    That said, I have to second the Mitford series by Jan Karon. My grandmother, mother, and I all re-read that when life gets a little too gloomy. Just knowing I’m reading the same thing as Grandma 2000 miles away (but always in my heart) is enough to cheer a person up.

    I also second Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Money Saving Mom Budget by Crystal Paine, and Raising Real Men by the Youngs. So…nothing new from here!

    My daughters are totally into the Elsie Dinsmore series (a few chats about legalism along the way), the Ten Girls (or Boys) Who… series, and just recently started the Mandie series (also some legalism chats) by Leoppard (spelling?). All three are Christian series from which I read at least one book before setting them loose.

    I have heard quite a bit about the Hunger Games, but thought the series sounded rather…ohhhh, dark and violent. But YOU are reading it, and don’t seem like the type that would enjoy the kind of book I got the impression the series was. (Bad sentence–sorry.) So…what is the theme? Thank you!

    And thanks for sharing your list. We won a kindle for Christmas from Suzanne Hartmann (author of Peril), so hopefully can find some deals to fill it with. So far I’m only using freebies and have yet to read anything on it.

    • Joy

      Christy, I love all of your suggestions. The Hunger Games in my opinion are along the lines of something like a Narnia. I am very sensitive to anything dark or evil, OR ugly in general and I mostly just found them exciting and fascinating. BUT, I probably wouldn’t go around recommending them because there are so many other wonderful books to fill our thoughts with more uplifting ones. :)

      • http://www.TheSimpleHomemaker.com/ Christy, The Simple Homemaker

        Thank you for taking the time to explain them to me, Joy. :)

  • http://carriethinkstoomuch.blogspot.com/ Carrie

    My Husband brought me a Kindle Fire when he returned from the States last month (he was there on medical leave). I love, love, love it, even though I can’t use all the apps.

    I don’t have any titles to share because I’ve been reading fluffy easy-reading for a while now. I am using your comments section as a means to broaden my horizons. YAY!

  • http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.thorn Jennifer Schade Thorn

    I am usually just a silent reader :) but I also LOVE to read. Here are a few that I have really enjoyed:
    A Mother’s Heart By Jean Fleming (so encouraging)
    Everyday Talk by John A. Younts (very convicting)
    A Praying Life by Paul Miller (very helpful)
    The Pursuit of Holiness and The Practice of Godliness (good for the soul)
    Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Alsup (small but great )
    Loving the Little Years by Rachael Jankovic (tiny book but it was awesome)
    Stepping Heavenward by Elisabeth Prentiss
    The Bible and the Closet by Thomas Watson and Samuel Lee (I love reading puritan works- it challenges the brain :)

    Here are some that I am hoping to read this year:
    Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick
    A Proverbs Driven Life by Anthony Selvaggio
    Marriage to a Difficult Man by Elisabeth Dodds
    Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski
    Big truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware
    The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin
    Mothers of the Wise and Good by Jabez Burns

    • Angela

      I LOVE “Because He Loves Me!!!” It’s one of those books that I picture myself reading over and over. Rest for your soul as you focus on what Jesus has done. Hope you enjoy it.

    • Joy

      Hey aren’t you missing Note to Self? :) Heehee. There are many of these that I have read but many that I have not yet! I can’t wait to add them to my list! Thank you so much!!!

  • http://stephsoundoff.blogspot.com/ Steph Theis

    Ohhhhh, I’m almost done with Red Like Blood by Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington, and it’s a must-read. I love it!

    Also, if you like Chronicles of Narnia, try out the Dragon Keeper Chronicles (DragonSpell) by Donita K. Paul. I think Mrs. Paul is incredible with the way she writes the Gospel into fantasy fiction. OR maybe….something by Chuck Black (Kingdom Series, Kingdom’s Dawn is book 1). Great books for kids starting when they are interested in Narnia.

  • Carole M

    Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell.
    The Hawk and The Dove by Penelope Wilcox

  • Kelli Corona

    Joy,
    A Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham Jr. Really good.
    Crazy Love by Francis Chan
    The Princess by Lori Wick

    These are just a few :) Though I will be using the comment section to add to my list (though not sure it will all get done in 2012 ;)

    • Arielle

      Family Driven Faith – excellent!! Changed my entire outlook on family and life. Also by Baucham: What He Must Be.

  • Anonymous

    What a great list!

    Here’s a few that I read in 2011…

    Grace for the Good Girl
    One Thousand Gifts
    Blogger Behave
    Warrior Prayers
    Savoring Living Water
    Made to Crave

    Happy Early Birthday!!!

  • Joy Geaslen

    Hi Joy!

    I think that the most interesting book that I read on my Kindle this year was “Speaking of Jesus: The Art of Non-Evangelism” by Carl Medearis. He has great stories!

    This year I have mostly read books about pregnancy and becoming a mom. Yesterday I bought a Mandie book in Indonesian to work on…so far I’ve read 2 pages!

    Have a wonderful birthday! :)

  • Kate

    If you’d like a uplifting fiction read try Jan Karen’s Mitford series. The first book is At Home in Mitford. I really enjoyed this entire series. I’m one who has a hard time quieting all my thoughts; this was great when I needed to take my mind off of worries before bed.

  • http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

    Books to read:
    “A Confident Heart” by Renee Swope
    “Grace for the Good Girl” by Emily P Freeman
    “31 Days to Build a Better Spouse” by Ashley Pichea {hey, that’s me! hehe}

  • Kelli Woodford

    You have an unbelievable list already, here, from all these gracious people who have left their comments . . . and they’ve covered some really great titles. But there is an old book that I keep coming back to in my descent to becoming like the Sevant-King. It’s called Royal Insignia by Edwin and Lillian Harvey. A collection of insightful readings from various authors on the subject of humility. Not a flashy, new book, for sure, but a timeless, meaningful classic.

    May each of us read as we are led in 2012 . . . remembering that God’s limits for us are all out of His Lover’s heart. Jealous for our undivided devotion.
    Let all be done in worship to the Great Initiator.

    Birthday blessings on your 35th year, sister! (I’m right behind you at 34!)

  • http://twitter.com/EverydayEO Janene Frank

    I’m putting a link to the post I wrote about some of my favorite–some are the same as you–great minds think alike: )
    http://everydayeo.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-20-2011.html
    http://everydayeo.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-12-2011_13.html
    and The Birth House by Amy McKay and Clarkson’s Ministry and Mission of Motherhood: )

  • Daughterofadonai

    I had such a great 2011 reading year! I did not hit such a high number as you, but every book I read I loved :)
    Radical
    Radical Together
    Screwtape Letters
    The Hiding Place
    Sun Stand Still
    Not A Fan
    Amish Peace
    Out Live Your Life
    One Million Arrows
    i also read Kisses From Katie, 1000 Gifts

    On deck so far this year:
    finishing “Shepherding A Child’s Heart”
    finishing Erasing Hell
    finishing Don’t Waste Your Life
    The Mission Minded Family
    Benhoeffer
    The Whole In Our Gospel
    Outlaw
    Plus anything I can get my hands on to do with:
    homesteading, homemaking, and raising my girls :)

  • Jennifer

    The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. It is three wonderful works of fiction. She is my favorite writer and I recommond you start her works with these three great books.

  • Anna White

    7 by Jen Hatmaker
    Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider
    Seven Sacred Pauses by Macrina Wiederkehr

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38309125 Aislynn Holt

    Noel Piper- Faithful Woman and their Extraordinary God
    Noel Piper- Treasuring God in Our Traditions
    Francis Chan- Forgotten God
    Francis Chan- Erasing Hell
    Mary Somerville- One with a Shepherd
    Paul Miller- A Praying Life
    Mark Driscoll- Vintage Jesus
    A.W Tozer- The Knowledge of the Holy (this is free with Kindle download)
    R.C. Sproul- The Holiness of God
    Russell Moore- Adopted for Life
    Rusell Moore- Tempted and Tried

    I will stop there because I could go on. One Thousand Gifts was the top on 2011′s list. I was hoping to get Give them Grace for Christmas, but didn’t. So, I will wait until I have the funds to get it. =D Happy Birthday!

    • Juli Marshall

      Hi Aislynn, If you can email me your address I would love to send you a copy of Give Them Grace just because. You can reach me at julijudge@yahoo.com. The reply will come through as Juli Marshall. :o )

    • CrystalJ

      The Holiness of God is one of my all time favorite books! I have Adopted for Life on my list this year!

  • Anonymous

    I read this post and laugh a little because I read so many books in a day, but does reading some Dr Seuss and Beatrix Potter’s book counts like real reading, hehe !!!! And yes those ebook and kindle book are the best!!!!

    My favourite book for some reason is “Passionate Housewife Desperate for God” from Chancey &McDonald, I change my perspective on what being a Christian wife and mother should or ought to be… it’s challenging, counter-cultural but very enjoyable and life changing :-)

  • http://twitter.com/RachelWojo Rachel Wojnarowski

    Thanks for posting! I have “7″ on my list for this year. Here’s the link for the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Fv_w5183g&feature=player_embedded#!

  • http://girlstogrow.blogspot.com/ Tracey

    Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss has become a “must-read” for me every year. It convicts and encourages me to live daily with eternity’s values in mind.

    • Heather

      I totally agree. Love, love, love that book. Transforming!

  • sarah

    1. THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE (by David Wilkerson, so inspirational)
    2. SAFELY HOME( a novel based on fact by Randy Alcorn about the church in China: Quite possibly the BEST book I have ever read, it made me fall in love with Jesus even more)
    3. BECAUSE HE LOVES ME ( by Elyse Fitzpatrick) This book has transformed my understanding of Gods love and grace towards me and liberated me.
    4. A TIME FOR REMEMBERING (The ruth bell graham story by patricia cornwell) What a woman she was!

    • Mandy

      My mother in law gave me A Time For Remembering ….ruth graham bell…..I could not put the book down! ILOVEDIT!!!!

  • http://www.oneordinaryday.com/ Ashley

    I just wrote about my 2011 reading last night. :) Maybe it will give you some ideas… http://www.oneordinaryday.com/2012/01/05/2011-reading/

  • Stacey

    I just added a few of your 2011 books to my 2012 book list so thanks! A few others that I’ve either read, need to finish, or am going to read this year:

    Your Boy by Vicki Courtney (probably along the same lines as Raising Real Men, which is also in my to-read pile at home. I’ve only read the 1st two chapters in this one and it has brought me to tears a few times. We have 3 boys. There’s also a girl’s version called Your Girl)

    To Kill A Mockingbird (probably read this one 50 times but why not 51? It’s my all-time favorite and I actually had a LITERATURE prof. at Moody who had never read it!!!!)

    Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels by Tullian Tchividjian (highly recommended by my pastor; about Jonah; the author is Billy Graham’s grandson)

    Managers of Their Chores by Steve & Teri Maxwell

    Plugged-In Parenting by Bob Waliszewski-How to raise media-savvy kids with love, not war

    Happy reading! :)

  • Bridget Homer

    You are just amazing – I love reading your blog every day and always feel inspired by you! :) My FAVORITE fiction books right now are the Baxter Family Series by Karen Kingsbury! She’s an amazing Christian author – you have probably read them. They are SO GOOD!!! I’m finishing book 4 of the last Baxter series – there are 14 total – and starting book 1 of the Bailey Flanigan series. They are fabulous! Happy New Year! What a blessing you are to so many! <3

  • Katie

    Anything by Francine Rivers, specifically her Mark of the Lion series. I didn’t love to read until i read that series, soo captivating. Thanks for the fun list of books you’ve read, will be adding some to my amazon wish list!

    • Sdeepe

      Love that series!

  • Zanetta

    *Catherine Palmer* is a dear friend of mine and writes for Tyndale. She grew up on the mission field and writes from a historical point. Besides being my friend, I judge an author by how “lost” I get. If I’m reading and look up and this world looks foreign as compared to where my imagination has taken me….Then, they are awesome. Any of her books get you lost.
    * When I Lay My Isaac Down* by Carol Kent. Importantly addresses how someone else’s action can change your life, hopes and dreams. When leaving for the mission field I used to use that phrase in my testimony. With God, you can safely lay your Isaac down.
    *Jerusalem Scrolls* by Mike Evans. Having returned from Israel I loved the descriptions of the land and places dear to my heart.
    Upon my departure for Israel in Nov. I realized my Bible was packed away in cargo and I had nothing to read or do for the next 21 hours. I hesitantly picked up *Cleopatra’s Daughter* at JFK hoping it wouldn’t be filled with all sorts of ugliness. So far I haven’t been disappointed and it is totally a secular book. I think there may have been two small references but for secular it’s clean and extremely historical. For a girl who loves the Middle East, I’m almost lost.

  • Loridunham

    Hi joy. I have enjoyed following your blog. So many books, so little time! Some of my favorite i read rrecently were Glenn becks, Snow Angel; Francine rivers new series, Marta’s legacy (3 book series), and everyday talk: talking about God with your children. I’ve added some of your book list to mine for the new year!

  • http://www.theforgivenessformula.com/ Shelley Hitz

    Joy – here are a few books that I recommend:

    The China Study (this is a great book about nutrition!)
    The Victor Marx Story (an incredible testimony of God’s grace and healing)
    The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson
    Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom (if you can find it – it’s a GEM!!)
    Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (devotional)

    There is a book you can download on Kindle for free called, “Taste and See” – it has one chapter of 58 different Christian books that you can sample to see which you’d like to read. You can get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Sampling-Chapters-Marketing-Network-ebook/dp/B006H9TJAA/

    Happy Birthday and enjoy your 35 books (or maybe more?) in 2012!!

    Shelley

  • Camille

    I loved :
    = Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire – by Jim Cymbala
    = Francine Rivers- love everything i’ve read of hers , She also go me back into fictional reading.
    =.” Heroes Of The Faith” series this year. LOVED the one on
    George Muller,
    John Bunyan,
    Amy Carmichael and
    Francis and Edith Schaeffer the best so far. So inspiring!
    =”Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey ( but it is best done along side the husband :-)

  • Christine Dunkerley

    Hi Joy! Looking forward to meeting you soon! I recommend anything by Francine Rivers.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IRAEZVHT74C6MQ3AQO2IYFLOHM Laura

    With life settling into more of a routine with our littles, I’m finally hoping to conquer some reading. This year I hope to read Bound For Glory by R.C. Sproul, Jr. , Think by John Piper, What Did you Expect (previewing it for our senior homeschoolers, along with the Josh Harris books), On The Edge of Unthinkable, Orlean Puckett: Life of a Mountain Midwife (Mary Ellen wants to be a midwife), and the Color of Rain. Thanks for the ideas you posted!! Blessed birthday!

  • Sandy

    I rarely read things more than once. One exception a book written in the 50′s by a Quaker missionary lady. Hind’s Feet on High Places. I couldn’t believe it when I first read it…it was like someone wrote a book about me! God used it to move me much further on His path. I frequently buy a second copy if -I can find one – to give away! There is a Sequel – Mountains of Spices. It is very good as well. (However, I wouldn’t recommend her other books, as she became a bit unorthodox in her beliefs.)
    Sandy in the UK

  • Kelly

    I love love love Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. Set in the 1940′s. Make you feel lucky and appreciative of what you have.

  • Redlanternfamily

    Wow, getting tons of good recommendations from these comments! :) So an honest question arises from this post for me – when do you find time to read so much? Any tips on how to squeeze more reading in with everything else life throws at us mamas??

  • Lin Webster

    365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life- John Kralik
    I haven’t finished these titles by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller but I’m enjoying them so far
    -Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes… in You and Your Kids
    -Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids

  • S F

    The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency is a lot of fun.

  • Heather T

    I LOVED “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23.” It’s an old book, but that psalm becomes so much more meaningful and deep. I learned so much and am forever changed.

  • http://graceformymess.com Jana @GraceForMyMess

    If you haven’t read it, I absolutely love The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Beyond the amazing writing and fascinating setting (the Congo), I love this book because it pulled and stretched my idea of Christianity and made me look on my faith with fresh eyes. I want to know that I showed *Jesus* to others, not some hollow version of religion. I love it like I love To Kill a Mockingbird, and that’s saying a lot. Happy early birthday!

  • Kassandra Barton

    Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright. Was given to my husband by his brother, a fiction with a very deep and true story of God’s grace, mercy and love.

  • http://www.daynaguenther.blogspot.com/ Dayna Guenther

    Disciple Like Jesus for Parents (Melton and Dean); Not My Will (Francena H. Arnold); Riven (Jerry B. Jenkins); As Silver Refined (Kay Arthur); The God of All Comfort (Hannah Whitall Smith); The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life (Hannah Whitall Smith); In His Steps (Charles M. Sheldon)… Oh, I could go on and on… I’m a book lover too! Thanks for the ideas from your last year’s list. I’m currently reading Grace for the Good Girl.

  • Smdeterding

    Joy – I love all things Lamplighter! :) My favorite so far has to be The Basket of Flowers and should probably be read to all daughters as they grow up. The beautiful imagery the father uses as he describes flower and character traits, and God Himself is unbelievable.
    Great read – I highly recommend it.
    Happy Birthday!

  • Debssscraphappy

    Redeeming love by Francine rivers

  • http://thecormierfamily.org/Brandy Brandy C.

    I’ve got quite the reading list set up for 2012 …. and I’ve already had to adjust it because we’ve recently gotten some books I’ve been really wanting to read! HUGE book lover here. I don’t remember all of the books I read last year, but I can say that I absolutely LOVED the Hunger Games trilogy!

    I’m definitely checking out all the comments on this one …. always on the lookout for another great book! :-D

  • Anonymous

    Thanks for asking this question as I have added a few to my Kindle wish list. I agree that a Kindle is a great joy as a missionary. My parents gave me one about a year and a half ago and I have loved the ability to get new books so quickly. What a huge blessing!

    My favorite books from last year are:
    1. Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman
    2. Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
    3. Practicing Affirmation by Sam Crabtree
    4. Reaching and Teaching by David Sills
    5. The Hunger Games

    I would second all the comments about The Praying Life and I would also like to add another amazing book that I recommend to all in missions which is Leading Across Cultures by James E. Pluddemann. It does not appear to be interesting, but I could not put it down!

    Enjoy your 2012 reads!
    Amy @ Missional Mama

  • kristin

    The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot
    Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit
    Both books have changed my life.

  • http://www.carriesbusynothings.com/ Carrie @ Busy Nothings

    Hello Friend. :-) I’m so happy to see “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” in your list of books – you know how much I love that book. You also know what’s on my “To Read” list for the year (and I’ve already added more), so I don’t know what more I can offer you here. I basically wanted to pop in and say hi and hope that you had a delightful birthday today (yesterday for you)! Happy reading!

  • Kristenkill

    Oh I love this list! I am remembering that I owe you one! I have read several of these and need to read others….thanks Joy!

  • Jollyfamily

    Shopping For Time by the girltalkers – Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters. I read this every January. Must Read.

  • http://houghslife.blogspot.com/ Sarah

    Wow! Love all the suggestions for good books. Someone said something about fluffy reading…I seriously think that in light of the lives we live sometimes…especially on the mission field…fluffy reading is a welcome reprieve. With that said…my suggestion is actually a heavy read. Ha! I know, I’m a walking contradiction. :) I just started reading Gary Smalley & Karen Kingsbury’s series Redemption series. Thanks again for all the suggestions. Maybe I should expand my reading selections. And…Happy Birthday! You look gorgeous for 35 and may this be a great year for you.

  • Karen

    Parenting Today’s Adolescent by Dennis & Barbara Rainey

    It was a life changer. Still working on the questions at the end of each chapter.

    Karen

  • Anne

    A couple that are on my list for 2012: “The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization” by Vishal Mangalwadi and I want to finish (and highly recommend) “The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming” by Henri J. M. Nouwen- my favorite author, and “Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best” by Eugene H. Peterson

  • Reneepitney

    Wow, what a list! I’m going through my ipad store and cant find any of those books. I will keep trying! Joy I really enjoy your blog, thanks for keeping up on it! I have one favorite that I think you might enjoy:
    Andrew Murray’s Holiest of All.
    love you all,
    Michelle for the Pitney’s

  • Elise (A Path Made Straight)

    #1 recommendation: Unbroken by Laura Hillebrand. Also, Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Diebler Rose, Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry, and Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson. Love your list- enjoy making a new one! :) I send love, His Joy.

  • http://jessicalynette.com/ Jessica Lynette

    I have a list of 22 I particularly enjoyed in 2011 with a very brief synopsis of each one seen here; http://www.jessicalynette.com/personal/2011-reading-list/

    This year my goal is 36 books and I have already enjoyed The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson, The Core by Leigh Britons (I think…), Mistaken Identity (forget the author, but the story of the two girls from Taylor University were one died and the other was severely injured and they had the girls mixed up – beautiful story of God’s grace and mercy demonstrated through the families actions!)

    I found some new books to read from your list – thanks for sharing your favorite reads from last year :)

  • Amie

    The Hunger Games are a fun and captivating read!

  • Sdeepe

    A Garden to Keep by Jamie Livingston Turner

  • Amy Pires

    A Gift From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh published in 1955 and sold (still selling) millions of copies. I read it once every year!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=605053973 Pam Bolivia-Tagailo

    Hi! May you have 35 books already…so you can probably add these for your 36th in 2013? :) God is More Than Enough by Jim Berg and you can also go through his Quieting a Noisy Soul curriculum…such an incredible blessing to me. Be Blessed!

  • Samantha

    Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is an inspiring true story of former Olympian and Japanese POW Louie Zamperini. It profiles his life and his ultimate turn to Christ :)

    • Joy

      I think I need to put this book on my 2013 list. Everyone keeps saying how great it is, including my husband. I have been dragging my feet because it sounds like it would be hard {heart breaking} to read, BUT I think I will give it a go. Thanks!

      Blessings!
      Joy

      [image: Twitter] Latest tweet: Happy 2013! I am kicking off the new year with a new series to REFRESH your soul. I would LOVE to have you join me! http://t.co/6rxBufTk
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