My 2021 Reading List!

This year I’m so excited to be trying something new … I’ve created a list of the books I want to read in 2021!

I wanted to do this for a few reasons: 

1. I feel like often when I’ve finished books in the past, I’ve wasted time trying to figure out what to read next. I’d often have a nagging feeling there was something I really wanted to read, but just couldn’t remember because I had ideas scattered in different places. This list will definitely help me avoid that feeling because all my book ideas will be in one place!  
2. I really want my reading this year to feel more… balanced. I want to read books about topics that span a bunch of different topics that matter to me – things like friendships, parenting, marriage/love, health, etc.
3. Lastly, I really do love reading, so I want to make a list to hopefully encourage me to read some more. For me, adding more reading time just sounds like fun!

My goal is to read at least one book from each category by the end of 2021, and I’ll definitely add to my list throughout the year if something super exciting comes up. For me, the point isn’t to be too strict about this… I just want to read a little more, and across a few more topics. 😉

Also, I’ll be reading the kindle version of these books… after much trial and error, I have found that having a toddler, I get the most reading done using the kindle app since I can read both in long and short spurts (which really add up over time) and makes all the difference as a toddler mama! 

If you are thinking about what you want to read in 2021, I hope my list gives you some great ideas!

Here they are:

HEALTH: 

• Fiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome (Amazon, Bookshop) – I started this book in 2020 and it was amazing. Published in 2020, it was an instant New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller and is written by an award-winning gastroenterologist. This time around I want to read the kindle version so I can highlight it because there’s just so much good info in there, I really need the kindle version to manage all the notes and highlights 😉 Hoping to use some of what I learn from it to cook healthier meals for my fam. 
• Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams (Amazon, Bookshop) – Written by sleep expert Matthew Walker, this New York Times bestseller still gets tons of buzz even though it was published in 2018. I’ve always wanted to understand more about the role of sleep in our health and longevity, so I’m definitely interested in diving into this one. 
• The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest (Amazon, Bookshop) – “Bestselling author, longevity expert, and National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner reports on health, fitness, diet, and aging, drawing on his research from extraordinarily long-lived communities–Blue Zones–around the globe.” This research has always been fascinating to me, and longevity is definitely a topic that matters to me, so I’m excited to dive in! 
• Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art (Amazon, Bookshop) – Breathing – it seems like such a straightforward concept yet I heard the author’s interview on the Joe Rogan podcast and weirdly enough it was super interesting and made me realize there’s some important info I don’t know on the topic that I’d like to better understand. This book was a New York Times bestseller and named a Best Book of 2020 by NPR.
• Beyond Soap: The Real Truth About What You Are Doing to Your Skin and How to Fix It for a Beautiful, Healthy Glow (Amazon, Bookshop) – I want to learn more about the skin’s microbiome and how to protect it, so this should be a good read. 
• The Longevity Diet: Discover the New Science Behind Stem Cell Activation and Regeneration to Slow Aging, Fight Disease, and Optimize Weight (Amazon, Bookshop) – An international bestseller that is the “culmination of 25 years of research on aging, nutrition, and disease across the globe.” I’ve heard author Valter Longo’s research referenced by many, but I want to read through this myself to get a better understanding of the research findings and its implications for longevity.  

FRIENDSHIPS:

• Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond (Amazon, Bookshop) – A Next Big Idea Club Must-Read Nonfiction Book of Winter 2020 and a Real Simple Best Book of 2020. Looks like a lovely book about the importance of putting positive relationships at the core of our lives. 
• Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World (Amazon, Bookshop) – An Instant New York Times Bestseller written by the former Surgeon General of the United States. I heard the author interviewed on a couple different podcasts this year and I was immediately drawn in and touched by what he had to share. Looking forward to reading this one! 
• On the Bright Side: Stories about Friendship, Love, and Being True to Yourself (Amazon, Bookshop) – Looks like a sweet book! The foreword was written by Jen Hatmaker, whose writing is always so inclusive and accepting, that I was sold on reading this book based solely on her having written the forward. 

LOVE/MARRIAGE:

• What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life (Amazon, Bookshop) – I love hearing about happy couples and the chance to pick up even one tidbit of wisdom from them makes it a worthwhile read to me. Couples interviewed in the book include Chip and Joanna Gaines, Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, and Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. Sounds interesting!
• The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work (Amazon, Bookshop) – A combination of scientific research and practical advice, I knew I would be interested in reading this book after hearing the author interviewed on a podcast.
• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert (Amazon, Bookshop) – A New York Times bestseller with over a million copies sold. It’s not a new book (published in 2015) but I’ve never read it and am curious about what they’ve found.  

PARENTING:

• How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 (Amazon, Bookshop) – I’ve heard so many good things about this series (in particular the How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk book) but since my son is only 2… I figured this is the best place to start. Excited to read this one!
• The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable (Amazon, Bookshop) – I heard the author, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, interviewed on a few different podcasts this year, and this book sounded really touching and… important, at least from my point of view. I’m not quite sure why I put this under the “parenting” umbrella… but for some reason that makes sense to me.  
• Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults (Amazon, Bookshop) – I heard the author interviewed on a podcast (yep, that’s definitely a running theme with me 😜) over a year ago, and this book still pops into my head from time to time. Although the content likely applies to kids older than my toddler, I added this one to my list because I really don’t want to forget it! 

FINANCES:

To be totally transparent, I don’t know what book I want to read on this topic yet. I’ve read lots of personal finance books over the past few years, so I think that’s why nothing is jumping out at me right now. Nevertheless, personal finances and financial independence are important to me … so I’ve kept this category on my list to prompt me to read something finance-related at some point this year. 

SPIRITUAL/PERSONAL GROWTH:

• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself (Amazon, Bookshop) – I think this topic is important, and I’ve heard good things about this book. Definitely on my list of books-to-be-read list!
• Everything is Spiritual: Finding Your Way in a Turbulent World (Amazon, Bookshop) – I’m a fan of Rob Bell’s views on spirituality… it just really resonates with me. I’ve never read one of his books (I’ve only heard him interviewed) but I’m excited to start with this book that he just released in 2020. 
• Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption (Amazon, Bookshop) – #1 New York Times Bestseller. Named one of the most influential books of the decade by CNN. Named One of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times • The Washington Post • The Boston Globe • The Seattle Times • Esquire • Time, as well as so many other awards. A book about an important topic that I want to learn more about.
• Humankind: A Hopeful History (Amazon, Bookshop) – This book received so many awards in 2020 including being an Instant New York Times bestseller and the #1 Dutch bestseller. It’s supposed to be a very encouraging look at mankind… which sounds like a really nice read to me.

CAREER:

• The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Amazon, Bookshop) – This mega-hit spent seven years on The New York Times bestseller list and (despite its somewhat misleading title) isn’t about working 4 hours per week, but rather about efficiency and creating a life that prioritizes what matters most to you. I’ve long been meaning to read it, so this is the year! 
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Amazon, Bookshop) – Another mega-hit and instant New York Times bestseller; this has been on my reading list for years. Excited to dig into it! 
• Principles: Life and Work (Amazon, Bookshop) – A #1 New York Times Bestseller.  “Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs, shares the unconventional principles that he’s developed, refined, and used over the past forty years to create unique results in both life and business—and which any person or organization can adopt to help achieve their goals.”  This book has been on my mind for years, and I can’t wait to dive in! 
• Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise (Amazon, Bookshop) – I heard the author interviewed on a podcast and was immediately interested in his findings and research.
• Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers (Amazon, Bookshop) – Another #1 New York Times bestseller from author Tim Ferriss that is divided into three parts – healthy, wealthy, and wise. I’m excited to dig into the “wealthy” section that covers career tools and tactics from a wide range of top performers.  

RECREATION:

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (Amazon, Bookshop) – The instant #1 New York Times Bestseller from the worldwide bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love. I’ve heard so many good things about this book! Can’t wait to dig into this book about the creative process!
• On Writing (A Memoir of the Craft) (Amazon, Bookshop) – The mega-famous book by Stephen King and one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Nonfiction Books of All Time that’s about the craft of writing. Can’t wait!
• Big Summer: A Novel (Amazon, Bookshop) – I want to make sure I make room for at least one fiction book in 2021, so this is my reminder to fit in some fiction. I’m a big fan of Jennifer Weiner’s writing, so this will likely be my choice … however, I reserve the right to change my mind last minute. 😉
• Everything is Figureoutable (Amazon, Bookshop) – I’m a huge fan of Marie Forleo. She runs the well-known business training program B-School, is host of the award-winning show Marie TV and has a very successful podcast. She’s clearly successful in business, but what I find really infectious and unique about her is her fun and smart approach to all things business. Excited to check this one out!

I hope this list gave you some great ideas… and maybe even has you considering making your own 2021 reading list.

Happy reading! 📚📚📚