{24 Books in a Year}

One of my New Year’s Resolutions, or goals, is to read 24 books in a year…24 real books.  While this may seem easy for some, it will be quite challenging for me.  Holding a fulltime and fairly demanding job, being a good wife and mother, maintaining focus and advancement in my dance, practicing my photography skills, and just living life, adds to the challenge on completing all 24 books.  I am quite optimistic though!  I think I can do it and I think it will force me to slow down a little earlier in the evenings.  Plus, I love to read and think this will be a great jumpstart to getting back into the routine!   

2013 Book List…so far 

{ONE}

Dragon Fly in Amber (Outlander #2) by Diana Gabaldon

I already read the first book of The Outlander Series, so I am starting with book two of seven. These books were recommended by my co-worker and a few other friends.  

{TWO}

Voyager (Outlander #3) by Diana Gabaldon 

{THREE}

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4) by Diana Gabaldon 

{FOUR}

The Fiery Cross (Outlander #5) by Diana Gabaldon 

{FIVE}

A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander #6) by Diana Gabaldon 

{SIX}

Echo in the Bone (Outlander #7) by Diana Gabaldon 

{SEVEN}

Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness by Scott Jurek

Recommended by my father. 

{EIGHT}

White Teeth by Zadie Smith

Recommended by Michal, a good college friend. 

{NINE}

The Food -Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems—And Feel Good Again by Jack Challem

Recommended by my friend, Kelly.  

{TEN}

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Recommended by a co-worker. 

{ELEVEN}

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed 

{TWELVE}

What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love by: Carole Radziwill 

{THIRTEEN}

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

{FOURTEEN}

Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne 

{FIFTEEN}

The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obrueht 

{SIXTEEN}

The Help by Kathryn Stockett 

{SEVENTEEN}

The Lotus Eaters: A Novel by Tatjana Soli

{EIGHTEEN}

Generation Kill by Evan Wright 

{NINETEEN}

A Piece of My Heart: The Stories of 26 American Women Who Served in Vietnam by Keith Walker

{TWENTY}

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

{TWENTY ONE}

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

{TWENTY TWO}

1984 by George Orwell 

 

Ok, here’s where I am hoping you can help me…

 

{TWENTY THREE}

Need a suggestion for a Photography book to read.

I want one that focuses on lighting if possible.

I don’t want to have to edit my pictures much,

But I want to have cool lighting effects…Help! 

{TWENTY FOUR}

Need a suggestion for a personal account with a disability.

I’ve read books about Down Syndrome and Aspergers and enjoyed them.

I love to learn the human day to day side of disabilities.

The scientific/technical side is interesting as well,

But I really like to see the person, not the disability.

We are all different and beautiful!  Let’s embrace it!

I’ve already read the Grey series, the Hunger Games series, and the Twilight series.  I am debating about adding the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series to my list, but I don’t know if I will be able to get through them.  I definitely want to have some backup books in case these aren’t available at the library or heaven forbid I just can’t get into one of the books listed.   Here are some of my backups: The Innocent by David Baldacci and books by Jodi Picoult or Maeve Binchy (Circle of Friends).

If you have any suggestions that fit those last two or any books that you think I should definitely add to my list, PLEASE let me know!!  I love to hear about the books you have been reading and/or plan to read!  I will be sure to post my reviews about each and every book once they are complete.  That will help me stay on track and possibly inspire others to read the books I am reading!

Happy FRIDAY!!

Much love.