Every year I set a reading goal. This year it is to read 26 books. Every time I finish a book, I like to take a few minutes to write down my thoughts about the book here–I guess you could call it my online book journal.
Along with a few thoughts on the book, I also share where I got it for either free or close to free, (because I am super thrifty and rarely pay for books) and if I liked it or loved it. There are no books I hated on this list because I don’t finish books I don’t like.
Liked It Or Loved It: Books Read In 2020
(Links in this post are affiliate links. I will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking those links. See my disclosure page for more information)
1. Fear is a Liar: How to Stop Anxious Thoughts and Experience God’s Love (Christian Self Help Guide Book 1)
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
Liked it
I thought this book had some helpful suggestions of what to think about when anxious thoughts hit, but I don’t think it will stop you from having them altogether. I also think that the author shares tips that would be more helpful for those with mild anxiety problems rather than those who are dealing with a full-blown anxiety disorder. For that you need medical attention–positive thinking and God-centered thoughts are not going to take it all away.
2. The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
Loved it
I was worried that this book might go too much into the gruesome events of 9/11, instead it concentrated on the good that shone through during such a horrible tragedy. The Day the World Came to Town is a story that will warm your heart and make you remember that not everyone has evil intent, there still are good people in this world willing to come together and help out those in need.
3. Simply Tradition: 70 Fun and Easy Holiday Ideas for Families
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
Liked it
I think one would get better use out of this book if they were to buy it in paperback form instead of reading it in kindle format as I did. I wish I would have read a book like this when my children were younger as I would have been able to inject more memory-making traditions than I did without it. Simply Tradition is a great read for a mom wanting to add a bit of sparkle to all holidays, whether they be tiny or large.
4. That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
Liked it
Ever since our 5 1/2 month RV trip that we took as a family in 2017, I have become obsessed with America’s public lands. I seriously would see every single one if money and time would allow it. With so many of them, the chances of seeing them all probably isn’t likely, but reading about them is, which is why I downloaded a copy of That Wild Country to my Kindle and read it during a weekend of camping with the hubby.
The book offers a great history lesson into the creation of America’s public lands as well as relevant stories of the current generation that is out there exploring them. If you share my thirst for hiking and exploring, I think you will like this title.
5. Sell With a Story: How to Capture Attention, Build Trust, and Close the Sale
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
Liked it
I challenge myself every year to read at least six business titles that could help me with blogging–Sell With a Story was book one for 2020.
Selling doesn’t come naturally to me, but storytelling does so I thought I had a shot of learning a thing or two about how to sell better from this book. To be honest, most of the author’s selling tips went over my head.
6. Old Lady on the Trail: Triple Crown at 76
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
Liked it
Think you can’t complete BIG physical tasks once you become a senior? Think again! I love stories of people in their 70s and beyond who complete HUGE tasks–so inspiring. The writer of Old Lady On The Trail hiked for months and months for years and years to complete the three best known long-distance trails in America.
Although I found the book to be inspiring, if you don’t like day by day detail of each and every hike, this book isn’t for you. I found it to be lengthy, but it did make me feel like I was right there along the trails observing her every step.
7. I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You
(Found in a Little Free Library Box)
Loved It
Confession: This book has more swearing in it than I usually tolerate, but the storyline was so good I overlooked it. If you are in need of a book that gives you hope in the midst of a messy marriage relationship, I am pretty sure you will like this book.
8. Running Is My Therapy: Relieve Stress and Anxiety, Fight Depression, and Live Happier
(Obtained for free through Prime Reading–a perk of being an Amazon Prime member)
Liked it
I read about this book in Kalyn Brook’s email newsletter and knew I had to check it out. Running Is My Therapy goes deep in the research that proves that running can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It doesn’t paint a picture of a life of flowers and rainbows for runners, it instead lists researched facts that prove that many sufferers of anxiety and depression experience decreasing symptoms when they take up running on a regular basis. If you suffer from either depression or anxiety and are open to trying to take up running, I would recommend you read this book as it will be very encouraging to you.
9. Before We Were Yours
(purchased at a yard-sale)
Loved it
Oh w0w! Before We Were Yours was a book that made me stay up late two nights in a row –which means it was a good one! It kept me guessing right until the end, and it tugged at all the heartstrings.
10. Borders Of The Heart
(received through paperback swap)
Liked it
I have read and LOVED many of Chris Fabry’s books, but Borders Of The Heart I liked but would not say I loved. Why? The storyline seemed too far-fetched, and the ending a little too perfect. Still, I enjoyed reading every page of it, and will continue to recommend all of Fabry’s books to others.
11. Atomic Habits
( Listened to through Audible: purchased during a free-trial offer)
Loved it
A must-read for everyone! Atomic Habits is the best non-fiction book I have consumed all year! Got me out of the 2020 funk, which had me toss my goals and give in to mediocrity. I am ending the year with new gusto to achieve my goals
12. Just Look Up
(Received for FREE through My Reader Rewards Club)
I would describe Just Look Up as a perfect beachside read (or hammock in the back yard read). It isn’t the type of book that you just have to stay up and finish, but the story is still well worth reading.
13. Mile 445: Hitched In Her Hiking Boots
(Read through Kindle Unlimited Trial)
I wasn’t expecting much out of Mile 445 but it surprised me. I ended up reading it in two sittings! The story line kept me that interested.
Books I Have Read In Previous Years
My Tips For Fellow Bookworms
- How To Read More Than A Book A Week Despite Being Crazy Busy
- 17 Ways Thrifty Bookworms Save Money On Books
Did you know I wrote a book? You can check out the description for it and read the reviews over on Amazon.
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