I’ve always been a big reader, but once I started teaching I really only read during the summer. Once I had kids? Well… I might have read one book a year. Making reading a priority again is something that’s important to me and I wanted to share with you my favorite books that I’ve read this season in my new series: Mother Road Reads! I’ll be sharing what I’ve been reading (or what’s on my wish list) for every season. I’m always looking for new books to read or audiobooks to listen to, so please share your favorites in the comments so I can check them out!
Making Reading a Priority Again
Since I figured out what “self-care” means to me, I also found time to read again. I listen to audiobooks every day while I’m working out and even when I’m doing chores around the house during nap/quiet time. There’s also usually an e-book downloaded to my phone so when I get a few minutes I can read a few pages instead of checking social media. It cuts down on the mindless scrolling and I get to read a book I’m interested in in the process.
I also make sure that I’m only reading books I really like. If I don’t like it within the first couple of chapters, I ditch it. Forcing myself to read a book I’m just not into isn’t something I have time for and I’m ok with moving on to the next.
How I Choose My Books
I try to keep a balance of serious, nonfiction books and fun, fluffy reads. I also love history, so historical fiction and biographies are often thrown in the mix. Add in a title related to parenting and you’ve got my essential mix! Every once in a while I’ll step out of my comfort zone and read something completely outside of one of these categories, but it doesn’t happen often because I know what I like!
What I Use to Read and Listen
I rarely make time to pick up an actual book (though I do LOVE to have a physical copy when I can). These days, most of my reading is done with library books on the Libby app. It’s super user-friendly and not glitchy at all, which was a requirement of mine after trying a few other apps that would crash or lose bookmarks.
What I’ve Loved: Spring 2021
So far this season, I’ve read and enjoyed these books. Have you read any of these or are they on your list?
The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
This one is a sequel to The Royal We and it’s cute, fun, and fluffy. If you haven’t already put both on your holds list at your library, go ahead and get on there!
Everything Beautiful In Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager
This one was a total tearjerker for me, but I really enjoyed it. I often tell my friends that I don’t like to read books that make me “feel things,” but every once in a while I’ll go for it with a box of tissues nearby. This book gives such beautiful insights into the life of a president and the first family and the beauty of aging.
This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick
The pandemic made our first year in Oklahoma City a bit odd. I’m usually determined to make the most of every city we live in, so reading this book felt like a good refresher on the things I can do to help myself love this town. I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you’ve lived in the same city your whole life.
What’s On My Wish List?
Right Now I’ve got these books on my To Read list!
I also finished up this Bible reading plan earlier this year. It has videos for every book and it’s broken down into much more manageable chunks than lots of other “Bible in a year” plans, which is really great for a busy mom. I also like that it’s presented in order from Genesis to Revelation, without jumping around between New and Old Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good plan to start!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this first edition of Mother Road Reads! Please let me know in the comments what you’ve got on your list to read soon!
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