17 Books to Read in 2017
Since I was a little girl, I have loved books. My love of reading has never diminished, even as a busy mom of three. While many moms complain about not having time for reading, and, like them, I don’t have time for much beyond my kids anymore, I always find the time to read.
Granted, it is rare that I sit on my couch, or at the window seat, indulging myself for hours reading a favorite book. Instead, I create little moments during the day to indulge my passion for books. I’ll spend an extra minute or two in the bathroom (with the door closed and sometimes locked) reading. At lunch, while my children eat their food and chatter, I eat and read my latest escape. Before bed, I might read for a little while before turning off the lights and collapsing after a long day. I make the time because reading is like breathing to me, a necessity in life.
While I do read something every day, I do not have the time to tear through a novel in a day or two. Instead, it can take me two to three weeks to finish a book. Gone are the days of reading at least 45 books a year. Now I’m thrilled if I read 25.
Last year, to help me keep focused on reading new books instead of just rereading all my old favorites, I started setting reading goals for myself and creating a list of books I would read for the year. This year, I thought I would do the same and let you in on the 17 books I plan to read in 2017.
11/22/63 by Stephen King This book was on my list last year. It never got read because the waiting list was so long at my library that I never got to check out the book. So, I broke down and bought it. I’m almost 200 pages in and loving it.
Contact by Carl Sagan Twenty years ago, I saw the movie. It moved me in ways that are hard to express. Now I’m anxious to finally read the book about Ellie and her contact with an extraterrestrial.
Not Without My Father: One Woman’s 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace by Andra Watkins This book follows Andra on her walk of the Natchez Trace with her 80-year-old father.
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly I love historical fictions, so it is no surprise that I have not one but three in my reading list this year. This one follows the lives of three women during World War II, one of whom ends up in a concentration camp.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Another book set during World War II, this book is about a young girl, Liesel, who steals books to read with her foster-father.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler I’ve always found Amy Poehler funny so how could I resist a book written by her and about her?
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett Playing with current affairs, this book is about Queen Elizabeth, her corgis, and her discovery of books. And, it’s fiction.
The Giver by Lois Lowry Young Adult novels seem to be where all the great books are at anymore. Somehow I missed this one about Jonas, a young man who lives in a world of conformity and strict societal rules, discovering there is more to his community than he knew when he’s chosen as a Giver.
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman Piper dealt with drugs. 10 years later, she’s convicted and sent to prison for a year. Maybe after I finally read this memoir, I’ll get around to watching the show.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead I’ve noticed several friends are currently reading this book. So, curiosity piqued, I decided to read it, too. The story follows Cora, a slave, as she escapes with Caesar on the Underground Railroad.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Another young adult novel that comes highly recommended. It’s about an abandoned orphanage that used to house peculiar children and what happened there.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Rachel, an American-born Chinese woman, goes to Singapore to meet her wealthy boyfriend’s family. It isn’t what she expects.
Cover Her Face by P.D. James A good mystery makes me happy. P.D. James is regarded as the queen of crime novels. I decided I needed to read her books to find out why. This book is her first featuring character Adam Dalgliesh.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson While I love a good mystery, there is nothing like a good true crime novel. This nonfiction book tells the story of serial killer, Dr. H.H. Holmes, who was busy with murder during the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.
Storm Front by Jim Butcher I love a good paranormal book. Harry Dresden, a wizard, is asked Chicago police to consult on a murder investigation. I hope this book is as good as it seems.
A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain The combination of mystery and time travel is too much for me to resist! Kendra Donovan, an FBI agent, is on a mission of revenge when she stumbles into the past; 1815, to be exact.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Made into multiple movies, this story is a classic but I’ve never read it. This year I will (and hopefully finish it, unlike Oliver Twist last year).
Denise Scott Geelhart is a 40+ year old SAHM trying to navigate the world of motherhood. She blogs about parenting, food and has been featured a few times on BlogHer. She enjoys solving mysteries (Okay..reading mysteries or watching them on TV), cooking, and drinking way too much caffeine than she should. Basically, anything she needs to do to survive the toddler years.
