Every year, I set myself reading goals for the year. Sometimes that is a series of books that I want to read or a number of books I’d like to try to finish within the calendar year. I usually use Goodreads for my reading challenge and for tracking my progress and would highly recommend their app if you aren’t already using it.
This year I am shooting for a goal of reading 12 books, which is an average of one per month. If you are thinking that setting a number of books to read or a goal for reading is silly, think again. Reading is an incredible escape for your brain. 2020 was a very tough year for every one of us, but reading a good book was (and remains) a way to get away from everything. In a world where there is uncertainty and anxiety around so much of our lives, having a way to escape even for just a few minutes a day can have a positive impact on your overall mental health. A goal for reading is how I remind myself to get my daily/weekly dose of that medicine.
SO! Here are the 12 books I will be reading in 2021:
(To grab check out any of the titles shown above or grab a copy for yourself, click the title or the picture below.)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This is a classic that I’ve reread a few times in my life, but having not read it since junior high it was a refreshing way to start the year. The sisters each have trials they work through and it is overall a simple reminder of the important things in life.
A Year In High Heels by Camilla Morton
This is another one that I read years ago when it first came out and am revisiting. It is a nearly daily reader with entries to read every few days to learn about different famous people, points in history, art, culture, other religions, and more. Morton also provides different pieces of advice throughout the year including how to be a great hostess. Every entry is something new and interesting and they are quick easy ways to start the day.
A Well Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler
I’m excited to read this! I read Fowler’s novel Z when we were on vacation years ago and loved her portrayal of Zelda Fitzgerald. My favorite books are historical fiction that keeps a foot in the true history of the strong woman being portrayed.
Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen
While this came out a few years ago, I never made time to get a copy and read it. It is set in one of my favorite eras, the ’60’s, in New York. We follow the main character into working for a magazine…I smell 1960’s Devil Wears Prada!
The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little
I will basically read anything written about Gabrielle Chanel, but I’ve yet to see one that brought in her sister and focused on their relationship in the way this appears to.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
While I have spent many an hour reading Jane Austen novels, I have yet to dive into the Bronte sisters’ novels. This and the next pic will be my foray into their works.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Another Bronte classic to get into the swing of their writing. I have a feeling I’ll want to read more after I get a little taste.
The Paris Wife by Paula McClain
This is another novel that came out a few years ago that I have wanted to read and never made the time for. I have had it sitting on my shelf waiting for me, and now it’s time to break it out and see what all the fuss was about when it was first released.
The Beautiful And The Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Another classic I am excited to read! The Great Gatsby is the only other Fitzgerald novel I’ve read and with it’s darker side, I am interested to see what his other works have in store.
That Woman by Anne Sebba
I am an avid watcher of The Crown and absolutely loved seeing the former King and his fashionable wife the Duchess of Windsor during those first few seasons. Now I’m excited to read this to learn more about her and their love story and life together.
The House Of Mirth by Edith Wharton
I have no expectations of this novel but have been in the mood to break into the classics more. Titles like this one are some that have lasted the long haul of time and there is usually a reason behind that. We’ll see what that reason is!
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
This falls right in line with my note above: it is another one that has stood the test of time. For writing to break across generations takes strength backing the words, characters, and story, so it will be fun to see what this classic has within its pages.
Join me in any of these or all of them over the course of the year! I am shooting for one book per month so that maybe I can even sneak in a few others. We shall see! Happy reading, friends!
