Each year, I plop down in front of my bookshelves with a pen and paper clutched in my hand. I run my finger over the hard spines, and mutter to myself how there is no way I will ever decide on a reading list. In the end, I begin to pace the floor as I contemplate the books that I would like to devour the next year.
Honestly, it takes me days to truly decide, and I’m never satisfied with the final decision. However, here is what I settled on for the year of 2012.
Update: The following are the books I read that were not on my original list. I veered off the plan quite a bit… 
The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood as a Sacred Role (True Woman)
Together: Growing Appetites for God (True Woman)
True Woman 101: Divine Design: An Eight-Week Study on Biblical Womanhood (True Woman)
A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion)
An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2)
As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)
The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex: (And You Thought Bad Girls Have All the Fun)
ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
The Hunger Games Trilogy 
Real Food: What to Eat and Why
Crock On by Stacy Myers
Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne Simpson {see our full review here}
Easy Homemade by Mandi Ehman
Nurturing Creativity: A Guide for Busy Moms
Reach: How to Use Your Social Media Influence for the Glory of God
Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda White
The Heart of Simplicity: Foundations for Christian Homemaking from the Heart of Over a Dozen Christian Women
January
31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley Pichea – I’m joining the January challenge to pray for my husband. Are you signed up?
Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time by Stephanie Langford – A 52 week journey of baby steps to help you move towards more natural, nutritious and sustainable living. I’m going to take it one week at a time. The majority of these things I am already doing, but there is still much to do!
Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee
In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars
February
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy
How to Market & Sell Your Ebook by Sarah Mae
March
EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches
One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh Oxenreider
Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life
April
The Practice of Godliness: Godliness has value for all things
Dancing with My Father: How God Leads Us into a Life of Grace and Joy
May
Dancing with Max: A Mother and Son Who Broke Free
Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths That Last
June
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (Resources for Changing Lives)
July
Stepping Heavenward
Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters
August
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
A Woman’s High Calling: 10 Ways to Live Out God’s Plan for Your Life
September
The Pursuit of Holiness
The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out
October
Small Changes for a Better Life: Daily Steps to Living Gods Plan for You
November
Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone
December
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas
Heavenly Homemakers Guide to Holiday Hospitality by Laura Coppinger
About Leigh Ann
Great list, Leigh Ann. I’m still deciding on mine. Like you, I will never be satisfies with it
Ah, glad I’m not alone! I try every year to make a “better” list, and this is the first year I think I’m halfway hopeful that I will stick to my list. I read so much, but I never read the books I already have! This year, I hope to change that habit. I can’t wait to hear what’s on your list!
You may need more time to read Ann’s book….it is intense right off the bat…not a skimmer! Great list…you should give us updates to hold you accountable!
I think that is a great idea, Nikki! Remind me…
Great list! I only have time to read in the bathroom it seems, lol, so I don’t have anywhere near as long of a list. And really, my only goal is to read the books I already have (and have had for over a year, some of them) and haven’t read yet before I go searching for anything new. You will love Grace for the Good Girl. One of my favorite books ever.
Sweet friend, that’s the only place I get to read, as well. You’re not alone! I’ve started trying to sit down and read for 15 minutes each day (outside the bathroom). I go-go-go all the time. I’m allowing myself 15 minutes of rest time where all I do is read a few pages of a book (or something equally as leisurely) each day. I plan to do this before I start dinner as a way to catch my breath before I round third base for the day.
Thanks for posting your list. A few are on my list as well for this year. Right now I am reading The Gift of Rest by Senator Joe Lieberman. It is about the Jewish Sabbath and how each weekend plays out. My next book is going to be Made to Crave by Lysa TerKuerst and within the year I would like to read Nearing Home by Billy Graham. Just a few but I have quite a list too. Enjoy!! I work in a library so this post peaks an interest of mine
Warmly,
Janet
If I had my wish, I would have been a librarian. I loved going to the library as a kid (still do), but alas, I went the Business Management route. Now, I have the best job in the world. I guess in a twisted sort of way, I can say I’m a librarian now, right?
Sounds like some great books on your list! Happy reading! 
Barry LOVES In A Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day – one of his favorites of all time. Also, great pick on the Dave book….but I might have a slight obsession with him. *Cough*
Mark is the one who recommended it to me. I’m absolutely loving it! We bought a couple more of his books to add to our shelf (with Amazon GC, of course). And you might have a small, small, minute obsession with Dave, or rather with Dave’s money saving ninja skills.
Thanks for sharing your list. I am working on a list for myself this year. I have a few of the ones that you do on my list and may add a few that I see on your list.
Glad you got some new book ideas.
I love seeing what others put on their lists each year. Gets me in trouble though … makes me want to buy new books!
The Pursuit of Holiness and Sacred Marriage are on my reading list this year too.
I’ve read The Pursuit of Holiness before, but it’s been years. I find his books are always challenging and convicting. I read Sacred Influence this past year (also by Gary Thomas) and was challenged and enjoyed it so much I can’t wait to read Sacred Marriage!
Jerry Bridges is an incredible writer. I agree with you. I am always challenged and convicted when I read his books. I also think that he partners application with reliance upon grace incredibly well. In some ways, I think this blog probably spawned from much of his teaching. As for the Gary Thomas books, I’m glad to hear that you enjoy his books as well. I can’t wait to get to them!