I’m always so excited about making this list every year. Some years it has been hard to figure out out of all the books I’ve read, how to get it down to ten. Some years, it’s been a stretch. This year, the list came together easily. There were only eleven books that I wanted to put on this list and it was easy to cut one out.
First, let's look at some fun stats from the year:
You can see more by going to my Goodreads page HERE.
So, here are the top ten books I read in 2018
First, let's look at some fun stats from the year:
So, here are the top ten books I read in 2018
10. The Lost Heiress
This was an early read in the year. While fiction, it helped me process some of my own feelings. The story itself is brilliantly written and powerful. I listened to the audio version and the narration was perfect.
9. Monster
I’ve wanted to read this book for years since it came out. I finally was able to read it during the time that I had Kindle Unlimited. This was not an easy book to read. It was heart-pounding, disgusting at times, and sad. Yet the point of the story and the careful way that things were handled made it one of my favorites for the year. It was a compelling book that examines the value of life – every life.
I read all of Meredith Allady’s books this year and I loved them all. Letters to Julia was my favorite. It has the feeling of a Jane Austen with stronger elements of faith, and a loving family at the center. I enjoyed this book so much.
I’ve almost read this entire series by Charles Swindoll. I wasn’t expecting this book to be so impactful. This was another book that helped me process some of my own emotions. His insight from the book of Job on how to deal with stressful situations while they are happening and afterward was extremely helpful.
One of the things that I love with this whole series is that it reflects life in a powerful way. Joy and sorrow are intermingled in a powerful way. This whole series is amazing, and I think all of them have made my yearly list. It is fantasy at its best.
I have long admired the Edwards family. I’ve read a lot of books about them and I knew they had a connection with Brainerd. I read this book and I have to say I haven’t read another book like it. It was honest about how girls can struggle with feeling attraction and attachment to a man without any encouragement. It also showed a godly way of handling it. This story was also about true love, devotion to God, and self-sacrifice. It made me want to revisit all those books I read about this family and also encouraged me in my walk with God.
This book made me think, a lot. It helped remind me of the importance of a close, intimate friendship with God. Do I agree with the author on every aspect? No. However, as Carolyn Currey examined the men and women of the Bible that have shared a close friendship with God, I was reminded that, despite what the world says, friendship with God is more important than a successful career, a marriage, and children, or any achievements that might seem important.
3. Beloved
My brother bought me this series at a time when I needed it. This trilogy, written as kingdom fantasy, has the same feeling as the book of Kings. It feels a lot like Israel but also feels like the story of our hearts. I think it was about a week before I felt like reading anything else. It left me feeling satisfied, victorious, and hopeful.
While classified as fiction, this story is true. Margaret Landon took the books that Anna Leonowens’ wrote, did some research into some of the events, and produced this story. I read this book with a friend. We had been reading a classic each month this year. This book caught me by surprise. This book was a powerful reminder to me of sticking to the course. I was discouraged because my life is pretty much at the same place it has been in for years, only a little busier. I can’t see a lot of results from my labor and choices. Anna went to teach in a very hostile environment and her months and years in Siam were filled with discouragement. She kept her goal in mind: She could help shape a better future if she stayed the course and taught the royal children. She made a huge impact on the next generation. Things like slavery disappeared quickly when the children she taught took power all because she didn’t give up.
Those of you who have been following me for a while, know that 2017 was a tough year. 2018 was a year of healing. In October, I read this book and realized that one of the things I had stopped doing was praying for big things. I had been so disappointed in 2017, I was afraid to ask for anything but the smallest things. I have a prayer card in my Bible now with a list of things only God can do. I pray for them almost daily. As I worked through the book and workbook, I also experienced some answers for wisdom about some of the smaller things I was facing. This book helped me process a lot of things and helped rekindle the flame in my heart.
There you have it! My top 10 books of 2018. You can find lists of past years HERE.
What are your top ten?