Hard to believe, but it’s about the time to start thinking of those New Year’s resolutions. If your resolution involves wanting to read more, this list is a great place to start!
There’s no need to dive in to reading one book a week, you can start simply with just one book a month…and what better way to look forward to the next book than to read something in the spirit of the season?
Gathered and arranged specifically to put you in the festive mood from January through December, this list of 12 books encompasses a little something for everyone…some classics, some new releases, some graphic novels and even some short stories.
Happy reading!
One Book a Month: Reading All Year Long
January
A Year of Living Kindly: Choices That Will Change Your Life and the World Around You, Donna Cameron
In A Year of Living Kindly, author Donna Cameron shares her experience committing to 365 days of practicing kindness. This is a great read for establishing a fresh start or a life goal come New Year’s.
February
Persuasion, Jane Austen
Even if you’ve read Persuasion before, it’s certainly worth a re-read. A beautiful love story that’s probably one of Austen’s most reliable, the intimate romance between Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth will absolutely put you in the mood for Valentine’s Day.
March
In the Woods, Tana French
As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled sneakers, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours. Filled with atmospheric beauty, In the Woods will take you straight into the heart of Ireland.
April
A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There, Aldo Leopold
Written with an unparalleled understanding of the ways of nature, A Sand County Almanac takes readers into the heart of Wisconsin, exploring the flaura and fauna that makes this state such a beauty in the heart of the spring (there are stunning illustrations, too!).
May
What To Do When I’m Gone: A Mother’s Wisdom to Her Daughter, Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman
What to Do When I’m Gone is the illustrated instruction manual for getting through life without one’s mom. It’s also a poignant look at loss, love, and taking things one moment at a time. During the month of Mother’s Day, this book will certainly make you more appreciative of the woman you love!
June
Small Great Things, Jodi Picoult
With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice and compassion in her page-turning book, Small Great Things. A great book for a summer read, this novel will also open your heart and encourage discussion (this would also be a great read for a summer book club).
July
The Good Girl, Mary Kubica
And speaking of summer reads, The Good Girl makes for an awesome beach read if you’re more of the thriller type. A stalker has been tracking Mia for days…and after a series of terrifying events, no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that cause Mia’s family to shatter to pieces.
August
A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson
We all like to think we’re the nature type, but truth be told, not all of us are cut out for it. If you’re one who enjoys “glamping” rather than sleeping among the leaves, you’ll get a kick out of A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. A true account of his hike along the Appalachian Trail, this book will make you laugh out loud and appreciate, even more, the comfort of a bed and air conditioning!
September
A Thousand Days in Venice, Marlena de Blasi
As summer turns to fall, warm your heart (and your belly!) with A Thousand Days in Venice. A true story about falling in love with a man and a city, this book brings you straight into the heart of Italy, complete with delicious recipes you can make at home to help you savor every page.
October
Nocturnes, John Connolly
This haunting book of short stories will certainly get you in the Halloween spirit! With stories of various lengths, Nocturnes is great for reading before bed…if you’re brave enough…
November
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, Meik Wiking
You know hygge when you feel it. It is when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort food with your closest friends. It is those crisp blue mornings when the light through your window is just right. With helpful hints, tips and recipes to help you better achieve a sense of hygge, this little book is a quick, yet super informative read for embracing a more comfortable and cozy lifestyle.
December
Letters from Father Christmas, J.R.R. Tolkien
Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in a strange, spidery handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or painting. The letters were from Father Christmas. Collected here in this beautiful book, Letters from Father Christmas is a wonderful read that the whole family will enjoy.
Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a “Bee Happy” post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.
The Hob-bee Hive 