Turning Pages in 2020

As a kid, I loved to read. I miss the days I could spend an entire afternoon with a book. As a busy, working mom, getting time to read can be tough and it’s why I make it a specific goal. Each new year I plug in a realistic number of books I want to read for the year in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I also keep track of books read my bullet journal. This year that number for me is 20 in 2020.

My reading list throughout the year consists of a mix of books. I read children’s books with my girls. I also read historical fiction, fantasy, business and motivational books, cookbooks, and the bible. I opt for fiction when I want to wind down and find entertainment on my own terms. I love using my imagination to conjure a scene and unlike television shows, reading a chapter in an evening means no waiting for a new weekly episode to come out.

As a family, instead of winding down the day with Netflix or Disney+, we read to our daughters before they go to bed. Right now we’re deep into Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The Illustrated Edition. It’s a perfect blend of story and illustrations for their ages.

Every now and again I get a chance to curl up next to our woodstove with a good cookbook. My girls gave me The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook for Christmas and, as a fan of the show, it’s just the right mix of mouthwatering recipes, show lore, and history.

When I’m on the road, I like to read business books. Reading on travel days makes me feel productive and I can make a quick note on my phone if I want to research or explore a topic further. Motivational books are also good for travel, but I most of the time I opt to “read” these in audiobook form in the gym. If I enjoy a book on Audible, I often buy a copy in print too.

There are so many benefits to reading. Aside from sheer entertainment, you can learn new skills, grow your business, find motivation and even spiritual connection. Plus, there’s research that shows how reading before bed can help you sleep better. #winning

Recently Read

Last month I read a memoir by a fellow competitive shooter, Vera Koo. It’s by no means just a “shooting book” and if you’re looking for a quick page-turner and some motivation for the new year, here’s my review on Women’s Outdoor News.

It’s funny how familiarity works. When you see someone nearly every spring for more than a decade, you think you know them. From the smiles on the range and the casual quick catch-ups, in truth, these interactions just skim the surface. I’ve been shooting with Vera Koo for many years. We’ve competed against one another in steel shooting competitions and at Bianchi Cup. We’ve even shared a podium as teammates representing the Unites States in World Championships. I thought I knew a lot about her, that was until I sat down and learned her story by reading The Most Unlikely Champion, her own memoir.”

Read in full on Women’s Outdoor News

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m giving away a signed copy of Vera’s book. Check out my post for details on how you can win.

To Read

Here are just some of the books I’ve added to my “To Read” list for the new year:

• Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, specifically The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, and An Echo in the Bone
• The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles by Terry Wahls
• What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg-McKeown
• Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios by Lisa Bedford
• The Winter of the Witch: A Novel (Winternight Trilogy) by Katherine Arden
• Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
• The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Religion and Politics by Jonathan Haidt 
• Taking Aim by Eva Shockey
• Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher MacDougall
• Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (recommended by the lovely Becky Yackley)
• Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell
• The Next One Up Mindset: How to Prepare for the Unknown by Grant Parr

I’m sure I’ll add to it and hopefully I’ll get to them all, or at least 20.