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Elyssa Nalani

My 2019 Reading List

the reading life

27 Feb

February is almost over and I’m just now sitting down to write my reading list for 2019.
As I’ve been going through my physical book shelves and stacks and my ever growing TBR on Goodreads, I decided that there if I just start writing down all the books I want to read, the list will just go on and on and with no end in sight. I need to be a bit more intentional and about this.
My goal this year is to read 50 books. Considering the fact that I have physical titles I need to power through, a very healthy TBR, and books yet to be released or discovered, I’ve decided to carefully chose 35 titles for this list. These are books that I will make a point to pick up, leaving room for 15 discoveries and recommendations. Best case scenario, I surpass my goal and read more than 50 but for now, let’s just set up for success.
Oh, there are a few re-reads for my Classics Club List. Oh and this doesn’t include all the spiritual growth & Bible study books I want to get in this year too.
Oh, and some of these are books I’ve started at some point ages ago and never finished.
It is super hard for a book girl to chose only 35 but here we go!

(this post contains affiliate links. see disclosure here)

Listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name

  1. How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading//Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren
  2. Persuasion//Jane Austen
  3. Speaking American: A History of English in the United States//Richard W. Bailey
  4. Love That Lasts: How We Discovered God’s Better Way for Love, Dating, Marriage, and Sex//Jefferson & Alyssa Bethke
  5. Reading People: How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything//Anne Bogel
  6. Kind is the New Classy: The Power of Living Graciously//Candace Cameron Bure
  7. Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life//Lara Casey
  8. The Life Giving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming//Sally & Sarah Clarkson
  9. Reading in the Brain: The New Science of How We Read//Stanislas Dehaen
  10. Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Needs//Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
  11. The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain//Brock L. Eide M.D. M.A. & Fernette F. Eide M.D.
  12. Keeping a Quiet Heart//Elisabeth Elliot
  13. What to Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s Always Your Turn)//Seth Godin
  14. Their Eyes Were Watching God//Zora Neale Hurston
  15. The Feminist Mistake//Mary Kassian
  16. Fearless Writing: How to Create Boldly and Write with Confidence//William Kenower
  17. Bird By Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life//Anne Lamott
  18. Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking and Health//Dr. Caroline Leaf
  19. The Lexicographer’s Dilemma: The Evolution of ‘Proper’ English, from Shakespeare to South Park//Jack Lynch
  20. The Set Apart Woman: God’s Invitation to Sacred Living//Leslie Ludy
  21. Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
  22. The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, and the Home//Carolyn McCulley & Nora Shank
  23. The Anne of Green Gables Series//L.M. Mongomery (8 Books for the Classics Club but I’m going to count it as 1 for the list)
  24. The Power of a Praying Wife//Stormie Omartian
  25. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles//Steven Pressfield
  26. On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books//Karen Swallow Prior
  27. Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk//Jordan Raynor
  28. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks//Rebecca Skloot
  29. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn//Betty Smith
  30. Sacred Influence: How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands//Gary Thomas
  31. Anna Karenina//Leo Tolstoy
  32. None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing)//Jen Wilkin
  33. Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain//Maryanne Wolf
  34. Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital Age//Maryanne Wolf
  35. A Room of One’s Own//Virginia Woolf


What is on your reading list this this year? Anything you think I need to add to my TBR?

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Previous Post: « What I Read in January
Next Post: What I Read in February »

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
Give me all the fresh greenery and all the candles Give me all the fresh greenery and all the candles. That’s all.
.
#cantstoplooking #freshflorals #candles #springgreenery #spring
The HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE MASTERCLASS is launchi The HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE MASTERCLASS is launching in May!!! Stay tuned for more details in the next couple weeks 😄
.
(This isn’t the final look but I couldn’t wait to share ☺️)
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#howtostudyyourbible #biblestudy #howtostudyyourbiblemasterclass #studyyourbible #readyourbible #club119writers
I’m so looking forward to reading this book! Hap I’m so looking forward to reading this book! Happy launch day @gretchensaffles 🎉 Thank you for the gift of these words 😊
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#wellwateredwomen #thewellwateredwomanbook #rooted #growing #flourishing #booklover #book #booknerd #bookrelease #readersofinstagram #idratherbereading
I have a confession to make: I haven’t been pray I have a confession to make: I haven’t been praying much lately. 

I mean, like, I’ve prayed, but I’ve haven’t been spending the kind of time in prayer that I 1). know I should and 2). desperately need. And in seasons like this (which are embarrassingly often) I totally see the impact it makes in my life. It’s detrimental to say the least. And I have the nerve to wonder why I sometimes can’t get a grip 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

I am, of course, reticent to put this into words but the honest to goodness truth is that I have a serious pride issue. I go about my life thinking that I’ve got it figured out or at least that I’m figuring it out even though I know that most days I’m barely treading water. I wouldn’t label it pride but isn’t that what keeps us off our knees? Isn’t that what keeps us from bringing  our hearts before the Father? Isn’t that what keeps us from allowing Him to examine all the spaces we’d rather keep under wraps? What else could it be?

So as I’m planning and refreshing my 2021 goals for the second quarter, I’m making prayer a top tier priority. Because it really doesn’t matter how well I use my planning system or set up my goals or even how often I read my Bible or keep a journal. If I am not intentionally staying connected to God through prayer, all my efforts to “do all the things” don’t matter. Prayer is the linchpin. Prayer is the way that I humble myself and place God at the center of my life. Prayer is the way that I check my pride and remind myself that I am not in control. Prayer is the way that I set myself up to be selfless and generous rather than self-centered and self-serving. 

What about you? What’s a top tier priority for you next quarter?
.
#prayer #prayerchangesthings #dontforgettopray #april #secondquartergoals #plannercommunity #planner #plannerbabe #journal #prayerjournal #vmpprayerjournal #valmariepaper #goals #2021goals #priorities #prioritiesfirst #growthbook #powersheets #hopewriters #fullfocusplanner #plannerlife #cultivatewhatmatters #bible #csb
You know you’re a nerd when you flip through you You know you’re a nerd when you flip through your new Bible Dictionary in bed 😆🤓
.
#booknerd #biblenerd #bibledictionary #youknowyoureanerdwhen #biblestudy
About last night ☺️ Had a fabulous dinner with About last night ☺️
Had a fabulous dinner with @pamiebee & @lady_alba26 and then got to finish off the evening with baby snuggles 🥰
.
#ladiesnight #friendship #somuchfun #auntielyssa
New month in my Stalogy 💚 . #b6stalogy #journal New month in my Stalogy 💚
.
#b6stalogy #journaling #marchjournal #beyoubravely #workhardstayhumble #planner #plannercommunity #plannerbabe #plannernerd #stickers #stickerspread
TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG! And if you’re inte TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG!

And if you’re interested in working with me on your 2021 goals, see how you can schedule a free Zoom call with me ☺️ 
.
Link in my bio
.
#goalsetting #staymotivated #motivation #goals #2021goals #cultivatewhatmatters #stayfocused #yourdreamsmatter #dontgiveup #plannerbabe #plannercommunity #planner #plannersgonnaplan #plannersofinstagram #plannergirl #plannerlove #plannerd
The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go out and celebrate with an early dinner and a walk downtown in the sunshine. Man, you’d never know we just went through the snowpocalypse last week 😜
.
#happyanniversary #anniversaryweekend #date #gorgeousweather #ilovehim
Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four year Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four years down, Baby, forever to go 🥰

📷 @davidcheneyphotography 
.
#happyanniversary #fouryearstrong #soinlove #stilltheone #marriedlife #ilovemyman
This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out for an obligatory selfie in the snowfall ❄️ Cue the cheesy hashtags!
.
#babyitscoldoutside #marshmallowworld #ilovethewinterweather #winterweather #ivegotmylovetokeepmewarm #valentines #ilovemyman #happyvalentinesday
I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how muc I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how much this man means to me and how I love our relationship. But I’m too distracted enjoying the day. So I’ll leave this 6 year old photo here, wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day and get back to my breakfast in bed ☺️
.
#happyvalentinesday
• Early Valentines flowers from hubs. • Paper • Early Valentines flowers from hubs.
• Paper hearts on the kitchen walls.
• Tomorrow I will break my 40 day sugar fast, eat chocolate, and bake a pie.
❤️ February has been a challenge so far but God is good and life is full of simple pleasures.
>> Now I’m going to bed where I should have been 2 hours ago 😜 
.
#happyalmostvalentinesday #simplethings #flowers #paperhearts
@anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just c @anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just came out two days ago and I totally recommend it! I listened to the audiobook last year (which she reads, which makes it even more fun!) and it was such a pleasure and treat. If you’re looking for something equally delightful and grounding, this is it. We need this book in these strange times 😊
.
#thatsoundsfun #thatsoundsfunbook #anniefdowns #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bookshelves #bookrecommendations
I bought a few of the books that flew off the shel I bought a few of the books that flew off the shelves last year but haven’t read any of them yet. It’s still important work and this is as good a month as any to dig in. 

(I should mention that last year I did listen to -
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth)

Are you reading anything for Black History Month?
.
#blackhistorymonth #history #bookstagram #booklover #unreadshelfproject2021 #unreadshelf #bookstack #caste #bookofthemonth #botm #february2021 #februaryreads
February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blo February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blog! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting together another great collection of verses for us to focus on this month!
.
Link in bio 😊
.
#scripture #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #february #february2021 #journaling #club119writers
Texas can’t decide what winter weather is but I’ve still got winter vibes in the house. And plenty of tea for this season! The French Lemon Ginger and Moonlight Glow are my top 2 choices in my January @sipsby box. 
What have you been drinking this month?

My January box included - 

• Midnight Glow from @purekure_skincare
• French Lemon Ginger from @tealyratea
• Organic Rooibos Tea from @cederbosrooibostea 
• Sugar Cookie from @pinkyuptea 
.
Check out the link in my bio to get started with your own SipsBy subscription 😊
.
#sipsbybox #tea #teatime #winterweather
Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! 
Here’s my spouse. He’s the bestest 🥰 
#nationalspouseday #ilovehimsomuch #marriedlife
Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because @abiding_kelseyleigh said it’s Share the Love Sunday so here’s my personal development spread! 
I can’t stop looking at it and flipping through the rest of my pages ☺️ Video coming soon!
.
#myabidingjournal2021 #doyourthing #staycurious #creativelifehappylife #creativitymatters #journalingcommunity #creativitytakescourage #personaldevelopment #sharethelove #creativejournal #creativejournaling #projectplaybook #livewellstayfocused
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
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Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
Give me all the fresh greenery and all the candles Give me all the fresh greenery and all the candles. That’s all.
.
#cantstoplooking #freshflorals #candles #springgreenery #spring
The HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE MASTERCLASS is launchi The HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE MASTERCLASS is launching in May!!! Stay tuned for more details in the next couple weeks 😄
.
(This isn’t the final look but I couldn’t wait to share ☺️)
.
#howtostudyyourbible #biblestudy #howtostudyyourbiblemasterclass #studyyourbible #readyourbible #club119writers
I’m so looking forward to reading this book! Hap I’m so looking forward to reading this book! Happy launch day @gretchensaffles 🎉 Thank you for the gift of these words 😊
.
#wellwateredwomen #thewellwateredwomanbook #rooted #growing #flourishing #booklover #book #booknerd #bookrelease #readersofinstagram #idratherbereading
I have a confession to make: I haven’t been pray I have a confession to make: I haven’t been praying much lately. 

I mean, like, I’ve prayed, but I’ve haven’t been spending the kind of time in prayer that I 1). know I should and 2). desperately need. And in seasons like this (which are embarrassingly often) I totally see the impact it makes in my life. It’s detrimental to say the least. And I have the nerve to wonder why I sometimes can’t get a grip 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

I am, of course, reticent to put this into words but the honest to goodness truth is that I have a serious pride issue. I go about my life thinking that I’ve got it figured out or at least that I’m figuring it out even though I know that most days I’m barely treading water. I wouldn’t label it pride but isn’t that what keeps us off our knees? Isn’t that what keeps us from bringing  our hearts before the Father? Isn’t that what keeps us from allowing Him to examine all the spaces we’d rather keep under wraps? What else could it be?

So as I’m planning and refreshing my 2021 goals for the second quarter, I’m making prayer a top tier priority. Because it really doesn’t matter how well I use my planning system or set up my goals or even how often I read my Bible or keep a journal. If I am not intentionally staying connected to God through prayer, all my efforts to “do all the things” don’t matter. Prayer is the linchpin. Prayer is the way that I humble myself and place God at the center of my life. Prayer is the way that I check my pride and remind myself that I am not in control. Prayer is the way that I set myself up to be selfless and generous rather than self-centered and self-serving. 

What about you? What’s a top tier priority for you next quarter?
.
#prayer #prayerchangesthings #dontforgettopray #april #secondquartergoals #plannercommunity #planner #plannerbabe #journal #prayerjournal #vmpprayerjournal #valmariepaper #goals #2021goals #priorities #prioritiesfirst #growthbook #powersheets #hopewriters #fullfocusplanner #plannerlife #cultivatewhatmatters #bible #csb
You know you’re a nerd when you flip through you You know you’re a nerd when you flip through your new Bible Dictionary in bed 😆🤓
.
#booknerd #biblenerd #bibledictionary #youknowyoureanerdwhen #biblestudy
About last night ☺️ Had a fabulous dinner with About last night ☺️
Had a fabulous dinner with @pamiebee & @lady_alba26 and then got to finish off the evening with baby snuggles 🥰
.
#ladiesnight #friendship #somuchfun #auntielyssa
New month in my Stalogy 💚 . #b6stalogy #journal New month in my Stalogy 💚
.
#b6stalogy #journaling #marchjournal #beyoubravely #workhardstayhumble #planner #plannercommunity #plannerbabe #plannernerd #stickers #stickerspread
TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG! And if you’re inte TODAY ON THE CHANNEL & BLOG!

And if you’re interested in working with me on your 2021 goals, see how you can schedule a free Zoom call with me ☺️ 
.
Link in my bio
.
#goalsetting #staymotivated #motivation #goals #2021goals #cultivatewhatmatters #stayfocused #yourdreamsmatter #dontgiveup #plannerbabe #plannercommunity #planner #plannersgonnaplan #plannersofinstagram #plannergirl #plannerlove #plannerd
The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go The snow and ice melted just in time for us to go out and celebrate with an early dinner and a walk downtown in the sunshine. Man, you’d never know we just went through the snowpocalypse last week 😜
.
#happyanniversary #anniversaryweekend #date #gorgeousweather #ilovehim
Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four year Happy Anniversary to my darling husband. Four years down, Baby, forever to go 🥰

📷 @davidcheneyphotography 
.
#happyanniversary #fouryearstrong #soinlove #stilltheone #marriedlife #ilovemyman
This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out This doesn’t happen every year so we popped out for an obligatory selfie in the snowfall ❄️ Cue the cheesy hashtags!
.
#babyitscoldoutside #marshmallowworld #ilovethewinterweather #winterweather #ivegotmylovetokeepmewarm #valentines #ilovemyman #happyvalentinesday
I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how muc I could write a sweet, pithy caption about how much this man means to me and how I love our relationship. But I’m too distracted enjoying the day. So I’ll leave this 6 year old photo here, wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day and get back to my breakfast in bed ☺️
.
#happyvalentinesday
• Early Valentines flowers from hubs. • Paper • Early Valentines flowers from hubs.
• Paper hearts on the kitchen walls.
• Tomorrow I will break my 40 day sugar fast, eat chocolate, and bake a pie.
❤️ February has been a challenge so far but God is good and life is full of simple pleasures.
>> Now I’m going to bed where I should have been 2 hours ago 😜 
.
#happyalmostvalentinesday #simplethings #flowers #paperhearts
@anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just c @anniefdowns new book ‘That Sounds Fun’ just came out two days ago and I totally recommend it! I listened to the audiobook last year (which she reads, which makes it even more fun!) and it was such a pleasure and treat. If you’re looking for something equally delightful and grounding, this is it. We need this book in these strange times 😊
.
#thatsoundsfun #thatsoundsfunbook #anniefdowns #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bookshelves #bookrecommendations
I bought a few of the books that flew off the shel I bought a few of the books that flew off the shelves last year but haven’t read any of them yet. It’s still important work and this is as good a month as any to dig in. 

(I should mention that last year I did listen to -
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth)

Are you reading anything for Black History Month?
.
#blackhistorymonth #history #bookstagram #booklover #unreadshelfproject2021 #unreadshelf #bookstack #caste #bookofthemonth #botm #february2021 #februaryreads
February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blo February Scripture Writing Plan is live in the blog! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting together another great collection of verses for us to focus on this month!
.
Link in bio 😊
.
#scripture #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #february #february2021 #journaling #club119writers
Texas can’t decide what winter weather is but I’ve still got winter vibes in the house. And plenty of tea for this season! The French Lemon Ginger and Moonlight Glow are my top 2 choices in my January @sipsby box. 
What have you been drinking this month?

My January box included - 

• Midnight Glow from @purekure_skincare
• French Lemon Ginger from @tealyratea
• Organic Rooibos Tea from @cederbosrooibostea 
• Sugar Cookie from @pinkyuptea 
.
Check out the link in my bio to get started with your own SipsBy subscription 😊
.
#sipsbybox #tea #teatime #winterweather
Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! Oh, it’s National Spouse Day? I’m here for it! 
Here’s my spouse. He’s the bestest 🥰 
#nationalspouseday #ilovehimsomuch #marriedlife
Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because Another peak at my 2021 journaling project because @abiding_kelseyleigh said it’s Share the Love Sunday so here’s my personal development spread! 
I can’t stop looking at it and flipping through the rest of my pages ☺️ Video coming soon!
.
#myabidingjournal2021 #doyourthing #staycurious #creativelifehappylife #creativitymatters #journalingcommunity #creativitytakescourage #personaldevelopment #sharethelove #creativejournal #creativejournaling #projectplaybook #livewellstayfocused
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
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