• About Me
  • Bible Study
  • YouTube
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Cart

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?

Leave a Comment

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

Primary Sidebar

Search

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.

Browse Categories

  • FAITH
  • LIFE
  • STYLE
  • the reading life

90 Day Bible Reading Plan

CLUB 119 January Scripture Writing Plan

January Spotify Playlist

2021 PowerSheets

Full Focus Planner

THE UNDATED READING LIFE PLANNER

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Instagram

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠ And fi All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠
And filled the night with Hallelujah's⁠
God is with us now⁠
⁠
Everyone come and join the heavenly chorus⁠
Our Savior King is here before us⁠
All to hear the sound⁠
The song creation sang⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
So let us sing Redemption Song⁠
Let us worship Christ the holy one⁠
We were lost, but we were found⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
Ben Glover / Kari Brooke Jobe⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #whenhopecamedown #silentnight #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #redemption #merrychristmas #godwithus
Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather this week is supposed to stay chilly and sunny which is my fave! I have a list a mile long of things to get done before December 31st but I also don’t want to be so busy that I miss the wonder of the Advent season as well. I’m not a master at time management (yet) buuuut I’m working on it and one thing that really helps is when I sit down with a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a slow-down ritual that I’m learning to appreciate more and more.
.
I cannot wait to try my new teas in my December @sipsby box! This month selection is - 

• Cucumber Apple Cold Brew from @teapigsus
• Honey Lavender Stress Relief from @yogitea
• Tulsi Original from @organicindiausa 
• Hojicha from @coalitiontea
.
Visit the link in my bio to take your quiz & get personalized boxes sent to you every month!
.
Tell me, what are you doing to slow down this season?
.
.
.
#sipsbybox #sipsbytea #slowdown #advent #christmas #christmastime #rituals #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #merrychristm #mondayverses #startright #christmas #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #christmasstory
I haven’t been making Youtube videos regularly t I haven’t been making Youtube videos regularly this year and man, I have really lost the rhythm. I’ve had to build energy and desire all over again. Today is the first day in awhile where I can say it’s actually a good filming day and it feels so good 😊 We’re not talking about anything fancy. It’s just me turning the camera on and talking. Who knew it took practice to get comfortable and back into feeling like I’m chatting with you? Well for me, apparently I needed to get over the hump. I hope this means I’m back in the rhythm 😊
.
This is your reminder to keep pushing and get over the hump. Don’t give up right before things fall into a rhythm. Don’t give up before it’s gets good. You know things take time and practice. If you need permission to take it slow, sis, here it is. Keep doing the things you do. Don’t give up. 
.
#motivation #keepgoing #cultivatewhatmatters #dontgiveup #beyou #practicemakesprogress #goodthingstaketime #makeithappen #begentlewithyourself
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠ And fi All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠
And filled the night with Hallelujah's⁠
God is with us now⁠
⁠
Everyone come and join the heavenly chorus⁠
Our Savior King is here before us⁠
All to hear the sound⁠
The song creation sang⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
So let us sing Redemption Song⁠
Let us worship Christ the holy one⁠
We were lost, but we were found⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
Ben Glover / Kari Brooke Jobe⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #whenhopecamedown #silentnight #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #redemption #merrychristmas #godwithus
Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather this week is supposed to stay chilly and sunny which is my fave! I have a list a mile long of things to get done before December 31st but I also don’t want to be so busy that I miss the wonder of the Advent season as well. I’m not a master at time management (yet) buuuut I’m working on it and one thing that really helps is when I sit down with a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a slow-down ritual that I’m learning to appreciate more and more.
.
I cannot wait to try my new teas in my December @sipsby box! This month selection is - 

• Cucumber Apple Cold Brew from @teapigsus
• Honey Lavender Stress Relief from @yogitea
• Tulsi Original from @organicindiausa 
• Hojicha from @coalitiontea
.
Visit the link in my bio to take your quiz & get personalized boxes sent to you every month!
.
Tell me, what are you doing to slow down this season?
.
.
.
#sipsbybox #sipsbytea #slowdown #advent #christmas #christmastime #rituals #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #merrychristm #mondayverses #startright #christmas #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #christmasstory
I haven’t been making Youtube videos regularly t I haven’t been making Youtube videos regularly this year and man, I have really lost the rhythm. I’ve had to build energy and desire all over again. Today is the first day in awhile where I can say it’s actually a good filming day and it feels so good 😊 We’re not talking about anything fancy. It’s just me turning the camera on and talking. Who knew it took practice to get comfortable and back into feeling like I’m chatting with you? Well for me, apparently I needed to get over the hump. I hope this means I’m back in the rhythm 😊
.
This is your reminder to keep pushing and get over the hump. Don’t give up right before things fall into a rhythm. Don’t give up before it’s gets good. You know things take time and practice. If you need permission to take it slow, sis, here it is. Keep doing the things you do. Don’t give up. 
.
#motivation #keepgoing #cultivatewhatmatters #dontgiveup #beyou #practicemakesprogress #goodthingstaketime #makeithappen #begentlewithyourself
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Refined theme by Restored 316