With Christmas just weeks away and the New Year on the horizon I thought it would be a great time to review my top 10 reads of 2018. Plus this list might help if you have a bookworm on your shopping list.

Before we dive in, it has to be said-  I have missed reading!   I used to devour books, but with the arrival of my little one, working full-time, blogging and the social media monster that come along with blogging…..reading just stopped.

This year I vowed to rediscover my passion for reading, to help with this I started to read a lot on my Kobo while running on the treadmill (multitasking master.) I have even taken to listening to audiobooks but find those a bit harder to follow.

Without further ado and in no particular order, my top 10 reads of 2018

1.      You Are A Badass -Jen Sincero

Why I liked this book: I enjoyed her narrative style. and I like how she breaks the self-help world into no nonsense bite size sections.

Who I’d recommend this book for:  I definitely recommend this book if you’ve yet to discover the self-help genre but are looking for inspiration. The author draws from a lot of other books so she  has done the searching for you and explains concepts in easy to understand and apply ways.

2.       The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck- Mark Manson

Why I liked the book: Because I realized I give WAY too many F*cks about things and it’s been the root of my unhappiness, anxiety and frustration.

• “In life, we have a limited amount of f*cks to give. So you must choose your f*cks wisely.”
• “Self-improvement is really about prioritizing better values, choosing better things to give a f*ck about. Because when you give better f*cks, you get better problems. And when you get better problems, you get a better life.”

Who I’d recommend this book for: Self-help junkies who read way too many positive self-development books and don’t feel any better or different reading them. If you have a problem with swearing I recommend not giving a F*ck about it and seeing past the language he’s using to portray a point

3.      Judgment Detox– by Gabrielle Bernstein

Why I liked the book: Given my past, as a protection mechanism I often find myself snapping to quick judgments about people. I find my thoughts wrapped up in why or why not people do certain things. It’s exhausting so I needed to become introspective and learn why I’m doing it and how to stop.

Who I’d recommend this book for:  I’d recommend this to anyone that hasn’t truly figured out what forgiveness means or is finding themselves gossiping, thinking negatively of others or actually saying to themselves “wow that was really judgy of me”. It’s a quick read and has amazing steps laid out that you can do as you read.

4.      Add More ING to your Life – by Gabrielle Bernstein

Why I liked this book: This was a perfect read early in my self-help journey and understanding what happiness mean to me.  The basic concept of this book is a 30 day program designed to help you improve your life and be able to move forward from whatever negativity is holding you back. Each chapter focuses on different aspects and will show you how to apply the ~ing Equation to ensure positive changes.

Who I would recommend this book for:  Anyone that is a fan of fan of the Law of Attraction and The Secret.  Anyone that is struggling with negativity.

5.      Get your Shit Together- Sara Knight

Why I liked this book: It should go without saying but expect swearing.  With its content being immensely valuable, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.  If you can’t find several pearls of wisdom you can immediately apply to your own life… well, you must be reading the wrong book.

Who I’d recommend this book for:  People looking  to getting their shit together, more specifically learning to organize their time.  The Book provides plenty of practical, easily-applicable advice, alongside copious real-life examples. Including exactly how her system can be applied to every conceivable scenario

6.      Girls wash your face- Rachel Hollis

Why I liked this book:  Make no mistake this book is all about YOU, me and every women out there in some capacity.   I enjoyed parts of the book for its relate-ability and other part for its vulnerability and honesty.  Personally I found it less of a self-help book and more of an inspiring autobiography.

Who I’d recommend this book for: Any other Mamma’s out there that can’t make it out for a ladies night  but need some camaraderie.

7.      #Girlboss- Sophia Amoruso

Why I like this book: I think that is a great message from a book that might seem like fluff from the outside, but had a surprisingly strong and positive message on the inside!  The core message of this book is that true success lies in knowing your weaknesses and playing by your strengths.

Who I’d recommend this book for:  Someone just entering the self-help genre.  Or those self-help junkies that need a change of speed.

8.      The opposite of Spoiled Rotten- Ron Lieber

Why I like this book:  I think my favorite quote sums it up perfectly:

• “Every conversation about money is also about VALUES.  Allowance is about patience. Giving is about generosity. Work is about perseverance. Negotiating their wants and needs and the difference between the two has a lot do to with thrift and prudence.  Running through all these conversations is a desire for kids to have perspective- to know why they may have more than most people in the world but will probably never have more than every one of their peers.  Why there is no shame is having more or less, as long as you’re grateful for what you have, share it generously with others, and spend it wisely on the things that make you happiest.”
  

Who I’d recommend this book for:  Every parent.

9.       The Four Tendencies- Gretchen Rubin

Why I like this book: After the first 2 chapters and taking the quiz…MIND BLOWN.  No surprise I am an Upholder, things are so much clearer now.  The quiz and the accompanying materials changed the way I understand myself.  How I can best motivate myself – and gave me insights on how to be a more understanding spouse, coworker, and parent.

Who I’d recommend this book for:  If you’re curious about your own habit formation, what motivates you, and how to work with your own tendency.  It would likely be an insightful read. Identifying your tendency can give you a lot of freedom, and reduce your stress levels in how you deal with yourself and others.

10.      Step-coupling  – By Susan Wisdom  and Jennifer Green

Why I like this book:  This book discusses just about every issue a step family will face, from step-family bonds (and the initial lack thereof) to  handling finances to dealing with the ex.  In each instance, the authors treat the issue directly and without flinching.  To me, the strength of this book is the focus on the couple relationship as the foundation for success for the entire family.   This book also  encourages step-parents to take an active role in raising their step-children. So often step-parents are asked to take a backseat, but with its active co-parenting style, this book strengthens the bond between adult and child to create a healthy and happy home life.

Who I’d recommend this book for:  If you read only one book about step-families, this is the one to read

Have any suggestions for me, I would love to add them to my 2019 reading list!