20 Books for 2020

If you’re wondering what to read next, I present 20 books for 2020! As you may recall,  I returned to a joy habit of reading more last year. As 2020 unfolded in craziness, I didn’t read (or listen to audio books) as much as I anticipated. But I did find some phenomenal books this year to share with you. Remember reading (especially out loud) is an exceptional way to empower your mind and memory, so add some of these to your Christmas list or gift one or more to someone you love this holiday season!

Most are linked to the paperback version, but pick whichever option you prefer and enjoy! (Disclosure: If you purchase from links provided I may receive an affiliate commission from Amazon Services LLC Associates Program which helps support this site. I only promote products I personally use or recommend without hesitation. Thanks for your support.)

Let’s start with my favorites!!

Shift by Abby McDonald  I have already shared this one with you because it was so impactful. If you need a shift in your thinking with some practical tools then check this one out. Loved it and I know you will too!

Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen Another absolute favorite! I led a group through this book and it changed a lot of us. I geeked out on her neuroscience application in conjunction with Biblical foundations reminding us to stop toxic, negative thinking. A must read for anyone wanting to move forward and leave negative thinking behind.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus It’s that time of year and if you have children this is a must read! I discovered and read this with my children when they were in elementary school and it was magical!! History blended with creativity makes (and extends) the fun of Santa. I enjoyed it as much as the kids did and we still discuss it each year. A perennial pick!

A Bit of Fiction…

(All were listened to so I could squeeze more ‘reading’ into my days!)

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott In my quest to read some classics each year, this was top of my list. It didn’t disappoint and I too fell in the love with the March family. If you haven’t read it, put in on your list. It’s a classic favorite of mine now too!

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain adds another classic to the list! Enjoyed the antics, but not as much as with the girl’s in Little Women. Well worth the read as a classic American novel!

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis rounds out the classics. A quick and entertaining reminder of how the enemy is always at work trying to manipulate and deceive. 

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein  A follow up to Code Name Verity (one of my faves from last year) chronicling an American WWII ATA pilot. It was a great listen delivering an enjoyable escape in a year when we needed one!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman was a surprising and fun listen! I won’t spoil it for you and I purposefully didn’t read much about it before I listened, but what a great book to read this year! Highly recommend!

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers A Christian contemporary romance that was a refreshing diversion reminding me of the power of redemption, mercy, and love. 

Engage your Mind…

High Octane Brain by Dr. Michelle Braun Having heard Dr. Braun speak in person, I was excited to read how she applied the research I base my MemoryMinders programming on. Her easy to understand approach came through in a collection  of research, interviews and application. Happy to say it validated my work and reinvigorated my passion for mind and memory wellness. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to enhance brain wellness.

Indistractable by Nir Eyal  One of the best, easiest, yet sometimes difficult thing we can do to help our mind and memory is to focus. This book provides the why and how to manage distractions, control our attention, and choose a focused path forward. Recommend for anyone wanting to focus better and longer.

When by Daniel H. Pink   Timing is everything and in this book we learn timing is a science more than an art. I’m in the middle of this one, but again geeking out on the science and loving the applications I can use. Will definitely finish this one soon and apply its strategies! 

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor  is another one I’m in the process of reading, but know I will keep recommending! Positive psychology precepts and life applications abound in this one. Read this and redefine your view of happiness. 

Refresh your Soul

Standing Strong by Alli Worthington is a recent favorite! Loved listening to Alli’s voice as she told us through her own story and practical techniques how to stand strong even in the worst of circumstances. Filled with funny, practical, and Biblical wisdom, I’m also going to purchase the paperback and gift to others, it’s that good.

Shaken by Tim Tebow is my current listen and it correlates with Standing Strong. This is not a memoir, but a call to remember we cannot be shaken when we trust in God’s plan for our lives. Recommend for any sports lover and anyone who needs a reminder of from where our strength comes. 

Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel I listened to this one and while a quick listen, it left a deep mark reminding me of the power of prayer and how often underutilized it is.  Delve deeper into prayer with this one.

Made Like Martha by Katie Reid is for all of us ‘doers’. Find ways to embrace your God-given gift of doing and also how to rest from striving so hard. 

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is one I have just barely begun but know it will be impactful. A deeper read to be sure, but one I sense will leave an indelible mark in this Christian’s life. 

Next Up…

Jesus Over Everything by Lisa Whittle  has been on my radar and I’m eager to begin. Lisa seems like me, a bit bolder and louder than others 😉 and I’ve heard great things about this book. Seems like the best way to start the new year!

Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond sounds like a fun listen and is on my Audible list. I love her fun and quirky style, recipes, and it’ll be interesting to hear more about her life. 

Hope some of these 20 books for 2020 will engage, refresh, and/or entertain you this year and beyond!