The Best Life Changing Books I Read This Year

When I decided to make reading 50 books this year a goal, I had no idea how it would change my life this year. While I’ve always been a reader, the busyness of life often made me put my love for books in the back burner. By making a reading goal this year I reignited my passion for reading. Not only did I meet my goal this year, but I surpassed it. Yes, here I am 72 books later ready to give you some recommendations.  Want to know the best life changing books I read this year? I’m ready to give you all the details. This post contains some affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

While this post will concentrate on my non-fiction reads from this year, I will say that I enjoyed reading a lot of fiction books, too. I believe reading fiction is just as worthwhile as reading non-fiction, but I wanted to share the books that really helped me this year. That gave me insight into myself and others in my sphere of influence. Books that made me a better person and gave me a new perspective going forward. Books that I want my best friend, my mother, my sister, my niece and YOU to read. Let’s check them out.

Do you long to be free? Do you feel weighted down by your struggle to win the approval of others? Tired of the hustle of striving and need rest? It’s time to experience the freedom God offers us. Let Rebekah Lyons guide you in her book, You are Free. This book was such an eye-opener to me and I felt God convicting my heart and bringing healing while I was reading it. It’s a must-read for any woman battling anxiety, worry, heartache and stress.

Another eye-opener, I think every woman should read Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. Learn to recognize the lies of the enemy and keep your insecurities at bay. If you’v ever felt left out, overlooked, rejected or like you don’t belong, this book is definitely for you. Any woman I’ve recommended this book to has agreed that it’s a book that can change your life by applying the principles taught in it.

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, this book really hit home. Are you tired of trying to be perfect, too? The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown teaches you how embracing who you really are can change your life. Stop trying to fit in and learn to accept that you are enough just the way you are, no striving needed!

I’m a HUGE fan of Lara Casey, and you may remember my recommendation of her book, Make It Happen as well as her PowerSheets Goal Planner. In her book Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life, Lara gives you freedom to stop trying to do it all. Instead, focus on what really matters to you and intentionally make time for those things in your life. Learn to embrace the mess and move forward to create joy in your life.

Have you even felt hidden, unimportant or overlooked? I know I have, but Sara Hagerty explains in her book, Unseen, how God is working behind the scenes in those hidden moments in our lives. You may feel your current place or situation is unimportant, but a fresh perspective can reveal otherwise. God is drawing you close to Him for a purpose. Lean into the moments and relish the time spent with your creator. This book made me crave more of God and challenged me to spend more time with Him.

Ever felt like friendships aren’t worth it? Not sure how to make friendships with others work in your life? In Never Unfriended, Lisa-Jo Baker explains the best way to cultivate lasting friendship with others is to concentrate on becoming the best friend you can be to others. Packed with insights and practical advice such as giving others the benefit of the doubt, you’ll learn how to make friends you can trust to last.

Do you long to start a new habit in the new year? Anytime is a good time to start a new habit, and Charles Duhigg in The Power of Habit gives you the science behind developing new habits to give you the edge in creating new ones. The best way to incorporate new habits in your life is by understanding them. This is a book I’ll be re-reading and referencing this year, too!

Want to start a new morning routine? Let Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life Before 8AM be your guide. I was able to get out of an unmotivated slump when I incorporated the principles taught in this quick but powerful read.

I confess, I have trouble sleeping. Sleep is essential to the quality of life, so this year I began the quest to make a good night’s rest a goal. Shawn Stevenson provides 21 strategies to a restful night’s sleep in his book, Sleep Smarter. This book is the ultimate guide to sleeping better, feeling refreshed, and achieving a healthier, happier life.

Do you struggle with food? I have my hand raised! Here’s some hope for us both. In her book Full, Asheritah Ciuciu shares her own personal struggle with food and reveals the path to freedom. You’ll discover the joy of living free from food fixation so you can experience deeper satisfaction in Christ, gain a renewed sense of purpose, and yes, even enjoy good food.

Do you feel tired and weary with a to-do list a mile long? Tired of trying to live up to the expectations from your family, friends and church? Good News for Weary Women by Elyse Fitzpatrick will open your eyes to how the world pressures us to live a busy life and encourages us to measure our worth by our productivity. It’s time to stop following bad advice and lean into God’s peace and rest.

This year I decided to read The Bible in its entirety front to back, and I’m so glad I did. I enjoyed it so much that I’ll be doing the same this upcoming year. In the busyness of life we may be tempted to overlook the importance of reading the Word of God daily, but trust me when I tell you you’ll see the difference when you do. The Inspire Bible is perfect for those curious about Bible journaling but scared to take the plunge.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the life changing books I’ve read this past year. What were some of your favorite reads from this past year? I love recommendations, too!