100 Books in 2019

While I don't think that we should only set goals beginning January 1st, I do love setting goals for the New Year. Every year for the past 4 years, I've set a goodreads reading challenge. My goal number has ranged from 90 to 100 books depending on the year. During my highest year, I read 70ish books. More often, I run in the low 60s.

This year I thought about setting my goal in the 60s because, realistically, that is a goal that I can reach with little extra effort.

But, then, I decided that this year I am going to set my goal at 100.

For several reasons.

First, because I do actually like to read. (Surprise.)

Second, because I want to read more.

The first year that I set my goal for 100, I read drastically more than I did the prior year. When I had free time, I was more likely to spend it reading rather than wasting my time with something that didn't truly make me happy (AKA scrolling through social media).

So, I'm setting a goal that I am probably not going to achieve. And, I'm ok with that.

Setting a huge goal like this helps me to do more of something that I love. One problem that people have with New Year's Resolutions is that we feel bad later when we don't meet them. But, that's not how I want to handle resolutions this year.

Why not make wildly ambitious goals? Goals where even if I only make it halfway, I still have something to be proud of?

This year, I am going to make optimistic resolutions. And, I am going to celebrate my progress regardless of how far I go.

Reading 100 books is going to be one of my wildly ambitious goals for the year. I'll be keeping track on a paper printable which I made (and which you can download too if you'd like.) I'll post updates here on the blog as well as on instagram as I finish each book.

Is anyone else including a reading challenge in your goals for this year? I'd love have a group of people to try this with (even if you aren't setting yours at 100).

What are your wildly ambitious goals for 2019, book-related or otherwise?

Find me on Goodreads.

More bookish download available on my Etsy shop.

Update: See the Quarter One Progress and Quarter Three Progress

Recommended Reading: Fall

People talk about summer reading a lot, but I'd argue that fall reading is just as enjoyable. Especially now that the sun has started setting earlier and the temperature has begun dipping below freezing on a regular basis, curling up on the couch with a blanket, a mug of hot chocolate, and a good book seems even more appealing.

Fall is a great time to read thrillers (thanks Halloween), but since I don't do anything that makes me frightened when it's dark outside, I tend to stick to cozy mysteries for fall. This time of year also brings out my nesting tendencies, probably because I don't like going outside in the cold (AKA any weather below 60 degrees), so books about HGTV stars made their way onto this list as well.

The Books

Cocaine Blues - Kerry Greenwood

If you haven't already watched all of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on Netflix, then you absolutely need to. The books that the TV series is based on it just as delightful as you would expect. Strong, interesting female characters are the absolute best. Spending a few evenings following the story of a lady detective in Australia during the 1920s is a great way to relax.


Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie

Everyone knows that Agatha Christie wrote mysteries, but until I read And Then There Were None, I didn't understand why they were such a big deal. I kind of assumed that I would not enjoy her writing. Turns out I was completely wrong. There's a reason she is the best selling novelist of all time (according to Guinness World Records). Describing a book as page-turning is cliche, but it's true in this case. While I don't plan to try all 66 of her novels, Murder on the Orient Express is well worth the read.


The Magnolia Story - Chip and Joanna Gaines

Like the rest of America, I was slightly obsessed with Fixer Upper. Part of the appeal came from loving Joanna's style, but the other part came from the interactions between the couple. Reading their story made me love them even more. Chip and Joanna have almost opposite personalities, but they work together so well. If you like the show even a little bit, then you'll love this book.


Make Something Good Today - Erin and Ben Napier

Although I'm probably biased, I think that Home Town makes me even happier than Fixer Upper. Watching Erin and Ben restore houses because they are passionate about preserving and enhancing their community is so inspiring. Getting to read their story about how things started off for them makes me think about what I want to do with my life. I loved that I felt like I was able to celebrate along with them during the happy parts of their journey, but I also liked how realistic they were about the times that were difficult. Even if you don't watch their show (which you should), then you still need to read this book. (They also went to Ole Miss, so that should be reason enough.)


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Best Movies and Shows on Netflix for People Who Love Books

Regardless of how much you might enjoy reading, sometimes you want to relax without the concentration that reading requires. Lately, Netflix has been on a roll with releasing originals based on books. They've also got some great older movies based on books and things that would appeal to book lovers in general.

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

This is one of the new Netflix originals. First, if you haven't read the book, you absolutely need to read it. It's set right after WWII on an British island that was occupied by German forces, and it pulls you into a charming, eccentric world. While I haven't personally watched this movie yet, I'm looking forward to seeing whether it holds up to the promise of the book.

2. To All the Boys I've Loved Before

This is another one of the new Netflix originals. If you read YA, then you've probably run across Jenny Han. I don't even care that this series is supposed to be a teen romance. I couldn't put the books down once I started. I haven't watched this one yet either, but if you love a good romance movie, chances are that this one is going to be worth watching.

3. The Princess Diaries

Yes, this movie actually is based on a book (series.) Unfortunately, the books are not nearly as good as the movie, so I'd advise that you skip the book and just go straight to the movie.


4. Stardust

Even if you're not usually all that into fantasy, Stardust is a fantastic movie. It's based on the book by Neil Gaiman, and it's more of a romance than strictly fantasy. The main character Tristan goes to get a fallen star for the girl he's in love with. When he reaches the star, he finds out that the star is actually a beautiful girl which is where all the trouble begins. The book and movie are equally good.

5. Lord of the Rings

This one shouldn't need any explanation. You've already heard of it. I was just surprised to discover that it's on Netflix. Honestly, I am not all that obsessed with the movies because there is so much fighting, but there's also Orlando Bloom so that helps some.

6. Sherlock

Ok, if you haven't already read the stories, you need to. I thought that they wouldn't be all that interesting, but there's a reason that Sherlock Holmes is still popular today. This particular version stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes which in itself should be enough to put the series on your list.

7. Beauty and the Beast

Chances are that if you love books, then you also love Belle. Disney's live action version of Beauty and the Beast is currently on Netflix. This movie is just as delightful and magical as the animated one. As an added draw for book lovers, Emma Watsons (AKA Hermoine Granger) stars as Belle.

8. Gilmore Girls

While this show isn't based on a book, book lovers will adore Rory. There are 339 books referenced in the series. If you haven't watched this series yet, you have no idea what you are missing out on.

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Netflix is constantly updating their selection of movies and tv shows, and I'm sure that I've missed many great movies and shows based on books. What are your current favorites and must-watches based on books?

A Slightly Unconventional Guide to New Orleans

If tourist traps, drinking, and walking down suspicious streets aren't you thing, you can still enjoy a visit to New Orleans. The city has gained a certain reputation, but there's much more to New Orleans than the stereotypes that you hear about so often.

Even though I've recently moved, I enjoyed my time living just an hour away from New Orleans. I didn't visit the city as much as I thought that I would, and I am definitely not a local, but I was able to try out some things during the three years that I lived nearby.

Sweets

Cafe du Monde - Ok, I know I said no tourist traps, and this probably counts as one, but you do need to have a beignent while in New Orleans. This is not negotiable. You need to eat fried dough covered in powdered sugar, so deal with the crowd and take cute instagram photos.

Sucre - When you go to Paris, you have to get macarons from Laduree. When you go to New Orleans, you have to get macarons from Sucre. Their macarons are exactly what macarons are supposed to be like. Of course, once you get a glimpse of the chocolate, cupcakes, and cookies behind the counter, you might end up with more than just macarons. There are multiple locations, but I've only ever been to the one on Magazine Street because it's not difficult to park there.

Bonus: Paul's Pastry - If you drive down I-59 to get to New Orleans, stop at Paul's Pastry in Picayune to get a king cake either on your way there or on your way out. Yes, king cake is for Mardi Gras, but if you aren't going to be in the area during that time, just get one anyway. The strawberry/cream cheese filling is my favorite. As long as you are stopping by, you can pick up one for me too. :)

Shopping

I mainly stuck to Magazine Street for shopping because of the easy parking and access to cute boutiques. Two of my favorites are The French Library, which sells French children's books and has a perfect day bed swing near the front window, and the Petit Paris Market, which carries treats and gifts imported from France. (There's a bit of a theme with the type of shopping I like.)

Activities

Moonlight Paddle - If you are a little more adventurous and think canoeing or kayaking through Lousiana's swamps and bayous sounds like a good idea, then I recommend you check out Canoe and Trail. My mom, sister,and I went out on one of their Moonlight Paddles. It only takes place once a month around the time when the moon is full. Our group set off in the evening, ate our dinner on the shore as the sun set, and then made our way back to our starting point under the light of the moon. The company has other outings available, so it's worth taking a look at their day offering if you want to try it but don't like the idea of being in the swamp in the dark.

Square Dance NOLA - If you happen to be in town on one of the Mondays when these are held, you absolutely need to go. First of all, First Presbyterian Hall looks like a scene out of an old movie. Second, the dancing isn't hard to follow because the caller tells you exactly what to do. The people are welcoming, and while someone may laugh when you head in the wrong direction, it's just friendly. You might think that you're not a dancer, but if the people that I've gone with can do this, then so can you.

Afternoon Tea at Windsor Court - I had no idea that you could do afternoon tea in New Orleans until my sister mentioned it for her bachelorette trip. You'll need to make reservations, and it is a bit expensive, but absolutely worth it in order to be able to get all dressed up during the middle of the day and feel extremely fancy. Le Salon has specific themed weekends for tea as well. A prohibition themed tea happened recently, and I wish that I were going to be around for the holidays/Christmas season.

The National World War II Museum - Chances are that you've already heard about this museum. According to tripadvisor, it's the highest rated thing to do in new Orleans. The museum is so popular that it might not qualify as unconventional, but it's such a good museum that I couldn't leave it off the list.


Thanks for reading! I just started an instagram account for Chronicles of a Southern Belle, so if you'd like to keep up with more travel suggestions, please follow along.

Recommended Reading: Summer

Let's just be clear that none of these were beach reads. I know that lots of people are capable of reading on the beach, but somehow, I'm just not one of them. I did try to take advantage of the limited time I have left living near the beach to relax and read there. But, it was weirdly windy and sand got everywhere, and then my friend and I stumbled (almost literally) onto two dead fish that had washed up on shore. So, I'll be containing the rest of my summer reading to either a porch or a couch.

That being said, if you're looking for options on what to read this summer, either on the beach or somewhere less exciting, I have plenty of suggestions. 

The Books

Bossypants - Tina Fey

We don't even need to talk about why you should read this book. It's by Tina Fey. I realize that everyone probably read it forever ago (by which I mean 2011) when it first came  out, but I've only now gotten around to read it. Still good.

A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea - Masaji Ishikawa

During World Book Day, Amazon Crossing gave away Kindle downloads of books translated from different languages. This book turned about to be a solid choice. The author was born in Japan but moved to North Korea with his family as a child. He tells about his life there and about his escape many years later. This is not a fun read, but it was eye-opening.

The House by the River - Lena Manta

The book also came from the World Book Day celebration. The House by the River is the story of a Greek woman with five daughters. It basically ends up being 6 stories because each woman gets her own section. This book falls into the romance category (or what I assume is the romance category given that I rarely venture beyond Nicholas Sparks.) The story is both beautiful and tragic. If you're looking to cry over the course of several days, this is your book.

Flipped - Wendelin Van Braanen

First, if you're a middle school teacher, you have to read this book right now so that you can recommend it to all of your students. They will love it. You will never see it left on your shelf for more than 5 seconds. 

If you don't teach middle school, you should still read it anyway. In the first chapter, Bryce tells about the day he moved a new town and meet the obnoxious, pushy girl next door. In the second chapter, Julie tells about the day a new family moved in next door and she fell in love with a set of beautiful blue eyes. We can all see where this is headed. Without the changing perspectives, this book would just be ordinary. But, thanks to the skill of the author, once you start reading, you have to keep reading to hear the other side of the story. Even if you think you don't like to read, you won't be able to help yourself with this one.

Solo - Kwame Alexander

Y'all, I was not prepared for this book (or really for the audio version of this book because I listened to it while driving.) Kwame Alexander's name is everywhere is YA/Children's lit right now. After reading this book, which isn't even the one he won a Newbery for, I see why. 

The main character is Blade, and he's the son of a fading rock star. Blade's life is luxurious, but his family is falling apart. Sometimes stories involving teen angst are just too angsty to handle, but this story had the right balance. You'll want to follow this character through all the emotional upsets that occur. Also, you'll probably want to add more of Alexander's books to your to-read list because one isn't enough.

Listen, Slowly - Thanhha Lai

After reading Inside Out and Back Again, also by Lai, I knew that I needed to read this one. Mai is a California girl who just wants to spend her summer on the beach looking cute in front of a guy she likes (don't we all.) Instead, her parents want her to travel to Vietnam with her grandmother to find out what happened to her grandfather during the Vietnam War. Mai feels out of place among relates she has never met and a culture that she doesn't feel is hers. It's a moving story about love, belonging, and family that you absolutely need to read.

Recommended Reading: Spring

One of the best parts about spring is sitting outside with a good book. Maybe for the rest of the country the beginning of March doesn't count as spring, but minus a few cold days, springtime has definitely started in south Mississippi.

I haven't been able to do as much reading as I would like lately because going to grad school while teaching leaves me with less free time than normal. Even so, I have been able to read a few books, and I always have suggestions. Mostly YA and children's books. Apparently, I no longer read fiction written for adults.

(Actually, I do have plenty of fiction written for adults sitting in a pile next to my bed. I just haven't gotten to it lately. Plus, YA books have cooler covers.)

The Books

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle

You've probably already heard of this children's book before because it won a Newbery Medal in 1963, and it's become a classic. Although it is a "children's book," it deals with a heavy theme of good and evil that challenges adults just as much as children. If for some reason you haven't read this yet or if it's been a long time, now is a good time to read it again because a new movie version is being released in theaters on March 9. I'm definitely going to be there.


Red Queen and Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard

After the popularity of books like The Hunger Games and The Selection, do we really need another YA dystopian series with a ridiculous love triangle?

Absolutely.

This is a new-ish YA fantasy series with three books published so far. I am not going to argue that these are deep, thought-provoking books. However, they are extremely enjoyable to read, the characters are interesting, and I have been surprised by every single twist in the plot. I haven't read the third book yet, but I can fully recommend Red Queen and Glass Sword.


Everything, Everything - Nicola Yoon

I saw this book in the public library and checked it out because I had seen several of my students reading it at school. It's not a book I would actually recommend to my students because some of the subject matter is a little mature for the age I teach. If you've run out of Nicholas Spark books or John Green books, and you're looking for a romantic book to read that will make you cry a little, then this is a good option. The ending was not everything that I wanted it to be, but there were a few tears in the middle.


For the Love - Jen Hatmaker

For the Love has been on my to-read list since it came out in 2015. I'd already read her book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, and I follow Jen on her blog and on Instagram. The book was even better than I expected. Jen talks about what it looks like to love people as a Christian. Her writing is honest, funny, and insightful which is a difficult combination to hit with this topic. The book is the kind that you will want to read and then reread later on. Out of all the books that I've read over the past few months, For the Love is the one that I'd recommend the most.