6 Books You Should Definitely Re-read in 2020

One of my New Years resolutions of 2019 was to read ten books. Come hell or high water (as my mother would say) I was determined to finish ten books by December 31st. Based on my list, below are 6 Books You Should Read (or Re-read) in 2020.

Why only six? Honestly, by the time the ball dropped on New Years Eve I had only 60% of my list completed. Isn’t that always the way of a resolution? Still, compared to the one book I read in 2018, I consider this a win!

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1. Present Over Perfect – Leaving Behind Frantic For a Simpler, Most Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist

I cannot say enough good things about this book. Between Audible and the physical copy of the book I have read it at least ten times. I recommend it to everyone I speak with and that’s barely an exaggeration. Present Over Perfect is worth 1,000 re-reads.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed and consumed by the to-do list of life? This is the book for you. Do you feel like you have been running for decades and need to rest? This is the book for you. Do you desire to live the slow way, but don’t know how to start? This is the book for you. Shauna Niequist, you beautiful cherub of a woman, thank you for being a writer.

2. Girl, Wash Your Face – Stop Believing the Lies About Who You are So You Can Become Who You Are Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis

I have to admit, this book took me by surprise. There are a wide range of topics covered from adoption to marrying Matt Damon, and it was a roller coaster for me after finishing Present Over Perfect. Each chapter presents a lie and discusses that lie. For instance… The Lie: I’m a terrible writer.

This particular book I listened to on audible on a few long car and plan rides, so it was perfect for that. Rachel Hollis has a fun and relatable voice, and I felt as though I was sitting across the coffee table chatting with a friend. She is also not afraid to be vulnerable and bold in challenging the reader. It was refreshing, and I think worth the re-read or re-listen in the car.

3. Matilda by Roald Dahl

This year I decided every other book I read would be a children’s book. With a bachelors degree in creative writing with an emphasis on children’s literature, I thought… why not? I am often inspired by children’s literature. It unravels my mind and brings me back to a simpler age.

Matilda is such a clever and resourceful child. In a time when children are watching ipads and steaming videos on Youtube, I was reading about a little girl with a library card. There is beauty in the basics. Roald Dahl is also one of my favorite authors, because my mother used to read his stories to my sister and I before bedtime.

If you are looking for a fun read for your kiddos or even for yourself, Matilda is a book that brings nothing but joy.

4. The Hygge Life: Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness Through Recipes, Entertaining, Decorating, Simple Rituals, and Family Traditions by Gunnar Karl Gislason and Jody Eddy.

Hygge Life was a read I had not planned at the beginning of the year, but I could not put it down. It’s full of tips on how to live a hygge life, as well as recipes and home decor tips. The word “hygge” itself is translated as “coziness,” and I have been trying to practice a more cozy, slower way of living.

This book also makes an excellent coffee table book, as it is full of beautiful photos of Scandinavian countries. I’ll definitely be giving this book a re-read in the new year.

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling

My little sister has given me an illustrated Harry Potter book for the last four Christmases, and I couldn’t be happier about it. What series is worth the re-read if not Harry Potter? I hadn’t read the Sorcerer’s Stone since my mother first read it to me in elementary school, and it was about time I read it again.

J.K Rowling created such a beautiful work of art. It astounds me that she could cultivate such a complex universe in her own mind.

My husband and I also had the opportunity to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, and I will say if you are a fan or know a fan of the books… GO. It was worth every penny spent. Make the time, save the money, and spend a couple days in the World of Harry Potter.

6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

How I made it 28 years without reading this book is one of life’s great mysteries. I was an English major. You’d think one relative, friend, or professor would have suggested it to me, but none did. Louisa May Alcott wrote a masterpiece, in my opinion, and I now plan to re-read this novel every Christmas season.

My favorite character in the novel is Marmee, or Mrs. March. I related so much to her striving for sanctification. While speaking to Jo about this process she says, “…I have a better friend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one.” (ch.8)

The character of Marmee gave me an excellent reminder about who God is and how I can rely on Him to sustain me.

Also, teenage Chelsea could definitely have used this book. There are so many life lessons that are vital, and yet not as easily discussed in this age. If you know any teenaged girls or pre-teens, I suggest you give them this novel immediately.

I hope you enjoyed my list of 6 Books You Should Definitely Read (or re-read) in 2020. If you have any suggestions of books for 2020, please send me an email! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Check out related content such as:

10 New Practices That Will Revolutionize 2020
15 of My Favorite Board Books for Toddlers
My 4 Favorite Books About Hygge Living
12 Classic Children’s Books to Read With Your Kids

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Love Always,