12 favorite books read in 2013

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12 Favorite Books Read in 2013 at Fromthiskitchentable.com

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As I’m in the middle of making a list of books I want to read this next year, I wanted to share some of the ones I really enjoyed this past year.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

I loved this book! It’s a completely fascinating read. I didn’t want to put it down and that’s saying something for non-fiction. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I’m an introvert. This book should be required reading for all seminary or business students, pastors, business owners etc, in my opinion, especially those that are extroverts. It would really help them understand where the introverts of the world are coming from.

EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches
Another read I really enjoyed! Lots of wisdom and ideas but an easy book to tackle.

John Adams

Okay, so I’ve tried a few times over the past many years to read this book. This past year was the time that I started determined to finish. I found it completely intriguing and was shocked at how much I didn’t know about this era in our country’s history. Those that help found the country really gave up so much (and their wives too letting their husbands and sons even be gone for months or years at a time with limited or no communication). It made me realize that much of the fighting, arguing, backstabbing etc going on in the government today is nothing new. 

Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together

This and the following book are by the same authors. A story of an unlikely friendship between an art dealer and a homeless drifter. (These are also quick reads.)

The Forgotten Garden: A Novel

This was my first book to read by Kate Morton. It was riveting and different than any book I’ve read. I love mysteries and the intrigue that went along with this story was captivating. I’m hoping to read another by Kate Morton this next year.

The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing

I had the privilege of hearing Jeff Goins speak at a conference this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is an easy read that reminds you to live life where you are. Don’t always be waiting for the next big thing.

Christ in the Chaos: How the Gospel Changes Motherhood

As mothers, we don’t have to be perfect. In fact, we’ll never be perfect. But that’s okay. Christ has forgiven us, and He’ll give us what we need.

In Defense of Food An Eater’s Manifesto

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” Those 7 words are Michael Pollan’s answer to what we should eat. In this book, he talks about how to make wise decisions as to what we eat.

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

What an inspirational story!  Follow a young lady’s amazing journey following a mission trip to Uganda.

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

A light-hearted read written in an informal  and personal tone. You will laugh and sometimes find yourself stopping to think.

The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving (LifeChange Books)

Another short read (the shortest book on this list) but good one! Randy Alcorn shares how you can learn the secret of joyful living.

What were your favorite books to read this year?
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55 thoughts on “12 favorite books read in 2013”

    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      I love reading. It’s hard to make time though. A Nook sounds great, that would make it easy to read on the run. Happy new year to you as well! I’m enjoying family in Texas.

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      Thanks for stopping by! I’m always on the lookout for new authors as well. So many books out there that it’s hard to know where to start. Have a great new year as well.

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  4. Candace

    Thanks for a great list! I absolutely love to read. I’m also a big fan of Jeff Goins, but I haven’t read The In-Between yet. Kisses From Katie is sitting on my bookshelf. This is probably my sign I need to read it next :).

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      Thanks for stopping by! Kisses from Katie was such a inspirational story. A kick in the pants too, I suppose, to see how readily she followed what God was asking her to do.

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  5. Cathy

    I have a couple of the same books (Quiet and Kisses from Katie) on my best of 2013 post!

    I’ve also had ‘The Forgotten Garden’ on my bookshelf for awhile. You’ve got me curious, I’ll have to start that one soon.

    Visiting from Faith Filled Friday. : )

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      I loved Quiet! It read like a novel to me. 🙂 I hope you love The Forgotten Garden. I’m looking forward to reading The Secret Keeper this year – I’ve heard that it’s a lot of people’s favorite of hers. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Lindsay

    I love anything by Michael Pollan and thought In Defense of Food was great. Have you read Cooked yet? It’s incredible, I wrote a review about it on my blog.

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  7. Angela

    Reading more books was my only resolution this year. I did my post yesterday to help keep me accountable. I didn’t get much reading done last year but I did read Same kind of different as me, and LOVED it. I live in Fort Worth so I was able to picture so many of the places it talked about. It certainly made me think different about the homeless.

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  8. Shannon

    I’m an avid reader. Two of my favorite books of 2013 were Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum and Wonder by RJ Palacio. Thanks for sharing your list!

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      I can’t wait to read another Kate Morton! The first one I read was so captivating. Off to check out your list of books and see if I can find some new ones for 2014. 🙂

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  10. Shannon

    I’ve read the Forgotten Garden and loved it! Kate Morton has a uniquely, detailed styled of writing that keeps me hooked. Can’t wait to see what’s on your list for 2014.

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      It was really good and a surprisingly easy read. Love how you’ve read it so many times. I can see how it would be a good one to start the year with. I might have to see if I can get my hands on a copy again soon.

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      Thanks! I really enjoyed that one too. You’d probably enjoy the sequel as well! The same here – I had never read anything like it before. This year I’m looking forward to reading “When Helping Hurts”. I don’t really know anything about it (other than that it deals with helping and poverty) but my mom recommended it.

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      More of the same story plus the continuation of the story (and how the first book got written etc). They also have short stories in most of the chapters about how people changed or responded after reading the first book.

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      1. Katherine A.

        Is it interesting, or does it seem more like they were just trying to make money off the same story? Like, do you think it was written in response to fan questions or something?

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        1. Deanna Michaels Post author

          The first is definitely the star! But the second is worth reading. I always like hearing a bit of the after stories. (I’m one who wishes every movie would finish with words or pictures during the credits of what happens to the characters, even fictional ones, in the future. 🙂 )I just checked it out from the library, so I’d see if you could get it from there.

          P.S. My brain is still remembering your link up tomorrow! So hopefully I’ll be there.

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          2. Deanna Michaels Post author

            lol! I thought I would remember but it completely slipped my mind until you said this. 🙂 I linked it up! I love the library for reading books then I can just buy when I find a great deal or love one!

  16. Becca

    Awesome list! I read Kisses from Katie and 7 last year as well and LOVED both of them; and I’ve loved pretty much all of Michael Pollan’s work – eye-opening for sure 🙂 I’ve added a few of your other favorites to my list for this coming year. Thanks for sharing!

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  17. jody

    Looks like a great list! I’ve been thinking about reading Quiet for a while now. Might just have to break down and buy it! Thanks for sharing your list, it’s always fun to have new ideas for books to check out!

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      I agree! I love seeing other people’s book lists for new ideas. You should really read Quiet. It was so good. If you don’t want to buy at least get it out of the library. Thanks for stopping by.

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  18. The Anonymous Blonde

    I’m an introvert, too, and really need to read “Quiet”. It’s been sitting in my Kindle for a long time. I think I haven’t read it because I follow Susan Cain’s blog and there was so much hype before it came out. I read so much about it before it’s release that it made me think I didn’t need to read the book!

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      It’s so good and it isn’t a hard read. I didn’t want to put it down. I understand about the hype and hearing so much about it though. Maybe enough time has passed that it will be a nice refresher now. It was one of my mom’s favorite reads of the year too. Thanks for stopping by.

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      I think that was a powerful/freeing book for so many people! Ooo, thanks for sharing your list. I’m going to check it out for more new ideas. Thanks for hosting and commenting!

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  22. Nicole

    Your next Kate Morton book should be “The Secret Keeper.” It has such a good plot and story line! There are a couple of “scenes” that I don’t appreciate, but unfortunately you get that in about any book. 🙁

    Thanks for linking up to our Weekend Wind-Down party! =)

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    1. Deanna Michaels Post author

      Ooo, glad to hear you recommend it. I have it one my list for next year. I might have to start it next. Bummer about the “scenes”, I haven’t heard anyone say anything about them so I’m glad for the heads up. It does stink that so many books (and movies) have them added in. Thanks for commenting.

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