One of the worst questions you can ask a book lover is what her favorite book is. The next hardest is to ask for a book recommendation without narrowing the parameters. (Because she reads across a broad range of genres.) Lastly, please don’t ask her what is on her wishlist. Because there are several hundred books on her TBR pile, and she can’t narrow it down to the top ten without leaving a good book out. (She already had to bid farewell to so many good books in compiling this list.)
As a fellow reader, I trust that you understand why I couldn’t narrow this list to the top ten books on my wishlist.
Fiction
The Wicked King by Holly Black (Amazon | Goodreads)
I read and loved The Cruel Prince. I wish The Wicked King were out already, so I can get my copy today! Since my friend gifted me the B&N exclusive edition, that’s the edition of TWK that’s on my wishlist.
The Exile’s Gift by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads)
I’m a huge Tamora Pierce fan. While Tempests and Slaughter isn’t her finest work, I am very interested in learning more about Numair’s past. I love Tamora Pierce’s Tortall books.
Jade City by Fonda Lee (Amazon | Goodreads)
- I love fantasy books.
- I’m always on the lookout for books by asian authors (and/or featuring an asian setting).
Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 3 by Naoko Takeuchi (Amazon | Goodreads)
I loved Sailor Moon growing up. I have the first two books in the eternal editions; they’re gorgeous and high quality. I’m looking forward to collecting the set!
Nonfiction
I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel (Amazon | Goodreads)
I love Anne Bogel’s blog. The premise of this book is highly relatable to readers. I’m looking forward to connecting with this book. (Plus, that cover is beautiful. It’s neat how it’s an artwork based on the author’s actual personal library area.)
Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin (Amazon | Goodreads)
Since tidying my room (following a read of Marie Kondo’s the art of tidying up), I’ve learned how ordering my physical space helps order my inner state of being. This book hits on this topic that’s become so important to how I live my life. Gretchen Rubin has brushed on it in some of her previous works that I’ve read; while I don’t agree with everything that she’s said, she has good ideas, and I enjoy her work.
Faith
The Great House of God: A Home for Your Heart by Max Lucado (Amazon | Goodreads)
Max Lucado is a fantastic writer. The idea of home has become especially important to me in the past year, hence my interested in this book and the concept of my spiritual home.
Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot (Amazon | Goodreads)
There are so many things competing for our attention nowadays. I tend to become especially restless thinking of all the things there are to do. This book is on my wishlist because of my desire to keep a quiet heart in the midst of all the noise.
You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith (Amazon | Goodreads)
I started this book a couple years ago, loved the ideas, and somehow never finished it. (Okay, the library deadline came up, and I never got around to placing another hold or purchasing this book for myself.) I want to get a copy of this book, so I can enjoy it on my own time.
Hobby
Leaf Supply: A Guide to Keeping Happy House Plants by Lauren Camilleri, Sophia Kaplan (Amazon | Goodreads)
In the past year, I’ve gotten into keeping houseplants. However, I’ve killed off a couple (including a cactus, which is supposed to be easy to maintain), and I’m hesitant about purchasing harder to care for plants because I don’t know how to care for them (like the Chrysanthemum that I underwatered). Before purchasing more plants, I want to learn how to properly care for the ones that I have and learn more about plants that I’d love to keep.
Note: I found this book via Anne Bogel at Modern Mrs. Darcy.
Faith & Lettering: An Inspirational Guide to Creative Lettering & Journaling by Krystal Whitten (Amazon | Goodreads)
I love the idea of doing calligraphy but have been hesitant about trying it myself. I’m notorious at home for picking up new hobbies and moving on after I’ve gotten enough of it. (I’ve since learned that it’s part of my “learner” personality, which enjoys trying new things.) However, I can think of good uses for calligraphy, like writing out verses that I want to meditate on and making headings for my bullet journal, so I added this to my wishlist.
Chat With Me
What’s on your wishlist? Did you get what you want for Christmas, or are there titles that you’re waiting on for this new year?
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I don’t blame you for not being able to keep it to a top ten. I think 11 is quite a feat!
Crystal says
Thanks, Nicole 🙂
Sophia Rose says
You have that right, Crystal. Whether its a recommendations, wish list, or TBR pile, a reader is incapable of one offering. 🙂
You picked some good ones. I need to read more non-fiction in 2019. I loved the Elisabeth Elliott when I read it a while back. I need to start that Holly Black series at some point.
Crystal says
Thanks, Sophia. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed Keep a Quiet Heart! I’ve really been getting into nonfiction this past year; I actually want to read more fiction in 2019! It’s funny how reading tastes depending on our stage of life. I hope you enjoy the Holly Black series 🙂
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts says
I mean, why not 11 books? Lol. OMG I WAS NOT AWARE ABOUT SAILOR MOON. I remember the English translations years ago (I think?!?!) but wow the eternal editions look awesome. *waddles over to Amazon*
Crystal says
I can read that many in a month or two, given enough time, haha. I LOVE the Sailor Moon eternal editions. They have all the full-color pages inside, and they’re large, which makes for easier reading. Plus, those holographic covers <3
Melliane says
Oh that’s many intriguing things there!
Crystal says
Thanks, Melliane!
Emily @ Mixed Margins says
I love that you have these sorted by category! I hope you were able to get some of these and are enjoying your holiday. Merry Christmas!
Crystal says
Thanks, Emily. I hope you enjoying your holiday as well. Merry Christmas!
Chrissi Reads says
What a great list! I hope you can get your hands on these soon.
Crystal says
Thanks, Chrissi!
Brooke Lorren says
I hope you got some of these books today! I ended up pre-ordering The Wicked King with some of my Amazon gift card money. So guess what I’m doing January 8th?
Crystal says
Thanks, Brooke! That’s so exciting to hear. I hope you enjoy TWK! 🙂
ShootingStarsMag says
Lots of fun titles. There really are TONS of books that I want to read, so narrowing it down is tough. LOL I do really want Gretchen Rubin’s next book that you have here, but I still need Four Tendencies too.
-Lauren
Crystal says
Thanks, Lauren! I still need to read Four Tendencies as well. This topic really interests me based on what I’ve seen her say on it! 🙂