At the start of 2017 I set a personal goal to read 40 books. I’ve always loved reading and wanted to carve out more time for it. Setting a specific target helped me stay accountable and kept a running list of what I read—something I wish I’d done years ago.
Forty books felt like a realistic challenge: not so many that it became intimidating, but enough to make reading a real priority. Depending on how voracious you are, 40 might seem like a lot or just right. For me it struck the right balance.
Recently I read that Bill Gates aims for 50 books a year, so I’m not far off. If you think you don’t have time to read, remember even very busy people make time for it. Reading is a common habit among many high achievers—an easy reminder that small daily habits add up.
I discovered several favorites this year and have listed them below. If you have recommendations, I’d love to hear them.
Here is the reading list from 2017.
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Fiction:
Aurora Teagarden Series
Real Murders
A Bone to Pick
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse
The Julius House
Dead Over Heels
A Fool and His Honey
Last Scene Alive
Poppy Done to Death
All the Little Liars
Sleep Like a Baby
I adored this cozy mystery series. The books are quick, charming reads and perfect if you enjoy a series with a recurring cast. Each volume features a mysterious death without graphic detail, so they never feel overwrought. The earlier entries, written in the 1990s, have the extra charm of life before smartphones and constant connectivity, which I found immersive.
The series is by Charlaine Harris, who also wrote the Sookie Stackhouse novels. While I haven’t read that series yet, it’s on my list.
The Good Girl (Mary Kubica): I enjoyed this so much I immediately requested the author’s other books from the library. When I find an author I like, I tend to read everything they write.
Pretty Baby (Mary Kubica)
Life After Life: One of my favorites. If you dislike Groundhog Day-style narratives—stories that revisit the same life with different outcomes—this may not be for you. I, however, love the idea of second chances. A companion novel, A God in Ruins, follows another character from the story and is next on my list.
Don’t You Cry (Mary Kubica)
The Passenger (Lisa Lutz): A very strong read. I plan to explore more of Lisa Lutz’s work.
The Couple Next Door: A tense, page-turning novel; the author has new work out that I’ll likely read.
Pretty Girls: I found this gripping but graphic—avoid it if you’re squeamish.
The Dollhouse: Set partly at the Barbizon Hotel for Women in 1950s New York, the premise is compelling. It was darker than I expected but still engaging.
The Lost Girls: Sad in parts, yet compelling. The story alternates between two women from different generations and is well written and hard to put down.
You Knew Me When: One of the few non-thrillers I read this year. I’ve read other books by this author and plan to continue.
A Man Called Ove: Despite its acclaim, I couldn’t connect with this one.
The Dry: I don’t often choose books with male protagonists, but this novel was excellent. I hear a film adaptation is in the works; I usually prefer the books but still watch the movies.
The Time Keeper (Mitch Albom): Imaginative and thoughtful, it reframes how you think about time.
The Handmaid’s Tale: I read this as an ebook during a Kindle Unlimited trial. I also started the TV adaptation but found the series bleaker and significantly different from the book.
Skipping Christmas: A lighter choice and the basis for the movie Christmas with the Kranks. The book closely matches the film and is a fun holiday read.
Into the Water: By the author of The Girl on the Train. I plan to read more of her work.
The Lying Game (Ruth Ware): I’ve read Ruth Ware’s other novels and recommend them for suspense fans.
Twelve Days of Christmas: Tried this because the protagonist is a blogger, but it wasn’t for me. I wish I enjoyed Debbie Macomber’s holiday novels more, as she releases a Christmas title each year.
After reading bestsellers like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, I’ve become engrossed in psychological thrillers. They’re not for everyone, but the suspense can be addictive if you enjoy that genre.
Non-Fiction:
The Millionaire Next Door: This book outlines seven common traits of many millionaires—traits that often surprise readers. It shows that wealth accumulation isn’t limited to flashy lifestyles; many affluent people live quietly and deliberately.
Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow: I found this in a boutique on vacation, then requested it from the library. It’s a helpful reminder of how much control we have over our own happiness through the choices we make.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Stephen King): Often recommended for writers, this memoir is excellent even for non-writers. The first half recounts King’s life and struggles as a writer, including his recovery after a near-fatal accident. The second half offers practical, clear advice on writing craft and the habits that support it.
An Invisible Thread: A true story about an executive who befriends a young panhandler in Manhattan. It’s a moving account that highlights how meaningful friendships can emerge in unexpected ways.
Non-Fiction — Business and Blogging
Business Boutique: A practical, story-driven guide for anyone considering starting a business. It’s full of actionable advice and encouragement.
Get Over Your Damn Self: Geared more toward network marketing than I expected. Useful if you’re in direct sales, but less applicable to other business models.
The Must-Have Guide to Blogging (Kayla Aimee): My first blogging guide. It’s extremely thorough and walked me through the basics of starting a blog; I still reference it regularly.
How to Blog for Profit: Without Selling Your Soul (Ruth Soukup): A strong resource for new and intermediate bloggers. Soukup shares the strategies she used to grow a successful blog and business.
Lifestyle Blogging Basics: A solid introductory resource for bloggers.
From Blogger to Author: Helpful for transitioning from blogging to published writing.
Side Hustle Blueprint: Practical, step-by-step guidance for starting a small business or side income stream.
Platform: Get Noticed in a Busy World (Michael Hyatt): A motivational guide on building a platform and audience for your business.
My top 5 favorite books of 2017
Life After Life
The Dry
You Knew Me When
On Writing
Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow
Overall, I’m very pleased with the books I read in 2017. I often wish I could pause time and read endlessly, but I also value learning and growth—so I try to balance fiction with non-fiction.
I’d love to hear what your favorite books are!