Today’s post marks the fourth yearly reading list that I’ve shared here. It has been a delightful exercise in thoughtfully planning my reading, which makes a certain amount of sense given the vast number of good books in the world and the relatively few I’ll be able to read in my lifetime. Over time, though, I think I have leaned a little too heavily into curating a list that looks good and checks a lot of boxes rather than a list of books I’m chomping at the bit to read. That’s okay – I think choosing an elevated list of aspirational reads is its own worthwhile pursuit, and I may return to it. But this year (perhaps in tandem with my 2023 goals), I am craving a ready list of books I can’t wait to read, and so that’s what I’ve compiled. My main criteria, after vetting them in my usual ways, was simply: would I want to dive into this book tomorrow? After completing 18, 16, and 15 of 24 in the last three years, I’m aiming for 24/24 in 2023 :) In most months I chose one fiction and one non-fiction book, but you’ll see I took a few liberties, as well. If you’d like me to join me for any of my picks, I’d love to have you! January:Becoming Mrs. Lewis | Once I knew Mere Christianity was going to be my January pick, it was only too perfect to pluck this one from my TBR list.Mere Christianity | One of my favorite books of all time. I read it every few years. February:Remarkably Bright Creatures | Described as a love story with a giant octopus, this novel has been universally adored by everyone whose opinions I trust. Love that it’s her debut.Deep Work | I have

For the last two years, I’ve pre-planned 24 books to read throughout the year – one fiction and one non-fiction each month – for my own personal book club. It’s a plan I’ve held loosely (I read 17 of my 24 picks in both 2020 and 2021), but one that’s been a bright spot. There are just so many incredible books to read (!!), and it’s nice to be thoughtful about how I’ll meander through my TBR list – carving out time for both new authors, subjects, and modes as well as old favorites. Here’s what I have planned for 2022. I’m excited to read each one of these books, and if you’d like me to join me for any of them, I’d love to have you! January: The Last Story of Mina Lee | Recommended by my friend Sam, this is the story of a Korean immigrant mother and her daughter, switching between their two perspectives decades apart, and the far-reaching impacts of the secrets they keep.The Power of Fun | This book is brand new – it came out in December 2021! – and I’m reading it along with Janssen’s book club. For a naturally serious person who also places a high value on creating memorable and fun experiences for the people I love, reading a book about having fun sounds just about right :) February:The Evening and the Morning | This is the prequel to Ken Follett’s epic, beloved Kingsbridge series. The books are fat and engrossing, and I’ve savored them by reading one per year over the last few years. This installment begins in 997 CE, the beginning of the Middle Ages (fascinating!), and is supposed to be just as good as the others.Gentle and Lowly | I’ve never really read a book focusing just on who

With four years of monthly gatherings under our belt, you might think we’d have run out of things to talk about by now. But therein lies the secret: the articles, in the end, are just a jumping-off point for the free-wheeling and wide-ranging conversation that always ensues. Challenging ideas, exchanging experiences, and laughing (sometimes hysterically) are de rigueur with this group, and I’m so grateful for it. If you’ve ever wanted to start something like this, do it. And if you just want to follow along at home, read on – I’m sharing a few of the articles we read together in the last year, plus our dinner themes just for fun! :) How Our Families Shape Us The Family Stories That Bind Us Happy Children Do Chores What Are Your Family Rules? Meal: mac and cheese bar and salads Being a Nuanced American: How Social Media Has Changed How We Consume News How Feeling Disillusioned Leads to Political Polarization 6 Orienting Questions for the Journey Towards Staying Informed Meal: A giant charcuterie board Blogging and Privacy: We Want Privacy, But Can’t Stop Sharing When Kids Realize Their Whole Life is Already Online 13, Right Now Don’t Post About Me on Social Media, Children Say Meal: Summer salads Books and Reading: Can Reading Make You Happier? How Banning Books Marginalizes Children Read a Novel: It’s Just What the Doctor Ordered Meal: Recipes from our favorite chefs and bloggers Free Inquiry, Education, and Raising Curious Kids The Coddling of the American Mind (many of us read the book this month, too!) Meal: Picnic food Technology and Social Media: Alexa, Should We Trust You? I Cut the Big Five Tech Giants From My Life. It Was Hell. Alexa is a Revelation for the Blind Meal: Mexican Women and Girls This is How

Articles Club is tonight, and it’s a special one — our two year anniversary! This group is always a highlight of my month. Last year I shared a bunch of the articles we read in our first year, and I thought it would be fun to do so again! I included tips for hosting your own club in that first post, too — the only difference is that now we eat dinner together instead of snacks! In January we got to talking about lasagna, and I insisted on making my favorite recipe to share its glory with the group. After we realized it’s even MORE fun to chat over a delicious meal, we never looked back! So far, we’ve done Mexican (several times!), Greek, Indian, and American cookout :) Here are a few of the articles we’ve read in the last year… Mindfulness Stop Hustling and Get Your Life Back The Luxury of Silence Should Schools Teach Kids to Meditate? Money Can Money Buy You Happiness? 4 Women with 4 Very Different Incomes Open Up About the Lives They Can Afford Want to Be Happy? Stop Being So Cheap! How FOMO Can Ruin Your Finances Poverty The Pope on Panhandling How Utah Keeps the American Dream Alive Work Is There Life After Work? How to Close the Gender Gap Career Tips from Entrepreneurs Aging and Dying Why I Hope to Die at 75 How to Become a “Superager” Before I Go Self-Improvement New Year, New You? Forget It The Cost of Holding On What Do You Like About Yourself? Minimalism Welcome to AirSpace The White Wall Controversy Just two great reads :) The Ghost Ship That Didn’t Carry Us When Your Child is a Psychopath Sound like fun? We’re always happy to welcome new gals, so if you’re into eating,