I know you’re wondering, so I’ll say it: Yes, I have way more than five books on my wish list. In fact my “Want To Read” shelf on Goodreads account currently lists over 1300 titles!

This constantly growing To Read list of mine is complicated. There are some books I am dying to read, others I want to read eventually, and ones that sound good so maybe I’ll get to them some day. And let’s be honest, there are a lot of books on that list I’ll never get to. *sigh*

 

 

Last year at this time, I gave you a list of ten books I was wishing for. Of those ten, I’ve gotten my hands on six, yet I’ve only read one (Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.)

This year, I’ve decided not to ask for many books for Christmas. *gasp*  I’ve combed through my Amazon wish lists and Goodreads shelves in an attempt to only bring in new books that I am absolutely desperate to read.

A few weeks ago, I treated my self to a cute little book cart, having been inspired by my friend Holly’s guest post. The new shelf motivated me to cull the many stacks of books lying around my office that I know I’ll never get to.

 

So I’m feeling good about the books in my possession right now. I don’t think I have many that I’m not genuinely interested in. One of the few downsides of book blogging is that I seem to acquire books without even realizing it. Friends pass me a few here and there, my mom sends me anything she likes, and of course I’m always grabbing books from free piles, on top of the ones I actively purchase!.

After careful deliberation, much thought, and a serious gut check, here’s what I came up with!

5 Books On My Holiday Wish List

 

1. The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace

This one’s been on my radar since shortly after publication. I’m honestly not sure why I haven’t gotten to it yet!

From Goodreads: A poetry collection divided into four different parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, & you. the princess, the damsel, & the queen piece together the life of the author in three stages, while you serves as a note to the reader & all of humankind. Explores life & all of its love, loss, grief, healing, empowerment, & inspirations.

 

2. Creative Quest by Questlove

This one was on my list of 2018 releases to watch for. Every time I see it in a bookstore, I lovingly pet the cover and flip through. Since it’s still only in hardcover, I haven’t taken the plunge to buy it. But since I finished Questlove’s beautiful musical memoir this week, I definitely want to get my hands on Creative Quest sooner rather than later!

From Goodreads: In Creative Quest, Questlove synthesizes all the creative philosophies, lessons, and stories he’s heard from the many creators and collaborators in his life, and reflects on his own experience, to advise readers and fans on how to consider creativity and where to find it. He addresses many topics—what it means to be creative, how to find a mentor and serve as an apprentice, the wisdom of maintaining a creative network, coping with critics and the foibles of success, and the specific pitfalls of contemporary culture—all in the service of guiding admirers who have followed his career and newcomers not yet acquainted with his story. 

 

3. The Beastie Boys Book by various authors

Being a music lover who grew up alongside the Beastie’s rise, I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Just looking at the cover warms my heart and makes me want to listen to Licensed to Ill!

From Goodreads: Formed as a New York City hardcore band in 1981, Beastie Boys struck an unlikely path to global hip hop superstardom. Here is their story, told for the first time in the words of the band. Adam “ADROCK” Horovitz and Michael “Mike D” Diamond offer revealing and very funny accounts of their transition from teenage punks to budding rappers; their early collaboration with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin; the debut album that became the first hip hop record ever to hit #1, Licensed to Ill–and the album’s messy fallout as the band broke with Def Jam; their move to Los Angeles and rebirth with the genre-defying masterpiece Paul’s Boutique; their evolution as musicians and social activists over the course of the classic albums Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty and the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits conceived by the late Adam “MCA” Yauch; and more. For more than thirty years, this band has had an inescapable and indelible influence on popular culture. With a style as distinctive and eclectic as a Beastie Boys album, Beastie Boys Book upends the typical music memoir. Alongside the band narrative you will find rare photos, original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New York, mixtape playlists, pieces by guest contributors, and many more surprises.

4. You Are Here: An Owner’s Manual for Dangerous Minds by Jenny Lawson

I love to color, and I adore Jenny Lawson. Her writings, as The Bloggess, as well as in her two memoirs, has given a voice to so many of us who struggle with not being “normal.” She brings dark humor and honest insight to difficult topics and inspires us all to show up as our true selves.

From Goodreads: When Jenny Lawson is anxious, one of the things she does is to draw. Elaborate doodles, beautiful illustrations, often with captions that she posts online. At her signings, fans show up with printouts of these drawings for Jenny to autograph. And inevitably they ask her when will she publish a whole book of them. That moment has arrived.You Are Here is something only Jenny could create. A combination of inspiration, therapy, coloring, humor, and advice, this book is filled with Jenny’s amazingly intricate illustrations, all on perforated pages that can be easily torn out, hung up, and shared. Drawing on the tenets of art therapy—which you can do while hiding in the pillow fort under your bed—You Are Here is ready to be made entirely your own.

 

5. Birds of Pray by Rob Maaddi

I grew up outside of Philadelphia, and I’m a huge Eagles fan.I considered no other option than they were going to win the Super Bowl this year. I’m sure that involved a great deal of faith and positivity on the part of the team, their families, and staff.

From Goodreads: The most extensive book to explore the Christian faith shared by many of the team’s players, Birds of Pray details the incredible inside story behind the Eagles’ capture of the biggest prize in professional sports: the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Through exclusive interviews with the players, never-before-seen photos, and insider accounts of the miracle season’s most memorable moments, Philly native and Associated Presssportswriter Rob Maaddi reveals a side of the team the world has yet to fully witness.

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Have you read any of these yet?

What books are on your wish list this year?