Every year, I strive to read more. What initially started out as a goal to read more period turned into a goal to read more fiction. Because, you know, reading nothing but business books over the span of 12 months will seriously fry your brain! Going into 2018, I’m planning out the books that have really caught my eye, or the ones that have been on my Amazon wishlist for far too long now, so I can dive into a balanced lineup of both business, self-development, and quality fiction! And after sharing this idea on Instagram this week, it turns out y’all might be interested in gathering some ideas for your own 2018 reading list. So keep on scrolling for the full list of what I plan on reading in 2018!

As of right now, I’m aiming to read about two books per month. I’ve always been a quick reader and I try to read when I wake up in the morning and before I go to bed at night. In theory, two books a month is doable but we’ll find out if I’m being too ambitious here.

I have each month filled with a non-fiction and a fiction book for balance. April is an especially busy month for me as we execute our fourth Illume Retreat so just one book is on my agenda then. And throughout the year, I’m always giving myself the grace to step away from a book that I just can’t focus on, swap books around on the list, or even take a break from reading if it feels like too much. This is meant to be an addition to my day that brings joy, sparks inspiration, or helps me unwind. And if it’s not doing any of those things then it’s not really worth it, in my opinion.

Non-fiction

• Leaders Eat Last, Sinek
• Finish, Acuff
• The Creative Habit, Tharp
• Braving the Wilderness, Brown
• Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, Cuddy
• Milk & Honey, Kaur
• Work Rules, Bock
• Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing, Dooley
• All Marketers are Liars, Godin
• Outliers: The Story of Success, Gladwell
• The E-Myth, Gerber
• Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, Larson

Fiction

• Be Frank with Me, Johnson
• Exit West, Hamid
• The Rocks, Nichols
• Final Girls, Sager
• P.S. from Paris, Levy
• Amanda Wakes Up, Camerota
• The Leavers, Ko
• Since We Fell, Lehane
• Refuge: A Novel, Nayeri
• Crazy Rich Asians, Kwan

I’m not only looking forward to all the non-fiction books on this list, but I’m also excited to dive into several fiction books that highlight strong female leads or immigrant families. I’ve made a conscious effort this year to absorb more narratives that fall outside of my everyday perspective, and I’ve only felt enriched by that effort.

In my experience, reading is such an accessible way to introduce yourself to new experiences and perspectives, or even deepen your familiarity with an existing topic. Yes, I expect some of these novels, like Crazy Rich Asians, to be a fun read. But I also expect books like Exit West or Refuge: A Novel to call my attention to stories that need to be heard.

And, of course, I expect Brene Brown’s newest book to open my eyes to new ways I can pursue vulnerability and intentionality within my own life. Every time I’ve read one of her books, I’ve walked away feeling empowered to deepen relationships with those around me and inspired to take action in creating the kind of life I want to live. So I guess you could say I’m pretty pumped to dive into Braving the Wilderness, too!

What books are on your reading list for 2018, friend? Have you read any of the books listed above? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!