There was a time this spring when I was on pace to read a book a week, something I’ve never done before. While I didn’t quite hit 52 books read this year, I got pretty close, and I definitely beat my goal of 40. Here are some of my favorite reads for the year.
First up are some memoirs…
A Promised Land – Barack Obama
This is one that I listened to, which was great because it was President Obama reading it. It’s a very long book, clocking in at over 750 pages, and this is just part 1. It was a very enjoyable read.
I’m Still Here – Austin Channing Brown
This is not an easy book to read. In fact, after getting through about half of it, I put it down for awhile. But I’m glad that I picked it back up. It was less about new information making its way into my brain and more about truths penetrating my heart.
Where the Light Fell – Phillip Yancey
I just finished this one a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think I had ever read a book by Yancey. This one was beautiful. He is around the same age as my parents, and like them he grew up in the south. So there is a lot about religion and racism. And it’s another powerful book on how our parents shape us, both good and bad.
Still Christian – David Gushee
David Gushee began his tenure at Union University my senior year. I really wish that I had gotten to take a class from him. I read his book on ethics while in seminary, and began following more closely his work after that. I felt a real familiarity reading his story, though I have not been in the spotlight like he has, and I’ve therefore not gone through the pain that he has.
Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
This might just be the most entertaining book of the year. And it’s another one I’d highly recommend you listening to, as the author is the one reading it. I listened to it while driving through Colorado, Montana and Wyoming this summer. It, like Yancey’s book, has the message of parenting at its core.
Speaking of books on parenting, this one was excellent…
The Intentional Father – Jon Tyson
I’ve been using Tyson’s materials on parenting since Adam was in 6th grade and we began our weekly breakfasts together. I’ve read a lot of good parenting books through the years, but I’d say this one is probably my favorite.
Now for some books on finance, productivity, and really just living life well.
Lifeonaire – Steve Cook
This fictional story gets the reader to ask the question, “What is the good life, and how do I achieve it?” There are some cheesy parts in it, but it was one of those right place right time books for me. I’ve actually made an offer to Adam that if he will read the book over Christmas break and write a reflection paper, I’ll pay him $50. I think the message in it is that important for him.
Off the Clock – Laura Vanderkam
For several years now managing time has been just as import as managing money to me. Vanderkam is one of the best writers on this topic.
Work Less, Live More – Bob Clyatt
My interest in semi-retirement came after I left vocational ministry. I had been pastoring a church and doing real estate for several years, which meant I was working well over 40 hours per week. After I left vocational ministry, I had 15-20 hours that I did not necessarily fill up with more real estate. It allowed for me a better pace, which led to better health. However, I would often find myself asking the question, “Am I doing enough?” This book and others has helped me navigate these kinds of questions and helped me to imagine a new kind of life.
This year one of the topics I found myself diving into was Evangelicalism. It no doubt started with the divisive election. I wrote some about this here. I plan to write more on this topic in the coming year, but for now, here are a couple of books I read this year that were shaping influences.
After Evangelicalism – David Gushee
Here’s another book by Gushee. Whereas Still Christian tells more of his personal story, this book shares the why and how by laying out many of his theological convictions and shifts. I’ve recommended this one to several people.
Jesus and John Wayne – Kristin Kobes Du Mez
When a friend recommended this one to me, I asked if he enjoyed it. After pausing for a moment, his response was, “it was really good, but I’m not sure enjoyment was what I felt.” After reading it, I totally understand. It gives a thorough history of how we got to where we currently are with evangelicalism. It shares the good, the bad and the ugly. And the ugly is really difficult to get through.
I already have a good list of books that I plan to read in the coming year, and I look forward to reading them!