Books I’m Reading in 2018

It’s been said, “Good leaders are good readers,” and I agree. To read is to learn. And in order for people to learn from us, we must first be learners (and from sources other than books, I might add). And, while deserving of another blog post, I’ll insert that I also believe there is great value in learning from people who are different from us (with caveats!).

Last year, I began keeping a record of books I read out of sheer curiosity as to how much I read in a year. I read every day (handheld books, not audio or kindle), and across genres. I didn’t think I had a system until I started paying attention what and when I read.

It turns out that I generally read for 15-20 minutes in the morning after I’ve spent time with the Lord in prayer and in the Word, and at night, I read before I go to bed. I sometimes read during rest time. And, I had much more time to read when I was nursing.

I’m a fast reader, but not as fast as others! I want to slowly digest books that are deserving of thoughtful consideration, so I’m not in a race to see how many I can read. Some of the books I’ve included on my “finished” list I began reading last year.

I’m always in the middle of a few books, and have a stack of new books waiting for me. Night time reading in bed is generally fiction, with the occasional jaunt into non-fiction. My daytime reading is usually non-fiction.

In my lists below, I’m including read-aloud books I’m enjoying with my kids, because I am reading them after all. However, I’ll spare you the many picture books I’ll read, though it would surely add a great number to my list!

(Speaking of children’s books, I love to read them. Blane gives me a hard time when he sees me curled up with a good children’s book. In the last year, I’ve found that what I particularly appreciate about them is insight into an eight year old or ten year old’s head and heart. I cried when Ramona described how it felt to cuddle up to her Mommy!)

A quick note about how my book list develops. I listen to podcasts regularly, and I probably add one to two books to my list each week simply from recommendations within episodes. Apart from that, recommendations from friends are another main source for ideas.

My lists so far:

Completed in 2018:

1. The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Pete Scazzero – a must read for every believer, but especially for those in leadership of any capacity (including parenting!). The need for inner heart work, including understanding how our family of origin affects our heart and what comes out of it is so important. Learning to see what Scazzero calls our “shadow,” or what others may call blind spots, is also key. I think it would be a highly beneficial book for church, para-church, or any leadership group to slowly read and work through. It would be a great book study to go through with close, trusted friends who are willing to get a little messy with you. It’s not light and easy. I purposely took  several months to work through the book. Years ago, I read Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, and would recommend it, too.
2. Women’s Ministry in the Local Church by Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt – this is a beautiful book written by a man and woman together, on what women’s ministry in the local church can and should look like, Scripturally speaking. I love the mutual honor, the acknowledgement of particular roles and gifts of men and women, and the desire for both to flourish.
3. Theology of My Life by John Frame – I have been slowly reading through Frame’s Systematic Theology book (see below), and have been so intrigued by his writing. I wanted to learn more about him. The forward in the book was probably the best I’ve ever read–inspiring, funny, honoring, profound, and several other descriptive words that make it the most unique one I’ve read. I am one of *those* people who reads every single page in a book, including the “about the author,” acknowledgements, forwards, etc.  Reading it only made my mouth water for more of what was to come. I appreciate the premise of the memoir,”in the ancient tradition of Ecclesiastes and old people appraising their lives for the edification of younger people” (p. IX). It was engaging. I laughed, was humbled, provoked to meditation about points he has made, and was further intrigued. In short, I want to get my hands on more writings of Frame. I think I’m drawn to him because I can relate to him– it’s hard to stuff him into a box.  He surprises you just when you think you have him figured out. His description of his conversion experience is one I especially appreciate, and have indeed book darted.
4. The Home Ranch by Ralph Moody – I read aloud daily to our kids as part of our “Bible Time” (in which a number of things are lumped in together). The Little Britches series has been enjoyed by all of us. This is book three in the series. See what we’re reading now below!
5. The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn – I love a good mystery, thriller, keep you on the edge of your seat book!
6. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Chambers – I slowly worked my way through this book (this is one I began last year). It’s been on my shelf for years, and I finally read it. I found that it reinforced several lessons the Lord has taught me in the secret place of His school, and I pray He continues to teach me much of what Mr. Chambers wrote about. He is even now! I’ve heard many leaders say this book has been one of the most influential to them.
7. Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth – This is another that I started last year, but put aside for a bit. I’ll try not to gush too much over this book by a long-distance mentor of 20+ years. If you’re a woman of any age, read this book! We need each other. It’s essentially Titus 2 with commentary–and excellent commentary at that! My perspective about the need for younger women in my life was enhanced by Nancy. They have so much to offer me. Indeed, I have grown and been helped by the younger women in my life, and have tried to verbalize it to them much more. And, it was a wonderful reminder of the need for the older women the Lord has put in my life, and has led to reconnecting with mentors the Lord put in my life many years ago.
8. Mary Emma & Company by Ralph Moody – read aloud, number four in the Little Britches series. I do censor some of the language as I read these to my kids.
9. The Ultimate Girls Body Book: Not So Silly Questions About Your Body by Amaryllis Sanchez Wohlever, M.D. and Walt Larrimore, M.D. – Tara and I slowly worked our way through this book. It has helpful information, but I skipped several chapters that I feel are inappropriate for her age (10.5). I would cautiously recommend this book. Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment as to what should be shared with your daughter, and when.
10. Escape from the Eagle’s Nest by A.L.O.E.
11. Myra Sherwood’s Cross by Lucy Ellen Guernsey
12. Daring to Drive: The Young Saudi Woman Who Stood Up to a Kingdom of Men by Manal Al-Sharif – this was a hard read about the reality of life for women in Saudi Arabia, and one woman’s courageous story in particular.
13. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson – Please read this book series! Yes, it is for children, but there is a high likelihood that you’ll be inspired, convicted, and moved. You’ll also laugh out loud more than once. These books are a wonderful representation of what excellent Kingdom creativity can look like.
14. North! or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
15. Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson
16. Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson
17. The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson, MD – This is a fascinating, hard book to read, if you struggle with shame like I have. I highly recommend it because of the highly Biblical treatment Dr. Thompson gives on overcoming shame. It’s truly counter-cultural and freeing.
18. The Giant Killer – This is actually a dramatic audio, so I’m not sure it counts as a book. I’ll put it here anyway!
19. Capital Gaines – I loved this book! It was funny and inspiring. I read The Magnolia Story last year, and having somewhat of an entrepreneurial spirit, it made me look forward to reading this book. What surprised me though, was the theme of overcoming fear–it was helpful!

For real in-process:

What does “For real in-process” mean, you might wonder. Well, it means books I am actually reading daily, or almost daily. It doesn’t include the books I’ve started and then put to the side for the time being (there’s another list for those!). I do that sometimes when I’m having a hard time getting through it, or maybe more likely–my book hoarding ADD high-jacks me to a new book.

A note about my “in process” books. I’ve found it refreshing to be in the middle of a few books at once, as crazy as it sounds. I also sometimes need a break from heady books and dive into another world for a bit. I realize that this may quite possibly be categorized as a quirk. But who knows, maybe it’s healthy!

1. Nancy Drew: The Whispering Statue by Carolyn Keene – a blast from my past! Tara has asked me to read this to see if it’s okay for her to read. Did you grow up on Nancy Drew? I devoured them. I don’t remember how appropriate they are…
2. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger – my current fiction, highly recommended by several people I respect
   
3. When People Are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch
4. Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Wolgemuth
5. Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit In Your Life by Sam Storms
6. Herbert: Poems
7. Little Threads by Elizabeth Prentiss (if you’ve not read Stepping Heavenward by Prentiss, it’s a must read!) – I’m reading this to my little girls right now.
8. The Fields of Home by Ralph Moody – current read aloud with all my kids
9. Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Farris – I started this book a few years ago with my kids. During the school year, we read three poems a day.
10. True Feelings: God’s Gracious and Glorious Purpose for our Emotions by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre – Tara and I are going through this book together.

Off to the side, in-process:

Some of these are reference books that I stop and start at different times. Still, I put them here to be forthright–I’ve not yet read them in their entirety. Little by little, I’ll get there!

1. Systematic Theology: And Introduction to Christian Belief by John Frame
2. The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective by Martha Peace – I’ve heard of this book for over a decade, and finally read most of it. It’s good, but I’ve read many other books geared specifically toward wives that I may recommend first. Admittedly, it may be simply because I read the others first, and the Lord used them to shape my perspective before marriage and as a young wife.  Still, it’s worth reading. And I need to set aside some time to finish it!
3. Good & Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining and Bitterness by David Powlison – So, if you’ve ever been angry, you should read this book. Highly convicting, helpful, and hopeful.
4. The Christian Counselor’s Manual by Jay Adams – I still have a little bit of this to go. I love this book, and it is a great reference for anyone interest in Biblical counseling.
5. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace – In full disclosure, this may take me five years to get through. I’ve read a children’s version and watched the 2016 movie, and both provoked a desire to read the full book. I know I’m backwards in the normal process of intake, but the story is captivating. I daresay the 2016 movie received poorer reviews than the 1959 version, because it chose to focus on the redemptive piece of forgiveness, rather than revenge. After reading the reviews of both, I have no desire to watch the old version! The theme of forgiveness, I believe, it more true to the author’s original intention.
6. Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxes – I began this book last year, but set it aside because it required too much brain power for night time reading. Metaxes has grown as a writer since his Bonhoeffer book. He has some really good sentences (book darts!!!), and his wit has made me laugh out loud. It’s also been appalling to read of practices that took place in the church during the period of Luther’s life. Metaxes dispels common myths about Luther, and gives insight into who the man really was.
7. Resolving Conflict: How to Make, Resolve, and Keep Peace by Lou Priolo – Lou Priolo is an extremely engaging speaker, what with his New York accent and candid way of saying it like it is. A few months ago, I listened to a three part podcast in which he shared about his new book, which led to my purchase of it. It’s excellent, and I think a must-read for any person in relationship with another person.
8. Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin – A younger friend and I have been reading through this together, one chapter a week.
9. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction  by William Zinsser – there is yet hope for me as a writer!
10. Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew David Naselli and JD Crowley
11. The Journal of Biblical Counseling – So maybe this doesn’t count as a book, but, it’s a regular reading resource. I received a subscription as a Christmas gift, and have enjoyed it.

Want to Reads (in no particular order, some I’ve already purchased):

And, a note about the books I want to read. I’m always adding to my list–literally, every week.  Inevitably, books pop up that catch my attention that I want to read, but had not planned to read…and I jump on them before the other books I already have in the line-up, or even in my physical stack. Kind of like my book dart problem, I have a bit of a book problem.  Also, I realize that my eyes are WAY bigger than my stomach. But, who knows what the Lord wants for me to accomplish.

1. Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James
2. Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp – Blane is currently reading through this, and I’m looking forward to it as we are nearing the teen years. I think anything with Paul Tripp’s name on it is worthy of reading!
3. Building a Storybrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
4. The Elements of Style by Strunk & White – it’s sitting on my shelf, just begging me to pick it up!
5. To Be Told: God Invites You to Coauthor Your Future by Dan Allender – I really appreciate Dan Allender’s ministry, and have a few of his books. The Cry of the Soul is one of my favorites.
6. Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom – I recently listened to an interview of The Happy Hour (episode 192) with Mo Isom. It was hard to listen to, but I think a vitally important message that we women need to be aware of and having conversations about. I was helped, and it made me want to read her book.
7. The Emotionally Healthy Woman by Geri Scazzero – I cannot recommend Pete & Geri Scazzero’s books enough!
8. 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
9. Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure by Christine Caine – I didn’t know who Christine Caine was until recently. I’ve listened to a few interviews of her, and this woman is in love with God.
10. Just David by Eleanor H. Porter
11. Sticky Leaders: The Secret to Lasting Change and Innovation by Larry Osborne
12. Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships by Curt Thompson, MD
13. Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff
14. Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves by Trillia Newbell
15. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
16. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
17. New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp
18. Word-Filled Women’s Ministry:  Loving and Serving the Church by Gloria Furman and Kathleen B. Nielson
19. This Day: Collected & New Poems by Wendell Berry
20. Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction by Jack Hart
21. On Writing by Stephen King – crazy as it sounds, I’ve heard countless people say this is the best book they’ve read on writing
22. Blame It On the Brain by Edward Welch
23. Making All Things New by David Powlison (I want to read anything by Powlison I can get my hands on!)
24. No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts That Will Transform Your Ministry by Daniel Im
25. How Does Sanctification Work? by David Powlison
26. Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (I feel like I’ve already read this book due to the profuse amount of references to it that I’ve heard or read through the years)
27. None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different From Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing) by JenWilkin -the next book my friend and I will go through after Women of the Word
28. You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith – I began this at some point during my pregnancy with Loraleigh, then set it aside. It seems appropriate to add it to my “to read” list again.
29. Messy, Beautiful Friendship: Finding and Nurturing Deep and Lasting Relationships by Christine Hoover – same note as above
30. Jessica’s Journey
31. Childhood Disrupted by Donna Jackson Nakasawa
32. How to Ruin Your Life and Starting Over When You Do by Eric Geiger
33. Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers to Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Braun
34. Families Where Grace Is in Place: Building a Home Free of Manipulation, Legalism, and Shame by Jeff VanVonderen
35. Awaiting the King: Reforming Public Theology by James K.A. Smith
36. The Doctrine of the Word of God by John Frame
37. The Doctrine of the Christian Life by John Frame
38. The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance–Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters by Sinclair Ferguson
39. Papa’s Wife by Thyra Ferre Bjorn
40. Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image by Hannah Anderson
41. A Loving Life: In a World of Broken Relationships by Paul E. Miller
42. The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World by Melissa Kruger
43. How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth by  Gordon Fee
44. Proverbs: Wisdom That Works by Ray Ortlund and R. Kent Hughes
45. What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul David Tripp
46. 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke
47. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young
48. Leading With a Limp: Take Full Advantage of Your Most Powerful Weakness by Dan Allender
49. The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Stretegy for Discipleship That Actually Changes Lives by Pete Scazzero
50. Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life by Doug Wilson
51. The Philosophy of the Christian Curriculum by Rousas John Rushdoony
52. God’s Plan for Victory: The Meaning of Postmillenialism by John Rousas Rushdoony
53. Relationships: A Mess Worth Making by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp
54. The Writer’s Diet: A Guide to Fit Prose by Helen Sword
55. Shaking the Nickel Bush by Ralph Moody – read aloud
56. Amnon’s Adventure : A Family Story for Easter by Arnold Ytreeide – read aloud to begin at Lent
57. Bartholomew’s Passage: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide – we read the first book of the series last year, and the kids loved it!
58. Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary – just as a disclaimer, I’ve censored these as I read them aloud for my kids. But who says I’m putting these on my list to read to them?
59. Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary
60. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
61. Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
62. The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith – the kids love these, and have both written and received letters from Mr. Smith several times. There is another book due out in the series, and they received another, The Last Archer, for Christmas.
63. If cookbooks count, Danielle Walker’s new one that comes out in August is on the list
64. David & Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell – Blane recently read this book and said I’d really enjoy it. Can’t wait!
65. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
66. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn – I may have read this just after college because a dear friend was a missionary in China with her husband. But, I don’t remember…
67. Normal Kingdom Business: A Collection of Essays by Andree Seu – She wrote the forward in John Frame’s memoir, and I loved her writing.

What books are you reading, and what do you recommend? I’m always on the lookout for a good book. 🙂

*Some of these books do contain Amazon affiliate links