Books you might want to read!

If you have been reading this blog for a bit, you might know that I post a blog three times a year with my “top books.” I am an avid reader and follow the thinking that once we stop learning, we stop growing.

I actually slowed a bit during the last stretch of 2016, but still had some excellent reads worth sharing. I added my top books for 2016 below as well! Let me know if you have read any of these, or if you pick one up for later!

1. BRAVING IT, by JAMES CAMPBELL
Why I loved it: This is about a father and daughter who have an amazing journey through Alaska. It is gripping and makes you want to seek adventure. It’s a true story, but as close to fiction as I get. Those who normally read fiction will like this one!

2. HOW TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE, by JONATHAN FIELDS
Why I loved it: Jonathan is an all around inspiring guy who runs an organization called the “Good Life project.” It’s good stuff y’all! He focuses on three key areas: connection, contribution and vitality buckets. Well written and easy to read.

3. THE MAGNOLIA STORY, by CHIP & JOANNA GAINES
Why I loved it: Any other HGTV Fixer Upper fans out there? I don’t watch much TV, but I go out of my way to catch this one! Chip and Joanna and just plain fun, and they do some good work. Their book shares how they got to their recent success and lets you inside their lives just enough to make them more endearing.

4. THE BROKEN WAY, by ANN VOSKAMP
Why I loved it: Ann is another who I have heard of often, but hadn’t read any of her books. After I read this, I quickly ordered all of her books. Ann’s words are simply poetic and pack a powerful punch. This book really focuses on the “not so good in life,” and how to embrace those moments “well,” (quote:  “Feelings are meant to be fully felt and fully surrendered.”). SO GOOD.

5. THE HIDING PLACE, by CORRIE TEN BOOM
Why I loved it: THIS IS A CLASSIC in the truest sense. Something told me I surely read this before, but if I did it was with totally fresh eyes. Our modern world sometimes makes us feel like things are hard when honestly they are not. This book captures not only important history, but keeps the sacrifices that people have made for our benefit top-of-mind, and inspires us to be willing to sacrifice when called to do so – INCREDIBLE.

TOP 5 BOOKS 2016

1. ORIGINALS, by ADAM GRANT
Why I loved it: Everything! This is my favorite. It’s both a business read and one that will definitely make you a better person in every segment of your life. The insights and breaking down of myths on how we think and act are very cool.

2. IF YOU CAN KEEP IT, by ERIC METAXAS
Why I loved It: The subtitle of “The Forgotten promise of American Liberty” jumped out and it was also highly recommended. Pretty much everything this author writes has been golden. He dives deep into America as a “nation of nations” and challenges us to reconnect with the ideas of liberty and freedom for all and embrace our role in living out what our nation’s founders entrusted us with – it’s EXCELLENT.

3. CHASE THE LION, by MARK BATTERSON
Why I loved it: Batterson is my favorite Christian author. He seems to magically weave biblical truth and offer example after example of historical evidence to support his call here for us all to CHASE down our fears and go after our dreams. This is a book about “stretching.” Here’s a great quote to wet your appetite: “Napoleon Bonaparte made a distinction between two kinds of courage – regular courage and two-o’clock-in-the-morning courage, ‘The rarest attribute among Generals is two o’ clock -in-the-morning courage.”

4. PRESENT OVER PERFECT, by SHAUNA NIEQUIST
Why I loved it: I had never read Shauna Niequist before, even though she has several books out there. I guess nothing seemed to resonate before. At any rate, this particular book addresses the seasons of our lives and the need to step into the craziness fully. A bit of a flavor: “If someone gave you a completely blank calendar and a bank account as full as you wanted, what would you do? The first thing that leapt into my mind: stop, I would stop. I would rest. I would do nothing at all. I would sleep.” She addresses a certain season as feeling like “off reading.” I for one have been in that season more than one time! If you have as well, you’ll love this one!

5. THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION, by LEVI LUSKO
Why I loved it: Levi and his family lost a little girl unexpectedly. With great sadness, Levi is able to shine a light on God’s grace and Share the painful details but also inspire hope.