Top books of 2015

 

Honestly, this is a huge deal for me to try to identify the top booksI have read this year.  My boys will tell you that I read a book every 10 days or so, and that Amazon Prime loves to visit our front door step! I have however narrowed it down to 10 books! I hope that you will find one or two that you find as inspiring as I did!

1. Life Is Good – Bert and John Jacobs: Let me tell you that I dismissesd this book several times while walking through airport shops, but finally decided to bite the bullet. I’ve never been a big fan of the “Life is Good” shops (t-shirts, etc.) for some reason, though my sister has always loved them. Now I’m a huge fan! This is a simple book, great story and full of simple life lessons. The brothers and founders of ‘Life Is Good,’ outline the 10 superpowers of a happy and fulfilling life. This is a great one for all ages! Great graduation gift idea!
2. Essentialism – Greg McKeown: Mark Batterson, my favorite Christian author and also listed below, recommended this one from his summer reading list. The book does not disappoint and is useful for just about anyone trying to survive in our chaotic society. It’s all about a “mindset” versus a task and time management. Solid read!
3. Fervent – Priscilla Shirer: Priscilla is one of my favorite authors and speakers and this short and simple book on crafting prayer strategies is one to hold on to or buy multiple copies and give away. I believe this book is a part of the resoures for the also now famous movie that came out in the Fall, War Room.
4. For the Love – Jen Hatmaker: Jen is an author that will have you laughing the entire way through. She approaches the topic of fighting for grace in a world of impossible standards.
5. Creativity Inc. – Ed Catmull: Ed is a co-founder of Pixar Animation studios (with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter). If you saw the 2015 blockbuster movie Inside-Out, you know why this is a must read. (Inside-Out was simply the most clever and creative movie I believe ever on the big screen.)  It’s really a quite powerful management book.  We all are being called to a higher level of creativity in our roles and this book is sure to take you to a different dimenision in your thinking.
6. Anything – Jennie Allen: Jennie was a new author to me this year and I am thrilled I read this book. It’s actually a new edition of a book with the same title, with an eight-week bible study added. Essentially, it follows a story of what might happen if we were ready to do “anything” for God and truly walk in his will. It is short and powerful. It will keep you up thinking!
7. The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James: This book is a true story based on how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit is all about. True grit is a characteristic we all need and you will get lost in this story! Well done!
8. IF – Mark Batterson: My all-time favorite author- (Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, etc.) nailed another great book! I was lucky enough to be selected to serve on the “launch” team for this book which meant I got an early copy. I loved that opportunity because I truly think Mark’s writing is the best. Easy to read, and a combination of real life stories and use of history and science to bring home the sometimes tough topics. IF is all about possible “regrets” and “what if” possibilities. Mark unpacks the promises of Romans 8 and helps us to become conquerors in this read.
9. LinchPin – Seth Godin: I wrote an earlier blog on this book which you might want tocheck out here. Seth is simply one of the greatest business authors of our time. He is one you should follow in every social media channel you can find! I have read almost all of his books, and he is a marketing genius. This book is all about being indispensable!
10. Optimism – Helen Keller: First of all, who knew this book even existed? Thanks to Twitter, someone shared this little gem with me! If you buy one book from this list, buy this one! (I just checked Amazon and it’s $5.99 so a great price as well!)   It will take you less than two hours to get through – probably less – but it is essential for all to read! Now that I looked back on the list, it’s the most unlikely favorite, but the favorite for sure.

(Photo Credit: Life Is Good)