In no particular order, here are the books (and a quick review & 5 star rating) of the books I’ve read since January…
In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day // Mark Batterson *****
This book was really challenging to up your personal game in life. I also fell in love with Batterson’s writing style in this book. If you’re looking for an easy to read but challenging in the life department, I would recommend this book.
Wild Goose Chase // Mark Batterson *****
This was also a very good read. Batterson explores the Holy Spirit and what it means to chase after him as you live your life for Christ.
Soulprint // Mark Batterson ****
Another Mark Batterson book. This one was interesting and pretty practical in showing you different ways to discover who God destined you to be.
A Technique For Producing Ideas // James Web Youn *****
Everyone knows I love Jon Acuff so when he recommended this book I just knew I had to read it. It’s short, sweet and to the point. It talking about how to, well, produce ideas. I loved it! As usual, Jon Acuff does not disappoint!
Speaking of Jesus // Carl Medearis *****
AMAZING! Because I live in a Muslim nation right now, this book is super practical and gives good advice on how to speak Jesus into the lives of people who are of the Muslim faith, in any context. This was a great help in relating to and sharing Jesus with people of a Muslim background.
Radical // David Platt*****
Another great read. Another great challenging read! This book will challenge the way you think and live your life as a Christ-follower. You may even want to make some minor and major life changes though.
AND: The Gathered and Scattered Church // Hugh Halter***
This book looked very promising because it explored the church’s role in sending and gathering. Since we are church planting here, I had high hopes for this book. The beginning of the book was really good but the middle was full of theory type explanations and I got lost. I was more interested in the practical stuff at the beginning. My interest picked back up towards the end a little though.
Lynchpin // Seth Godin****
I normally don’t care for Godin’s writing style but I actually enjoyed how he presented material in this book. It challenges how you perceive work and your work ethic to make sure you are always a lynchpin no matter how big or small your job is.
The Me I Want To Be // John Ortberg*****
I think every person should read this book, Christian or not. True, much of this book is written from a Christian foundation but this book is so practical. Ortberg just does an amazing job and helping you to understand yourself better in this book, understand who God wants you to be. He also give lots of practical ways and examples of how to become the person that God wants you to be. This book is one that I will have to reread because there was so much good stuff in it!
You Lost Me // David Kinnaman*****
Love, love, LOVED this book. Kinnaman explores the reason why so many teens and young adults have left/are leaving the church. I could see myself (as a 20something), my friends and many people I know in the reasons and examples he gave. Anyone working with teens or 20somethings should definitely read this book. It will help you prepare teens & 20 somethings to be more engaged and committed not to church but to their faith!
If you’d like to see what I’m currently reading or plan to read, check out my bookshelf.