My Top Book Reads in 2016...So Far

At the end of every year I create a list with the top 10 books I read and found most helpful. This post is always one of the most popular of the year.

We just finished the half-way point of 2016 and some of you have been asking for a sneak peak. Above is a picture of the 18 books I’ve read so far in 2016. Below you’ll find the books that I have really loved so far. Most of these will make it on my Top 10 List for 2016, but I have some other books in the cue that might bump one or two of these to the Honorable Mentions.

If your reading goals have started to slip, summer is the best time to catch back up. I typically read more books in the month of July than any month of the year. Pick up one or two of these and see if you get back on track.

1. Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth. I just finished reading this one and absolutely loved it! An old friend that I recently reconnected with told me how he was going through a hard time and thinking about quitting. He called a mentor who immediately sent him this book. He said he cried the whole way through it and told me I had to read it. I’m so glad he did! Every great leader I know has suffered in ways most people never see. The author says “Leadership is bleedership. If you’re not bleeding, you’re not leading.” We all need to learn how to increase our threshold for pain.

2. Outliers: The Story of Success. Probably the best and most scientifically researched book Gladwell has written. I’m not sure why it took me so long to get to this one. I guarantee you’ll look at success differently after reading it. Super easy to stay engaged. A perfect audio book!

3. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win. This is written by 2 former Navy Seals who also served with Chris Kyle of American Sniper fame. The authors continuously drive home the point that the leader is always responsible for what happens on their watch. If you have ever wanted to blame or make excuses instead of taking responsibility you have to read this book. If you just said you never do that, you really need to read it. I flew through this book!

4. The Imperfect Board Member. I’m sure that reading about the role and functions of boards and how to improve them sounds as pleasant as sunburn, but you really will enjoy this one. Lots of boards are dysfunctional because they don’t understand their role and responsibility. They get confused about what hat they’re wearing within the organization. If you’re on a board, hope to be on a board, report to a board, or curious about what goes on behind those mysterious closed doors you need to read it. If you are on a board or report to one, when was the last time you read something to improve in that area? Start here. Brown writes in parable form like Lencioni so it’s a quick read.

5. How I Changed My Mind About Women In Leadership. I’m sure the title alone is scandalous to some of my friends for different reasons, but it really made me think. A good question to ask yourself is, “What are some things I’ve changed my mind about during my Christian journey?” If you’ve never changed your mind it’s probably a sign of arrogance. I once heard a pastor say, “My theology is my home, but it’s not my prison.” 21 Evangelicals share how they changed their minds about the role of women in the church. Funny story about this book…I took this book with me when I was getting the oil in my truck changed. I sat the book on the counter and my keys on top of it and started to sign the paperwork. The lady behind the counter pointed at the book and asked me, “How have you changed your mind about women?” I laughed and pointed out my keys were covering up the rest of the title. It’s called How I Changed My Mind About Women In Ministry. My explanation didn’t change the expression on her face. I awkwardly tried to explain to this lady the beliefs being debated in this book. It ended up feeling more painful than funny. I walked away feeling sad for myself and Jesus’ Church that I love so much. Read a book that will make you think this year. This book is one to make you think about lots of issues surrounding gender.