My book list is a little different than most. My list consists of the top 10 books I’ve read this year, not books that were published this year. I don’t concentrate on books that were released in the current year because most are forgettable. I’ll let others whittle down that list. My time and yours is valuable so having some filters will help you get the most out of your reading.
This year I read 36 books (pictured above). I dream of reading 52 books in a year but I’ve never been able to hit that number. Maybe next year.
I once asked Bill Easum how much I should read to stay ahead and stay sharp. He told me that if I read two books a month I would be far ahead of the majority of pastors. I was surprised the number was so low. So that has always been my baseline goal. Some years are better than others.
For those of you who think it’s my job to read…you are partially right. Communicating weekly forces me to read so I can stay fresh, but I don’t read while I am at work. I wish that’s what I did all day! My reading time is the same time as yours in the evening, on vacation, or while I’m waiting somewhere.
If you replaced your Netflix time with a book I bet you’d be surprised how many books you could read in 2016. Speaking of 2016 do you have a reading goal? A list of books you plan to get through?
Here are some you should put on that list.
1. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results.
This book was my number one choice. It was a quick and easy read and helped me prioritize every day of 2015. Full of stuff you can put into practice right now and be more productive.
2. How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In
. I found myself highlighting something on almost every page. Tons of correlations for the church world too. I had to put the book down a few times to let my brain catch up to what I read, not because it was so deep, but because it was so insightful.
3. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story
. This was obviously written to hype a movie (that I didn’t watch), but if you look past the advertising aspects the insights Miller provides are life-changing.
4. Thriving in Babylon: Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a Godless Culture
. I was able to spend some time learning from this author during the summer. I let him know what a profound affect his book Accidental Pharisee had on me and that it was my favorite book he has written (I’ve read them all). He told me he was the most proud of Thriving in Babylon. So I obviously had to read it. If you feel like you are losing “your America” you need to read this.
5. Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
. So this one has been out for a very long time, but I never got around to reading it. This year I read 3 in the “Boundaries” line as you can see in the photo. This one is a good overview of the concepts. It isn’t a fluid read. Sometimes the scriptures cited feel a little forced and even unnecessary, but it is still well worth your time.
6. The Ambition: A Novel
. I can’t tell you the last time I read fiction and I was more than a little skeptical of “Christian fiction.” This title had been recommended to me from a solid source so I thought I would give it a try. I couldn’t believe how it drew me in. If you have a long drive this would be perfect for an audio book.
7. The Power of Who: You Already Know Everyone You Need to Know
. Earlier in the year I was invited with 11 other pastors to spend a couple hours with the author. I wish it would have been longer because I wanted more content. He gave all of us his book and so I dived in. Bob knows what he is talking about. He has placed top coaches, players, and even a commissioner in the professional sports world. If you have a job that requires networking (who doesn’t) or if you ever find yourself needing a job you should read this book.
8. Next: Pastoral Succession That Works
. Okay…I didn’t want to read this book. I didn’t want to because it is something I prefer not to think about. (If you attend the church I pastor the title probably freaks you out too!) Who wants to think about being replaced? But if you are a pastor (and I know most of you aren’t) you owe it to yourself and your church to read it. I promise you it wasn’t as scary as it sounds. The brutal fact is that everyone no matter what position or title they hold will one day not hold it.
9. The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: Expanded Edition
. I thought about this book quite a bit after I read it. A sign of a good book. I’m sure you won’t agree with everything in it, I didn’t. You probably won’t practice or express your faith the same way she does, but no one can deny the radical conversion that took place in her life.
10. The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating
. I’m a huge fan of Andy Stanley. He is one of the sharpest minds in Christianity. I’ve read everything he has ever written and so should you. If you are married you’re probably thinking you can skip this one. Don’t do it! If you have kids think about them as you read. If you have single friends read it with them and talk about it. Wise advice that will save you from potentially your greatest regrets.
