My Favorite Books of 2014

Last year I resolved to read more slowly, to choose books of depth that would require thinking, meditating, and savoring rather than devouring.  I pretty much failed and ended up reading 90-100 books in 2014, very few of which were on my to-read list that I posted in January. My interests changed, and as I look over my list, I read 14 spiritual memoirs, which are currently my new favorite genre. 

Here were my favorite reads of 2014 that I would recommend:

Spiritual memoirs:

1. Faith Unraveled: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Learned to Ask Questions, by Rachel Held Evans  
2. Girl at the End of the World, by Elizabeth Esther
3. Flunking Sainthood, by Jana Riess
4. Rare Birds, by Anna Whiston-Donaldson
5. A New Kind of Christian, by Brian McLaren

 Spiritual Growth:

1. Mere Churchianity, by Michael Spencer
2. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, by E.R. Richards and B.J. O’Brien
3. The Jesus Creed, by Scot McKnight
4. Almost Catholic: An Appreciation of History, Practice, and Mystery, by Jon Sweeney
5. My Sisters, the Saints, by Colleen Carroll Campbell

Fiction (for the thrill of escape):

1. The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant
2. What Kind of Mother Are You? By Paula Daly
3. Big Little Lies, by Liane Moriarty 

Other Nonfiction:

1. The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why, by Amanda Ripley
2. David & Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell
3. Surviving Survival: The Art and Science of Resilience, by Laurence Gonzales

My Reading List for 2014

When people see my personal library, the first question they ask is if I have read all the books.  I wish!  I never intended my personal library to be like a seashell collection, but each book represents something I wish I had read or knew about. 

I usually read about 80 books a year but I'm hoping to slow down and read more carefully and thoughtfully this year.  I combed my library and picked 20 books that I would like to read in 2014 (in addition to book reviews for publishers):

Classics:

·        Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis

·        Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, by Roland H. Bainton

·        The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith

·        The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence

·        The Story of a Soul, by St. Therese of Lisieux

·        Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of Fancois Fenelon, by Winn Collier

·        Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Jean-Pierre De Caussade

About the Bible:

·        Between Two Worlds, by John Stott

·        Hard Sayings of Jesus, by F.F. Bruce

·        Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, by Marcus J. Borg

·        The Grace and Truth Paradox: Responding with Christlike Balance, by Randy Alcorn

Simplicity and Spiritual Renewal:

·        Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life, by Thomas Moore

·        The Dangerous Duty of Delight, by John Piper

·        The Story We Find Ourselves In: Further Adventures of a New Kind of Christian, by Brian D. McLaren

·        The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence, by Henri J.M. Nouwen

·        Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World: Linda Breen Pierce

·        God & Your Stuff: The Vital Link Between Your Possessions and Your Soul, by Wesley K. Willmer

Becoming More Like Jesus:

·        A Heart Like Jesus, by Max Lucado

·        Speaking the Truth in Love, by Ruth N. Koch & Kenneth C. Haugk

·        Forgotten Among the Lilies: Learning to Love Beyond Our Fears, by Ronald Rolheiser

·        I Told the Mountain to Move: A Determined Struggle to Learn How to Pray; A Triumphant Lesson in Learning to Love, by Patricia Raybon

Have you read any of these? Are there any that I should cross off my list as a waste of time, or any I should make a top priority?

Books That Impacted Me Most in 2013

I enjoy reading and am an avid reader, but my ability to retain what I have read is minimal.  However, every once in a while, there is one book that has a message that sticks with me, impacts me, changes me.  Scanning through the list of books I read in 2013 (somewhere around 80), I can narrow down to five books that impacted me most:

1.  Accidental Pharisees, by Larry Osborne

This book is phenomenal in that it set me free in areas that I had not even realized I had been captivated.  If I had prided myself of overcoming a legalistic upbringing, this book showed me the new traps in our culture today that I had not recognized as being equally legalistic.  Larry Osborne opened my eyes to see how readily we embrace the worst of sinners but snub the weak believers.  There is no shortage of unhealthy Christians, myself included.  He also helped me to accept that my gifts and calling may not match the flavor of the day, and that is not something I should feel guilty about.  I read this book early in 2013 and I want to read it again.

For more on this book, read my review at : "Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith - Book Review"

2.  Reclaiming Love, by Ajith Fernando

Ajith Fenando showed me how to view the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 in a whole new way, the way God intended. Before, I had limited the application of this chapter to marriage, but he opened my eyes to see how it is meant to live the life of love as Jesus did.  He showed me how to handle the weaknesses of others so that I can get on with the business of loving them and enjoying them.  I know I could still practice this more.  I should re-read this book too.

For more on how this book impacted me, read my review at: "Reclaiming Love: Radical Relationships in a Complex World - Book Review."

3. The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, by Scot McKnight

Scot McKnight, professor of religious studies, profoundly changed my view of the Bible and the Bible's relationship to me in knowing God.  He showed me that our relationship to the Bible should actually a relationship with the God of the Bible. He challenged the "authority approach" to the Bible that I was raised with, pointing out that the Bible is far more than submitting to an authority. Anyone who describes their relationship as such is missing something.  King David in Psalm 119 declares that God's words are delightful and he delights in them (rather than saying he submits to them, which sounds much colder).  You can read more of my thoughts on the blog post inspired by this book at:  "Are You a Bible Worshiper?"

4.  Streams in the Desert, by L.B. Cowman

I picked up this devotional in a library book sale (fill-a-bag for $5).  I had never heard of it before, but as I opened and read the first week of devotions, I realized I held a treasure to be cherished. Much to my delight, six months later I discovered my friend Faith had been reading it too, and we both found strength and hope from this woman who compiled her favorite writings in 1925 while caring for her ill husband.  I am reading it again in 2014.

My blog posts inspired by this book: Sips from Streams in the Desert

5.  Banished, by Lauren Drain with Lisa Pulitzer

Lauren Drain's memoir helped me to see people as individuals in need of Jesus and His work on the cross, even people who misrepresent Him and hate others.  As a former member of the Westboro Baptist cult, she tells of her teenage years seeking acceptance, questioning, and eventual banishment from the cult and from her family. While by far not a great work of literature, her story touched me and changed me.  

My blog post inspired by this book and the ways it changed me are at: "Loving the Haters: a Changed Perspective"

My "A" List of Books Read in 2012

As an obsessive list-maker, I feel like I must keep a list of every book I have read - I write down the author, title, and genre on a list for the current year and give it a grade of A thru F, based on the book’s impact and how much I enjoyed reading it.

Looking through the list of 75 books that I read in 2012, a few “A” titles stand out as memorable and having the most impact on how I see life or how I live my life.

Fiction: “A+”

 

 Little Night, by Luanne Rice



Non-Fiction: “A+”

 

Spiritual Formation, by Henri Nouwen

Life with God: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation, by Richard Foster

The Great Omission, by Dallas Willard

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions for Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott

Other Books That Earned My “A” Grade

Great Day Every Day, by Max Lucado

Grace, by Max Lucado

What’s Next? Navigating Life’s Transitions, by H. Norman Wright

What Matters Most, by Leonard Sweet

Everything, by Mary DeMuth

Quiet, the Power of Introverts, by Susan Cain

Confessions of a Bookaholic

Knowing that I have limited book shelf space, I still went absolutely book-crazy at the used book sale last weekend. Fill a brown paper bag with books for $5, a bargain that would easily promote over-indulging. I was determined that I was only going to fill one bag and select only books that I considered treasure that would guide me in living life with God (alongside my Bible)  and inspire me with wisdom our counsel on how to live this life as a follower of Christ. 

I also planned to select books written by authors from previous generations in previous ages who asked and answered different kinds of questions than we are asking today.  Rather than reading for information, extracting data and knowledge as I was trained to do, I wanted to find heart-oriented books that would bring to light my blind spots and transform me.

And it would be just fine if I didn’t actually fill the bag.

My husband helped me pack the bag efficiently. Then he helped me with the next one, too. And the next one too.  100 books for $15. 

Here are a few of the treasures that I thought might meet the qualifications:

·        The Way of the Heart, by Henri Nouwen

·        Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis

·        Embracing the Love of God, by James Bryan Smith

·        The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith

·        Man’s Search for Ultimate Meaning, by Viktor Frankl

·        Freedom of Simplicity, by Richard Foster

·        Finding God in Unexpected Places, by Philip Yancey

·        Thirsty for God, by Bradley Holt

I’ll stop there because now I have to go pick up some books I have on reserve at the public library and check my mailbox for new goodies for book reviews…so many books, so little time!!

The Reading of Many Books

So many books, so little time!  I am an avid reader and passionate book lover.  Two stacks of next-in-line books to read tower beside my nightstand (yes, I had to stack them on the floor because they were so tall).  My personal library shelves are filled with at least a couple hundred books I want to read.  Yet, I still buy books and visit my public library on a regular basis in search for more books. 

Just having a special book in my possession feels almost as good as reading it.  I continue the search for the treasure books that will give me a grand epiphany, increase my wisdom and understanding, or inspire me in my walk with Jesus. 

I keep reminding myself that all the wisdom, counsel, and understanding I need for life and death is found in a single bound book.  The meaning is always the same but the way I perceive it and apply it is diverse, depending on my frame of mind and circumstances at the time.  I love books, but my Bible is my greatest treasure. 

It’s okay to read books besides the Bible.  When we read commentaries and books that help us mine the jewels buried in the Bible, we join with the community of believers, dialoguing with those who have studied a passage, topic, or aspect.  We were meant to understand the Bible as a community, and we are arrogant if we think we don’t need anyone else who is spirit-filled to deepen our understanding or provide perspective.  Because we are sinful, we have blind spots and need others to be our eyes in those areas.  Even a whole generation can have blind spots, so it is wise to read those of previous decades and centuries. 

Periodically, I find myself so consumed with the reading of books, that I have neglected God’s own words.  I resolve to beware that the reading of many books does not become my idol and that the Bible will always come first, which in itself is the greatest library I have in God. 

How to Read Books Meaningfully

At the end of 1998, I patted myself on the back as I reviewed my list of books that I had finished reading for the year.  Though not always thrilled by my voracious reading habit, my husband was also impressed with my accomplishment.  Being the good husband that he is by pointing out my achievements to others, he bragged to my brother-in-law, Dan, after dinner one evening when we were visiting.  Dan considered it for a moment and then asked me what I remembered from reading all those books.  I didn’t have much to say!  He said he read one book that year, and then he explained how it had transformed his life and faith.

Shortly after, I came across a quote by Charles Spurgeon, pastor and theologian: “A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by 20 books which he has merely skimmed lapping at them.”  Upon further reflection, I realized that my reading was not only largely superficial and unmemorable, but it had consumed much time, hindering me from reflecting on my own. 

With one flippant comment and one insightful quote, the way I approached reading was transformed.  I am still an avid book reader, but now when I choose a book to read, I focus on quality rather than quantity.  My reading is less superficial and more meditative. How do I practice this? First, I begin by periodically praying that God will guide me to the books that I should read. 

Next, when selecting a book, I consider if it will potentially achieve at least one or two of the following:

1.      Explain the Bible in ways that I may not come to very easily on my own.

2.      Allow me to live vicariously through the experiences of others and to increase my perception of the world. 

3.      Enhance my relationships and growth in loving others.

4.      Find deeper meaning in my current season of life.

5.      Refresh my soul and increase my delight in my Lord Jesus Christ.

6.      Increase my understanding of life and provide a glimpse through God’s perspective.

Finally, while reading the book, my method to meaningful reading includes the following steps:

1.     Determine if this is a book that can be quickly digested or one that requires slow rumination, and read accordingly.

2.     Earmark a page that holds words to be remembered. (Even in fictional books, characters may say something that I want to cherish).

3.     Return to the earmarked pages when the book is finished to find the words and determine if it still has impact.

4.     Write the words or idea in a notebook.

5.     Read and reflect on the words in the notebook periodically.

This approach enables me to ponder the messages conveyed in a book and apply them to my life.  If I can find a few words in a book that I want to remember or one idea that could change my thinking or actions, then the book was well worth reading, and perhaps even life-transforming.