Best Reads Of The Year
Posted By Aaron Marcelli on August 29, 2010
Allow me to take another break from the posts on “Leadership from Nehemiah” to share something else with you. In college I developed a healthy desire for reading and now that I am out of school books are my main source of new learning. A year ago or so I became very intense in my reading and now work on a pace that allows me to read about 30 books a year.
That being said, here is a list (as well as links to check out) my favorite reads so far from 2010:
- “Put Your Dream To The Test” by John Maxwell – an absolute must for anyone considering pursuing a dream, passion, calling, etc. Will give you great guidance and insight into developing that dream and determining if it should be followed.
- “Too Busy Not To Pray” by Bill Hybles – somewhat of an oldie but still a goodie. A short, easy read with some good thoughts that changed the way I pray.
- “Developing The Leader Within You” by John Maxwell – another Maxwell great with one leadership principle after another. Buy this book, don’t borrow it, because you will want it as a source later.
- “Getting Things Done” by David Allen – A non-Christian book given to me at church planting school that at times is a little repetitive and common sense, but has helped me develop a better way for setting up projects and using my calendar.
- “Speaking My Mind” by Tony Campolo – Tony is one of the only people I know who I agree with on most religious AND political issues. Whether you like him or not, Tony is very intelligent and will challenge the way you think about today’s issues.
- “A Comedian’s Guide To Theology” by Thor Ramsey – Thor is a Christian comedian who has written with a perfect balance of humor and insight. This book really did make me laugh a lot as well a present some theological basics in a way I wish most pastors could.
What have you been reading? I’m still working on my list of 30 books for next year, so what suggestions do you have?
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Just finishing up Maxwell’s “Becoming a Person of Influence” I’ve enjoyed the read. I haven’t read a lot of his stuff, but its really a smorgasbord of stories and tips. It makes it very readable, but feels less personal. I’ve put the principles into practice though and they seem to work. Not usually a fan of cheezy acronyms, but I’ll probably try and keep “INFLUENCE” in my head for keeps.
I read a book a while back from the NY bestseller list called “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” I obviously didn’t agree with the premise, but it was a solid story and it gave good insight into what people are believing or hoping happens after this life. Along the same lines or thinking for me, I read “The Shack.” This time for real, not just finding contradictions to scripture and highlighting them. It was a captivating story. The guy has talent. He really draws you into the story. However, as much as I can appreciate some of the principles presented for handling hard questions about God, the book’s theology over all is a flop, and I’d never recommend it for a youth or new believer. I know there was an uproar of worry over people basing their view of God on the book, which I concurred with but after reading, I don’t know that that happens too much. However, that may be a different story should a movie come out.
The best book I’ve read this year by far was “When Life Gets Hard” by James MacDonald. Everyone should have this on their shelf for when they go through unforseen tragedy and life altering events. The presentation and explanation of the purpose, plan, and power of trials was amazing. Had I not read this I don’t think I would’ve gleaned as much as I did from my trial. Without it I don’t think I would be able to look back on the hardest thing I’ve ever gone though in my life, and be thankful for it beyond measure.I have a lot of books I like but only 4 or 5 that I’d consider life changing. This is a life changing book. Great read.
Currently I’ve got a couple books on the way from half.com and one I’m dusting off the shelf. Finally going to dive into Dr. Price’s “King James Onlyism: A New Sect.” Bought it ages ago, and its an issue I’ve had several conversations about since I moved, so I’m gonna check it out. Also have a three books in transit. I have a couple on the way from Salihamer. “The Pentateuch as Narrative” and “The Meaning of the Pentateuch.” I think we as NT believers have gotten lost in translation in our attempts to teach the OT. I think its a lot more than prominent character and their lives presented so we can mimic some of them. I also have an oldie, Robinsons “Preaching the Old Testament” on the way, and I’m really looking forward to that.