My Favorite Books of 2019
Are you looking for a good book? Well if you know me (pictured above), you know that I love reading! Here are my favorite books from the past year:
#8 - Originals by Adam Grant
An inspiring read by professor Adam Grant that challenges the norms about innovation and being a change agent in the world. Unfortunately, I felt like the book started off really strong in the opening chapters but slipped toward the end. Nevertheless, a great book that I’ve read this year and would definitely recommend!
#7 - Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald
This is a fascinating history of the Christian church’s influence on American society and politics. Ranging from the revivals of the Great Awakening to the modern “Christian right,” Frances Fitzgerald does a phenomenal job fitting so much information into a single work. As a Christian, I felt that it was written from an outsider’s perspective and occasionally uses language that places the church in a negative light. Regardless, it’s incredibly insightful! One takeaway: The church gains influence when it hits the streets and connects with real people; the church loses ground when it focuses too much on influencing politics. More often than not, changing the hearts of people should take precedence over changing the laws of the nation.
#6 - Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
It pains me to see how many Christians don’t receive the gift of the 4th commandment. There is a God-ordained rhythm to life and we thrive when walking in alignment with that rhythm. Abraham Heschel is a Jewish rabbi that teaches God’s original purpose for this day of rest and worship. Incredibly insightful!
#5 - The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Love this book! Filled with inspiring stories about the power of prayer! Written by Mark Batterson, who pastors National Community Church in D.C, it was engaging to read these faith-filled stories while living in the city where much of it happened. If you want a quick and easy read that is sure to stir your faith, this is the book for you!
#4 - Underground Church by Brian Sanders
Ten years ago, Brian Sanders and a group of Christians in Tampa decided to do church a little different. Rather than focusing on activities inside the church building, they decided to focus on mission outside of the church. The result has been 100’s of micro-churches across the Tampa area and a new model for church planting. I had the opportunity to visit them last year, and was further encouraged by this book that challenges the status quo.
#3 - Quiet by Susan Cain
This is an amazing book that should be read by introverts and extroverts alike. I definitely lean more towards introversion, and this book helped give me language to some of the feelings I have in this extroverted world. A couple quotes:
“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.”
“Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to.”
“There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
#2 - The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner
Similar theme to the book above, it’s important to know yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. I read this book during a personal retreat this year and it was a game-changer! Written specifically from a Jesus-follower perspective, David Benner highlights the importance of knowing and persevering in your mission and uses Jesus as the prime example. Great resource if you are asking about your life identity and purpose!
#1 - Garden City by John Mark Comer
I might not be in grad school if it wasn’t for this book. Pastor John Mark Comer does an incredible job laying out the biblical principles behind work, rest, and eternity. We often think about certain things as “spiritual” and other things as “secular” but this book masterfully shows us that God can be in every ethical occupation. The key is knowing the grace on your life and delighting in your portion. 10/10 recommend!
Happy reading!
