So this year, I put together a list of books I want to read. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but it’s a pretty great thing for me. In my early thirties, I read all the time. Somewhere along the way, I stopped.
I’m pretty sure it was because I was occupied [read exhausted], you know, with raising five kids within three years of each other. That, and my family really needed to eat…because give me a good book and it’s “What do you mean what’s for dinner? Fend for yoselves.”
The last two graduated this year and I find myself with more time on my hands. And a hunger to reengage my mind.
There are 26 selections on the list of books I want to read this year. You know what they say… go big or go home. Of course, we’re all about grace around here so I can always carry the unread titles over to next year. However, I’m going to try my best to finish as many as possible.
[note: I realize I hit publish on this post rather late in the game. I mean, it’s JULY. I’ve already knocked out a few selections and with God’s grace, I’ll find the margin to do justice to this list.]
All of them are non-fiction and faith-based and fall under several different categories like theology, discipleship, ministry and relationship. While they cover a wide range of topics, they all connect back to two areas of focus for my life this year: surrendering to God fully and loving others well.
Here’s the list in no particular order. If you’ve already read one, I’d love to hear what you thought….positive or negative. As I read them, my plan is to write out a short review…no promises, but if it happens, I’ll link to it here.
25 Books I Want to Read in 2019
- Uncomfortable – Brett McCracken
- The Forgotten Jesus – Robby Gallaty
- The Envy of Eve – Melissa B. Kruger
- Gay Girl, Good God – Jackie Hill Perry
- Word-Filled Women’s Ministry: Loving and Serving the Church – Gloria Furman & Kathleen Nielson
- Loving Him Well – Gary Thomas
- Everybody Always – Bob Goff
- Love Does – Bob Goff
- You are Free: Be Who You Already Are – Rebekah Lyons
- The Gospel Comes With a Housekey – Rosaria Butterfield
- The Path Between Us – Suzanne Stabile
- The Road Back to You – Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile
- Leading Women to the Heart of God – Lysa Terkeurst
- Is God Anti-Gay – Sam Allberry
- Humble Calvinism – J.A. Medders
- In His Image – Jen Wilkin
- None Like Him – Jen Wilkin
- Mere Christianity – C. S. Lewis
- Holy Sexuality and the Gospel – Christopher Yuan
- Gospel-Centered Discipleship – Jonathan K. Dodson
- Side by Side – Edward T. Welch
- 7 Myths About Singleness – Sam Allberry
- Finding Holy in the Suburbs – Ashley Hales
- Even Better Than Eden – Nancy Guthrie
- The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert – Rosaria Butterfield
- Letters to the Church – Francis Chan
I realize this is quite the undertaking. Not only are there 26 books on this list, but there are quite a few heavy subjects. The books I want to read this year cover topics that aren’t for the faint of heart, but definitely for the strengthening of it.