Living up to my self-appointed title of “Book Evangelist”, I want to share some of my favorite books I have read over the past 4-5 months:
Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness
By: Eric Metaxas
Biographies are one of my favorite genres to read, so one book packed with seven different mini biographies of influential women in the Christian faith was right up my ally. There were a few well known names, like Corrie ten Boom and Mother Teresa, and some unfamiliar (to me) people like Hannah More and Maria Skobtsova. I am super encouraged reading about women who were faithful in their obedience to God, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Party Girl
By: Rachel Hollis
This book is great if you are in a “I don’t want to learn anything or think about anything important” mood. It is fiction and basically pure fun; following the story of Landon Brinkley – fresh out of college and excited to pursue her dream of being a famous event planner. I read this entire book on a 6 hour road trip. There are two more in the series and I am excited to read those!
Celebration of Discipline
By: Richard Foster
Aside from his fantastic last name, Foster did a great job articulating Christian disciplines and how they position us in a way that allows God to transform us. I read this for a spiritual disciplines class at my church, and I’m sure it’ll be a book I refer back to many times. If you are a Christian who is committed to your personal growth and maturity, buy this book today.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
By: Marie Kondo
The clean freak in me was ALL OVER this book – and since reading, I have cleaned out my closet and donated 51% of the clothing articles I owned. (Yes I counted). We also cleaned out our bookshelves, and next up is the front closet and kitchen supplies. This book has validated and confirmed everything I have ever loved about cleaning and simplicity.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
By: Anne Lamott
I quit reading this book 4 times before I finally finished. As an author, Anne Lamott is confusing, but also hilarious and profoundly wise. While reading, I sometimes felt frustrated with her, but loved her at the same time. If you have the patience to stick with it, this book is worth it for the insight on writing and life you will gain by reading.
Insanity of God
By: Nik Ripken
One of my friends I admire most said this was the best book she had ever read, so I bought it immediately, and it did not disappoint. All about persecution and obedience to Jesus when it doesn’t make sense, this sobering narrative wrecked my safe Christian worldview and gave me a much broader understanding the work of God around the globe. Of all the books on this list, this is the one I recommend most.
Happy Friday! 🙂
Above All Else 