I know there are books that I have to read for my work, and normally those don't make the list because they aren't read cover to cover. I know there are books that I will read because they are sent to me for review, and the case is the same for them, I skim them instead of reading them, and so they rarely make the list. But as I gazed over my list for the end of the year and browsed the titles to make my favorites list I realized I had read for others this year instead of myself. Not gonna happen next year.
I am already forming my list of books that I hope to read and they are all books that interest me. There is more fiction and history added to my list. There are a few biographies, some commentaries on culture, some are written on things that fascinate me (and probably me alone), and then there are my normal diet of books on the Christian faith.
I need to read more books for pleasure, as well as books that are challenging me to think differently and deeper. In other words, my list at the end of 2012 will be much different than this year's list. Needless to say, my top ten list is loaded with goodies.
Here are my ten favorite books of 2011.
10. The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set
I'm cheating here since there are three books included, but they are all worthy of being read and I didn't think they should take up three spots. I read them because they were gaining popularity with my teens and their parents and thought I should be aware of them as someone who works with teens and their parents. What I didn't expect to find in them was a story that would suck me in and wouldn't let go until I finished the last page on book three. It's a very gritty look at so many themes of life placed in a world where children are taken and placed in a royal battle where only one can be the victor. It is no mild story either, as Collins gives us a tale woven with violence and evil. I quickly understood why it had taken off in popularity and I can't wait to see the film versions of the books.
9. The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal
The popularity of Facebook and its back story are an interesting tale. I don't think Mezrich's book is completely accurate, but it is accurate enough to give us a glimpse behind the scenes of how this empire was built and the personalities of the geniuses who stumbled upon its success. I couldn't put the book down. Mezrich is a gifted storyteller and the book moved like a novel. I read it while staying with my parents due to my dad's heart attack, and I probably drove them nuts with my constant chatter about the story. My mom ended up on Facebook and has enjoyed it since. I thought the adaption of the book into movie form by David Fincher was just as good and between the two I was floored. It's not a book for everyone, but those who enjoy tales of success or are just curious about this cultural phenomenon, I recommend reading it.
8. The Invention of Hugo Cabret
I read this book with my boys each evening. It is a wonderful story, with fantastic illustrations about a boy who lives in the train station while taking care of the clocks throughout the building. It's also an ode to film, as the tale unravels to expose the depth of the story and some fantastic nods to the craft of imagination. It is a thick book and took us a while to get through, but one that engaged my boys from page one and kept their attention until the end. They would beg to read it each night and it was something that we as a family looked forward to. I haven't seen the film version yet, but it is on our plans to do so as soon as we can! A wonderful book that I hope they will read with their children some day.
7. All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir
Brennan has always been an author that I can relate to. I don't agree with him theologically on all points and there times he just flat out made me mad, but most of the time I found someone that could tap into my heart and soften it with his words. If there is one word that can describe Brennan it is grace. His books conjure up thoughts of grace that invade the heart and mind and relinquish the love of Christ. Many of my evangelical brothers brush him off because of his Catholic background, but I truly believe there is no other author that understands or describes grace quite like Manning does.
He is a broken soul. Part of my enjoying him is that he doesn't hide behind that but rather uses his messed up life to paint the picture of a loving God who dishes grace out on those who need it most. I would fit right in as part of his "Notorious Sinners Club" and his memoir is a fitting end to a man that has walked with me on my path of Christianity. I haven't read all of his books, but those I have read remain favorites and constant companions on this journey. This book is just another example of a man that writes with humility as the book doesn't glorify him at all, but rather opens the canvas even further to expose his need of grace. And that is something we can all relate to.
6. Church Planter: The Man, the Message, the Mission
I'm not a church planter, and you don't need to be one to read this book. It is written with such wisdom that all pastors can glean valuable information from it. I haven't read a book in a long time that just came after me with such fury as this book did. It really convicted me about my role as a pastor and Patrick let loose the bombs without looking back. His intent is to lay out the qualifications for a church planter, and in a fashion that doesn't make it an easy task to qualify.
While reading through the book, I was uneasy with so much of it because I am failing in so many areas. But it is also an encouraging book because he lays out the reliance on God and God alone as the success factor. God has called and God has qualified and equipped. I forget that so often and rely on myself, when God is the centerpiece. I marked the book up, wrote notes in the margins and then read through it again. Fantastic resource for all pastors.
5. Indescribable (Illustrated Edition): Encountering the Glory of God in the Beauty of the Universe
Giglio is one of the most creative, deep thinkers of our time. The dude just connects with God in ways that most of us can't and don't, but we benefit from Louie through his books and talks where he shares with us what he is up to. This book probably was the most profound on the list as it hit a deep nerve with me more than any of the others. It widened the scope of my understanding of just how big God is.
The Pale Blue Dot was that one reference that pushed me over the edge and I have ordered a copy of the picture taken by Voyager I to remind me of the truth that God is bigger than we imagine, yet was sent as a human baby to grow into a man on this small, dusty planet we call Earth. I have always been fascinated by space, and Louie and Matt connect the cosmos with God in ways that can only lead us to worship. I would recommend getting the color print edition so you can enjoy the photos more so than in black and white. A great read and fascinating look at the vastness of God and the smallness of humanity.
4. What Good Is God?: In Search of a Faith That Matters
Yancey has always been one of my favorite authors and he hits a homerun once again. In this book he takes on several devastating events in the last few years and answers the question...What Good is God?... if a guy shoots up his college campus, or allows young girls to be forced into prostitution. With his reliable insight and talented skills, he chips away at the question as only he can to reveal there is always much more to the question than what rests on the surface. Yancey doesn't pretend to know it all and doesn't offer answers that will satisfy all when he does.
He just writes with honesty and clarity, something I can appreciate in an age where many authors pretend to have it all figured out. Yancey is an author that I normally recommend to those who are seekers or those who are doubters. He doesn't push these types away but instead ushers them into his realm so he can engage them. I find his style quite refreshing.
3. Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself (Re:Lit)
Joe Thorn has written a gem of a book. They are basically bite size sermons that one needs to preach to oneself on a daily basis. They are great chapters filled with practical ideas and lessons learned straight from God's word. They are things that we need to go back and read over and over again so that they will sink in, and when we forget, we need to read it one more time. This book coupled with my #2 choice are great additions to Bible reading and are treasure troves of wisdom. You will thank me for recommending this one because if anyone needs to hear preaching from the Word of God, it is ourselves! Pick a couple copies up and keep one for yourself and then give the rest away.
2. The Little Red Book of Wisdom
This book is little. This book is red. And this book is full of wisdom. And it is way too short! Read this as saying I wanted more. I literally downloaded it to my Kindle and read it in one sitting and then started it again the next day.
Mark DeMoss has written a gem, even if it was originally written for his three children. It is easy to read and understand, and I did a whole lot of highlighting and copying quotes to my Moleskine journal. It is full of personal stories and the wisdom that flows from the pages is rich, practical and easily memorable. It has earned its spot on my shelf of yearly reads (although I see myself turning to it more often than that) and I plan on buying copies and giving them to those I work with and those I care about.
The great things it that the wisdom can be applied to almost any part of life. Family, work, friends, hobbies, interests, etc..It is truly worthy of you picking up a copy, and a few extras because you'll want to share it the minute you finish. It is written in bite size chapters which WILL be devoured quickly. And you will wish you had taken your time and enjoyed them more.
Most books like this I look past and don't think much of, but DeMoss is worthy of getting attention.
1. Jesus + Nothing = Everything
he last two years have had Tullian Tchividjian's books at the top of my favorites list. Last year's "Surprised by Grace" and now "Jesus + Nothing = Everything" have made significant contributions to my Christian faith.
This book made me re evaluate my understanding of the sacrifice of Christ and how it hasn't been believed or applied to my life. I've always lived either a Jesus + __________ type of life or a __________ + _________ type of life while believing I was in a growing, deep relationship with Jesus.
The main thing I took out of the book is that we can rest in the work of Christ. There is no legalism that can add to the work of Christ, and there is no sin that can take away from it. Jesus fulfilled the work in completion and because of that, those who place their faith in him are covered underneath that work.
Tullian challenged me to look at Jesus and reconsider what he has done for us and is currently doing as he works in our lives to form us to himself. He also challenged me to quit trying to add to the work of Christ with all of the man made rules and traditions that I have lived under in the past. Even great things like reading the Bible, praying, serving, etc. can be put in that second column and can be an idol. Jesus doesn't need help, and I certainly can't do anything on top of what Christ has done.
The last part, the everything part is understanding the first two, and then resting in the assurance that God the Father has truly given us everything we need in Christ Jesus.
I bet that you can't read through this book without being convicted about how shallow your understanding of and relationship with Jesus truly is.
It is convicting, but also encouraging and I have already bought several copies to give away to friends. It pulled the burdens off of my shoulders and reemerged me into the freedom that Jesus paid for with his life.
My favorite book of 2011! I highly recommend it.
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