20 Books in 2020
Reading has been a refuge for me my entire life, I read rather than watch TV or do social media. Reading has brought some great mentors into my life, sharing their wisdom and knowledge. Most of what I read is for business, leadership, physical fitness, and spiritual growth. I often read books that were suggested to me by friends and colleagues. Sometimes, I read books from some of the guests that are on my favorite podcasts, but mostly I read books after browsing at the local Barnes and Noble. Some of these on the list were first time reads while others were repeats.
Usually, I will have 4-6 books by my bed at any given time, and the decision to read a particular book is related to my energy level, and motivation and interests for that night. It seems like so many books but so little time. If It was up to me, I would read many hours a day. I hope you enjoy reading as well and let me know if you have read any of these books.
If you have a book recommendation send it my way.
Here is a partial list for 2020
Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder
Written to men, to encourage, challenge, and embrace God’s design to be a part of the on-going creativity of the universe. God wants to empower men to lead and He has entrusted us with his Kingdom.
Prayer-Experience Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller
A deep historical and practical book on prayer. We are told prayer is a powerful way to experience God yet we receive very little guidance on prayer. Tim does a great job providing specific methods to bolster your prayer life. Be prepared to feel like you are in a graduate course on prayer.
The Invisible War by Chip Ingram
There is a war that is going on and even if we do not want to be a part of it, we are engaged in it. Chip does a great job offering a balanced look at spiritual warfare and the practical implications in your everyday life.
Bo’s Cafe by Bill Thrall, John Lynch, Bruce McNichol
A novel to encourage and support men, Bo's Cafe is a model for all who struggle with unresolved problems with a restorative exploration of God's unbridled grace. I so desperately want a life of authentic relationships that are filled with grace.
The Cure by Bill Thrall, John Lynch, Bruce McNichol
A follow-up to Bo’s Café, the book gives practical word of encouragement and specific strategies to live an authentic life in front of others.
How to Be Rich by Andy Stanley
Andy Stanley does an excellent job reminding us that our wealth is much greater than our possessions and this book provides very practical principles on generosity, as we reflect on our money.
What if you had to leave your security, money, and convenience to follow Jesus? When your faith clashes with the American dream and what you can do to reclaim your faith.
People define their identity in their jobs, relationships, hobbies, and possessions. While all of these may be important, they do not last forever. As Christians it is important to truly understand your identity in Christ and what that means for your life.
Physical fitness and developing a healthy lifestyle are important to me. Dave Asprey is a researcher and experimenter in finding the best practices in nutrition and health to have a strong, vibrant, energy filled life. He has vetted the research and summarizes the best practices in several areas of optimal health.
I have been married for 35 years and I still have a lot to learn on making my marriage thrive. I thought love was the goal but Gary Thomas challenges you to realize love is the basic threshold and the next level is Cherish and how to do it well. If you want to take your marriage to the next level, this is a must read.
As a business owner, I want to work on my business and maximize my returns. Vern does a great job outlining the best practices that companies have done to grow as well as sharing why most companies do not grow. If you want to pursue excellence, increase your influence, and invest in your business, this book offers practical suggestions.
Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge
The speed of life is getting faster. The daily pressure to perform, hurry from project to project, hustle at work, in a noisy world is enough to to stress you out with little margin in your life. John Eldridge offers practical easy to use techniques to slow down, create space, and give everything back to God. Includes an app for daily meditation.
I was skeptical to read a book that shares the 5 relationship secrets of Jesus. After all, He is god and I am not so why bother trying to do what Jesus did. But Les Parrott offered very clear, defined practices that with some practice help you become better in your relationships and more importantly, how to love people with expecting nothing in return. The book also includes an on-line self assessment combing the findings of psychology and sociology with Biblical teachings in each of the 5 areas.
Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel
Do you ever ask yourself “why doesn’t God answered my prayers?” or do you find yourself prayer mundane, boring, repetitive prayers that are safe. Craig Groeschel reminds the readers that following Jesus includes, bold, dangerous, and powerful prayers to unlock a deeper passion and relationship with Jesus. You will be challenged, encouraged, and tested.
Jerrod Moon is a veteran who develops training programs for people to work out in their garages. He has trained thousands of people to get bigger, faster, and stronger. One of the foundation principles in training is the concept of doing hard things. It is easy to sit on the couch but self improvement begins when you encounter difficult challenges. This book is more of the mental aspect of grit and perseverance than of physical fitness routines.
Couples tend to settle for too little too fast in their marriage and Gary Thomas wants to encourage, and push couples to take their marriage to the next level for a lifetime. Avoid the minefields that can sabotage a marriage and learn to engage fully, every day in your marriage.
Emotional Equations by Chip Conley
This book makes complex emotional connections and feelings into simple equations that are easy to remember and explain so it makes sense for “guys” who struggle understanding the underlying feelings behind their actions. The reader will develop a greater understanding of truths in their pursuit of happiness and success.
After a successful career as a hotel owner and working for AirBNB, Chip Conley articulates the value and importance of engaging our aging population with meaningful, rewarding work well beyond retirement. Our elders have much wisdom to share and it would make sense for businesses, and organizations to engage our elders to share with the next generation their wisdom and insight for a more productive work environment
Talking to Strangers by Malcom Gladwell
Often our interactions, thoughts, and conclusions are off target and so wrong when we talk to strangers or people who are different than us. Malcolm Gladwell shares story after story of examples in which our conclusions were wrong and what we can do about to avoid the pitfalls of engaging with strangers. If you are a history buff, you will love the stories. Convicting and riveting.
Coming Alive by Barry Michels and Phil Stutz
As psychologists and counselors, Phil and Barry often found self-defeating behaviors being repeated with little progress in self-mastery. This book gives the reader four tools that they can use to avoid common pitfalls when self-defeating behaviors manifest themselves in your life. Practical tools that can lift your mood, break the cycle of despair, and encourage you to pursue your life of meaning and impact. If you feel stuck in your life and want to move forward and make progress, this book offers a few tools that you can use right now to move forward.
What have you been reading, send me your suggestions
