I read 43 books this year. I keep a list and even note whether the book is fiction, non-fiction, a devotional, youth novel or manuscript. I tend not to recommend books because each book I read offers something special that comes through the eyes of another human being. I learn something from everything I read. That being said, this year several books stood out. The following challenged me to think and/or act differently as I walk this temporal life before the Lord:
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – This beautifully written book got me started on my own thanksgiving journal. As the author shared her moments of grace, she opened my eyes to the countless blessings God showers on all of us – if we but open our eyes to see. It’s a good thing to have a record. When days are dark, we can go back and see how God’s blessings are always there, no matter the circumstances.
Not For Sale by David Batstone – This book is not for the faint-hearted. It reveals the worldwide spread of sex trafficking. It is happening here in America right now, possibly in your own community or down the street. Batstone tells the inspiring stories of abolitionists around the world as well as here, and offers ways for new abolitionists (like me – or you) to plug in and get involved in stopping the tide of human trafficking.
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt – The title says it all. This book was the inspiration behind the theme of ICOM (International Conference on Missions) in Indianapolis.
12 Steps: Recovery Made Simple for even the most Chronic Relapser by Don C., RAS. This is a self-published small book available on-line through Amazon.com. It is “designed for the stubborn intellectual who just doesn’t get it…yet.” If you have an addiction, any addiction, or love someone who has an addiction (which covers everyone on the planet, IMHO), this is a good book to read. Don C. gets to the nitty-gritty of how to recover.