My 2020 Reading List

OMW! 2020 has been a year! 🙂

For the last several years, I have shared my book list. This year I read 50 books and I have selected 10 of my favorites to share with you. You can listen to my latest podcast episode about these books or read about them below. (in no particular order)

1. 10% Happier by Dan Harris – I truly loved reading Harris’ story. He is a journalist who developed PTSD after coving the war in Iraq. Harris takes us on his recover journey and discovery of meditation. He is hilarious and I highly recommend the audiobook.
2. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth – This was a re-read for me. Angela takes us on a journey of how we become resilient. In the year of 2020, we all needed more resilience.
3. The Shaping of Things to Come by Frost & Hirsch – I read this book years ago and decided to read it again in 2020. Frost and Hirsch introduce us to organic church ministry and how to share Jesus with a world that is broken and hurting. We need to keep the Good News good news.
4. Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell – I won’t apologize for being a Rob Bell fan! I love the way he writes and this book is no exception. It’s his memoir of life and ministry and I could relate in so many ways.
5. Expecting Adam: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic by Martha Beck – I heard Martha Beck on a podcast interview and I wanted to know more about her story. She was at Harvard when she became pregnant with her second child. Her journey of pregnancy and finding God is inspiring.
6. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen – Every woman in leadership needs to read this book! There are things that propel us forward and things that hold us back. I’m challenging you to rise and do great things.
7. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk – Oh, how we need to understand that the body, mind, and soul are all connected. We have neglected the body and mind for way too long.
8. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions of Writing and Life by Anne Lemott – I recommend the audiobook read by Lemott. You don’t have to be a writer to appreciate the stories she shares.
9. Untamed by Glennon Doyle – Doyle’s book is worth the cheetah story alone! It is her memoir of finding courage and becoming her best self. I may not agree with all of her theology, but I believe we can encourage one another and build others up anyway. I don’t have to agree with someone 100% to appreciate their story. Check it out. You will be encouraged.
10. Don’t Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller – Think “What Color is Your Parachute” for the 21st century. I was encouraged to try new things. You will be, too.

Bonus Books:

Dinner Church: Building Bridges by Breaking Bread by Verlon Fosner – We need a revolution of Jesus people loving other people. In John’s Gospel, we are reminded that they will know we are Christ followers by our LOVE.

Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence by Amy Jen Su – If you are in leadership, then you need to read this book. The author walks you through the process of discovering how you are sabotaging yourself. Some of us lead better in certain situations than others. There are practical exercises you can do to help raise your abilities to lead in multiple situations.

Hey, I would love to know your top books for 2020. What did you read that you gave 4 or 5 stars?

Happy reading in 2021!