Each year I read around 100 books. During the holiday season we all need gift ideas, and books are one of my favorite things to give or receive. Naturally, I think you should buy my book Salvaged for your friends and family! But many of you have, and, grudgingly, sigh, I hate to admit this, but there are seven books even better than mine. Here’s the list, plus a few honorable mentions almost as good. đ
There are some great fiction books worth checking out. Honorable mentions are The Delight of Being Ordinary, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. But what really kept me chuckling, thinking, and page turning was Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. What a great idea for a book, and though irreverent at times (lots of times) it’s the kind of story that makes you think as you laugh.
I read (or rather re-read) several classics this year, such as Catcher in the Rye, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and A Farewell to Arms. Highly regarded books of course (and okay okay, they might be as good as Salvaged). But you know what struck me? Just how good Frankenstein really is. When you read this book you come to understand what a true horror story can be.
D’Aun is sick of history, but on my blog I can nerd out over books like Dominion and Vindolanda. Both good, but if you want a history book that celebrates human spirit look no further than The Lost Airman: A True Story of Escape From Nazi-occupied France.
What exactly is a theology book? For me it’s a book that makes me think more deeply about my faith. There were several great ones on my list, including Strength to Love and How the Bible Actually Works. A few Christian books I read were boring, often because the author was half my age and just discovering something I’ve known for 30-40 years (though I admit they were well written). But when I think about my favorite of the year it has to be Jesus, My Father, and the CIA.
There is a broad category I call “cultural books” ranging from Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers to Mike Rowe’s The Way I Heard It. But if you want to give someone a book that is insightful, balanced, and badly needed in our world today, check out Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America From the Culture of Contempt by Arthur Brooks. Please please please read this book.
There are always good business/leadership books out there, such as Halo Effect by Phil Rosenzweig. This year I came across The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni and was shocked I’d never read it before. Great book and appropriate for anyone working within an organization.
And the big question always is, what is my favorite book of the year?
You are expecting me to say Salvaged aren’t you? But as proud as I am of the book, it’s not as good as Shrewd Samaritan by Bruce Wydick. I loved this book so much I bought a dozen copies and gave them away. Excellent insights about how to be a good donor, how to measure success, and how to impact the world. It’s a blend of culture, business, theology, global issues, and philanthropy.
Of course you could always give a copy of Salvaged with any of the above!
Hope this helps!