It’s that time of year when my annual list of favorite books is chosen. I do this in part as a suggested reading list, and in part as a gift guide. The year isn’t over of course, but I’ve read over 80 thus far and think the pool of candidates is deep enough to choose a few. Normally I’m at 100 books by now, but I think the stay at home orders minimized driving time, which shortened the number of completed audiobooks.
Anyway, here are my favorites and why:
If you want a daily devotional, the collection of writings by Richard Rohr in Yes, and …. is exceptional. I underlined so much of this book it started to look like the background was all yellow. Each entry is about one page, making it an ideal short burst of insight each day. Two other good options are The Hope of Glory by Jon Meacham and Thou, Dear God, a collection of prayers by Martin Luther King, Jr.
For the literary type, the little book Real Characters: A Tip of the Hat to Nonconformity by David Lyle Jeffrey is a jewel. Each chapter is a profile of someone who lives an ordinary life but has an extraordinary personality. Extremely well written, thoughtful, and loving. David, thanks for pointing me toward it.
The Black Lives Matter movement was huge this year, and the two books that resonated with me are The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby and I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown. The former looks at the long history of white supremacy in the Christian church, and the later is a heartfelt personal story of anguish and growth. Both are powerful and moving.
There were several great biographies this year. My favorite was His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope, by Jon Meacham. A talented biographer tells the story of an amazing man. Another was Frederick Douglas: Prophet of Freedom by David Blight. This was good enough to win the Pulitzer Prize, so yeah it’s pretty good.
If novels are more your thing, treat yourself by going back a few years and reading The Stranger by Albert Camus. Such a powerful book about nihilism. Looking for something more contemporary? I loved The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce. A great follow up to her first book about Harold Fry.
Do you enjoy nonfiction history told in the style of Boys in the Boat or Unbroken? Then check out Faster: How a Jewish Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb. I loved this story set in the late 30’s on the eve of Europe exploding into war. You might also enjoy Once Night Falls by Roland Merullo. It’s fiction, mostly, but close enough to feel entirely true.
Oh, and duh, don’t forget my book Salvaged: Leadership Lessons Pulled From the Junkyard is a great gift!
You can check the full list of the books I’ve read here. Happy to answer any questions about a book if something draws your interest!