The One Where I Review Books I’ve Read

 

Okay, so long story short I read and wrote a lot in college… A LOT. To say the least, leisure reading went out the window. I often would dramatically look out the window of my dorm room with main character music playing in the background as I recalled what it was like to read books for fun.  It’s kinda like reading textbooks… but completely different. I wanted to read what I wanted WHEN I wanted to. That’s right, completely unforced, uncoerced enjoyment. How exciting!?

If this isn’t exciting, that’s totally fine. Regardless, I’d like to share with you a few lil reviews of the books I have read since the day I graduated college and came on the race. I must admit- these are some top-notch reads! I have been thoroughly challenged and encouraged. I hope you feel drawn to one or two… or all of them and wanna pick up a copy of yourself. Enjoy!

 

 

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

John Mark Comer

I really enjoyed the pace of this book and found the material refreshing. I think it definitely speaks to the importance of sweet time with Jesus in the quiet place. I also loved his Sabbath series (found on Bridgetown church podcast) and felt it was a great follow-up to reading this. I have implemented mandatory sabbath rest into my life and it has changed how I live. Granted, this book is not only about the sabbath, but it does place an emphasis on this often-missed commandment. 

 

 

Get Out of Your Head

Jennie Allen

The Amazon description of this book reads, “Jennie inspires and equips us to transform our emotions, our outlook, and even our circumstances by taking control of our thoughts.” I really couldn’t say this better myself. This book was a launchpad for my journey of discovering how to identify the starting point of my spiraling thoughts and anxious tailspins. This book helped me realize how to manage my emotions, which are GOOD and should be FELT and not BURIED… but definitely taken captive and managed with the Lord’s help.

 

 

 

Letters to the Church

Francis Chan

Rethink church. In Letters to the Church, Francis Chan writes, “The theology that matters is not the theology we profess but the theology we practice.” Imagine if every member of the global Church had the same level of devotion to and intimacy with God that you do, what would become of it? Would it be thriving and growing? Would it resemble the New Testament at all? This book helped me to rethink church by examining God, the scriptures, and myself.

 

 

 

Victory Over the Darkness

Neil Anderson

I was recommended this book by one of my beloved mentors when I was struggling spiritually. This book is great for spiritual and emotional awareness. I was in a very dark place and experiencing paralyzing anxiety attacks when this book landed in my hands and it helped me understand the war happening, not only in my mind, but in the spiritual world around me. 

 

 

 

Letters to the Church

Francis Chan

This book is about the church, which is the bride of Christ, and our relationship with Holy Spirit. I must admit though that I simply love Franny Channy.  Forgotten God confirmed and supported and encouraged my love all the more. Whether you think the Holy Spirit does not affect daily life, is merely your personal Bible translator, or are the president of the Holy Spirit fan club, this book is for you.

We love you Holy Spirit!!!

 

 

 

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

N. Phillip Keller

This book is a simple, short read. It is very practical and opened my eyes to the symbolism behind sheep and shepherding in scripture. I enjoyed the in-depth look at Psalm 23 and the author’s experience really adds perspective. God loves His sheep and wow am I glad to be one of them.

 

 

 

Across the Street and Around the World

Jeannie Marie

If you love Jesus and want others to also, this book would be great for you. If you’re afraid of “missions” and have convinced yourself that you simply aren’t called to go, this book is for you. If you have read the great commission but have no idea how you fit into it, this book is for you. I love how practical it is, offering reflection questions, bonus resources, and a small group lesson plan.  If you live in America, the nations are at your back door just waiting to be made into disciples who make disciples. What are you waiting for?

 

 

 

Eve in Exile and the Restoration of Femininity

Rebekah Merkle

This book removed my inner “why can’t I be a raging feminist?” bone which, ultimately, is rooted in dissatisfaction with a fallen world and the type of pride which made me believe that I was “owed” something. This probably sounds odd, but it is true. Merkle spends the first half of this book dismantling feminism and the second half rebuilding femininity. It was a challenge FOR SURE; It put my pride in check. No one likes to be “put in their place” so to speak, but it’s worth a read. Place it under the lens of scripture and see for yourself if our modern view of femininity reflects God’s design and intent for women. (Side note: this book is not for women only, men will benefit greatly from it as well)

 

 

 

Garden City

John Mark Comer

AGH! John Mark Comer did it again. He writes simply and with conviction. I love that, despite being full of scripture, the concepts of this book aren’t blatantly obvious. I really enjoy how often this book makes me think, “huh, I have never thought of it that way before.” What was the world meant to be? How are we as humans meant to live? What will become of the world in the “coming age”? Grab your Bible and a copy of Garden City to find out.

 

 

 

Crazy Love

Francis Chan

This book is a staple. Think about it. When you’re crazy in love with someone, it changes everything! If God is completely and crazily and insatiably in love with us, do we live like it? Does our relationship with Him reflect what I’m describing or is it as stale as an old McDonald’s french fry under your passenger seat? Long story short, God has more for you. Whether you think you’ve got enough of Him already or just scrape by with lukewarm, nominal faith… HE HAS MORE FOR YOU! And reading this shouldn’t cast condemnation upon you, it should spark tremendous joy and wonder. God loves me how much? What?! indeed, it is true. Now that we are no longer ignorant but have been recipients of such love and grace, we ought to live lives that reflect it. Crazy Love will help you recognize how to do that.

 

 

 

Radical

David Platt

Truth be told, I have not finished this book. I considered not including it, (what if in the last few chapters David Platt starts claiming crazy stuff and I recommended it to people?) but what is the worst that will happen? The 7 people who read my blog will be led astray? Sorry, mom. Full transparency, I have only read half of this book and anticipate finishing it this week. What I have read so far has been challenging and HEAVY handed with scripture. David Platt’s life experience and dissatisfaction with what he calls “Christianity’s version of the American dream” is honestly completely valid. I appreciate his candor and his conviction. I have learned a lot so far and I anticipate, if you give this book a chance, you will too.

 

 

Next up on my reading list:

• Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
• Praying like MOnks, Living like Fools by Tyler Staton, Tim Mackie
• Strange New World by Carl Trueman
• Killing Kryptonite by John Bevere
• Live no Lies by John Mark Comer

 

 

Have any recommendations for me? Leave ’em in the comments!