If you have read any of the previous articles on this blog, you will notice that I am building a habit of more reading this year. Books, magazines, online articles – you name the format and I am trying to immerse myself within its paragraphs.
While I have a lofty goal of reading every unread book in my digital and physical library this year (around 100+), I wanted to provide a list of the book that I read in 2016. There are links to each book that was read with a sentence of two about the topic. Some books were life changing while others were mediocre. Either way a book is a book and knowledge was gained from everyone of these. The books were read via audiobook, kindle, and physical paper copies.
1. The Carolina Way by Dean Smith. A leadership principal book by one of the greatest coaches in all of sports.
2. To My Sons: Lessons for the Wild Adventure Called Life by Bear Grylls. A book written by noted British Adventurer to his sons and what the future may look for them.
3. Robert E. Lee on Leadership by H.W. Crocker. An excellent book on the leadership skills of one of the greatest generals in military history.
4. Walking with God by John Eldredge. A spiritual book discussing the Holy Spirit and his dwelling in our lives.
5. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A powerful book based on the story of Louie Zamperini and his quest of strength, perseverance, and redemption.
6. The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau. One of the best books to read to get you thinking outside the box. The first sentence in the preface will make you reevaluate everything you have been taught in life.
7. The Happiness of Pursuit by Christ Guillebeau. Stories about people who are taking the plunge to a better life of living.
8. Decision Points by George W. Bush. The post-presidency memoir about the president of my teenage years.
9. 41: Portrait of My Father by George W. Bush. A unique look into a president that was first a father, then president but seemed to always get second best in his political life.
10. My Father at 100 by Ron Reagan. Another unique perspective about one of our greatest US president written by his youngest son who was in search for his father’s legacy.
11. Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men by Stephen Mansfield. One of the best books I read in 2016 about different qualities of manhood with examples of each characteristic.
12. Purpose Driven Youth Ministry by Doug Fields. Not having any ministry training, and only being a youth pastor for a year, this book has helped me understand what I need to (and not to) be doing in youth ministry.
13. A New Kind of Youth Ministry by Chris Folmsbee. This book really helped with gauging how to view ministry work with our youth ministry.
14. John Marshall by Harlow Giles Unger. A great look into one of the great, underestimated Founding Fathers. Seeing Marshall’s patience during the birth of our nation was a lesson to be learned.
15. Patriotic Grace by Peggy Noonan. An excellent book by a great writer regarding post-9/11.
16. Galatians for You by Tim Keller. A helpful and new perspective on the Book of Galatians
17. The Reason for God by Tim Keller. The deep read that could be considered the ‘Mere Christianity’ for the 21st Century. Definitely need to read this book again.
18. The Art of Work by Jeff Goins. This is the book (and author) that got me writing and thinking about my purpose with my work.
19. Navy Seals BUD/S Preparation Guide by Chris Hagerman. An introduction to what is needed to become a Navy Seal (I was fascinated at the time…).
20. Do Over by Jon Acuff. Heard this author speak at Orange Conference and his ideas really helped me with how to view Mondays and work.
21. Hero Tales from American History by Theodore Roosevelt and Henry C. Lodge. A book of profiles by one of our nation’s greatest resource in promoting National Parks.
22. Erasing Hell by Francis Chan. A quick, but deep read on an interesting view of Heaven and Hell
23. Forgotten God by Francis Chan. A great read about how we view the Holy Spirit in our lives.
24. Impact Player by Bobby Richardson. An autobiography by a fantastic Christian who happened to be one of baseball’s great (and underestimated) second baseman.
25. The Grace of God by Andy Stanley. This book nurtured by current view of how we should offer grace. My first sermon was based off this book.
26. Seal of God by Chad Williams. An autobiography about a man’s life who started out as a Navy Seal and eventually became a Seal with a Christian testimony.
27. Quench Your Own Thirst by Jim Koch. An excellent practical business book written by the founder of one of the largest craft breweries in the country.
28. My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg. A collection of stories and essays by one of the great Southern writers. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
29. Life on Mission by Tim Harlow. A really inspiring way to view looking at society and our community in how we are called to mission of God as followers of Christ.
30. The Boys of Pointe du Hoc by Douglas Brinkley. A great book of two stories from the Second World War and how they merge into a final triumphant speech.
31. The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey. A helpful mental performance book on dealing with focus for not only tennis but also other activities.
32. Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields. Another much needed book for this “no ministry degree” musician. Currently going into my second year…
33. Michael Jordan: The Life by Roland Lazenby. A fascinating, behind the scenes look into the life of one of the greatest athletes in my single digit years. A necessary read for sports fans born in the 1980s.
34. (Un)Qualified by Steven Furtick. A helpful read on realizing how God wants to use me.
35. Son of the Wilderness: The Life of John Muir by Linne Marsh Wolfe. An excellent biography about the man who could be considered the Father of the National Parks.
36. Unconditional? by Brian Zahnd. A great book on love by a great pastor and author. Not your stereotypical pastor, but a much needed voice in our culture today.
37. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. My second read of this book about the true essence of manhood. I will be reading this book many more times.
38. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris. This is part of a volume series on the magnificent, adventurous life of one of our great presidents.
39. Break into the Scene by Seth Hanes. I was a beta reader for this book and greatly need much of the tips and tricks he offers in this book for freelance musicians.
40. How to Make Money Blogging by Bob Lotich. A short read on some tools you can use to well…make money blogging.
41. The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. Read this book. Whatever you do just go read this book. I should have read it sooner in my life.
42. Above the Line by Urban Meyer. A great look into the discipline and teachings of the football coach of The Ohio State University.
43. Navy Seals: Their Untold Story by Dick Couch and William Doyle. An excellent history book about greatest military forces in the world. I recommend this book to anyone.
44. How to Start a Profitable Blog in Under One Hour by Passive Marketing. Don’t be fooled by the title. A lot of work is still necessary, but this book gives you ideas on how you can make money online.
45. You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins. Again, one of the best books to read (that I have read) if you are on the fence about becoming a writer. It is concise but packed with ideas on how to get the ball rolling.
46. Stories of Faith and Courage from the Civil War by Terry Tuley. A 365-daily devotional with stories taken from journals and lives of the Civil War ending with a spiritual application. Honestly, I could have done without the spiritual applications…
47. Essentialism by Greg McKeown. A must-read book for anyone struggling to do many things in life without really being productive (like me before I read this book). Read my full review of this book by clicking here.
There you have it! Have you read any of these books? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2017?
I would love to hear your comments below or you can email me directly!