A few years ago, I started an ongoing list of the books I read each year. I was surprised to learn that, on average, I read about 100 books each year. I know that sounds like a lot, but I don’t watch sports and I don’t have kids so there you go. Anyway, here are the top ten books I recommend from my reading in 2024. They are in no particular order of preference. I hope you find them helpful.
(Disclaimer: Please know that just because I read and enjoyed these books doesn’t mean I agree with the lifestyles or agendas of the authors. I just liked and learned from the books.)
Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai – I found this book in Nairobi while on a trip to Kenya. It is an autobiography of Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement and won a Nobel Peace prize.
The Next Worship: Glorifying God in a Diverse World by Sandra Maria Van Postal – This book is about the growing trend of multicultural worship across the United States and around the world. Tremendous insight from a well read practitioner.
Teaching Across Cultures: Contextualizing Education for Global Mission by James E. Plueddemann – I know, the name is a handful in and of itself, but I found this textbook, which I read for a seminar, to be incredibly insightful for anyone leading in cross cultural teaching.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder – As a child, my family loved the Little House series starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. After all of these years, I found this a fun book for escape reading.
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig – Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you. It is well worth the read. This biography gave me a broader perspective of and a deeper appreciation for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey – A friend recommended this book to me this past year, but I was hesitant to read it until I found it in a Little Free Library. It has great perspective on emotional healing. I love that the book moves the reader from asking people, “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
Future Church: Seven Laws of Real Church Growth by Will Mancini and Cory Hartman – Ok, I have to admit, I didn’t want to like this book. Even though I don’t agree with everything written within regarding the church, I have gleaned so much from it over this past year. If you are involved in church leadership, this is an excellent read.
Right Color Wrong Culture: A Leadership Fable by Bryan Loritts – This book is a must read for anyone involved in multicultural or multiethnic church leadership. I heard Bryan Loritts speak at a conference after I read the book. I recommend the book and Bryan as a speaker.
High Road Leadership: Bringing People Together in a World that Divides by John C. Maxwell – I wish this book would have been required reading across the United States before this past presidential election. It’s one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read on bringing divided people together.
Not In It To Win It by Andy Stanley – I learn important lessons everytime I read something by Andy Stanley, even if I don’t always agree with him. This book helps the reader focus on what’s important, which by the way, isn’t always about winning.
Bonus – Karma by Boy George – Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Boy George? Yeah, I know, but I actually enjoyed this memoir by the artist and former lead singer of Culture Club. I found his narrative to be a good commentary with good insight on the culture of our day. Here’s a tip, if you have Spotify audiobooks, listen to it for further insight.
Happy reading.
Image courtesy of Drew Coffman
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