TOP FIVE (+1) BOOKS I READ IN 2014
At the head of the New Year, I thought I would share my five (plus one) favorite books I read in 2014. Please know not all these books were released in 2014 – in fact only two of them were – which means I need to read more so I can cut down the length of my reading list. The rest of these books were released earlier. It just took me until 2014 to finally get to read them … and of course a three-month sabbatical afforded me the time to read a bit more than normal.
1. The Bible Tells Me So by Peter Enns
This book will make you laugh, and I mean really laugh. Which is good, because I suspect this book also has the potential to upset us. The brilliance of this book however is how Enns approaches the Bible on its terms – in all of its ancient, primitive, Eastern roots. The reason I point this out is too often we approach the Bible on our terms – in all of its modern, sophisticated, Western foundation. Enns paints and endearing and challenging picture of Scripture that will cause anyone committed to Scripture to dive deeper.
2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
If Enns had not written The Bible Tells Me So this would have easily been my number one book for 2014. Tolle writes in a compelling way, as though he is in conversation with the reader. And somehow he anticipates every question, comment and curiosity the reader has. His main point suggests all we are ever guaranteed in life is this present moment - what he calls the now. The tragedy is, few of us ever live in the present moment. We are stuck the to past and riddled with anxiety about our future. This book moves between theory and practice in an incredible way, which is probably why it has been enormously popular.
3. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell is an author most people love to read. However, this book, far more than his others, churned out so many life lessons that challenged me to consider and reconsider many attitudes I possess. Through strong story telling, research and insights about our everyday world Gladwell causes the reader to see our world – in all of its opportunities and tragedies in a new light. I cannot think of a single person who would not benefit from reading this wonderful book.
4. The Language of God by Francis S. Collins
A friend of mine who is a pediatric neurologist gave me this book, which immediately made me think I would not understand anything in its pages. I was wrong. Collins explores our fine tuned world, and explains how his study of science – specifically the human body – led him to an understanding and belief in God. Part biography, part research and filled with stirring thoughts Collins creates a book well worth reading.
5. Learning to Walk In the Dark Barbara Brown Taylor
So often we tend to stay away from the dark. We run from it and are scared of it – especially in the Church. In her book, Taylor does just the opposite. Beyond her amazing skill and ability to write (she possesses and great economy of words) her observations about the dark are something all people should consider. Taylor does not offer up trite answers, but explores in great depth (and humor) the fact that nearly half of our lives are lived in the dark, and that fact alone has much to teach us.
6. 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense by Michael Brooks
I add this one … because I could not do just five. This book is fun to read. Brooks explores all the things about our world even the brightest minds cannot contemplate. It is fun and entertaining reading that makes your head hurt in a good way.
What were your favorites from 2014? Feel free to share in the comments below ... I am always looking for more recommendations!