2016 Book List
If only you knew how many blog posts I have written in my head over the past month since my last post. Someday (hopefully soon) I plan to get back into a writing groove–whatever that might look like–but for now, I thought I’d share with you what I’m planning to read in 2016.
Not one to usually plan out these kinds of things, I decided to grab books from our bookshelf that I’ve never read. Some have been given to us over the years, some I’ve purchased, and others Bradley has read. There are probably hundreds of books that I would LIKE to buy right now, but before I jump on the bandwagon with new book releases, I’m going to finish up this stack. In no particular order…
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, Tim Keller. I received this book last year for Christmas and started reading it in May, and never got past the first chapter. We’re not in the midst of pain or suffering right now, but it’s a subject that has been on my heart over the past six years, and I appreciate Keller’s biblical and Christ-centered writing. This is not a quick read, so it may take me awhile but I’m eager to open its pages.
A Case for Amillenialism: Understanding the End Times, Kim Riddlebarger. Since we’ve sort of become Presbyterian, there are some theological issues that I haven’t fully grasped. The end times is one of them. So, I’m going to dive into some theology and hope to learn as much as I can.
A Sacred Sorrow, Michael Card. I know nothing about this book, but when my writer friend Heather was getting rid of some books in her library, I saw this one in the pile and it sounded good.
Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware. I have started this book on several occasions over the past few years, but never finished it. Our children have very tender hearts to the Lord and I want to be sure that we’re communicating the truth of God’s character to them in a way that they can understand.
7 Women: And the Secret of their Greatness, Eric Metaxas. One of my reading goals is to branch out and read some varying genres. So, Bradley gave me this book for Christmas. History has always been a favorite subject of mine, but I don’t normally read biographies. I like that this is seven biographies in one book, which seems a little more manageable than reading a thousand pages on one person.
Ghost Fleet, P.W. Singer. Bradley reads ALL.THE.TIME. And he reads various kinds of books. He just finished this novel over Christmas break so I’ve decided to read it and be able to dialogue with him about something that interests him. I’m not even sure what it’s about, but he couldn’t seem to put it down, so it must be good.
War of Words, Paul Tripp. I’ve gotten halfway through this book about 5 times in the past 9 years. Our Pastor/friend who did our premarital counseling and performed our wedding ceremony gave us this book as a wedding gift. I’d like to finish it before our 10 year wedding anniversary in September.
Extravagant Grace: God’s Glory Displayed in our Weakness, Barbara Duguid. Another one from my friend Heather that sounded good. How can you go wrong reading a book about grace?
To Live is Christ To Die is Gain, Matt Chandler. I’m currently using this book as a companion to my Bible study in Philippians.
The Fringe Hours, Jessica Turner. I currently have no fringe hours, some days I don’t even have fringe minutes, so maybe this book will either depress me or help me to figure out how to better use my time. We shall see…
The Songs of Jesus, Tim Keller. A devotional book that walks through Psalms. I spent much of 2015 in the Psalms studying the character of God, and I’m eager to read Keller’s thoughts on various Psalms each day. I plan to read this before going to bed each night.
Exploring Grace Together, Jessica Thompson. This is a family devotional book, but not one that our kids are quite ready for.
The Strong Willed Child, James Dobson. Jennavieve. Need I say more? Our precious 2.5 year old daughter has been our biggest challenge in parenting yet. And they said the 4th would be easy! In many ways she behaves much older than her age, but she is definitely strong-willed, and many days we are at a loss as to how to handle her. I’m hoping Dobson will have some great insight for me.
This list might be a bit ambitious, but I figure it’s better to aim for a goal than to aim for nothing at all.
And, possibly my favorite book of all:
This one, I’m going to write. Well, sort of. There are prompts and lines for writing, some short spaces, some long. I’m calling 2016 the year of writing. And, the year of the library, the year of the half-marathon, the year of better organization…well, that will have to be another post.
Happy Tuesday!
How do you choose your reading lists?
6 Comments
Sydni Jackson
My parents raised me and my brother by Dr. Dobson. The Strong Willed Child was definitely a huge help to my mom in raising me. She has recommended it to lots of parents since 0:)
Jenn A
I often get reading ideas from people like you who post interesting book lists. =) I also tend to find an author I like and gradually read through their titles. This year I am trying to do more reading regarding autism in order to be better equipped to help my son who has autism. I don’t usually make a list, but tend to choose one book at a time.
Aimee
I related to your first sentance SO much. I’m not blogging at the moment (thinking about getting back into it), but I have been writing . Over the past month though I’ve been writing in my head and not getting words out any other way. I’m currently at a coffee shop with a list of prompts I’m hoping to actually get written.
I read a few biographies last spring and enjoyed them, so I’ll be interested to hear what you think about 7 Women. And I’m pretty sure my mom read The Strong Willed Child in regards to me haha. Most people are shocked to learn that I was somewhat of a terror as a child.
My reading lists? I choose fiction largely based off what Sherri has read and enjoyed. There are a few blogs I follow for women serving overseas and they mention lots of books, I’ve picked up several from there.
Julie
I immediately ordered 7 Women from the library after reading this post! I loved Bonhoeffer, by Eric Metaxes, and want to read more nonfiction this year, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this one.
A Sacred Sorrow is fantastic; it’s the first book I read when we returned from India and it started me on my healing process by allowing me to grieve deeply. I also really appreciated Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb.
We liked Exploring Grace Together, but had to set it aside too because our kids were a little bit young. I think at age 8, Judah is really ready for it and I’m thinking of adding it to our home school routine.
Very curious what you’ll think of Extravagant Grace after graduating from CIU. It was really good but I’d love to dialogue with someone about it.
Tell us what you think of Dobson’s book too! I go back and worth with my opinion’s about his writing (and happen to have a very strong willed child of my own!).
Okay, I’ll be quiet now! 🙂 Much love!
Judy Manuel
Another great book on the strong willed blessing is by Cynthia Tobias. “You Can’t Make Me but I Can Be Persuaded” It’s filled with good info and practical applications from someone who was (and still is) strong willed.
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