Books that change you . . .

There are some books that just change your outlook, that even change who you are and what is important to you.  There are books that can even change what you believe - from what you think is right and wrong, true and false etc...  We should all open ourselves up to such books.  But do not fall for the trap of reading too many of these.  I think one a year is sufficient - maybe 2 if you are ready for some major upheaval, or the books bring about similar changes. 

Some examples of these books that I recommend:

The Bible

Celebration of Discipline - Richard J Foster

Homiletics - Carl Barth

Books that fuel you . . .

Not every book has to change your outlook.  Some can fuel our current beliefs and practices.  This section might include the ho to books, the one’s we find inspiring, and give us permission or instruction on how to become and do all that we dream to become and do.  Humor falls into this category too.

Some examples of these books that I recommend:

Anything By John Maxwell will kick your leadership up a gear

Serve God Save the Planet - Matthew Sleeth

Sacred Pathways - Gary L Thomas

Books that comfort/inspire/encourage (& entertain) you

These are those books you curl up with.  Sure they stretch you and help you grow, but you don’t necessarily read them for that reason!  A good novel falls into the category.  There are also books that do not change you -but rather serve to give voice to thoughts and beliefs you already have.  These books might fall into the first category for some, but for you they just give you confidence and information to help you find your voice.  A good percentage of books you read should fall easily into this category. 

Some examples of these books I recommend: (though remember, these serve me in these ways, they might be books that change you if you do not think like me!!)

Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell

Any of the Starbridge Series by Susan Howatch

Books that educate you . . .

Information is good.  Reading arguments you don’t know, understand or agree with certainly aids in your growth and general conversation.  There is a difference here to what I refer to as the “fuel books”.  Fuel leads you . . . education might stop you in your tracks!  But it is a good thing to rad to be educated. 

Some examples of these books I recommend:

Walking the Bible - Bruce F Feilor

Sacred Pathways - Gary L Thomas

Lamb Among The Beasts - Roy Naden

I shall be posting more on this very soon - including links to a brief review of these books.   E-mail me with comments.

Finding a Good Book