2020 Year in Review: Books
Earlier I shared the top ten most-read posts of 2020. Today it’s time for my top ten reads to have their turn.
I’ve stuck with my minimum :30 per day this year, though I’ve added a veritable ton of fiction to the list (more on that below). That’s not my norm, but a pandemic seemed like a fitting time to add in some fun reads.
Here’s my list. See all of them on Amazon, and then check my notes after the jump.
Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”
(Zora Neale Hurston) This was one of the more haunting books from my summer reading list as I tried to concentrate on the topic of racial reconciliation.
Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines
(David Mathis) If you enjoyed Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, you’ll enjoy this fresh take. (Top Ten Quotes)
Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul
(Hannah Anderson) Sweet reminders of our place in God’s kingdom, and how understanding his majesty makes the difference. (Top Ten Quotes)
The Mortification of Sin
(John Owen) I’d never read this classic. Convicting and compelling, Owen’s 17th century style forced me to slow and savor.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
(John Mark Comer) If you like getting kicked in the head by a friend, this is the book for you. One of my favorite (and most painful) reads of the year.
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking
(Chris Anderson) I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. It’ll help us all become better communicators.
Them: Why We Hate Each Other – and How to Heal
(Ben Sasse) I figured this made for a good election year read. No matter your side of the aisle, you’ll appreciate this one.
The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion
(Jeff Baham) A simply delightful dive into the history of one of Disney’s best attractions.
Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen.
(Dan Heath) One half of the Heath brothers duo went on a solo journey for this one. It was just what I expected, which was all good things. (Top Ten Quotes)
The Volunteer Effect: How Your Church Can Find, Train, and Keep Volunteers Who Make a Difference
(Jason Young and Jonathan Malm) My friends Jason and Jonathan delivered up another great work. If you lead vols, you need this. (Top Ten Quotes)
(BONUS!) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
(J.K. Rowling) True confession: I read the first book years ago, and didn’t see the appeal. But a couple of my kids took a day trip to Universal’s “The Wizarding World” (where I’ve never been), which led to a conversation about the movies (which I’ve never seen), which led to a re-try on the books (all but one of which I’ve never read). This one fiction book is a good representation of my year: let’s just go for broke and read everything we can. At the time of this writing I’m halfway through Chamber of Secrets. And you know what? I’m kind of enjoying the series this time around. (Fellow SBCers: please don’t judge me, although I know this’ll make a Baptista nervosa!)
What’s on your top ten list from this year? I’m currently shopping for my 2021 list, and I wanna know. Comment below.
I gotta say, you AMAZE me with your reading AND inspire me! I’ve often wondered if you’re a speed reader and if you are able to comprehend and remember all that you read? It’s simple truth that intelligent people are readers and as a leader, that’s a remarkable quality to possess. I enjoy your posts and appreciate the time you put in.
I read through the Bible – again – in 2020 though it’s not my preferred method to learn the Bible but as a churchwide challenge, I didn’t want to be the one who couldn’t raise my hand as a member who accepted and completed the challenge. 🙂 This year, I’m going to dive into “Core 52 – A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide To Build Your Bible IQ In A Year” by Mark Moore. I’ve had it spiral bound and everything!
I pray that you and your beautiful family (always enjoy the pics) have a wonderful and Happy New Year!
God Bless you and your ministry Danny!
Michelle Pigg
Monroe, NC
Michelle, I wish I could say that I comprehend and remember it all! If anything, I am trying to discipline myself to slow down when reading. I don’t want to sacrifice understanding for quantity. Happy new year to you!
That’s a very diverse, very good list, Danny! You know I can’t pick a Top Ten (it’s like picking a favorite grandchild – I have 10!), but here are some of my best reads for 2020: I’ll see your Haunted Mansion book and raise it: Boundless Realms, by Foxx Nolte; from the always brilliant Leonard Sweet, Rings of Fire; The Sacred Overlap, by J.R. Briggs; Chief Engineer: The Man Who Built the Brooklyn Bridge, by Erica Wagner; and The Upswing: How America Came Together a Year Ago, and How We Can Do It Again, by Robert J. Putnam.
I love this list, Bob!