Are you a reader? Do you take time to read something new each day, week, month or year? As each new year winds up, I always enjoy looking through my book wishlists on Amazon and Pinterest to see what exciting and life-changing books I want to focus on in the coming year.
In the past, I’ve focused on mixing things up, Christian-only books, and even books of influence. However, this year my main rule of thumb was just that the books had to be on my to-read lists already and have 200+ 5 star ratings. Thus, the following reveal my top 10 must-reads for 2018
Disclaimer: I have not read any of these books as of yet so please don’t judge my list or character based on the books mentioned here. These books come highly recommended to me and are my hopeful reads for this year.
“I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson
My 10 Must Read Books for 2018
#1 Love and War by John and Stasi Eldridge
While on bed rest this summer I read Captivating by the same couple and was enamored both by this couple’s insights into scripture as well as their willing vulnerability to encourage others on their spiritual journey. As such, I became extra excited to learn that they had a highly recommended marriage book too! By the way, if you haven’t read Captivating ladies, add it to your reading list. Now I know why so many women consider it a must read for all women. I totally agree!
#2 Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson
Any time I read a book by Sally Clarkson I am encouraged. Thus, I am looking forward to reading this highly recommended book focused on “Living with deep intention, bold faith, and generous love” starting with the very first chapter titled, “Seeing Beauty and Purpose in the Ordinary Days.”
#3 Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey
In 2017 I read several cultural books and enjoyed watching some of Ray Vander Laan’s videos. It was neat to learn more about the culture in which Jesus lived as it put scripture in a slightly different, and hopefully more accurate perspective. I’m really looking forward to reading Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes as Ken’s whole goal is to shed light on scripture in light of a Middle Eastern culture…the very culture Jesus lived in.
#4 The Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Last year the hubs and I had the privilege of hearing Gary Thomas in person and what an awakening. Have you ever thought about the question that it might not be WHO you marry but WHY? This book has been on my bookshelf for awhile now, but it wasn’t until I heard Gary talk about marriage that I started to get excited about reading the book. Now I can’t wait!
#5 Weird by Craig Groeschel
Craig is the head pastor of Life Church, a church founded in the town where I live that has quickly gone global both through church plants and a little app called YouVersion. Occasionally I have the privilege of listening to him speak, and it’s always an inspiration. As such, this year I wanted to read one of his books. It was nearly a tie for me between Soul Detox and Weird, but Weird seems to meet me more where I’m at right now so we will see how it goes. I have also read his Christian Athiest and really enjoyed it too.
“Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood.”–John Green
#6 How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
With over 1,500 highly rated Amazon reviews, over 3 million in sales, and national bestseller recognition, I wonder why I have never heard of this book before. I look forward to reading this book this year as I could definitely use some insight on the “how to talk so kids will listen” with at least one of my girls, and the reverse is probably just as true too.
#7 Gods at War by Kyle Idleman
I haven’t read a book by Kyle Idleman since reading Not a Fan many years ago. While that book remains very popular, Gods at War seems to be even more well-loved by Kyle Idleman fans. It’s all about recognizing and overcoming the idols we have in our lives and turning our hearts back towards God. It looks like a good stepping stone for some serious heart-work.
#8 Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
This is one of those books that I keep thinking I’ve read but haven’t because it looks so much like what I DO like to read. As a homeschool mom I can definitely relate to the call for peaceful learning and look forward to learning a few insights from one who has obviously “been there.”
#9 Peaceful Parenting, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham
I’d be lying if I were to tell you that we never yell at our house. It just isn’t true. While these instances are not every day occurrences, we definitely could use some help in this category as we start to see some of the effects playing out in our children’s behaviors. This book seems especially intriguing because it not only talks about peaceful parenting, but also breaks suggestions down by age group and the development of a child’s emotional development which, as I mentioned before, I find very interesting.
#10 Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 ministries is another author that always leaves me encouraged. This is her latest book and from the looks of it, Uninvited will be one of her most popular too! The topic? As the subtitle suggests: “Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely.”
