Another Year of Great Reads – What I read in 2014

I have a simple goal to read just 20 books each year. I know there are many who read a lot more than that but 20 is the right number for me. In 2014 I barely completed that goal by reading 21. It was a busy year.

Please note that the lack of comments is not an indicator of the quality of the book. I let you know which ones I did not like.

Here are the 21 I read.

Faith

What the Bible is All About – NIV by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears

This was a required book for one of my Master’s classes. This is an outstanding Bible reference that every serious Bible student should own.

An All-Consuming Passion for Jesus: Appeals to the Rising Generation by John Piper

A good read applicable to any generation

John the Baptist: In-Depth, a Closer Look by Everett Aaron Edwards (A terrible read)

Sad to say this was one of the worst books I have ever read. Poorly written, formatted, poorly done.

The 5 Habits of Highly Missional People by Michale Frost

The Passion of Jesus Christ: 50 Reasons Why He Came to Die by John Piper

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The christian classic. – One of my top reads for the year.

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley and others

The Valley of Vision, Edited by Arthur Bennett

Another top read for the year. Bennett edited together puritan prayers from a variety sources. Joe Thorn also has free reading plan where you read from the book three times a day.

 Missional Renaissance: Changing the Scorecard for the Church

Another book I really did not like. It had some good points but focused more social justice and gave not attention to leading people to salvation.

The Pastor a Spirituality by Gordon W. Lathrop

The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism by Kevin DeYoung

This is another top read. DeYoung walks the reader through the history and commentary of the Heidelberg Catechism. You can read my review here

Reimagining Evangelism: Inviting Friends on a Spiritual Journey by Rick Richardson

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney

A top read from 2014. I highly recommend this book. Whitney does a great job on explaining how to live out the disciplines of the Christian life without drifting into legalism. He also provides plenty of Biblical support.

Non-Fiction

Things that Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes, and Politics by Charles Krauthammer

An interesting read for anyone interested in modern history and politics. I was given the book by one of the VPs from the company I work for.

Paid to Speak: Best Practices to Building a Successful Speaking Business by National Speakers Association

An American Original: Walt Disney by Bob Thomas

I am a big kid at heart. The book had a few slow points but overall it was a great look at the drive and creative genius of Walt Disney.

Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow’s Success by John Maxwell

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

The Noticer Returns: Sometimes You Find Perspective, and Sometimes Perspective Finds You by Andy Andrews

Fiction

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

A top read for the year. This is the classic must read for any Civil War Historical Fiction fan

Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

This is the prequel to The Killer Angles written by Michael Shaara’s son. I have the sequeal, Last Full Measure on my reading list for 2015

So what great books did you read in 2014?

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.