Giving youth pastors the tools they need to make and shape disciples.

My Favorite Books Of 2013

1 · 08 · 14

 

catching-fire

I made a commitment a while back that I would not read what “everyone” was reading just to keep up . It turned out to be a good idea. Since most of my friends do not read books, I am freed  up to read what I want and that jut what I did. here is my top 10 books I read in 2013.

Non-Fiction

Torn – Justin Lee

The gay marriage debate dominated 2013 ,  but since I do not know any gay people personally (which is kind of sad) I am left in an echo chamber. Justin is the head of the Gay Cristian Network. An organization which tries to get an  dialogue going about the issues. His story was compelling and it reminded me to be a more compassionate person.

Of Dice and Men – David M. Ewalt

Let me take you back to 1982 where a very geeky jr high kid would play Dungeons and Dragons with his friends into the early morning hours almost every weekend. You may say how sad, but it was some of the most fun times of my life. David’s book looks at the history of the game and it’s place in pop culture history. The most interesting part of David’s book was the conflict between it’s two founders Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Ewalt re-tells the genesis of the game, minus the boring, an interjects his own hilarious adventures as a player himself.

Fahrenheit 451-  Ray Bradbury

I had never read this book in school, along with many other books I did not read. But, since it was the 60th anniversary of the book I thought I should give it a try and I was not disappointed.  It was a great story of love and loss and firemen who burned books. I recommend it highly.

Love Does: Discovering An Incredible Life In An Ordinary World – Bob Goff

I saw Bob Goff at the NYWC this year and I have never hear of him before. His stories were so compelling I had to find out what other stories he had up his sleeve. One adventure after another has Bob “doing” love, from letting a young stranger propose to his girlfriend on his porch complete with 14 wait staff and a boat ride to how he “accidentally” became an ambassador to Uganda. A funs and inspiring ride all the way through.

Fiction

The Sword of Shannara

An epic tale along the lines of Lord of the Rings. The reasons this was such an accomplishment is because it was close to 700 pages, the longest book I have ever read and it took me literally the whole year to read. Now I am debating if I want to continue the series. At one book  a year I may finish the series before I retire.

Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins

I committed to reading all the books before watching the movies. Mission accomplished.

Youth Ministry/Ministry

I liked all of these books because they were good books, but I also liked them because I did interviews with all the authors on my show Off The Shelf. Click on each to watch.

A Parents Guide To Understanding Social Media – Adam McClane

The Zombie Apocalypse Guide For Teenagers – Jonathan McKee

My Imaginary Jesus – Matt Mikalatos

Letters To God: A Generation Un-Silenced – Cassandra Smith

Undead: Revived, Resuscitated – Clay Morgan

Business

The Story Wars

Fantastic book that helped me work though and clarify my story and how I can help other you workers  through my story.

These are not all the books I rad this year but these are the books I enjoyed the most this year.

What did you read in 2013 that sparked you flame?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Posts