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Best Reads of 2007
By Scott Shaum, of Barnabas, Int'l
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The following reading list -- Best reads of 2007 -- was assembled by Scott Shaum, of Barnabas, Int'l. Learn more about their work at:
Write Scott directly at: Barnabas International sshaum(at)
barnabas(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the address onto one line]
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This year’s list is broken into several sections – spiritual formation, leader development, and a miscellaneous list. The first two lists are in order from “anybody will benefit from this” to “this is a bit deeper and specific to the topic.” You decide how deep you want to plunge into the pools.
Spiritual Formation
Note: There is clearly a wind blowing over evangelicalism globally. The explosion of spiritual formation books is an indication of this movement. My sense is that this is a work of the Spirit in response to the nature of our internal lives being fractured, disconnected and dry as a ramification of our society’s compulsive consumerism seen in muchness, busyness, and constant motion and noise. May I encourage you to grab a couple of the titles and linger quietly in God’s presence for a long spell.
The Sacred Way -- Tony Jones, Zondervan
A look at spiritual disciplines, some outside of mainstream evangelicalism (why do Catholics cross themselves and what is up with relics in the Orthodox church?) from a creative and very practical manner. I highly recommend this book to help you expand the ways and means of facilitating your spiritual growth.
Embracing Soul Care, Stephen W. Smith,
The subtitle is “Making Space for What Matters Most.” This is an extremely practical book, full of short 2-3 page chapters followed by 3 questions to help you reflect and apply the topic of the chapter. A very helpful book for taking steps in learning how to tend to your own inner life.
Desiring God’s Will -- David Benner, IVP
This short book belongs to the trilogy of titles that includes “The Gift of Being Yourself” and “Surrender to Love.” Benner’s succinct writing is penetrating and, if one’s heart is open, revolutionary. God’s will is not primarily behavioral (thou shalt …) but rather relational. Our growth comes from being in His presence, not doing all the right stuff. Read these three titles.
Experiencing the Trinity -- Darell Johnson, Regent College
Publishing Likely the best explanation of the mystery that is the Triune God. Wonderfully insightful, easy to read, and inviting relationally. We are invited by the Spirit to join in the communion of the Father and the Son.
Come Be My Light -- Mother Teresa,
I am not sure how to describe this book. It could fit under the next list as well. I honestly have not read anything like this outside of the Apostle Paul’s writings. I have experienced little of what this woman lived. Mother Teresa is deepening my theology of suffering and concept of spirituality. She is mentoring me as I process this book. Well written. Some may find it repetitive. I found it enthralling.
Suffering and The Sovereignty of God -- Edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor
This is a collection of talks given at the 2005 Desiring God National Conference. These are deep looks at the what’s and why’s of suffering. This book will comfort you and challenge you at the same time. The Appendix entitled “Don’t Waste Your Cancer” is worth the book alone. You could remove the word “cancer” and insert any adversity you are experiencing (divorce, unemployment, MS, etc.) and the principles will apply. God in His wisdom included suffering in the spiritual economy.
Anonymous -- Alicia Britt Chole, Integrity Books
This is a reflection on why God would become man and then spends 90% of his life in obscurity, and what God is doing with the obscure elements of our lives. What is God up to when no one sees or knows us? Short chapters, easy to read, very reflective.
Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer -- Michael Casey, Ligouri/Triumph
Casey is a Cistercian Monk in Australia (I hung out with quite a few Catholics this year). His writing is fluid and fresh. I really enjoyed this and the next title. But again, there are things in here that I still have not personally experienced. Casey is helping to deepen my understanding and patience in walking with God. Try this quote on for size, “Prayer is strange as an activity where no success is possible (p. 24).” I am so very comforted to read a monk write that!
Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina -- Michael Casey, Ligouri/Triumph Lectio
Divina is Latin meaning ‘sacred reading’. It is the practice of contemplative interacting with the word of God developed by Ignatius of Loyola. For those seeking to learn more about silence and solitude as well as a reflective interacting with the word of God, Casey is most helpful.
Thoughts of Solitude -- Thomas Merton, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
I’d never read anything by Merton, other than the many authors who quote him. He is considered a spiritual genius of the previous millennium. This book was written out of reflections from an extended time in personal solitude and silence. Most will find it a bit esoteric. It is quite philosophical. Yet some of the themes on personal poverty, silence, listening, and suffering are extremely insightful.
The Shattered Lantern -- Ronald Rolheiser, Crossroad Books
Rolheiser is a Catholic Priest in Toronto who has written numerous titles. The chapter entitled “Narcissism, Pragmatism, and Unbridled Restlessness” is spot on –a very penetrating look at our society, church included. Some of the later chapters are a bit over my head. I am planning on reading more by this author in 08.
Leadership
Leading out of Who You Are -- Simon P. Walker, Piquent Editions LTD (UK)
Walker is a Brit and the book has his cultural influences – which I found very refreshing. This title is a first in a three-title series entitled “The Undefended Leader.” I love it. This book takes a wonderful look at the inner life of people – why we act the way we do. It has a balance of leadership concepts and psychology. Some may find it overly simplistic. I found it helpful. This looks like a series to read.
Leadership and Self- Deception -- The Arbinger Institute, Berrett-Koehler Publishers
The Arbinger Institue is a management training and consulting firm and consortium of many areas of research and society. This is book is written in story form packed with insight into how our perspective of ourselves and others impacts how we see life, others and choose to relate to people. It is written in the context of how poor relational skills impact our organizations’ performance. Ultimately it is about learning to love people well.
You Don’t Need a Title to Be A Leader -- Mark Sanborn, Doubleday
Sanborn is a popular speaker and coach. His argument in this book and an earlier title, “The Fred Factor,” is that anyone can be a leader and have influnce – a mom, a teacher, anyone. This book is about shaping one’s own and others lives. A short, encouraging read.
How to Be a CEO -- Jeffery J. Fox, Hyperion
I did not pick up the book so much for the title as for the intriguing table of contents. This is another short read, with short 3-4 page chapters on extremely simple, practical practices one can do to make for a better worker. Some of it is no-brainers like “Don’t have a Drink with the Gang.” Others are very stimulating – “Over Invest in People.”
Emotionally Healthy Churches -- Peter Scazzero
I think Scazzerro’s second book is more helpful (“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality”). However, this is a helpful read from an organizational standpoint. Too many of our organizations are rife with unresolved, passive-aggressive conflict. This book must be read and we must learn to relate better. The leader is responsible to see this done.
Shepherds After My Own Heart -- Timothy S. Laniak, IVP
This is a theology of shepherding. At nearly 300 pages of fine text, it is a wealth of biblical information on the role of a shepherd. I found the book fascinating and envisioning – I also have the gift of shepherding. If you are a shepherd, read this book as a discipline to grow in your gift.
Miscellaneous Titles
The Dangerous Act of Worship -- Mark Laberton, IVP
The author’s premise is that God was furious with Israel because their public displays of worship were not matched by social justice towards the poor and marginalized and that the US church is dangerously close to this same sin. If you lead worship publicly, you must read this book. It will freshen your perspective on your role as a worship leader. This books stirs in me a need for greater personal activity amongst the marginalized, with which I still wrestle.
The Traveler’s Gift -- Andy Andrews, Nelson Books
A story of a man whose life has fallen a part. In the midst of a car accident he suddenly finds himself traveling through time to have encounters with historical figures whom each give him one of the seven keys to a successful life. Very well written, easy to read, entertaining and, at times, inspiring. I tend to veer away from Andrew’s slant that one can make life work if you just believe the right stuff, work hard enough, and have enough faith (faith in faith). Nonetheless, good lessons abound.
Gilead -- Marylynne Robinson, Picado
My one novel for the year. A Pultzer Prize Winner. A wonderfully written story of an aged man writing his life story to his toddler son before he dies.
Don’t Bet Against Me -- Deanna Favre,
Favre’s life story, but primarily about her fight with breast cancer. If you have breast cancer or know someone who does have cancer, this is a very easy book to read, full of encouragement, and faith. The book has numerous sidebars with helpful information and advise for your health. I was pleased to learn that Deanna is a Christ-following Catholic. Besides, I’ve been a Packer fan from way back.
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