Every now and then I revisit my mental list of my ten favorite books of all time. Sometimes, I kick a book out from that list because I no longer feel it deserves that place, indicating that in my life it obviously did not stand the test of time. Other times, something I've recently read has made such an impression on me that I simply have to include it in the list regardless of what other book gets pushed out as a result. All to say, this list changes as I change. So, here is the latest permutation of the 10 Books (I Think) You Should Read (If You Haven't Already).
1. The Bible
I know this one sounds trite, but it is remarkable how many Christians don't actually read their Bibles. I understand. The Bible can be hard to understand. I recommend getting a great study Bible in a readable translation so you can take advantage of introductory notes to each book, maps, timelines, and notes that help you see principles and application. My favorite is the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation.
2. Mere Christianity
This might be a little weighty for those accustomed to reading Joel Osteen, but, friends, this is a classic. I can't tell you the number of books that refer back to this one or try to write new versions of it. It is well worth the effort. Read it slowly, have a pen in your hand, and maybe an Oxford dictionary nearby.
3. The Pursuit of God
Another classic. It's a little book jammed with insight into life with God. It will make you uncomfortable with your walk with God as it currently is. And that's a good thing.
4. The Jesus I Never Knew
Maybe the best book on the life of Christ ever. Yancey shows more than just good writing; it is incredibly well-researched and holds up the best, most orthodox take on the Gospels. Scholars approve, and common-folk benefit.
5. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Some have called this the best book on discipleship. It is a study of the Psalms of Ascent, with incredible insight into the journey of becoming more like Jesus. This is Eugene Peterson at his finest.
6. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
I'm not a big fiction reader. But I recently devoured the Chronicles of Narnia and found myself tearing up at the end of this one. Fans will tell you this is one of the two best books of the whole series. For all you non-fiction bookheads-- I used to be like you. This book will single-handedly return the childlike wonder of following Jesus to your heart.
7. The Last Battle
And here is what Lewis fans call the best of the Chronicles. The characters are robust and believable. The imagery of heaven is incredible moving, and Lewis' fanciful imagining of the end of the world will make your heart race for the day when our world is made new. It will make death be a thing not to be feared.
8. Anna Karenina
This is considered to be one of the greatest novels of all time. The insight into the human soul is breathtaking. You will find yourself lost in the culture of old Russia, dancing at balls, riding horses, farming with peasants. It is an unbelievable ride. And it's long. This took me a good 5 or 6 months to finish, but it was well worth it. A good translation is key, and this one is the best.
9. The Tipping Point
This is a fascinating read. The stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, and Gladwell's gift for pattern-recognition makes him a delightful guide. The theory is a little simplistic and sweeping, but contains enough truth to be required reading for anyone who ever wants to make a difference or change a culture or set a trend.
10. The World Is Flat
This is rich with insight and application. Friedman has a gift for absorbing the world in complexity yet communication it with such accessible simplicity. The technical explanation of the history of the internet is at times laborious, and his conclusions can seem repetitive by the time he gets there. But this is a must-read for anyone who wants to think beyond the town he grew up in. It's a wide-angle lens view of the world with real practical actionable ideas for here and now.
And if you've read all these and want to dig into something fresh-- and support a young author (wink, wink)-- then check out this book....I've heard it's pretty decent.
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