I've always loved reading and read daily. This past year, I read way more Christian non-fiction books (and grew spiritually) more than ever before. I also enjoyed a variety of fiction books and I've listed some my favorites below.
The reason my reading increased so much was an unexpected surprise. I reluctantly received a Kindle as a gift and doubted if I'd use it much. I thought I'd miss the feel of holding a book and turning the pages. I wondered if I could read my Kindle in the bathtub and not drop it. (So far so good.)
I bought a title or two and gave my Kindle a chance. She's now one of my best friends and I don't leave home without "her". I got into the habit of popping her in my purse each day and was amazed at all the previously "wasted" minutes that I could read: In line at the grocery store (instead of magazines I had no intention of buying), waiting for my son in the pick up line after school, waiting for appointments or sitting in a boring meeting or event (descreetly of course). Then, I started reading during tasks like drying my hair or brushing my teeth - things I could not do before because I needed to hold my book.
And then...I discovered that the Kindle could actually read to me! Okay - the reading sounds really robotic - but I got used to it. Now, I turn on my Kindle and let "her" read (I use the female voice usually) while I'm doing my makeup - cleaning my closet - even driving. I've read dozens and dozens of great books in the past year. I still don't finish every book I start (fiction or non). If a book does not grab me in a few chapters - I sometimes will choose to move on.
So, here are some of my fave's starting with a couple I just started and have not finished but are impressive enough to share anyway:
THE BIBLE - My personal conviction is to feed my mind first with God's Word which is "living and active" and able to transform us. That being said, I believe He uses His followers to nudge, convict and convince of His truths. As an author, I take this responsibility seriously. While humans are fallible, I have found the following books very edifying and worth the time investment.
1. Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian
2. Classic Christianity by Bob George (been around for a long while - worth reading every five years)
3. Heaven by Randy Alcorn - still working through this - but a great resource and guide to your ultimate destination
4. Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee - This work of fiction is compelling!
5. The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels
6. Servolution by Dino Rizzo - I'm in church leadership and this is an excellent book that I believes serves in a way that honors God and builds up the church
7. Deadline by Randy Alcorn - One of his first fiction books that I read years ago and reread this summer. Worth the read and a great outreach book