“Not all readers become leaders, but all leaders must be readers.”
—Harry Truman
I agree! Wholeheartedly. It’s one of the reasons reading has become a daily habit. So far, this year (2022), I’ve read more than 40 books. Some of them great. Some of them…not-so-great.
Here’s a list of my favorites in 2022. Most of them didn’t come out in 22. I just read them this year.
I’d love to hear from you.
What books really inspired you?
What books would you recommend that someone else read?
In advance, thanks for sharing.
Here’s my list.
LEADERSHIP and PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John Maxwell
My Short Take: I first read this book in the early nineties (maybe 1994). I read the 2.0 version in the first QTR of 2022, and was blown away by how many of John Maxwell’s leadership principles continue to influence my life today. John has been a gift to my life and the lives of so many others. It’s one of the reasons I’m a Certified Maxwell Leadership Speaker, Trainer and Coach. I highly recommend this book to every leader.
The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success by Ed Mylett
My Short Take: Ed is one of the most inspiring voices in the self-help, personal growth space today. His book is a fast-paced, encouraging read that will motivate you to be the best version of yourself possible — in your marriage, family, relationships, life, career, business and faith. The book gets stronger with each chapter. The closing story about Ed’s Dad will leave you invigorated and energized. BTW, Ed’s podcast, The Ed Mylett show is consistently terrific! Two huge thumbs up on this book!
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by B.J. Fogg
My Short Take: B.J.’s insights on how to build positive habits into your life are a game-changer, especially for those of us who long to see the life of Christ formed in ourselves and other people. B.J. isn’t a believer, but St. Augustine once wrote, “All truth is God’s truth.” B.J.’s insights into and approach to behavioral change is eye-opening, transferable and transformational. Get this book this year. It can prepare you for a breakthrough year in 2023.
The Success Principles: How To Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be by Jack Canfield
My Short Take: This is a ground-breaking, go-to, encyclopedia-like take on personal growth, development and success. It isn’t short. It’s long. I started the book a few years ago, and it got lost under a stack of other books and message preparation. I pulled it back out in September 22 and felt compelled to finish it. I’m so thankful I did. I knocked out the book within a few days. Re-read the part I had read a few years before and was completely blown away. In one book, Canfield gives us a wealth of insights and transferrable principles and practices related to almost every area of life. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who longs to see God do “abundantly and exceedingly more than you can ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20) in your life and career.
Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors The Brave by Ryan Holiday
My Short Take: Ryan’s writing is concise, creative, clear and compelling. This is the first of four books on the four cardinal virtues: courage, temperance (discipline), justice and wisdom. Ryan is one of the leaders in the modern stoicism movement. His book made me long to be a better, more noble, servant-hearted, God-honoring and courageous man. I’m already looking forward to the next three books.
Outwitting The Devil: The Secret to Success and Freedom by Napoleon Hill
My Short Take: This book was written in 1938 but not released until 2011. It should be noted that the book veers from sound theology in several areas. Hill wasn’t a theologian, but a leader in the area of personal growth and development. While his book should be read using discernment, there are so many compelling and helpful insights into the realm of human potential and personal growth, that I still highly recommend it. Just the chapter titled, “Drifting with the Devil” is worth the purchase price of the book. A must read.
The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma
My Short Take: The subtitle of Robin’s book says it all. “Own Your Morning, Elevate Your Life.” BOOM! Enough said. Well, almost. Ha. Some of Robin’s ideas, insights and practices border on “new age-ish,” but the book is filled with several helpful practices, quotes, stories, insights and ideas. I got a lot out of Robin’s book and am already planning on reading his book, The Everyday Hero Manifesto in 2023.
SPIRITUAL GROOWTH and DISCIPLESHIP
As Kingfishers Catch Fire: A Conversation On The Ways of God Formed By The Words of God by Eugene Peterson
My Short Take: Eugene Peterson is one of my heroes. This book provides a “never-before-published” collection of 49 messages by Peterson, author of The Message and modern Christian classics like, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction” and “Run With the Horses.” The messages were curated from his 29 years as pastor of a small Presbyterian Church in Maryland. I read the book slowly, and after each message found myself longing to love Jesus more and praying that I live a life of “congruence” — “with no slippage between what [I say] and the way [I live].” This book is a gift and a treasure. It moved me more deeply and profoundly than anything I read in 2022. I highly recommend it.
The Cure: What If God Isn’t Who You Think He Is and Neither Are You by John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol
My Short Take: When my life unraveled in 2022, my counselor, Dr. Michael Semon recommended this book. I devoured it, reading it three times in the course of two weeks. I continue to go back to it again and again. The book creatively examines our failed attempts at perfectionism and sin-management that inevitably lead to a life riddled by weariness, shame and guilt. It challenges us to actually believe the good news of God’s amazing grace and radical and unconditional love which can lead to a life of freedom, authenticity and joy. Without a doubt, one of the most important books I’ve read this year or any year.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It’s Impossible to be Spiritually Mature While Remaining Emotionally Immature by Peter Scazzero
My Short Take: One of the most important books I’ve ever read. Ever. The premise is simple and forms the subtitle of the book: “It’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” In this book, Scazzero shares seven steps for becoming emotionally mature including: 1) Become Your Authentic Self, 2) Break the Power of the Past, 3) Let Go of Power and Control, 4) Surrender to Your Limits, 5) Stop to Breathe by Practicing Rest and Sabbath, 6) Learn New Skills to Love Well, and, 7) Love Christ Above All Else. This book should be required reading for every pastor and staff member of every church. It’s that important and that life-changing.
Invitation To A Journey: A Roadmap for Spiritual Formation by Robert Mulholland, Jr.
My Short Take: Mulholland defines spiritual formation as “the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” It occurs gradually, not instantly and is not an option. In fact, “…life itself is a process of spiritual development. The only choice we have is whether that growth moves us toward wholeness in Christ or toward and increasingly dehumanized destructive mode of being.” Spiritual growth occurs differently for each of us. Mulholland helps us understand how our unique personality type will influence and affect the way spiritual growth occurs in our life. This is an incredibly helpful book for those who long to see Christ formed in their lives.
The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life Into A Work of Art by Erwin McManus
My Short Take: Perhaps the best book I’ve ever read on creativity and human potential. McManus writes: “There has never been an ordinary human being born on this planet. But while there has never been an ordinary child born on this earth, the undeniable tragedy is that most of us die after having lived painfully ordinary lives.” This book challenges you to make your life a compelling work of art for the glory of God and the good of others. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
MARRIAGE and FAMILY
The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson
My Short Take: Without a doubt, the best book on being a father I’ve ever read. I wish I had read it 32 years ago. While specifically written for fathers of sons, I found so many insights that challenged me as the father of three girls and grandfather of three (one grandson and two granddaughters.) If you’re a parent, read this book asap. Devour it. Create a plan to raise children who know what they believe, who they are and how to stand against the cultural trends of a world gone mad. An absolutely terrific, inspiring and challenging book.
Before You Split: Find What You Really Want for the Future of Your Marriage by Toni Nieuwhof
My Short Take: In 2022 our marriage came dreadfully close to the precipice of divorce. Without a doubt, it was the most traumatic, eye-opening experience of my life. If you’ve ever looked at your marriage and said or thought, “I can’t do this anymore,” this book is for you. In this down-to-earth, practical and insightful book, former divorce attorney, Toni Nieuwhof shows that even when you feel disconnected and stuck in a lifeless marriage, there is a way forward. There is hope. Before you consider divorce, read Toni’s book. See a gifted therapist. Go to one of the workshops provided by MarriageHelper.com or LiveTheLife.org. A transformed life and marriage are both possible. Janet and I are living proof. I highly recommend this book.
The Art of Falling in Love: 4 Steps to Falling In Love, Staying In Love, Renewing Lost Love by Joe Beam
My Short Take: When my marriage went south in 2022, I found myself at a retreat for pastors who were struggling with brokenness, burnout and crisis. It was there that I learned about the resources MarriageHelper.com provides to broken, struggling marriages. Over the next few weeks I devoured their online content. I’m convinced that the advice and insight they shared regarding SMART contact and PUSH behaviors was a gamechanger for our relationship.
S.M.A.R.T. CONTACT
S – Stop PUSH Behaviors (See below.)
M – Manage business items together
A – Allow your spouse to respond
R – Respond to your spouse in a calm, strong and gentle way.
T – Take it one day at a time.
P.U.S.H. BEHAVIORS
P – Pleading and begging,
U – Unengaged or ignoring,
S – Starting Unnecessary Fights, and,
H – Hovering or controlling behaviors.
Dr. Joe Beam’s book, The Art of Falling In Love, is the culmination of decades of research and provides the framework upon which the tools, resources and coaching of MH is built. This book is simple, yet profound and poignant. I recommend the books, podcast, YT channel and resources of Marriage Helper and believe they’re part of what God used to save, resurrect, transform and heal our marriage.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Here are few more books that didn’t make the list above, but books that challenged, moved and inspired me.
5 Pillars: How To Find Your People, Place and Purpose by David Lamb
I loved David’s first book! He is an excellent storyteller and weaves together inspiring stories into five compelling, life-changing principles. Hats off to David for moving in the direction of his dreams.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
A Christian classic!
The Motive by Patrick Lencioni
Lencioni continues to weave together modern -day parables with transformational principles for business and for life.
Hero On A Mission by Donald Miller
A step-by-step guide to creating a life of meaning and purpose. I really enjoyed the book.
Beautiful Resistance: The Joy of Conviction In A Culture of Compromise by Jon Tyson
This dude speaks with the clarity and compelling voice of a modern-day prophet. This is such an important book.
The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins
What could happen if you gave the same love and encouragement to yourself that you give to others? You could be unstoppable. This book shows you how.
Put You’re A** Where Your Heart Wants To Be by Steven Pressfield
A great book on creativity and the discipline required to write, create and do something with your giftedness.