In the movie, Shadowlands (1993), C.S. Lewis, brilliantly played by the great Anthony Hopkins, recalls a statement from a former student’s father.
“We read to know we are not alone.” —C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands
While the quote can’t be found in any of Lewis’s writings, it’s a profound thought.
This week I just finished Andrew Peterson’s book, The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture and the Kingdom. I was so moved by the book that I almost wept when I finished the last page. In so many ways it reminded me, I’m not alone.
I’m feeling the same way as I wrap up Tyler Staton’s book, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools. It’s the best book on the subject of prayer I’ve read in some time. I’ve read it slowly, because it’s achieving the purpose it was written for. It makes me want to pray. It is actually moving me to pray. It’s reminding me, I’m not alone.
That’s the power of a great book.
It’s doubtful that I’ll ever get to meet Andrew Peterson or Tyler Staton, but because of their books, I know I’m not alone. They’ve put into prose so many of the thoughts that have been inside my head, but I found myself unable to articulate. They’ve also introduced me to new ideas and concepts I may have never encountered without their books. Thank you Andrew and Tyler, and so many others.
This past year I was able to read 42 books. I recently published a post with my favorites of the year. I’ve included a complete list of books I finished this year below, with asterisks beside those I would recommend.
Further, I’ve also included a list of the books I want to read in 2023. Obviously, additional books will appear on the list as new ones are published or my interest is tweaked by something I see, read or listen to. Both lists are below.
Why share? Because I’d love for you to share the books you’ve read in 2022 and the books you’re planning to read in ‘23.
Sharing the joy and journey of reading is just another way to remind ourselves that “we are not alone.”
Keep reading.
Keep growing.
Keep changing.
List of Books I Read In 2022:
A Long Obedience In The Same Direction by Eugene Peterson***
The Flourishing Pastor by Tom Nelson
The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma*
The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson***
The Self-Aware Leader by John Maxwell
The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins
Live No Lies by John Mark Comer*
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
Beautiful Resistance by Jon Tyson*
God Of All Things by Andrew Wilson
Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero***
Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John Maxwell***
Invitation To A Journey by Robert Mulholland, Jr.*
Knowing God by J.I. Packer*
Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall
Jesus Outside The Lines by Scott Sauls*
The Power of One More by Ed Mylett**
Before You Split by Toni Nieuwhof**
The Cure: What If God Isn’t Who You Think He Is and Neither Are You by John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol***
Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg**
The Motive by Patrick Lencioni*
Hero On A Mission by Donald Miller*
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield**
Chasing Cupcakes by Elizabeth Benton
Strengthen Yourself In The Lord by Bill Johnson**
A Church Called TOV by Scott McKnight and Laura Barringer
Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday*
Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill*
Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants To Be by Steven Pressfield*
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
The Five Pillars by David Lamb*
The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard
Jesus Christ Is Perfect Theology by Bill Johnson
Mindset by Carol Dweck
As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Eugene Peterson***
The Artisan Soul by Erwin McManus**
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson**
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
Rest and War by Ben Stuart*
The Art of Falling In Love by Dr. Joe Beam**
The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson***
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton***
Books I Plan To Read in 2023:
Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson (Started in 2022. Will finish in 2023.)
Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
On Writing by Stephen King
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
Run With The Horses by Eugene Peterson
Letters to a Young Pastor by Eugene Peterson and Eric Peterson
The Hallelujah Banquet by Eugene Peterson
Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson
Lead Like A Shepherd by Larry Osborne
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Letters To My Students by Charles Spurgeon (Started in 2022. Will finish in 2023.)
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in these Turbulent Times by John Eldredge
The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero
Think Again by Adam Grant
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Relationship Grit by Jon and Kathryn Gordon
Letters To My Students by Charles Spurgeon