And the winner is…Wrap-up of Spring Reading Thing

The Spring Reading Thing ends today!

And I crossed the finish line! I finished reading all the books on my list—but only because they were on my list. I might have ditched a couple after 50 pages (my cut-off evaluation point) had I not committed to reading them (Hospitality and Intercession, for example), but in the end, every single book was worth the time.

And now, the book and author winners from my list of 
Spring Reading Thing 2009!

BOOKS
Most recommended for YOU to read
The Love Dare by Stephen & Alex Kendrick

Why? Because it’s so practical, so every day, so needed. It’s an invitation to step outside yourself, past your comfort zone, into Christ’s world of self-surrender. It’s more than a book to read; it’s a book to change who you are.

Most inspirational
Real Christianity by William Wilberforce
coupled with Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce by John Piper

Why? William Wilberforce is a great example of perseverance and sticking with your core beliefs, no matter what. He never compromised in his battle to end the slave trade in Britain.

Most personally challenging
A Christian View of Hospitality by Michele Hershberger

Why? It still hasn’t left me. It’s a book I had for a few years and couldn’t make myself read. But my list inspired me to finish it. I’m glad I did because it’s making me rethink hospitality in broader ways than just inviting people over for supper.

Most frustrating
Surprised by Hope by N.  T. Wright

Why? The syntax, the concepts, the loops. But much food for thought. Mental and spiritual exercise is important. I'll try to read it again. Later.

AUTHORS
Most encouraging
Tim Hansel

Why? Despite pain, hardship, struggles—he chooses joy. He drinks from the Living Water.

Favorite new authors
Leigh McLeroy (The Beautiful Ache) and Sue Monk Kidd (Firstlight; The Secret Life of Bees)

Why? Their writing is very similar—they spiritualize the everyday stuff. That’s what I need. That’s where I live.

Most convicting
John Piper (This Momentary Marriage; Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce)

Why? No matter the subject he’s writing about, Piper always challenges me to find greater satisfaction and joy in God. In This Momentary Marriage, he introduced me to an even deeper, more spiritual view of marriage than I’d ever had before. Read it!

* * * * *

What I learned from The Spring Reading Thing:

• I learned that if I commit to read a book to the end, that it can pay off. But not always.Use good judgment.
• I learned that I miss my library books and the randomness with which book selections come to me.
• I learned that it feels good to dust books off my shelves that have been sitting unread for too long.
• I learned that God has so much he wants me to learn from others (well, I really already knew that).

The power and number of words never ceases to amaze me. Thanks, Katrina at Callapidder Days, for encouraging us to jump into that bottomless pit of books. It’s a journey I never want to end.

~ Read other wrap-ups from Spring Reading Thing 2009