My 11 Favorite Books of 2011

Looking for something good to read?

Here are 11 favorite books I recommend from my 2011 readings. (Well, actually 22 altogether, but who’s counting?)

And the reasons why.

11. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
     by Laura Hillenbrand (2010)
To inspire you to not give up when things get tough.

Also, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy 
     by Eric Metaxas (2011)
Same reasons.

 

10. The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion
     by Tim Challies (2011)
To weigh your digital media choices faithfully and responsibly.

9. One Thing
     by Sam Storms (2004)
To love living the Christian life.

 

8. Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure
     by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1965)
To show that Christians are to be joyful, not miserable. 

 

7. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
     by Ann Voskamp (2011)
To delight in the Giver by seeing His gifts.

Also, God in the Yard: Spiritual Practice for the Rest of Us 
     by L. L. Barkat (2010)
To try a new spiritual discipline that takes you outside.

 

6. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts
     by Jerry Bridges (1988, 2008)
To glorify God even in adversity.

 

5. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
     by Paul Miller (2009)
To tell God everything.

Also, Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman
     by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt (2011)
To get you started praying with your spouse. (The book isn’t that great, but what you do with it can be. It worked for Jeff and me.)

4. The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence
     by Stephen Altrogge (2011)
To be content in Jesus where you are, with what you have.

3. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God
     by John Piper (2000)
To see what pleases God. And let that please you, too.

2. Enemies of the Heart: Breaking Free from the Four Emotions that Control You
     by Andy Stanley (2011)
To strategize against four hard sins (guilt, anger, greed, jealousy).

1. The Faith of Leap: Embracing a Theology of Risk, Adventure & Courage 
     by Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost (2011)
To quit worshiping the idol of security and live more courageously for Christ.

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ +

Want more? I also recommend these:

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard
     by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (2010)
To think differently about your choices. 

Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives
     by Richard Swenson (2004)
To slow down.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
     by Brian Wansink (2010)
To notice what you eat.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story
     by Donald Miller (2009)
To know you’re part of a story.

A Place for Weakness: Preparing Yourself for Suffering
     by Michael Horton (2006)
To know your suffering matters.

Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good?
     by Gary Thomas (2009)
To learn to enjoy God-given pleasures.

Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God
     by John Piper (2010)
To use your mind for higher purposes.

Why Men Hate Going to Church
     by David Murrow (2005, 2011)
To strengthen men and the church.

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ +

And finally:
What’s on my nightstand—Dec ‘11?

Just started:

• Red Like Blood
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Practicing Affirmation
• Why It’s Hard to Love Jesus

Still reading:

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking
• Preparing for Jesus: Meditations on the Coming of Christ

Finished from November’s nightstand:

• The Faith of Leap
• A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
• The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
• Why Men Hate Going to Church
• Tortured for Christ
• All In
• Finding Noel
• Promise Me
  

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What book would make your favorites list?

RELATED:

• Top 10 Life-Changing Books
• Top 10 books of 2010
• Top 9 books of 2009
• Top 8 books of 2008