At different times people in my congregation have asked me what I’m reading, and what I recommend. Add to that, it’s the last day of school here. Summer has begun. If you’re heading out to the beach and want something to read, I offer the following suggestions.
Healing Spiritual Wounds by Carol Howard Merritt. It’s a very personal story of someone who has been hurt by the Church. It’s not as depressing as it sounds; it reminds us that the Church and God are not the same thing. If you’ve been hurt, this book can help you work through that. If you haven’t (I haven’t), then I highly recommend it as a glimpse into what others have gone through.
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. This book explores the difference between a fixed and growth mindset. It’s not simply a compilation of motivational quotes. It deals with the science behind how we get stuck and and how to move beyond it.
In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White. A true story of one man’s transformation serving a prison sentence in the last leper colony in the United States.
Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller. Donald Miller is best known for his book Blue Like Jazz. I like this road trip story better.
The Long Walk by Stephen King. Before the hunger games, there was the long walk. This is a great book for anyone who thinks King is just about monsters and ghosts. He is a fantastic story teller. It shows here.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. A pretty fascinating look at why we do the things we do and how to do some things differently.
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. You probably shouldn’t run out and pick up some five finger shoes, but this book will make you want to put one foot in front of the other.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. Maybe you think Chris McCandless was a hero. Maybe you think he was a goofball. Regardless, this is a great read.
I know some of these have been around for a while, but they also stand up pretty well. What titles would you add?
Patrick Day 