Just a few years ago, I only read the newspaper. All that changed after my counselor asked me to read Grace for the Good Girl
by Emily P. Freeman, and I’ve been reading books ever since. Mostly spiritual/religious books, but some memoir and humor thrown in because a girl can only read so many books about such heavy topics. (Exhibit A: Timothy Keller’s Walking with God through Pain and Suffering
)
I’ve read over 50 books in 2017 and I present to you the 10 books I liked the most in 2017, in no particular order.
All of the “about the book” descriptions come directly from the Amazon book summaries with my explanation of why I loved the book and think it’s worth your time. (Full Disclosure: I’m an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don’t worry there’s no added cost to you!)
1. A Life of Being, Having, and Doing Enough
by Wayne Muller
by Wayne MullerGenre: Religion, Spirituality
About: “By learning compassion and mercy for ourselves and by recognizing what is most profoundly true about who we are and what we need, we can gain the self-acceptance so that whatever we choose to do, in this moment, it is wholly enough.”
Why I loved it: As a try-hard girl, I believe that what will bring me contentment and satisfaction is always out there so I strive for more: more achievements, more recognition, more everything. But what is enough? The book proposes thought-provoking questions. I could have underlined every word.
2. The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan
by Mark BuchananGenre: Spirituality
About: “With this book, Buchanan reminds us of this and gives practical advice for restoring the sabbath in our lives.”
Why I loved it: I secretly believe that resting is a sign of weakness and that there’s too much for me to do to sit down. But, oh, how this book brought home the truth that “A Sabbath heart is restful even in the midst of unrest and upheaval.”
3. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
3. Redeeming LoveGenre: Christian Historical Romance
About: Set in California in the 1850s, the book tells the story of prostitute Angel, who “hates the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.”
Why I loved it: I’m not one for fiction so this book totally caught me by surprise. I’d tell myself, “Just finish this chapter” and then find myself devouring two more. I love how Rivers makes it so easy to understand how much God loves us, wants to heal us, and simply be with us even as we struggle, feel unworthy, and talk ourselves out of being with the one who loves us most.
4. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
4. Emotionally Healthy SpiritualityGenre: Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth
About: “Scazzero found two truths to be true: you can’t be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature, and unless you slow and quiet your life down for a first-hand relationship with Jesus Christ, little change is possible.”
Why I loved it: Have you ever read a book and thought, “How does the author know all this about me?” That was this book for me. If you’ve ever pushed down your emotions, avoided God by serving Him, or believed that you’re loved because of what you do, get thee to the bookstore to pick up this book!
5. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile
by Ian Cron and Suzanne StabileGenre: Psychology, Religion
About: “In The Road Back to You Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile forge a unique approach―a practical, comprehensive way of accessing Enneagram wisdom and exploring its connections with Christian spirituality for a deeper knowledge of ourselves, compassion for others, and love for God.”
Why I loved it: Friends, this book has shaped how I understand my inner motivations, organize my days, and give myself grace. No book has impacted how I see myself and others as much as this one. If you read one book, let it be this one.
6. Are My Kids on Track? by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan
6. Are My Kids on Track?Genre: Family, Religion
About: “Are My Kids on Track? helps you identify and measure 12 key emotional, social, and spiritual milestones in your children’s lives. Moreover, you will discover practical ways to guide your kids through any stumbling blocks they might encounter and help them reach the appropriate landmarks.”
Why I loved it: I’m generally not a fan of parenting books, but this one is so helpful. It’s written by three children’s counselor’s with over 60 years of experience between them. I learned so much about parenting out of love and not fear plus the book provides practical, common-sense ideas on how to help your child grow into the person he/she is.
7. Friends, Partners, and Lovers: What It Takes to Make Your Marriage Work by Kevin A. Thompson
7. Friends, Partners, and Lovers: What It Takes to Make Your Marriage WorkGenre: Marriage
About: “With engaging stories and clear, simple language, pastor Kevin A. Thompson explains the three critical roles of a spouse–friend, partner, and lover–and shows how to nurture those roles in order to keep a marriage healthy and strong. Using solid biblical principles, he helps couples understand how to grow their friendship, be a supportive partner through the good times and the bad, and develop a healthy and satisfying sex life.”
Why I loved it: Ryan and I have been married for 18 years so why the need for a marriage book? Because the questions at the back of each chapter are incredibly helpful in having an open conversation about all different topics that might otherwise be weird to bring up.
8. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
8. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? Genre: Humor & Entertainment
About: “In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls.”
Why I loved it: I love The Office and I’m 99% sure that Mindy and I would be friends in real life. This book made me laugh out loud, which is pretty hard to do. Her final chapter had tears of joy streaming down my face. Not hyperbole – that’s actual fact.
9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
9. The NightingaleGenre: Historical Fiction
About: “The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France―a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.”
Why I loved it: I read three World War II books this summer, and this is the one that made me cry. The story of these two sisters had me wondering, “What would I have done in their shoes?”
10. What’s Best Next by Matt Perman
10. What’s Best NextGenre: Personal Growth
About: “What’s Best Next offers a practical approach for improving your productivity in all areas of life. It will help you better understand: Why good works are not just rare and special things like going to Africa, but anything you do in faith even tying your shoes; How to create a mission statement for your life that actually works; How to overcome time killers like procrastination, interruptions, and multitasking by turning them around and making them work for you.”
Why I loved it: No book has shaped my workflow more than this one. Because of Perman’s words, I’ve crafted my own mission statement (one that I like and review regularly) and decided on my life goal (connect women to Jesus through words, verbal and written). This book makes complex concepts easy to apply to your right-now life.
Enough about me!
What did you read that you enjoyed in 2017? Which of these 10 books sounds most interesting to you? Comment below and you’re entered to win a book of your choice (limited to the books on this list!). Comments must be submitted by 12/19/17 by 7 a.m. CST. One winner will be selected and notified on 12/19/17.
I like the variety of these selections! I read the Mindy Kaling book as well and thought it was a hoot. I think I just may have to pick up The Nightingale, and What’s Best Next!
Kelly, Oh yay!!! Mindy is hilarious (as if we’re on a first-name basis!) and I loved the other two you mentioned. You’re entered in the win-a-fave-book contest! -jill
Oh…you’re making this too hard to choose. I’m such a book lover…gimme ALL the books ever written! Of these, I’ve only read Redeeming Love, so I’d be happy with any of them. But if I have to narrow it down, I’d say – A Life of Being, Having & Doing Enough; Emotionally Healthy Spirituality; The Road Back to You; or The Nightingale. I’m just looking forward to next week when I get some time off and can tackle the dozen or so books on my night stand! Merry Christmas, Jill!
Eileen, All those books are so good! You’re now entered in the win-a-fave-book contest! -jill
What a great selection of books, I need some quiet time to curl up with a good spirited book for sure! Thanks for your input!
Amy, If it’s possible, get in some downtime for a book over the next week or two! You’re now entered in the win-a-fave-book contest! -jill
I want to know what book made you laugh out loud.
Jane, The Mindy Kaling book: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? So, so funny!- jill
Thanks for a great list, Jill!
I LOVED The Road Back to You. It’s such a beautiful guide for figuring out how God designed us and why we do the things we do. Plus it’s a great tool for growing healthy relationships. Not only does it gives us a little window into how the people we love are wired, it’s filled with practical help for how best to communicate with all the different types of folks in our lives.
I can’t wait to read A Life of Being, Having, and Doing Enough. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Happy holidays!
Jody, ohmygoodness! That book is so good! I find myself trying to figure out what people are so I can best interact! What number are you? -jill
I’m SO guilty of reading blogs more than I read books. But I purchased The Danish Way of Parenting and I’m pretty darn excited to read it! (Just as soon as I get it unpacked!) Does that count? Haha😊
Alanna, as a blogger, I’m happy that you read blogs more than books. Please let me know how you like that one! (And yes, it totally counts!) -jill
I have been reading Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith it comes out in December and it has been a great book to remind me that rest is not just physical rest. I can’t wait to read A Life of Being, Having, and Doing Enough.
Naomi, that books sounds excellent. I’m putting it on my “Books to read” list. Thank you for the recommendation! -jill
The Road Back to You sounds most interesting to me. I enjoy learning about all things personality. Thank you for offering your readers this chance to win, Jill! Merry Christmas!
Danielle, ohmygoodness! You will love it! Happy to share the book love with my people. Merry Christmas! -jill
As I get older, I find myself listening to more books than I read. I listened to “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me” and seriously thought I would drive off of the road several times during the book.
Kristin Hannah is my FAVE and “The Nightingale” did not disappoint. She has a new title out in February, I’m eager to read it as well.
Giveaway or not, I’m adding “The Road Back to You” to my list of future reads.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Misty
Misty, yes! I can totally see almost driving off the road from laughing so hard. Please do read that book. It’s shaped how I interact with people. -jill
I love this list!! Best book this year for me was a heavy topic book – ‘No More Faking Fune’ by Esther Fleece. Of your list, #8 by Mindy Kahling. Have been curious about it for a while and just needed someone to say they loved it!
Elaine, you’ll love the Mindy book! I’ve added the Fleece book to my list. Thank you for sharing! -jill
I am slowly reading through The Road Back to You right now. I am only a few pages in.
I recently finished The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. I borrowed it from the library, but I think I will be buying a copy that I can keep and highlight and reread. There are several passages that are just perfect. The whole story is inspiring, amazing, and touching.
I will be taking 1, 2, and 6 from your list and adding them to my list o’ books to read in 2018.
Kathleen, Please let me know what number you are when you finish The Road Back to You! The Hiding Place is incredible. I’ll often think of Corrie’s story at different times. So glad you’re adding those three to your list. Let me know how you like them! -jill
I loved this roundup! The first book on the list really stood out to me and is going on my 2018 book list. As a new mama, feeling like “enough” is getting more and more difficult as I balance all my roles. I started a journey of choosing #PeaceOverPerfection two years ago and feeling like enough is the next step. This year, “Braving the Wilderness” by Brene Brown was wonderful. It’s about finding the courage to stand. Highly recommend!
Amanda, Excellent! I love Brown’s work so I’ll add that to my list. Never ever ever give up as you parent. You’re doing good and God is so pleased with you! -jill
I haven’t read any of these books! The first one looks really good along with The Road Back to You and the last one. I read lots of good books this year too. Some of my favorites: Wrecked by Jeff Goins, A Million Little Ways by Emily P Freeman, A Praying Life by Paul Miller, and The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp. I’m drawing a blank on what else I read but I’m sure there are more great ones!
I haven’t read Wrecked or A Praying Life. I’ll add those to my list! -jill
The Nightingale was by farrrr the best book I read this year..I was literally sobbing at the end and a couple parts within..highly recommend it to everyone! Def Top 5 books of all time for me..So so good 😭☺️❤️
Nina, Yes! I was crying too! So good! -jill
Love the variety of books here! I am currently reading The Rest of God. Such an amazing look at how Sabbath restores our soul. The Francine River book…this is the second time I have heard that title in one day! Must be a good one!
Janette- I think you’d just love Redeeming Love. I’m not a fiction reader, but I had a hard time putting it down! -jill
To all, Elaine is our winner! Thanks to all for entering. -jill
Congratulations and happy reading to Elaine!