Anyone who knows me well knows I’m an avid reader of non-fiction books. Not biographies or historical stuff but books that make me better. Better at being a wife, mom, Jesus-seeker, friend, person…if I think I’ll be better for reading it, I’m in. I can’t guarantee I won’t give a recommendation of one or more books to read for whatever season of life you’re in. Consider yourself warned. 🙂
I’m often asked about some of my must-read selections, and I’m always happy to share. I’m amazed at the power words possess to actually shape who we are. Depending on what stage of life you’re in will determine which books strike a chord with you!
1. Everybody Always by Bob Goff | Audiobook here
I was completely unsuspecting of the way this book would grab hold of my heart. I laughed, I shed a tear or two, and I begged Mr. Goff not to stop reading the audiobook when I knew it was drawing to an end. I demanded that my family and friends read it, too. I’ve let my kids listen to the audiobook. This book made me think of my life and my faith in a way I hadn’t before. The gist? If we’re going to be a light and make a mark in this world, we’ve got to get over ourselves, love extravagantly, and be unnecessarily kind. This guy has some seriously interesting stories. It made me a better person!
2. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs | Audiobook here
This book changed me and therefore changed my marriage. It is based on Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:33, “So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Sounds simple enough, right? As it turns out, love isn’t always the husband’s forte, and respect doesn’t always come easily to us wives. Understanding this is incredibly powerful in marriage.
3. Mother and Son: The Respect Effect by Emerson Eggerichs | Audiobook here
Calling all boy-moms! This is by the same author as Love and Respect (the marriage book), but this one specifically addresses the “respect effect” as it pertains to mothers and sons. Our boys are really just little men yearning to be respected. We moms have the loving, nurturing thing down pat, but the respect thing is sometimes lost on us. It’s easy to lose the heart of our boys if we miss this. This is one I’ll read again and again while I’m raising my brood of boys.
4. Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph | Audiobook here
The subtitle of WLW is to Find Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home. As these are all fervent passions of mine, this has been a book I’ve read over and over and over again. I really want to get these things right. Courtney relays how we can strive to be Proverbs 31 women in each of these areas, and it certainly has helped me make progress (very slow, imperfect progress) in becoming who God wants me to be.
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie | Audiobook here
I believe that if I had to only choose one of the 9 books to read, this would be it. This was a game-changer for me. I wish I had read it earlier. I listened to the classic version audiobook (there is a new edition that I can’t speak for, but I’d bet they’re both wonderful). It’s about being a good and decent person, and how by being positive, encouraging, and genuine, you will be more successful and get what you want out of life. I will absolutely be having my children read this before they leave our nest.
6. Your Legacy by James Dobson | Audiobook here
This man is one of the most influential of our generation, and most definitely my life. Short story: it’s a good idea to read anything he has written. This book, however, hones in on the most important aspects of the legacy we create for those we’ll leave behind. Don’t think trust fund, think eternity.
7. Food Rules by Michael Pollan
This book is short, sweet, and to the point. It can literally be read in one sitting. It’s a common sense approach to the guidelines we should go by when putting food into our bodies. It’s enlightening, freeing, and absolutely invaluable information. I believe these “rules” should be taught in school. Definitely teach them to your children.
8. What on Earth Am I Here For? The Purpose Driven Life: Expanded Edition by Rick Warren | Audiobook here
Spoiler alert: As it turns out, the world doesn’t revolve around us and our happiness. Darn. This book took me on a journey of realizing that we are all created by God and for God. We are instruments working together in these mere moments we’re here on earth for a greater purpose we won’t understand till the other side. It has changed the way I view myself and all circumstances of this temporary home we’re living in.
9. Seven by Jen Hatmaker | Audiobook here
Prepare to be convicted. This book created a much-needed paradigm shift in my mind. Americans’ overindulgence is a real thing that we fail to recognize. Convicted of this herself, Jen went on a “mutiny against excess” in seven areas of her life. This book inspired me to serve more, eat better, recycle, and many other things that make my existence more worthwhile.
Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? What books have shaped your life? I’d love to hear what your essential books to read are!