Favourite Reads of 2020

Every year I try to maintain some level of regularity and variety in my literary consumption. Most of the time I have a book or two I'm reading through. Some are read quickly from cover to cover; others are taken a page or two at a time. Some are easy to read, others are heavier going. Some are practical, some are thought-provoking, some are educational, and some are inspiring. Some get passed around the family after I finish them. Some are old, and others are new publications. Let's take a look at some of my favourite titles read throughout 2020.

 

The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

By Timothy Ferriss

I'm almost in two minds about including this one. My worldview is in many ways different from the author's, and I disagree with some of the main premises (such as everybody wanting to reduce or eliminate work as much as possible), BUT there are so many practical suggestions that I find myself implementing and successfully improving my own time management, so I've decided to go ahead and include it. As the title suggests, this book is about learning to finance your life with minimal time spent working. Mostly this is discussed in terms of drop-shipping type start-ups, but there are suggestions relevant to other career paths as well. I particularly appreciated the author's distinction between work and things that only look like work, something I still consider somewhat regularly. If you feel like you're always busy but never really moving forward, this book may provide useful insight.

Next Door Saviour: Near Enough to Touch, Strong Enough to Trust

By Max Lucado

Mum gave me this book and I thought it looked less intellectual than I felt like reading ha! I was right, but once I got into the swing of it, I did end up enjoying it. Max Lucado reminds us of Jesus' humanity, and how He experienced many of the things we do, and can relate to us. Great reminder and encouragement if God feels distant or difficult to talk to.

 

God's Crime Scene: A Cold-Case Detective Examines the Evidence for a Divinely Created Universe

By J. Warner Wallace

This book's author, J. Warner Wallace, grew up an atheist. Later in life he decided to apply his training as a cold-case detective to examine the claims of Christianity. This book lays out the results of his examination in a clear and easy to follow format with plenty of illustrations. Such a fascinating read. Highly recommend!

Wrestling Prayer: A Passionate Communion with God

By Eric and Leslie Ludy

Do we just "say a prayer" now and again, or is real prayer a regular part of our lives? What would it take for us to communicate as closely with God as biblical heroes of old? Or to see miracles worked in answer to our prayers? Eric and Leslie Ludy share some biblical principles of prayer that are mostly forgotten in modern culture.

Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us

By Donald Trump Jr.

Plenty of language I'm not fond of used in this to communicate some important concepts we would do well to remember. Also interesting personal anecdotes from the campaign trail and elsewhere. I didn't realise Don Jr. had grandparents in Czechoslovakia and spent childhood summers visiting them there, but he draws some relevant insight from those experiences.

 

Practical Christianity

By Arthur W. Pink

Probably one of the oldest books I had read for a while, Practical Christianity was heavier going and took longer to get into. Once I did though I discovered it to be a treasure trove of information. So good, and so convicting.

The Devil's Nightmare

By Ray Comfort

When it comes to evangelism, God's way works far better than anything flashy and glittery that we can dream up. Funny that.

Unborn. Untold.: True Stories of Abortion and God's Healing Grace

By Ruth Coghill and Sara Davison

I saw this mentioned in a few places and eventually decided to grab myself a copy and see what it was like. So glad I did! This recent publication compiles some absolutely incredible true stories of abortion. Refused by some, chosen by some, survived by some. Powerful and important testimonies that need to be shared. Although heart-wrenching in places, this book is woven through with hope.

The Final Choice: End of Life Suffering - Is Assisted Dying the Answer?

By Caralise Trayes

Kiwi journalist Caralise interviewed a number of people on both sides of the euthanasia debate, in New Zealand and abroad for this book. This is a great resource for learning what's in our new legislation, and what all the debate surrounding its introduction was about.

 

Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done

By Laura Vanderkam

If that subtitle doesn't describe my ideal, I don't know what does. This is relatively quick to read, and another book with practical ideas I'm applying to my own life with success. I've spent more time relaxing and reflecting since I read this, and kept up with demanding commitments and knocked my goals off one by one at the same time. Are you practicing alignment?

Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to do with You

By John MacArthur

Meet the apostles like never before. Who did Jesus choose to continue His ministry? No one we would've selected. This was such an amazing book to read. John MacArthur digs into the gospels and other historical records to find out who these twelve men were, in far greater detail than I've previously been aware of. Interesting, easy to read, and relevant to us today. I came away feeling like I needed to get into the gospels and compare them myself.

It's hard to believe I read some of these titles almost a year ago; they still feel so recent. I enjoyed some pretty amazing books during 2020 and looking over this list brings back good memories. I'm glad I made time to acquire and read all of these.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I've found helpful in my own life and think you will too.

2019: Favourite Books

Reading has long been a favourite pastime of mine and it is something I still strive to make time for in my busy schedule because I find it to be a great source of both relaxation and learning. Throughout last year I completed a dozen titles -- significantly fewer than a decade ago, but more carefully chosen and many of them thoroughly enjoyed. I'll share some of my favourites here.

The Walls Are Talking: Former Abortion Clinic Workers Tell Their Stories 

By Abby Johnson with Kristen Detrow 

I've mentioned Abby on my blog before. For a number of years during and after college she worked for Planned Parenthood, working her way up the ranks from volunteer to clinic director. In 2009 she left abruptly, and several years later she set to task of compiling some of her own stories as a Planned Parenthood employee, as well as stories other former PP employees shared of their own experiences. The book is all written in first-person for an easier flow, and reads well. The accounts are raw, real, and horrific. Don't ever defend abortion without reading The Walls Are Talking.

You Carried Me: A Daughter's Memoir 

By Melissa Ohden

Melissa lived a happy childhood with a loving adoptive family. You Carried Me follows her journey of discovering she was an abortion survivor, the trauma of realising that the very people to give her life had also tried to kill her, and the search for answers and peace. We read of her efforts to locate her birth parents--what a rollercoaster ride! Later we follow Melissa's own journey into parenthood, along with the unique challenges and perspectives such a history brings. This biography puts a face to choice and is both encouraging and thought-provoking.

Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design 

By Stephen C. Meyer

This book is thick and intellectual. If you're wondering how Darwinism stacks up next to modern scientific findings, this is for you. I had read briefly on many of these topics before and enjoyed going deeper.

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place 

By Andy Crouch

I keep a list of books I want to read at some stage, and this one managed to make it onto that list twice! I expected it to be good but wasn't sure how relevant it would be to me. As it turns out, The Tech-Wise Family was both better and more relevant than I expected. Every chapter is short, and is further divided into brief sections, making this book very easy to read in short snatches of time here and there. If you think technology is a great tool but a terrible master, read this for tips to keep it in its place. If you ever feel like technology is more trouble than its worth, read this. If you sometimes reminisce that life was easier before technology became more pervasive, read this. If technology is a regular part of your life, then please read this. I can't recommend it enough.

The Unforgotten Babies: The inspiration behind the Buttons Project

By Marina and Peter Young

This is really a booklet more than a book, but I am going to go ahead and include it anyway. I've met New Zealanders Marina and Peter in person and they're both so lovely. Here, they share their own story and what brought them to begin The Buttons Project. Through their own grief they've searched for answers and hope, and now they're on a quest to help others find hope as well. 

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions

By Gregory Koukl

Ever wondered what it takes to be good at conversation? Or how to deal with that person who never answers the question and jumps all over the place when you're trying to discuss something? How to manage a conversation when you don't know everything about a topic? Grab yourself a copy of Tactics and familiarise yourself with the content. So glad I purchased this book. 

Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setback and Difficult People

By Bob Goff

I may or may not have read most of this in one evening. This book is easy to read but also incredibly challenging and inspiring. How should we love those around us? Surely we can pass by that person, right?! Bob challenges us by his own example to love Everybody, Always.

What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast: A Short Guide to Making Over Your Mornings--And Life

By Laura Vanderkam

I don't know about you, but I am always trying to pack more into my life than seems to fit. Although my priorites are different than many of the people surveyed for and discussed in this short book, I was really fascinated by the unique ways they managed to fit everything into their lives--like a mosaic. I had already implemented some of the strategies Laura mentions, but others were new to me. I love her way of organising a balanced life into weekly rather than daily routines; think 168 hours instead of 24. 

Well, how's that? 2/3 of my yearly reading material made it to my favourite list! I enjoyed reading these titles and while some were heavier than others, I look back at the time I spent in them and am content that it was time well spent. 2019 was a good literary year for me, and I am looking forward to exploring more great reading material during 2020.

How about you? Have you read any great books recently? Have you read any of the ones I've listed here?

Danielle's Birthday Party {July 2015}

: : Make dinner : :

: : Not quite how we read the recipe book ;P : :

: : Birthday cake : :

: : Watercolour journal covers : :

Books I Read in 2014

Typically a post like this would make an appearance in December; but most of you have probably figured out by now that I don't often conform to "typical". So let's get started. The outline below gives you a glimpse of some of my favourite titles from 2014.

Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity

By Sarah Mally

Actually I was considering this for a sister's birthday, so read it to check for suitability. (It passed, btw.) This book is discrete enough to be suitable for younger readers, yet relevant for older readers as well. Sarah simultaneously encourages readers to view marriage highly, but to have a life purpose bigger than marriage. The text combines the tale of a young princess with anecdotes, advice, and Scripture. I would encourage every girl from about 12 onwards to add this to her reading list!

{Sidenote: When my sister's copy arrived with a cover-page recommendation from the Duggar girls . . . *squeal*}

Pride and Prejudice

By Jane Austen

Believe it or not I hadn't read this book until last year! I've raved about the BBC's film version and seen two other {inferior} films, so decided I had better add the novel to my reading log. Made pretty quick work of it too. :) If you haven't read this already, you should. ;)

Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships

By Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar

The theme of this book is relationships, and each chapter focuses on a different one: relationship with yourself, your parents, your siblings, friends, guys, culture, your country and the world. Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger wrote this book to help answer some of the many questions they receive from curious fans in letters and emails, and to empower, hopefully, readers to use their own lives to benefit others. 
See my full review here. 

The Music Teacher's Companion: A Practical Guide

By Paul Harris and Richard Crozier

I first checked this book out of the library, but before I finished it I realised I had already found so much helpful and that it would be invaluable resource in future (since I plan on getting ABRSM's teaching diploma in flute). The end didn't disappoint either! So if you're teaching, or planning on it, go get yourself a copy of this great book!!

Gianna: Aborted and Lived to Tell About It

By Jessica Shaver Renshaw

This biography tells the story of saline abortion survivor Gianna Jessen, the struggles she experienced growing up: from the difficulties in learning to live with cerebral palsy (caused by the abortion), to the opposition she experienced for being vocal about her pro-life stance.
See my full review here.

Still Growing: An Autobiography

By Kirk Cameron

Child actor, celebrity, atheist-turn-Christian, adoptive father -- Kirk Cameron is the perfect subject for an easy-to-read and difficult-to-put-down autobiography. I think I read this cover-to-cover in about a couple of days. If you're looking for an easy but inspiring read, go check it out!




And thus concludes a short list of titles I enjoyed in 2014. Are you going to add any of these to your reading list? Do you have any titles I should add to my list for this year?

Books I've Read This Year

When I was younger, I could easily be labelled an avid bookworm. Sadly, I don't make nearly as much time to read nowadays and books often sit on my "to-read" shelf for several months before I finally get to them. I thought I would share some of my favourite reads form this year though, in case any of you are interested.

End of the Spear by Steve Saint

Steve is the son of Nate Saint, one of five missionaries killed in an attack by the Indian tribe they were trying to reach. After studying, marrying, and having four children in America, Steve moved his family back to Ecuador by request of the Waodani, the tribe responsible for his father's death, after his aunt Rachel Saint passed away. This book tells his and his family's story. 

Generation Change by Zach Hunter

When Zach learned of the slavery that once took place in America, he knew he would have done something about it. But then he found out about modern-day slavery. If he would have acted before, why not now? Zach has written several books, and in this one he shares practical advice on how to get involved in changing the world. Why wait for someone else to change things? Get started!

Set-Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy

One day I'll buy my own copy of this book, and read some of Leslie's other books. I LOVED this book from beginning to end! Leslie writes about femininity's purpose and it's true design in a personal and easy to read way. I think this is a must-read for every woman, young or old!

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

Katie's life was turned upside down when she spent the summer of her last school year on a mission trip to Uganda. Now 24 years old (as far as I can see), Katie lives in Uganda, and is a single mom (sorry, she's American) to 13 Ugandan girls. In addition, she provides food, medical care, and education through her ministry, Amazima. Her life isn't easy but she loves it! 

Mamarazzi: Every Mom's Guide to Photographing Kids by Stacy Wasmuth

You don't need to be a mum to read this book! Stacy gives lots of great advice on the various aspects of photography, especially focusing on child photography. A great resource if you're looking for some guidance in your own photography!

All images click for credit.

What are some of your favourite books?

Thursday

Well, on Wednesday night, Bethany and I talked to 3:45am! So of course we didn't get up until just before midday - and that was the same today!

So...after we eventually got up, we packed a picnic lunch to have at Cornwall Park,

after which we climbed to the top and took a couple more pics...

Then we walked back down, and Mum drove us up, and back down, before coming home for afternoon tea, reading =), and dinner - pancakes!

Then Bethany and I did the dishes while Mum bathed the others, after which we went grocery shopping.

We read till really late on the couch, then Mum sent us to bed lol so we got supper and read in bed for a while =)

----
Tonight we are hoping to go ice skating, and I'm not sure what we are doing this afternoon - maybe shopping.

Luv Bee