12 Books For 2019
I interrupt your end of the year top 12 books lists to invite you to Come Read With Us! Maybe these will become your top 12 next year.
I read quite a bit. Actually, I read more books a year than I ever share about, which is likely a shame given that I’m a writer (I ought to share more about what I’m reading!). That’s why I decided that next year would be different. I hope to read the following twelve books through 2019 and you are invited to Come Read With Us.
The books listed below will not be the only books I read in 2019 and they will not be the only ones I’ll likely recommend. Our book club, “Come Read With Us,” will use this guide below and read one book a month, “discussing” what we are reading through our Facebook group (hint click on the link to join us!). I will simply add a one sentence prompt every Friday beginning in January and you will share what you wish. Everyone will read at their own pace, however we will move on to the next book at the beginning of the next month.
How did I choose these books?
It is often suggested that one should read a wide variety of topics, genres, and authors. Therefore, I decided to think of specific categories that I might miss if I weren’t being intentional about what I read in 2019. I then got to work researching authors and books and the endless possibilities. It was tough! There are a number of books that I wanted to add, but I was also trying to consider the book club “Come Read With Us” and what might be appealing to those who are already a part. If you are interested, go ahead and join us simply by requesting to join the group: come on in!
So, what are we reading and what are the categories?
Below you’ll find the list of books in the order they will be read, the title, and a brief explanation for why I chose that book and category. Click on title to be redirected to the Amazon page and find a detailed description of the book. Please note that though most are categorically “Christian” some are not.
January: Leadership/Work
The New Year is always a great time to evaluate our goals…frankly, I’m not great at setting goals. Last year, I concentrated on the word “focus” and at the beginning of the year read the book Deep Work. Deep Work was an incredibly helpful read and one I referred to throughout the year.
For 2019, I wanted to begin by thinking about leadership. I have two books listed. January is a long and boring month, so why not?! Also, one of the books is short, I’ve heard. (Remember to click on the title to purchase and to learn more).
Book 1: The Jesus Way, by Eugene Peterson
Book 2: You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader: How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Difference, by Mark Sanborn
February: Biography/autobiography
I believe wholeheartedly that Black history is American history and therefore should be read beyond February. With that said, I also think that it’s good to celebrate Black History Month, which is why we will be reading an autobiography by Frederick Douglass. This will not be the last time we read a book from a Black author but it seemed an appropriate and wonderful time to start.
The book: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglas
March: Fiction
I chose this category because I’m terrible, absolutely terrible about reading fiction. I tend to read non-fiction, specifically theological works. So, I’m combining both worlds by reading C.S. Lewis. I chose this particular book because we don’t see it referenced as much as some of his others and I was intrigued.
The book: Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
April: Poetry
I chose this category for similar reasons as March, I don’t read poetry and I struggle to enjoy it. I want to love it and I’m hoping that Phillis Wheatley will turn me around.
The book: Poems on Various Subjects: Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley
May: Bonhoeffer
Bonhoeffer is not a category…we all know that. But after all that fiction, I thought it would be good to read something like Bonhoeffer and specifically thought about his work on community.
The Book: Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
June: Something New
Since we are thinking about community already, I thought it would be good to grab Sam Allberry’s new book on singleness.
The book: 7 Myths About Singleness by Sam Allberry
July: A New York Times Best Seller
I don’t tend to run towards best sellers, which is why I thought it would be good to read one. I want to read broadly so this fits into that category. With that said, however, this book was also a National Book Award finalist and it’s fiction, which intrigued me even more. July is often a time for vacation so I hope you get time to enjoy this work.
The book: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr:
August: A Female Author
Do I even need to explain this? I’m teasing. But, really. I believe we will be educated and more informed by reading this book by Mindy Beltz. May it lead us to greater awareness and prayer for the persecuted Church.
The book: They Say We Are Infidels: On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East, by Mindy Beltz
September: Theology
I read this book as a new Christian and unlike many others who read it, I cannot remember what I read. This book is one I’ve seen theologians list as “life changing” or “shaping” for them. I’m confident this second reading will only help me (and you!) learn more about our God.
The book: Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer.
October: No Platform Needed
We are in a season of publishing where the platform of the author often determines the readership. In other words, the greater the platform the more the author is read, whether good or bad. I wanted to find an unknown author for us to read. I’m excited to have not only found someone lesser-known but also an 18th-century African American theologian and pastor.
The book: Plain Theology for Plain People by Charles Octavius Boothe
November: A Wild Card
You vote! The closer we get to November, we’ll vote to see what category we might want to repeat and then I’ll suggest a handful of books and we will vote again. But make sure that you’ve joined Come Read With Us.
December: About Jesus
Let’s wait and see! There are always wonderful options for Advent, sometimes new…
That’s the list! Now come join us by joining our reading group: CLICK HERE TO JOIN.
If you are still reading this post: THANK YOU! And if you love books, I’d be honored if you’d check out mine: Trillia’s Books.
** Please note that I do NOT have an affiliate link and will not be paid anything for your clicks or purchases. I will potentially receive a small royalty if you purchase my books, however. 🙂
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