My friend left tonight and I had given her another book. And this morning I sent two friends each a list of book recommendations. One wanted to get into reading and was looking for suggestions and the other had asked for the list of books I was planning to read this year. Books books books books books. I love reading. Can you tell?
It’s kinda funny to look back on my high school and college years, because my love for reading didn’t start until the year after college. When I was in high school I never ever read the books that were assigned. Someone how I passed AP English only getting by on the Spark Notes versions (sorry Mrs. Courtney). But I never liked the books and I never felt like I had time because I was playing sports or busy doing other things. But I can remember getting out of college and for the first time I could actually choose what I wanted to read. I remember the first book that started my love for reading. It was a biography about Ben Carson. I was amazed at how reading had dramatically changed this man’s life from being a kid who couldn’t pass his classes to one of the smartest neurosurgeons of our generation. And it all started with his mom making him read one book a week and writing a report about it. I think it was after finishing that I realized the power that reading could have. So this is for the person who would say that they aren’t a reader or don’t like to read but wants to read more!
I think everyone is a reader, they just haven’t found the right book. I have this happen all the time. There are some books I pick up and I chew through them. I’m literally done in two days because I can’t stop and I’m so excited to pick it up again or looking forward to the few minutes I have to read. But there are other times when I start reading a book I “think” I should read or other people tell me is good and I fall asleep at the first page. I always think “man I’m such a slow reader” or "I guess I don't like reading." But then I have to admit that I just really don’t like the book. So first, you are a reader, you just haven’t found your book yet.
Reading expands so much of our worldview. It’s how we can experience things without actually being there. We can experience drinking a coffee in Paris in a fiction, or flying on a broom with Harry Potter or being in WWII in a biography. And books have the power to take us there. And not only that, but it is actually good for us. Our brain is a muscle and we need to train it regularly and keep in active. When we are younger and in high school our minds are so strong because they are thinking critically about math science and English. But if we don’t keep that muscle up, we are going to lose it. It would be like not doing leg day at the gym for years. You muscle will atrophy. Which is the same reason they have people in nursing homes keep reading and doing crossword puzzles and writing. So that their brains can keep working and stay strong.
If you could have coffee with any famous person living or dead, who would it be? And guess what, you can! I think it’s so cool that I literally get to hear the inside thoughts of people like Tim Keller or C.S. Lewis. Two men who I would love to have coffee with and ask so many questions. But as I don’t see that happening in the future, I can still pick their brain by sitting down with their biography or book and learning from them. We can sit under the wisdom of the greatest thinkers of all time and have them be our mentors.
We have an opportunity to learn about so many topics. It doesn’t matter that I went to school for communication, I can learn about history, science, health, finance and investing and so many more.
Leaders are readers! I did a Fellowship my first year after college and we met with some of the most influential leaders in Pittsburgh. And the common theme among all of them is they were big readers. They read a lot and on a variety of topics! It stuck with me after every talk or presentation I kept hearing, Read Read Read!!
Tips for new readers:
Ask a librarian! Seriously these people are the best! And they know so much about what’s on their shelves. One time I went into a book store and told the woman I liked watching the show, "The Crown" and if she could find me a book like that. And she pulled off so many from the shelf! They love it too! She said it was so fun and asked me to try another category. So ask them! Tell them your interests, tv shows you like, hobbies and activities! They will hook you up!
Make a list of books you want to read! I keep a running list of books suggestions I hear from people or that sound interesting! It helps me so when I finish one book I know which one I can start next.
I try to start the next book before finishing the last one. Even if I only get one or two chapters in I at least have my foot in the door so that when I’m done I can keep moving. I’ve found that it’s hard to start reading once you stop. So just continue reading!
I also love having a list because then I get to cross things off and see at the end of the year how many books I have read
Choose wisely. We only have so much time in our life and in our days. There’s lots of good books out there, but there’s also lots of bad ones. Be wise about how you are filling your time and your mind. Choose your books carefully and thoughtfully.
It’s not that you don’t have time, it’s that you don’t make time. We always say “I don’t have time for ... (fill in the blank).” But the truth is we all have the same amount of time. 24 hours whether rich or poor, president or student. But we make time for the things we love and the things we prioritize. So instead say, “I don’t make time for reading” or “I want to prioritize reading more.” And if you really want to, you will. You will find 10 minutes on the train, or your lunch break, if you want to!
Lists of Books/Suggestions:
Here are the suggestions I gave to a friend who wanted to get into reading. These are the tops ones from my experience, I’m sure many people have much better lists. But these have been some of my favorites and the most life changing!
Personal Development:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
You’ve got to be believed to be heard
Finance:
Dave Ramsey -Total Money Makeover
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Fun:
Harry Potter Series
Chronicles of Narnia
Christian/Thought Provoking:
Mere Christianity
The Reason for God
Just Mercy
History:
The Diary of Anne Frank
Gifted Hands - The Ben Carson Story
Health:
Why We Sleep
Someone asked me for books that have been really significant for my faith process or really impacted me:
None Like Him
This Changes Everything
The Reason for God
Knowing God
Counterfeit Gods
The Prodigal God
The Gospel Comes with a House key
Practicing the presence of God
Every Good Endeavor
When the soul listens
Gay girl good God
Narnia
2021 Book List:
The Hiding Place
Rich dad poor dad
The great divorce
How to win friends and influence people
The common rule
Dare to lead
The cost of discipleship
Respectable sins
Pilgrims progress
Prayer Tim Keller
The problem of pain
Boundaries
Culture Making
The one to watch
Daring Greatly
Comentarios