One of my summer memories as a child was taking a family vacation. My sister and I would pile into the back seat of our family car with a small travel bag that would be carefully positioned at my feet. My mom always handled the snack bag, so my bag was generally full of crayons, markers, a deck of playing cards, and a stack of books.
Yep. I was one of those children—the bookworm who could occupy myself for long periods of time with the comfort of recently checked out books from our local library. Not to brag, but in third grade I even won an award for the number of books I read during the summer. My father often reminded me that I needed to get my head out of my books so I could at least enjoy the scenery along the way.
These days travel looks a little different, but I’m often not far away from having a book in my hand. I started making a book pile earlier this spring and will work my way through each of them over the next few months. I must confess—some of them I’ve already started, but today I will share some of my summer reads. For those of you who are big fiction fans, I’m afraid my list will be disappointing. It’s not that I don’t enjoy a good fiction book, but I just don’t have one on the list. If you have some additional recommendations, please share them in the comment section.
If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey. Jamie has been emceeing and speaking this year at our Lifeway Women’s event called Abundance. Her transparency and story make this a book I’m excited to read.
Competing Against Luck by Clayton M. Christiensen. This year at our You Lead events, I’ve been teaching on the subject of creativity. This book focuses on innovation in the workplace and was recommended by several co-workers.
The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni. Another recommendation from co-workers, I have always appreciated Lencioni’s storytelling style. Even though this isn’t a new book (published in 2016), this book will help me maximize the teams I lead, whether at work or in my local church.
The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. My director handed our entire team this book two months ago. I’ve read more than half of it, and I have been stretched to think more creatively about events and why certain experiences have impact.
In His Image by Jen Wilkin. This is a new release, and I still haven’t gotten my hands on a copy, but I read None Like Him, and I’m excited to see how Jen handles the topic of God’s character. This would be a great group study if you’re looking for something different to do this summer with women in your neighborhood or church. Jen will be one of the featured speakers at this year’s Women’s Leadership Forum November 8-10.
Faith Among the Faithless by Mike Cosper. This book is getting a lot of buzz on social media, and I’m about one click away from making this purchase for my summer reading. If you’re wanting to learn how to live in this secular age, Cosper uses the story of Esther as a parallel to our current culture.
There’s my list. What about you? Any good biographies you’re reading? Fictional novels? Leave your list in the comments below, and happy summer reading!
Kelly King is the Women’s Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources and oversees the YOU Lead events. Join her this year and get to know her heart for ministry leaders. Follow her on Twitter @kellydking.