Must Read Books
2008-07-07

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

Recently, I have read several articles suggesting essential books that everyone should read. I would like to propose my own list of essential reading.

#1: The Bible – If you have not read the entire Bible you should. Currently I am using the English Standard Version (ESV) translation.

#2: Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges — First time I realized that my faith should effect my daily life.

#3: The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning — Manning emphasizes the unfavored grace of God. Essentially we are all ragamuffins.

#4: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee — Lee’s Pulitzer winning portrayal of life in a small southern town during the depression. Oh the movie is also good but read the book first.

#5: Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee — Helped me realize that my worth as a person is based upon what God thinks of me not others.

#6: How to Give Your Faith Away by Paul E. Little – Taught me that evangelism doesn’t have to be something that is difficult and that it can be a part of my ever day life.

#7: Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore– True story of what happens when the worlds of an art-dealer and a homeless man collide.

#8: Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Voirst — Why a kids book? Because some days are just like that.

#9: Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman — Chapman identifies 5 ways we give and receive love. This is a must for all couples.

#10: The Indispensable Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson — Because sometime we just take ourselves to seriously.