Summer Reading List 2013

Every summer, I make a reading list.  I always have a little bit more time (although not a whole lot more) than I do during the school year to read.  This year, I have a list that isn't too extensive and only contains about ten books.  There are also a few I would like to re-read, such as Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker.

If I get requests, I would be happy to review any of these books after I've read them.  And you are very much invited to read along with me and share your thoughts on each of these books.  I've linked to each one on Amazon so that you can check them out for yourself.

1.) "The Purpose of Man: Designed to Worship" by A.W. Tozer
I've actually already started this one and am about halfway through, but it's been on my summer reading list for a few weeks now.  A.W. Tozer is one of my favorite Christian writers.  His passion for prayer, worship, and serving Christ is so inspiring.  So far, this book has been a huge encouragement.  It challenges readers to pursue worship whole-heartedly, as we were created to be worshipers of Christ.  It is the reason why we exist, and without it our lives feel purposeless.  A quote from the book is, "Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient Mystery, that majesty which philosophers call the First Cause but which we call Our Father Which Art in Heaven."  Powerful.

2.) "The Explicit Gospel" by Matt Chandler
This is actually a book I bought on impulse, but I cannot wait to read it.  Matt Chandler offers so much profound encouragement in his messages.  The fact that this is a book entirely about the beauty of the Gospel and nothing else fills me with so much excitement.  I took this from the book description: "Even if you go to church, it doesn’t mean that you are being exposed (or exposing others) to the gospel explicitly.   Sure, most people talk about Jesus, and about being good and avoiding bad, but the gospel message simply isn’t there—at least not in its specificity and its fullness." 

3.) "And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini is my favorite secular author.  He is actually Muslim and grew up in Afghanistan.  He has written two books called The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, both making it into my top 100 favorite books of all time.  I have been waiting for Hosseini to write something new for what seems like ages.  I'm not sure what this one will be about, only that I assume it will take place in the Middle East like his others, but I am excited beyond belief to start reading.  I know it's going to be mind-blowing. 

4.) "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
I have no idea what this book is about, only that my little sister has been asking me to read it for months.  I currently do not have a copy, but I told Amy I would check it out, so I will, whenever I can get my hands on the book.  According to my sister, the book is amazing and life-changing.  As far as I am aware, it is secular, for anyone who is wondering.  I will give it a read this summer, if possible.  

5.) "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream" by David Platt
I have been wanting to read this for what seems like forever.  This summer, I finally went out and purchased a copy.  I hear quotes by David Platt that rock my world and I have heard so many good things about this book from my parents and a few friends.  The book description says, "In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard."

6.) "Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God" by David Platt
This is the sequel to Radical, listed above.  For obvious reasons, I will be reading this after I start and finish Radical.  I've heard that this book, although smaller, is just as life-changing as the first, so I am excited to check it out.  Instead of focusing on the individual, I believe Radical Together is about community and what the Body of Christ should look like.  The book description says, "How might a [Gospel-centered] vision reshape our priorities as the body of Christ?  How might well-intentioned Christians actually prevent God’s people from accomplishing God’s purpose?  And, how can we best unleash the people of God in the church to carry out the purpose of God in the world?"  

7.) "Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live." by David Platt
Basically, I'm going to be reading a lot of David Platt this summer!  From what I hear, his messages are challenging and encouraging, which is what I need.  I am going to be separated from my regular church community for the next few months, so I am eager to find challenges and inspirations as I pursue the Word and read some fantastic Christian books.  A quote I've heard is from the book is: "What if we take away the cool music and the cushioned chairs?  What if the screens are gone and the stage is no longer decorated?  What if the air conditioning is off and the comforts are removed?  Would His Word still be enough for His people to come together?"  I am pretty excited to check this book out.

8.) "Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus" by Kyle Idleman
Again, this is a book that's been on my reading list for a long time now, but I've finally gotten a hold of a copy.  I have heard only good things about this book.  Honestly, I'm not sure what this is actually about, although from the title, I have a feeling it's going to talk about the difference between being a fan and a follower.  The book description says: "Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you." 

9.) "Mortal (The Books of Mortals)" by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee
Ted Dekker is my favorite male author and Tosca Lee is my favorite female author, which makes for the most exciting trilogy ever.  I pretty much had a conniption of pure joy when I first heard they were writing together.  And their combined writing has not failed to disappoint.  The first book in the trilogy, Forbidden, was excellent, and I cannot wait to start reading Mortal.  Here is a very quick synopsis from the book description: "Centuries have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse.  The world's greatest threats have all been silenced.  There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace...and fear.  A terrible secret was closely guarded for centuries: every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity." 

10.) "This Changes Everything" by Ben Stuart
Ben Stuart is the head of Breakaway Ministries, which is a huge Bible Study for Texas A&M University, with an attendance of about 10,000 students.  I'm so very excited to read this study on the book of James.  I also do not have a copy of this book, but I am hoping to grab one from Lifeway soon.  The book description says, "The world desperately needs Christians whose actions match their convictions.  A young generation is rising up, and they need to see the power of the gospel working its way out into our everyday lives.  Enter James, the half-brother of Jesus.  Be warned, everything is on the table.  James will call us to evaluate the way we deal with hardship, handle money, use our words, and plan our futures.  But if we will let him in, James's letter has the potential for our outside to match our inside, our activity to match our God-given identity."


What is on your summer reading list?

Two years ago: Graduation Invitations and Announcements
One year ago: My Summer Bucket List