OK, I know we’re a month into 2014, and I haven’t yet posted my recap of last year’s goal to read 52 books.
In 2013, I actually exceeded my goal by one, and read 53 books. As I read back over the list, I see a lot of audiobooks (28 total) and graphic novels (12 total). Since I read audiobooks when I drive and I read graphic novels because I’m a nerd, I hereby posthumously designate 2013 the “Year of the Traveling Nerd.”
I did have some goals about what kind of books I would read in 2013. I wanted to read more classic fiction and biographies. How did I do on those goals? Not so great. I am in the middle of two biographical books right now; one about Bobby Fischer and one about William Tyndale. However, I only read one biography in 2013, Fearless, and I didn’t read any classic fiction.
So, I’m continuing those two goals for 2014, as well as attempting to read more non-audiobooks. Looks like I may spend more time actually reading–and hopefully less time driving–in 2014.
Be in suspense no longer. Here is the list with either a tweet-length review or a link a longer review I’ve written:
The List:
1. Operation: Screwtape by Andrew Farley
2. Luke Cage: Noir by Mike Benson, Adam Glass, and Shawn Martinbrough.
Interesting re-imagining of this Marvel Comics character. I would like to read some other books in this series.
3. Risk is Right by John Piper
4. Organic Church by Neil Cole
Challenging look at a different way to do church. Every church leader should read this book. Not so they can follow the model, but so they can get the message.
5. Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter by Darwin Cooke
Stylistic and violent crime thriller. Very well done graphic novel.
6. Richard Stark’s Parker: The Outfit by Darwin Cooke
Sequel to The Hunter. Even better than the first.
7. Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne by Grant Morrison
Not my favorite Batman comic. I like Morrison’s work on the Batman & Robin series much better.
8. Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart by J.D. Geear
9. The Arctic Marauder by Jacques Tardi
Very niche graphic novel in the “Icepunk” genre. Cool artwork, and great twist ending.
10. Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones
11. Fearless by Eric Blehm
12. Taking God Seriously by J.I. Packer
13. World War Hulk/Warbound by Greg Pak
Not as good as Planet Hulk by a long shot. But if you like ridiculously epic battles between super heroes with lots of destruction, this is your cup of tea.
14. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
A book for every Christ-follower on what it really means to be a Christ-follower. Highly recommended.
15. In the Plex by Steven Levy
The fascinating story of Google’s rise, unique culture, and challenges. It is the biography of a company.
16. Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris
17. Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley
18. Comforts from Romans by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick
19. Too Small to Ignore by Wess Stafford
This book will tear your heart out, and make you want to invest your whole life in helping kids grow into leaders. Which is why you should read it.
20. 99 Thoughts for Leading Volunteers by Kent Julian
Short book with some good, practical insights.
21. Compelling Interest by Roger Resler
22. Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley
The best book I read all year. A simply amazing book on the church, spiritual formation, and courageous leadership.
23. The Real Win by Matt Carter and Colt McCoy
24. Plastic Donuts by Jeff Anderson
25. Chivalry by Zach Hunter
26. The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
An fun, geeky mix of history, science, and intrigue. Craziest part: it’s a book about the Periodic Table of the Elements.
27. Days Missing by Various
Way cool sci-fi graphic novel. They need to make this into a movie, like, yesterday. I only wish it was longer…
28. Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp
29. The In-Between by Jeff Goins
30. Emergency Response Handbook by Group Publishing
Very useful reference book for those working with youth. I handed this book out to all the volunteers in my youth ministry.
31. Man of God by Charles F. Stanley
32. Grandville, Vol. 1 by Bryan Talbot
Mystery/thriller graphic novel with anthropomorphic animals living in a futuristic, steampunk Europe. Sounds a little silly, I know, but it’s actually really cool.
33. To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain by Matt Chandler
34. All-Star Superman Pt. I and II by Grant Morrison
I’m not usually a Superman fan, but these books brought a fresh, new humanity to the Man of Steel.
35. Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
36. Godonomics by Chad Hovind
37. Leadership Secrets of the Salvation Army by Robert A. Watson and Ben Brown
38. Own It by Michael and Haylay DiMarco
39. Discovering the City of Sodom by Dr. Steven Collins and Dr. Latayne C. Scott
40. Puff or Pass by Mark Driscoll
Short book about the way Christians should respond to the legalization of marijuana. A balanced look at the views, with a compelling biblical argument for Driscoll’s view. Plus, you can get it for free!
41. A Call to Resurgence by Mark Driscoll
42. Think Orange by Reggie Joiner
The best book on family ministry, period. And probably the best book on church programming I’ve read, well, ever.
43. He Wins, She Wins by Willard F. Harley, Jr.
44. Axiom by Bill Hybels
This book worked great as an audiobook because it was like listening to an excellent series of leadership podcasts by church leadership guru Bill Hybels.
45. Prince Valiant, Vol. 1: 1937-1938 by Hal Foster
This comic strip always reminds me of my grandpa, because we would read it together. This collection is amazing and it shows you why Hal Foster was the master.
46. What Did Jesus Really Mean When He Said Follow Me by David Platt
47. 10 Days Without by Daniel Ryan Day
48. The Global War on Christians by John L. Allen, Jr.
49. The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson
Peterson truly is the pastor’s pastor. His outlook is so refreshingly counter-cultural. And, yes, I’m talking about counter to the Christian culture, not the secular.
50. Fall of the Mutants, Vol. 2 by Marvel Comics
Ah, the X-men in the 80’s. When every other title by Marvel had better writers, but it didn’t matter; X-men and X-Factor were still more popular. The random Daredevil comic in this crossover collection is a nihilistic masterpiece.
51. Love Does by Bob Goff
Can a book be both goofy and deeply empowering? This life-changing book is just that.
52. Judges for You by Timothy Keller
53. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Even more haunting the second time you read it. Moore and Gibbons are so integrated in their words and visuals that they seem like the same person. The dense detail, the comics medium explored to it’s storytelling limits, is what makes this graphic novel the greatest of all time.