The 10 Best Books I Read in 2014

I love reading! Reading is my absolute favorite thing to do. My perfect day is spent curled up with a book on the couch sipping coffee.

Now that I have a Kindle (I got this one with my birthday money on Black Friday), I’m reading books faster than ever. Every time my husband turns around, I’ve started a new book.

I admit that I drug my heels on buying a Kindle. I love holding a physical book in my hands. I love the smell of the pages turning, and my favorite recharge moments are standing among the literature stacks in the library just running my hands over the spines. I’m a book lover at heart!

If you follow me on Facebook, then you know I love sharing Kindle deals with you over there. The Kindle deals are probably what sold me on making the leap. But I digress!

I did a pretty good job of sticking to my reading list this year, but I also read books not on my list. Many of those books you’ll find listed below!

So without further ado, if you’re making your book list for 2015, make sure the following make the cut.

The 10 Best Books I Read in 2014

1. Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul by Jennie Allen – This is the book I wish I had written. The details of our story is different, but this book is my current life story. The prayer, “We will do anything. Anything, Lord” has rolled off our lips and now? We’re living our anything! This is a must read book if you’re tired of the Christian status quo and ready to live your life on fire for Jesus.

2. Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider – I pre-ordered this book at full price! You do that when you love the author! And this book was totally worth it. As someone who loves the art of living intentionally, this book was spot on. It inspired me to rethink areas of my life in order to simplify and live more of the life I want.

3. Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie Baucham, Jr. – You know those books where you just find yourself nodding the entire time? This is one of those books for me. As I have studied God’s Word, my convictions on the importance of discipleship of my children has only grown. This book was a breath of fresh air that made me feel a little less crazy. I love Voddie’s ability to teach with frankness what the Bible says about parenting and our family’s faith.

4. United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity by Trillia Newbell – This book was personal for me. The issue of diversity is something heavy on my heart, yet I’ve been pretty silent until recently. Reading this book was another one of those moments where I felt a little less crazy for living according to my convictions.

I was raised in the south where rebel flags were the “thing.” We wore our confederate badges like a medal. It made me sick. Still does. Trillia did such a wonderful job of explaining God’s picture of diversity and what it means to be created in the image of God. Her words helped to debunk much of the underlying thinking that was so ingrained in my way of life, unveiling prejudices that I did not even know existed in my heart.

Additionally, the local church she refers to in the book is also the church I came to know Jesus as my Savior in, so hearing more of its story was fascinating. Plus Trillia is friend that I look up to. I love watching what God is doing in and through her sweet, humble spirit. This book is great for anyone who is sick of racial discrimination and ready to start doing something about uniting under the banner of Christ.

5. You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You by Holly Gerth – Oh how I loved this book. I practically devoured it. Another book that had me nodding my head and saying, “So glad someone finally said it!” Your life matters. If you think it doesn’t, or just aren’t sure what God is calling you to do, then read this book. You’ll thank me.

6. Glimpses of Grace: Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home by Gloria Furman – If you’re underwhelmed by the mundane, then this book is for you. When I read this book, I needed a fresh dose of encouragement in my homemaking. Does homemaking even matter? How does the Gospel motivate and apply to washing dishes and scrubbing toilets? This book is Cross-centered and grace-filled!

7. Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! by Rachel Stafford – As a work-at-home mom, this book was a must read for me. It didn’t convince me to quit blogging, burn my business (or iphone), or quit being a work-at-home mom, but it did help me to see where I needed to let go and be more present. This is a must read for all moms in our social media, smart, i-crazed world.

8. Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem by Kevin DeYoung – I think the title of this book tells it all. This is a great book for those who are just crazy busy. If you need help getting a handle on your schedule, then this book is for you.

9. The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith – This is another book I pre-ordered because I love the author. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I love decorating my home, but it’s not always Pinterest perfect. It’s also not really “normal” style per se. I think I’m a little bit, a lot?, eclectic in my style and I’ve always been a bit self conscious about it. This book was a great read to help me embrace who I am and the home God has given me to make beautiful. My home doesn’t look like my mom’s or the friend next door. And … that’s okay.

10. Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson – Parenting is hard work and trying to do it according to God’s word can be so discouraging. How do we teach our children the Gospel while instructing them in the ways of life? If you’re in need of an extra dose of grace when it comes to parenting, this book is for you.

What were you favorite books from this year? Any that I need to put on my list for 2015?

P.S. If you need a free printable reading list, check out my 2014 Reading List. There’s a FREE PRINTABLE at the bottom!

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