2017 Reading Challenge: October Update
It’s time for the 2017 Reading Challenge update for October. This year is quickly coming to a close – just two month reading months left to reach my crazy lofty goal to read 104 books by the end of this year.
I decided to complete Tim Challies’ 2017 Reading Challenge, going for The Obsessed Reader Award.
You can read more about the challenge and how I’m managing it all here.
Setting this challenge for myself has really pushed me, and I have not for one second regretted it.
I plan to share a full update after the close of this year, so I won’t get into why I love this challenge so much now. For now, let’s dive right into what I read in October.
2017 Reading Challenge Breakdown & Favorites
Goal: 104 books
Current Books Read: 66
Number of Books to Go: 38
Best Books Read So Far (best books determined by inability to put it down):
- Adult Fiction: The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom, America’s First Daughter, by Stephanie Dray, and Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly
- Child Fiction: Peter Nimble and the Fantastic Eyes, by Jonathan Auxier & The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum (read by Anne Hathaway which was totally amazing!)
- Non-Fiction: Praying the Bible, by Donald Whitney & Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss* (This is my all time favorite book!)
What I Read in October:
How to Study the Bible by Dwight L. Moody – Next to Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin, this is one of the best books I’ve read on how to study the Bible. This book was written in the 19th century, and the challenges they faced then with Bible illiteracy was very much the same as what we face now. I had a hard time not highlighting the entire thing. I highly recommend this book!
What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson – I picked up this book on a recommendation from Revive Our Hearts podcast months (maybe over a year?) ago. What she shares in this book is definitely inspiring, but I found some of the applications a little outdated. However, there were plenty of principles to draw from that could be implemented in the life of the church.
Getting Things Done by David Allen – This is one of those books you read over and over again. It is truly one of the best books on getting organized and managing your time that I’ve ever read. I wish I could truly implement the entire process he outlines in this book, but I often get overwhelmed and stop. With that said, I do grow a little more organized and intentional with each reading of this book. I take one thing away each time and work on it for a while, then I re-read the book to build on this new habit. I’ve been reading this book for seven years, and each time I get something else from it and grow a litle more. I really recommend this book for those seeking to live intentionally and need practical help in this area.
The Pastor’s Wife by Gloria Furman – I always appreciate Gloria Furman’s books. They are continually saturated in the gospel and in gospel application. As my husband continues plowing his way through seminary, this book gave helpful insight into the role (biblically) of a pastor’s wife. I will note that because she is a stay at home mom of four children, many of her examples refer to the early years of motherhood. I found that a wee bit frustrating because my application is different. Not because I work some outside the home now, but because my children all sleep through the night right now and I’m not spending countless hours in the nursery anymore. But overall this book was really insightful and encouraging. Definitely worth the read if you’re a younger woman just getting started in the ministry.
Intercessory Prayer by Charles H. Spurgeon – This is a short insightful read. Anything by Spurgeon is worth reading.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller – This book is also a short read. It had some good truth woven throughout, but I found it a little dry. However, because it’s short I’d recommend it because we can always learn something from a book of this nature.
Share Jesus Without Fear, by William Fay – Highly recommend this book! I read this at the recommendation of my husband. He has grown exponentially in this confidence and ability to share Jesus with literally anyone he meets. At the recommendation of this book, he set up a share Bible and I cannot count how many times he’s used it since. If sharing Jesus with others makes you nervous, then read this book. You will truly feel equipped to share Jesus without fear and be effectively sharing when you do!
2017 Reading Challenge Complete Log
There are more books I’d recommend reading, so I’ve used asterisks to help denote which ones. I also share if I’ve found a deal on Kindle along with any “heads up” you might need before diving in.
* Books I recommend reading
** Books I recommend reading aloud with your kids
The Light Reader
- A biography: The Boy Born Dead, by David Ring*
- A classic novel: Jack and Jill, by Louisa May Alcott* (FREE on Kindle)
- A book about history: A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Parker**
- A book targeted at your gender: Own Your Life: Living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love, by Sally Clarkson*
- A book about theology: Delighting in God, by A. W. Tozer*
- A book with at least 400 pages: America’s First Daughter, by Stephanie Dray*
- A book your pastor recommends:
- A book about Christian living: Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom, by Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart*
- A book more than 100 years old: How to Study the Bible by Dwight L. Moody*
- A book published in 2017: Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him, by Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson*
- A book for children or teens: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum** (FREE on Kindle + add the Audible narration by Anne Hathaway because it is SO GOOD!)
- A book of your choice: The Trumpet of the Swan, by E.B. White**
- A book about a current issue: Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made the Gospel Revolutionary, by J.D. Greear*
The Avid Reader
- A book written by a Puritan: Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress**
- A book by or about a missionary:
- A book about Christian living: Side-by-Side: Walking in Wisdom and Love, by Edward T. Welch*
- A commentary on a book of the Bible:
- A book about the Reformation:
- A book about theology: What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson*
- A book recommended by a family member: Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly*
- A book with a great cover: The Muse, by Jessie Burton* (Heads up: There are a couple of “romantic” scenes. I skipped them when I came to them, and I didn’t feel like I missed a thing.)
- A book on the current New York Times List of bestsellers:
- A book about church history:
- A book of 100 pages or less: Mummies in the Morning, by Mary Pope Osborne
- A book of your choice: The Pleasures of Reading in the Age of Distraction, by Alan Jacobs
- A book that won a prize: On the Banks of Plum Creek, by Laura Ingalls Wilder** (so far this is my favorite of the Little House Series)
The Committed Reader
- A book from a theological viewpoint you disagree with: This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel*
- A book about Christian living: Anywhere Faith: Overcome Fear, Insecurity, and Excuses and Say Yes to God, by Heather C. King*
- A book about apologetics:
- A book of your choice: Peter Nimble and the Fantastic Eyes, by Jonathan Auxier**
- A humorous book: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, by Betty MacDonald** (This one even hooked in my three year old!)
- A book based on a true story:
- A book about prayer: Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer, by Priscilla Shirer*
- A book of poetry: Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson*
- A book with a one-word title: Matilda, by Ronald Dahl**
- A book by Sinclair Ferguson:
- A novel by an author you have never read before: Whose Body?, by Dorothy L. Sayers* ($0.99 on Kindle right now!)
- A book about Christian living: Habits of Grace, by David Mathis (If you’re looking for a book on spiritual disciplines, I’d recommend Donald Whitney’s book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life over this one.)
- A memoir or autobiography:
- A play by William Shakespeare:
- A book of your choice: Leonardo da Vinci: Giants of Science, by Kathleen Krull** (Heads up: I skipped the chapter on Leonardo’s romantic proclivities and scandal.)
- A book written by an author with initials in their name: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling**
- A book by a female author: The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes** (Fantastic book to build empathy!)
- A book about theology: Intercessory Prayer by Charles H. Spurgeon*
- A book published by Crossway: None Like Him, by Jen Wilkin*
- A self-improvement book:
- A graphic novel: Rapunzel’s Revenge, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale** (My son loves graphic novels. I don’t care for them, but he loved this one and much to my surprise, I did too. I read it after him just to knock this off my list.)
- A book you own but have never read: Mercy Watson to the Rescue, by Katie DiCamillo**
- A book targeted at the other gender: Great Books for Boys, by Kathleen Odean*
- A book about Christian living: Spiritual Disciplines, by Donald S. Whitney*
- A book of your choice: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling**
- A book about race or racial issues: The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom*
The Obsessed Reader
- A book you have started but never finished: Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, by J. Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt
- A book about church history:
- A book about holiness or sanctification: Holiness: The Heart God Purifies, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss*
- A book about science:
- A book used as a seminary text:
- A book on the ECPA bestseller list:
- A book about productivity or time management: Getting Things Done by David Allen
- A book of your choice: Tolstoy and the Purple Chair, by Nina Sankovitch
- A book about spiritual disciplines: Praying the Bible, by Donald Whitney*
- A book about parenting:
- A book about Christian living: The Pastor’s Wife by Gloria Furman
- A book by Iain Murray:
- A book about business:
- A book about theology: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
- A book about marriage: You and Me Forever, by Francis and Lisa Chan*
- A photo essay book:
- A book of comics:
- A book about the Second World War: The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Woman Survived the Jewish Holocaust, by Edith Hahn Beer*
- A book by a Puritan:
- A book about preaching or public speaking:
- A book of your choice: The Shadow of Your Smile, by Mary Higgins Clark*
- A book about suffering:
- A book about evangelism: Share Jesus Without Fear, by William Fay*
- A book by your favorite author:
- A book you have read before: Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss* (This is my all time favorite book!)
- A Christian novel:
- A biography of a Christian: The Apostle: A Life of Paul, by John Pollock*
- A book about the natural world:
- A novel for young adults: Prince Caspian, by C.S. Lewis**
- A novel longer than 400 pages: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling**
- A book about history:
- A book about the Bible:
- A book recommended by a friend:
- A book published by P&R Publications:
- A book with an ugly cover:
- A book by or about a martyr:
- A book of your choice: Every Wild Heart by Meg Donohue
- A book about Christian living:
- A book about church history:
- A book about money or finance: More Than Just Making It, by Erin Odom*
- A book about leadership: Running on Empty, by Barbara Bancroft
- A book by John Piper: Seeing and Savoring Christ, by John Piper*
- A book about theology:
- A book for children or teens: Waiting for the Magic, by Patricia MacLachlan** (This is cute for kids to read, but I don’t know that I’d read it aloud to the kids.)
- A book about sexuality:
- A book about writing:
- A book about current events: Abortion, by R.C. Sproul* (FREE on Kindle!)
- A biography of a world leader:
- A book about the church: Life in Community, by Dustin Willis*
- A book of your choice: Listening for Lions, by Gloria Whelan**
- A book about a hobby: The Well-Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never Had, by Susan Wise Bower*
- A book written in a twentieth century:
Other posts you might be interested in:
- 15 Ways to Make More Time to Read
- An Intentional By Grace Recommended Reading List
- 5 Tips for Reading Aloud with Your Children
- 7 Books Every Christian Woman Should Read
- All the posts from my reading archives
What about you? Are you doing a reading challenge this year? What are some of the best books you’ve read this year?
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Wow, looks like you read some great books this year. My reading goal was 32 books and I’ve read 37 so far. I also count the books I read aloud to the kids for homeschool. OK, so I looked at your list and I saw a few blank spaces, so I had some recommendations. For a book based on a true story I LOVE Tisha: The Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaska Wilderness as told to Robert Specht (I have to say this is my all time favorite book!). And for a book by or about a missionary check out Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose. I actually got to see her speak when I was in college. A few more books I read and recommend are: A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.
A Long Walk to Water was one of my favorites last year, and Because of Winn-Dixie is on my list. I will have to check out the others you recommended! Thanks!