I’m trying to read more nonfiction. I love stories and I can read fiction fast, but there’s a lot to learn and be challenged by in the nonfiction world, too.
Here are five nonfiction books I’ve read this year that top my list of best of 2013, so far.
1. 7 by Jen Hatmaker. Turned my world upside-down and introduced me to one of my favorite writers out in the book world and the Internet world. Great principles for simplifying your life.
2. Wrecked by Jeff Goins. My world was already wrecked when I read this, but it confirmed that God is up to something with us. If you’ve had a life-changing encounter with poverty or justice issues or on a mission trip, this is a good follow-up book for incorporating that experience into the whole of your life.
3. Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton. It’s a book not just to be read but experienced. It’s a guide for establishing rhythms and disciplines into your spiritual practices and living a balanced life.
4. On Writing by Stephen King. I can’t believe it took me till now to read this book. His writing advice and experience is invaluable.
5. Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist. I know I just reviewed it this week, but her writing style is unique and I’ve never read a book that blends personal experiences, cooking and spirituality so well.
What’s on your list of favorites so far this year?
When I’m not reading fiction I tend to steer towards memoir and autobiography. I feel there is a great deal to be learned from reading other peoples life experiences. Most recently I read an autobiography from Kieran Doherty ‘Back From The Abyss’. http://capandbellspress.com/2013/05/back-from-the-abyss/
Doherty suffered with depserate alcohol addiction for most of his life and until his death in 2010 it managed to land him in prison, court-martialed in the military and destroy his career and marriages. He lived quite a wild lifestyle and the accounts given in his book are sometimes hard to believe but always fascinating. I highly recommend picking this one up.