Steven’s Reading List from 2017
Finally released from my doctoral studies, and the required reading, this year allowed me the opportunity to read more freely and broadly, and I’m appreciative of that. I’ve been pleased with much of what has come my way this year, and want to share some of the texts that have played their part in my intellectual life over the past year. I don’t think this is quite a complete list, but it’s close to the sorts of things that caught my attention over the past year.
Poetry
Counting Descent by Clint SmithApplication for Release from the Dream: Poems by Tony HoaglandThe Works of George HerbertI really enjoy reading poetry, when I can get my mind in the right frame for reading it. Tony Hoagland has been a favorite for a few years, and this little time didn’t disappoint, though its a shade darker than his earlier work. The poems by Clint Smith are often fantastic, and I look forward to seeing what comes from him later. Herbert’s verses take a little more work for me, but I was daily struck by the way he used poetry as a pastoral tool. In 2018, I’m starting off with some work by Mary Oliver, but hope to greatly increase my intake of good poetry this year. Suggestions are solicited!
Biblical Studies and Theology
Psalms Old and New: Exegesis, Intertextuality, and Hermeneutics by Ben Witherington IIIBinding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus by Ched MyersChrist Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene PetersonDesiring the Kingdom by James K.A. SmithFaithful Presence: Seven Disciplines that Shape the Church for Mission by David FitchReaching Out by Henri NouwenAmong these, the book by Nouwen was a reread—it’s a top 3 book for me, ever, and I could read it annually. The books by Peterson, Fitch, and Smith are each striking and useful, and I think many people would benefit from hearing each author. The Peterson book is a particular masterpiece, and I hope will someday be seen as a true classic.
Non-Fiction
Just Mercy by Bryan StevensonWriting Tools by Roy Peter ClarkThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanH3 Leadership by Brad LomenickMastering Leadership: An Integrated Framework for Breakthrough Performance and Extraordinary Business Results by Robert Anderson and William AdamsPeak Erik Anders and Robert PoolGood to Great by Jim CollinsThe Ideal Team Player: How to recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues by Patrick LencioniStart with Why Simon SinekDrive by Daniel PinkThe Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry PosnerA stack of leadership books was in the cards for this year, too. Of those, the Sinek book and Mastering Leadership were probably the most useful. However, Just Mercy might have been the best book I read in 2017, period. It’s just an amazing piece, full of story and meaning and mission. Can’t recommend it highly enough. I also found the Kinnamen book eye-opening, as a reflection of the way we humans think and the kinds of biases we are prone to in our decision-making.
Fiction
Ready Player One by Ernest ClineA Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’EngleI need to read more fiction, too. Here I come, 2018!