What I Am Reading

Unexpected Storylines

First off, Cheryl is an unbelievably talented and multifaceted creative along with being a wonderful friend. One of my favorite recent Christian novels, winning more than TEN major book awards since it was published, I loved Cheryl’s young protagonists, Aggie and Celia, because I related so much to both–a neurodiverse nature lover and a troubled teen walking a dangerous line.

Sugar Birds
by Cheryl Bostrom (She Writes Press, 2021)

This book was filled with “a-ha!” and “me, too!” moments as my wonderful Indian-born friend, Mabel, explores the intersection between culture, identity, and faith from an earthly immigrant who gained a spiritual perspective.

Far From Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth
by Mabel Ninan (Harambee Press, 2022)

This is an audiobook exploring how technology and best intentions collide in the heat of war. I saw many practical crossover lessons for the church through the stories of WWII scientists and the political and military leadership of the time.

The Bomber Mafia
by Malcolm Gladwell (Pushkin Industries, 2021)

A landmark book in my healing. Cannot say enough good things about this except that if you are a CSA survivor, make sure you have support and a good counselor before reading this book.

The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
by Dr. Dan Allender (NavPress, 2018)

This is one of the funniest yet meaty short books I read this year. Sometimes it’s just good to laugh as you’re healing.

My Yes is on the Table: Moving From Fear to Faith
by Jennifer Hand (Moody Press, 2022)

This book is used in many recovery circles. You might be surprised what being co-dependent really is.

Co-Dependent No More: How To Stop Controlling Others and Care For Yourself
by Melody Beattie (Hazelden, 1986)

The social basics of becoming a Christian. A must-read.

Boundaries
by Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan, 2017)

Faith-Inspiring Education

This is a ridiculously well-researched and crafted book about two American greats who birthed our country’s social and spiritual foundations.

The Printer and the Preacher: Ben Franklin, George Whitefield, and the Surprising Friendship that Invented America
by Randy Petersen (Thomas Nelson, 2015)

This book forever changed how I’ll read Scripture. A fresh look at the earliest Christian movement reveals what made the new faith so compelling…and what we need to change today to make it so again.

Irresistible: Reclaiming the New That Jesus Unleashed for the World
by Andy Stanley (Zondervon, 2020)

Productivity Hacks

This was another NYT Bestseller mind-bender for me as a trauma survivor. Who AM I and WHAT DO I REALLY WANT? “This book teaches you to think like some of the greatest non-conformist minds of our era, to question, challenge, hack, and create new rules for YOUR life to define success on your own terms.” 

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind
by Vishen Lakhiani (Rodale, 2016)

I listened to this NYT Bestseller four times this year on audiobook and was astonished at what an impact it made on my productivity and habits. This book literally is one of the reasons I was able to publish a book this year.

Atomic Habits
by James Clear (Avery, 2018)