Want to read more Christian or self-growth books this year? Here’s my reading list for 2021.
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One of my new year’s resolutions is to read more books this year. Happy to say I’m off to a good start!
Most of the books I choose are Christian faith non-fiction and personal development and growth. (Or “self-help”.) I always toss in some fiction for a brain break, and not gonna lie, I actually prefer young adult literature.
This year with a goal of diversifying my perspective, I am incorporating more books by BIPOC authors on their experience. Suggestions are welcome in the comments!
It’s an ambitious reading list to be sure! I’ll do my best. Excited to see where it goes this year.
This is the post where I’ll be updating my progress and sharing my reviews of what I’ve read.
My Reading List for 2021
Finished Reading
Fighting Forward by Hannah Brencher
Hannah shares from personal experience, about depression, heartbreak and fears. She also shares “fight songs,” or what she’s learned that keeps her going when the going gets tough. Above all from this book, I appreciated her continual message to keep showing up – for yourself and for others; when things get mundane; when you get burned out. Keep showing up. The small steps you take are worth it.
What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancey
This book is a classic and an absolute must in your journey with God. I read it years ago, and while astounded by the first few chapters diving into the incomprehensible grace of God, I couldn’t relate so much to the following chapters. Fast forward to 2020 and 2021, and it has been incredibly timely with the racial injustice and political unrest we have been seeing in the news all too often. From personal experiences and relationships to helpful analogies – this book looks into “the atrocious math of grace” and how we absolutely must apply it to our lives and in this world.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
One of the fun ones. I watched the Netflix movie a year or so ago, and just loved the entire feel of it – it’s a classic high school romantic storyline, fairly innocent, and so sweet. They really did a great job of sticking to the book, in my opinion. The book is deeper than I expected – like how the main character struggles to keep her world protected and in tact, what happens when she is forced to go out of her comfort zone, and her questions on what love really looks like.
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring For Yourself by Melody Beattie
Getting to be a very popular read. I depend way too much on what other people think and tend to react out of fear. I don’t relate to everything in this book, but it has already helped me to ask good questions and start healthier mindset patterns and relationship boundaries.
Dear Mr. Knightley and Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
I stumbled upon this author after spotting Dear Mr. Knightley recommended a few times, finally dug in, and was not disappointed. SO good. If you’re a literary nut like me, you’ll love all the classic lit and author references. But these stories and characters are all Reay’s own. I couldn’t put them down. Both include faith perspectives shared in a very authentic way.
Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women by Sarah Bessey
I love Bessey’s writing, and connect so much with some of her experiences, like how becoming a mom affected her walk with God. It’s always encouraging and enlightening to consider Jesus’s attitude towards women. I’m still researching biblical gender roles for myself, and at this moment I don’t entirely see eye to eye with Bessey’s convictions on all the areas, but I love her heart for God and to see Christian women thrive and use their talents for him.
** Currently Reading **
Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates
Obsessed with this book. Melinda breaks down so simply the concept that women who can live out their motherhood in a healthy and community-supported way are empowered to better provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to society as a whole. The goal of helping every woman experience healthy pregnancies and labors, and take care of their children, is one that I deeply connect with.
The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith by Gretchen Saffles
I’m honored to be on the launch team for this book and had a sneak peek prior to launch day. I can’t tell you how much I relate to Gretchen’s experience and convictions. In this book, through scripture and life examples, she really guides us to live a soul-quenching life saturated in the grace of God.
When God Says No: Facing Disappointment and Denial Without Losing Heart, Losing Hope, and Losing Your Head by Elizabeth Laing Thompson
One of my favorite authors! I’m also on the launch team for this book, which comes out May 1. This book goes along with two others: When God Says Wait and When God Says Go, but can absolutely be read on its own. (Fair warning, you’ll want to read the rest.)
On My Reading List
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
For my prayer life.
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund
To learn more about the character of Christ.
Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference by Timothy Keller and John Inazu
To address disunity in the church and learn how I can be a better peacemaker.
Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard by Jennie Allen
One of my new favorite authors, thanks to reading Get Out of Your Head last year.
All My Friends Have Issues: Building Remarkable Relationships with Imperfect People (Like Me) by Amanda Anderson
Working on my relationships this year!
You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are by Rebekah Lyons
Just the title alone.
Be The Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison
Because I have so much to learn and we have so much work to do.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
This book comes highly recommended.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss
Another one coming highly recommended.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
The title alone.
What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer
Because I keep hearing about it and it looks good.
When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer by Jan Johnson
Already loving the concept.
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
In an interest of learning and loving people better.
Jesus and Women: In the First Century and Now by Kristi McLelland
Same answer as above.
Building a Multiethnic Church: A Gospel Vision of Grace, Love, and Reconciliation in a Divided World by Derwin L. Gray
Because I’m only just now realizing how simple and uncomplicated this mission is NOT.
A Woman’s Battle for Grace: Why God is More than You Expected and Everything You Need by Cheryl Broderson
The title alone.
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (And Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham
Because she rocks.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
Because I relate.
A Gentle Answer: Our ‘Secret Weapon’ in an Age of Us Against Them by Scott Sauls
To better answer conflict and represent Christ in this world.
Now You:
What are you reading in 2021? What do you recommend?
Photo Credit:
1 – Radu Marcusu on Unsplash
2 – Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash
3 – Nick Fewings on Unsplash
4 – S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
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