What’s your favorite books read in 2017?
If you’re an avid reader, you’ve probably read a few gems and a lot of duds. Let’s face it: there are A LOT of books in the wide world, and not nearly enough time to read them all. And don’t you hate it when someone asks for a book recommendation and you know you’ve read a book but you can’t remember the title?
I keep track of everything I read on Pinterest (here’s my 2017 list and my 2016 list here), which makes it easy to look back and review which ones are the best. I thought I’d share with you my favorite books read in 2017 in the hopes that you’ll find a gem or two to add to your own list.
Over the next few weeks I’ll also be sharing the top books I want to read in 2018, as well as adding to my favorites collections my category, like marriage books, Christian women’s books, Christian biographies, Bible study handbooks, and more! (Any others you’d be interested in?) Stay tuned. 🙂
Here we go:
My Favorite Books Read in 2017
Favorite Parenting Book
Parenting Scripts by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake
This past year I struggled with responding gently to my daughters’ outbursts of anger. Or blatant disobedience. Or bedtime negotiations. This much-anticipated sequel to Triggers is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. Wendy and Amber provide gentle parenting scripts that have helped me be more consistent and gentle in my responses, which has led to a more peaceful home overall. I’d recommend this book for parenting children of all ages.
Favorite Devotional
GraceLaced by Ruth Simmons
This is, hands down, the most beautiful book I’ve held in my hands this year, both because of the original artwork created by Ruth, and the heartfelt devotionals that speak truth with gentleness and courage. GraceLaced will carry you through the seasons of the year and the seasons of your life, and you’ll want to keep this one out on your coffee table all year long.
Favorite Writing Book
Sell Your Book Like Wildfire by Rob Eager
I first read this book a few years ago, and it’s probably one of the most influential books on my own writing. Not because it teaches you how to craft catchy sentences, but because it teaches writers how to build in smart marketing components into their manuscript. I’m so blessed to do what I love for a living, and a big part of being a writer in the 21st century is learning to leverage internet marketing to get your books into your potential readers’ hands. Rob’s little book here is a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to write and sell their book in the internet age.
Favorite Health Book
Revelation Wellness by Alisa Keeton
I started listening to Alisa’ podcast this past summer while training for my first triathlon, and I was pleasantly surprised by how she combined traditional personal training with Scripture-rich teaching. Her words rang in my ears mile after mile, and I was excited to hear she was releasing a book as well. This 8-week handbook will guide you through spiritual renovation as well as physical restoration. It’s the perfect next step if you’ve read Full and are looking for some practical advice from a licensed personal trainer.
Favorite Personal Development Book
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
This is one of those books you discover and then tell all your friends about. Yeah, I was that person this year. I’m a bit of a personality test junkie, but this was the first profile I’ve found that approaches personalities from a spiritual perspective, describing how each type acts in full submission to the Holy Spirit, as well as when rebelling against God, as well as which deadly sins they’re most susceptible to. My husband read it, then my sisters-in-law got into it, and I’m pretty sure our family conversations will never be the same. 🙂
Favorite Novel
Like a River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart
I’ll be honest: I’ve read A LOT of novels this year, and most of them were sub-par. As an English major, I have high expectations of the fiction I read, and this debut novel from Kelli Stuart does not disappoint. Great character development, a gripping storyline, and a redemptive ending without coming across as preachy. That’s tough to do, but Kelli pulled it off. And this story has stayed with me for months after reading it.
Favorite Christian Living Book
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
This message of slowing down and being present has been a recurring theme in my life this past year, and Shauna’s book couldn’t have come at a better time. The whole time I was listening to it, I felt like a big sister was letting me peak behind the curtain and giving me permission to slow down and savor my life as it is right now. Over the past few months, I’ve cut back on my work hours, deleted a dozen apps on my phone, and instituted a daily read-aloud time with my daughters all in an effort to be present. And it’s absolutely been worth it. Grateful for this book.
Favorite Bible Study
Open Your Bible by Rachel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams
It’s not often that I pick up a workbook-style Bible study, but this one has been a blessing to me this year. Even in just the first two weeks, it revealed to me baggage that I’ve been carrying into my personal Bible study times, and has prompted insightful times of prayer and repentance. I’d recommend it for those who are totally new to studying the Bible (it walks you through the basics) as well as those of us who might need refreshed in our desire to open our Bibles.
Favorite Business Book
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
I almost didn’t list this, because the title put me off at first and it might seem offensive. But it was so good once I got into the content, that I just had to include it. For the past few years my husband and I have been looking for some type of framework to help us better handle our online ministry’s finances, and this book was the answer. It’s written in plain English using easy-to-understand principles, and it’s absolutely transformed our finances.
Favorite Memoir
A Place to Land by Kate Motaung
I don’t read a lot of memoir–it’s experienced a boon in the publishing world recently, but I’ve just found most memoirs’ storytelling fails to hold my attention for long. Kate’s book, however, had me hooked from the very sentence to the very last page, and I read it all while on a plane. In full transparency, I know Kate personally and love her dearly, so this was kind of like getting to read her diary and I loved learning more about her. But I really think that even if you don’t know the author, you’ll love this story of longing and belonging. By far my favorite memoir this year.
So there you have it! Those are my favorite books read in 2017. What were some of your favorites?