2015 Books I Read

My 2015 reading list:

the hardest peace: expecting grace in the midst of life's hard by Kara Tippetts.I first heard of Kara Tippetts, a young wife and mother of four who was battling cancer, when her open letter to another young woman who had determined the day she would die in her cancer battle. Kara’s letter detailed why it was best to let God (nature) take its course. Since I read this a year ago I don’t remember a lot, but I do know from following her blog (mundanefaithfulness.com) that her emphasis is grace over fear. God always provides grace for what we need when we need it and not before. We cannot build a bank of grace to draw on.

Love Big by Kara Tippetts, an e-book. This wasn’t long but I still consider it a book read. All about love is kind.

A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Spark. This was a wasted fiction read. The storyline started ok but became so improbable that I felt I’d wasted time when I finished it.

The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL by Eric Greitens. This may be my favorite book of the year. The author photographed multiple humanitarian missions for the UN. As he interacted with refugees in Eastern Europe and Africa, he realized that when people are given handouts, they are stripped of hope and a sense of accomplishment of providing for themselves. Additionally, he realized that without physical safety all humanitarian efforts will fail. He returned to the U.S. to join the Navy and become a Navy Seal to provide physical safety and political stability. I was interested in the transformation of his thinking but mostly amazed by the training of the SEALS. I’d last for less than a minute!

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock. Recommended by a friend on facebook. An interesting quick historical fiction read.

Suncatchers by Jamie Langston Turner. I had read a book previously by this author and did not care for the writing style or storyline. Two people recommended I retry the author so this was my try. Unfortunately this book didn’t resonate with me.

And the Good News is by Dana Perino. A very interesting book from the press secretary for George W. Bush. In addition to the stories of what made her who she is and the from her time in the White House, the book is excellent for young ladies of how to build a career.

Why My Wife Thinks I'm an Idiot The Life and Times of a Sportscaster Dad by Mike Greenberg. For 15 years I’ve listened to Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio on my drive to work. This book is several years old but I wanted to read a book over Memorial Day weekend and this was cheaper for the Kindle than any of his other books. While “Greenie” makes no bones about being a metrosexual on his show, I didn’t expect such blatant narcissim. I was disappointed. Boo-hoo—you have a privileged life and your problems are minor compared to most of the world. Being disillusioned with Greenie hasn’t stopped me from listening to the show each morning.

T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton. In June I organized a Reading Lunch for my department when we could discuss what we have been reading. A co-worker mentions that she likes Sue Grafton as a fiction writer. Grafton has a series of books using the alphabet in the title. All have the same private investigator. I still prefer John Grisham but I will read Grafton again when I need light fiction to read.

Deliver Us from Abortion by Brian Fisher. Brian is the founder of Online for Life and a member of my church. An excellent read on how the church must take on and win the battle for life.

Gray Mountain by John Grisham. One of my least liked Grisham books—my other dislikes were his non-legal books. This one is about how coal mining companies are raping the land in Appalachia as they strip mine.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. This was shared by a cousin who is planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2016. Harold begins a journey walking across England to deliver a letter rather than just mail it. What a sad pathetic life and a reminder of how those without Christ have no hope.

Suddenly Single by Isaiah Stratton. Isaiah’s family worked at the camp that I worked at throughout college. I  babysat him and his brothers occasionally for the evening services. The story of his life after the breakup of his marriage.

The Speechwriter by Barton Swaim. I’m not sure where I saw this recommended but thought it would be interesting to read how another person used words for a living since I was in communications at the time. Swaim was the speechwriter for Mark Sanford, then governor of SC is most noted for vacationing with his South American mistress while telling his staff he was hiking the Appalachian Trail. Since I already had little respect for Sanford, seeing what a self-centered person he is and how terribly he treated his staff made me have even less for him.

Second Chance: The Mark Sanford Story by Tony Bartelme. To follow up on The Speechwriter this book just confirmed what a louse Mark Sanford is. A biography that doesn’t hold back on his lack of character and self-centeredness that led to his indiscretions.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail by Cheryl Strayed. The story of what led Cheryl to hike the Pacific Coast Trail and her adventures on her hike. I kept thinking about my cousin who will be hiking the AT later this year. I kept going back and forth between how fun and no way!

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown by Eric Blehm. This was recommended by a high school and now Facebook friend who requires her children to read this for homeschool. This is an excellent read and reminded somewhat of The Heart and the Fist from a believer’s perspective.

Game Changer by Kirk Cousins. I watched Kirk play high school football in West Michigan. I followed him at Michigan State and then as back up quarterback to RGIII in Washington. This book feeds off his speech at the Big 10 media days when he was the player speaker to give advice about the privilege of playing football and how to make good life decisions. It’s geared to much younger people but I enjoyed reading the thoughts of a good kid whose hard work and good choices are paying off for him.

Start by Jon Acuff. I’ve followed his blog for several years. While his style gets a bit old and his stories are repeated I liked this book about escaping average and doing work that matters. I especially appreciated his take on finding your passions. It’s not a job or even an activity but a principle that drives you. I will review this book during my current job search.