twentyeleven

 

I love reading.  It is pretty rare that I don’t enjoy a book that I finish, so I am not sure that I should be held as a book critic in any kind of capacity.  I just really enjoy reading.  I still have a stack of books I can’t wait to get to in 2012 (All Is Grace by Brennan Manning, Tomatoland by Barry Estabrook, Bonhoeffer by Eric Metexas, etc.).  I try to keep my reading list on this blog updated regularly, so just because it didn’t make the top 5 doesn’t mean I didn’t really enjoy it. (once again, click the pictures to go to the book on Amazon)

THE 5 BEST BOOKS I READ IN 2011

Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne

This was the best book I read this year. It is one of the best I’ve ever read.  I think I quote from it every other blog I write.  I love it because it felt like it was written to me.  Shane grew up in Maryville, TN with a life that looked a lot like mine.  And then, he became obedient  in ways that stretched me to even think about.  And in this book he obediently reflects the call to adventure, sacrifice, compassion and community that the gospels are all about.  If you read anything in 2012, please read this.  But, I have to warn you. It will absolutely wreck you life.  But, don’t you kind of need that?

Just Kids by Patti Smith

I love New York City and I love rock and roll. This book has so many beautiful things to say about both. Part love story, party eulogy, Smith tells the story of she and her dear friend photographer Robert Mapplethorpe with such beautiful detail and hope. You get to follow the pair from the streets of Brooklyn to the Chelsea Hotel and to the deathbed of an AIDS victim. The tagline of the book says it all: “It was the summer Coltrane died, the summer of love and riots, and the summer when a chance encounter in Brooklyn led two young people on a path of art, devotion, and initiation.”

 

One Thousand Gifts by Ann VosKamp

I did not want to like this book.  It is a book that lots of christian women read in their christian book clubs or Sunday school classes.  I don’t really care for books like that.  And it is written with such flowery language that was difficult for me to relate to at first.  But, then, out of nowhere it became such a great book.  And as I read, I felt something in me changing.  A stirring and a drawing that only happens when we collide with the Holy. I don’t think I have ever learned more about gratefulness, solitude, and the art of being where you are. I loved this book. I learned so much from it. I can’t recommend it enough.  I wish the language wasn’t so flowery, because then maybe Mrs. VosKamp’s audience would be broader in gender.  I loved it so much that in September my friend Kyla and I started making our list of 1,000 things we are grateful for.  It’s January and I’m on number 47 because I am a selfish bastard.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I barely finished these in 2011.  Molly got them for me for Christmas and I read the entire series in 5 days.  It is just so, so good.  I did not expect to love it like I did.  I think I loved every word of all three books. But, this one (the first one) is my favorite.  And now, with no attempt to hide my nerd-ery…I am counting down the days until March 23 (79 to be exact) where I will watch Katniss Everdeen kick ass on a giant screen.

 

The Pastor by Eugene Peterson

So if I am completely honest I am not finished with this book. The Hunger Games got in the way.  However….it is way, way too good not to make the list because I have a couple of chapters left.  Memoirs are so often my favorite kind of book to read.  It feels like such an honor to walk through pieces of someone’s life with them.  I love the people from Mr. Peterson’s childhood, the members of his church that he speaks of with such love and devotion.  I loved reading about his time in New York City as he searched for answers of life and vocation.  This book is quite simply a joy to read.