At the end of the year, I will have read around 150 books. What can I say, I simply love reading. It’s not only my preferred method of learning, it’s also my primary way of relaxing.
The advantage of reading so much is that you get a good grasp on what books are good and which are mediocre. That’s because you simply have more to compare to. That being said, ‘liking’ anything is always a matter of personal preference. The simple fact that a book speaks to where you’re at in life may cause it to deeply resonate, while someone else finds it rather ‘mweh’. With fiction, that’s even more the case, which is why I’ve listed non-fiction books only.
So, with that in mind, here is my top 5 books of 2015 (mind that these are books I read in 2015, not necessarily books that were published this year. I’ve put the publication year behind each book for clarity):
1. The Upside of Stress (2015)
Talk about a change of perspective. The Upside of Stress will challenge your perceptions of stress and invite you to see the upsides. It completely changed how I view stress and has resulted in me making some changes in my life to adapt to (positive) stress better.
2. The Power of Habit (2014)
Everyone should read The Power of Habit, especially the first few chapters. It shows crystal clear how much of what we do is determined by our habits, but also how that habit loops work and how to break it. Another game changer for certain.
3. Simplify (2015)
Simplify, written by Bill Hybels, is a powerful challenge to focus our lives on what matters most, and cut the clutter. Hybels shows how we can simplify different aspects of our lives, ranging from our calendar to our finances. Not all chapters will be relevant to everyone, but most of us could certainly use the advice he shares here.
4. Why Nobody Wants to go to Church Anymore (2013)
If you’re interested in research on the declining church attendance in the US, this is your book. Why Nobody Wants to go to Church Anymore explores why people stop going to church and it’s not pretty. The ‘solution’ authors Thom and Jeanni Schultz offer may not appeal to everyone, but the book certainly helps you shape your thinking on what form of church could work in a post-Christian culture.
5. What Stands in a Storm (2015)
This book has nothing to do with tech or church, but it’s beautifully written and I simply loved it. What Stands in a Storm is the story of the horrific superstorm of April 2011 in Tornado Alley. It portrays the various people caught in tornadoes and the fear of loved ones who were uncertain of the fate of friends and family members. You can’t help but get emotionally involved and wonder who will survive…and who won’t. One of the best non-fiction books I’ve ever read in terms of the beauty of the writing.
John Finkelde says
Hey Rachel great list and impressed you read so many books. I like the look of The Upside of Stress and will check it out.
My top book this year was Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald.
It’s a story form book about developing next gen leaders. Differentn angle on a essential topic.
Rachel Blom says
Thanks for the tip John! Haven’t read that one yet, but I value Gordon MacDonald as a thinker and writer, so I’ll be sure to check it out.