2021 Summer Reading List
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good book. As a kid, I could lock myself in my room for hours and just read. I loved the idea of taking a trip to some unknown destination or to someplace in time, seeing the world through different characters, villains, and heroes. As I got older, I realized I was learning new things every time I read a book. My books have been the party on a Friday night, the friend to share Sunday afternoon brunch with. Books have been my morning companion on a sandy beach, magically transforming me with every page.
Every year I’d admire when President Barack Obama posted his Summer Reading List. I also loved his dope summer playlists lists. This summer, I decided to do my own summer reading. I called it my Summer Growth Journey. I decided I wouldn’t teach, speak professionally or write all summer. I didn’t speak or teach, but I did write (sorry, I couldn’t help myself). Since Memorial Day weekend, I’ve started 31 books, and I finished 22. Some books I loved, some not so much. Most of the books I used to help me study God’s word. A few were used to enhance my professional growth in my career. And on weekends, I read Christian romance novels. That was new for me, and it was awesome!
Instead of watching tv every evening, I read. Instead of scrolling on social media, I read,… well, that’s not entirely true. I did develop a new love for Tic Tok, but that’s another story for another day. Anyhow, I can honestly say I had a fun and enlightening summer growth journey.
Now, my friends, I’m ready to teach! Cause that’s what I do. I read, I learn, I study, I pray, and then I teach. Watch out, tribe… here I come!
Here are some of the books I read this summer that I enjoyed. I hope you’ll discover your own growth journey and consider some of these books for your trip!
Professional Troublemaker
Luvvie Ajayi Jones
In Pursuit of Purpose
Myles Munroe
Redeeming Grace
Jill Eileen Smith
The Mastery of Self
don Miguel Ruiz Jr
Hello Tomorrow
Cindy Trimm
Think Like a Monk
Jay Shetty
Ego Is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
Destroying the Spirit of Rejection
John Eckhardt
The Power of the Other
Henry Cloud
Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name
Max Lucado
Pulling Down Strongholds
Derek Prince
Abigail (The Wives of King David Book)
Jill Eileen Smith
The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar
KD Holmberg
Michal (The Wives of King David Book #1)
by Jill Eileen Smith
The Holy Spirit: An Introduction
John Bevere
Redeeming Love
Francine Rivers
Know What You’re For
Jeff Henderson
Psalm 91: His Secret Place, His Shadow, and the Mystery of His Protection Daniel C. Okpara
Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More
Mark Batterson
My Beloved Is Mine (Song of Solomon)
Elsa Quinones
The Master of One
Jordan Raynor
The Thing Beneath the Thing
Steve Carter