I set a lofty goal for 2019 of reading 100 books. The most I have ever read in a single year has been 52 books, but that did not take too much time outside my normal reading, so I set a higher goal for this year.

Reading is one of my absolute favorite things to do. There’s nothing quite like sitting down to read a book. You don’t have to worry about post likes or followers; I find it much easier to focus by reading a hard copy of a book.

Now, I say that I like reading hard copies of books, but the majority of my January reading was actually done on my Kindle Paperwhite. I avoided e-readers like they were trying to sell me a car for years. I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but my Paperwhite changed everything. #NotAnAd

Using the Libby app, I’ve been able to easily read e-books on my reader for free, and it has been an absolute delight.

Reading does bring me a lot of pleasure, and some things that I read even bring me joy. You will see that I have very eclectic taste in topics. I read a lot about faith, business, leadership, sports, professional wrestling, and many other things.

I will be publishing my monthly reading list each month with a quick blurb about each book. This is meant to do two things. First, by sharing monthly, it will help hold me accountable. Second, since reading is something that I enjoy, I believe that reading more will assist on the journey towards joy.

Alright. Enough background, let’s get into the meat.

Book #1: Live to Forgive by Jason Romano

Jason is a lifelong sports fan and former producer for ESPN. He had the ultimate job for any huge sports fan. He ended up stepping down from his position at ESPN in order to pursue ministry, a step towards God calling. He currently runs the website, SportsSpectrum.com. This awesome site (which I occasionally write for) blends sports and faith. This books chronicles Jason’s experience with an alcoholic father, and it gives him the space to forgive his father for the trauma that he experienced. I highly recommend this book.

Book #2: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

I am late to the party on this one. A lot of my colleagues have recommended this book to me over the years, and it was outstanding. Kiyosaki tells the story of his biological father, a highly educated government worker, and his financial struggles. His “Rich Dad” was his best friend’s father. Rich Dad did not have a lot of formal education, but he knew how money works. Rich Dad taught him how to build businesses, how to grow money, and many other financial lessons. This book is excellent, but I would proceed with caution if you tend to make money into an idol.

Book #3: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

My buddy Joel gave me a copy of this book back in May of last year the same day I had my big compliance meeting. I read a few chapters that day and didn’t end up picking it back up until January. It’s a tried and true book that has stood the test of time. If you find yourself worrying all the time, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Book #4: The 12% Solution by David Alan Carter

This book gives a creative idea for investing in different funds that can increase your return and mitigate your risk. The plan is not my cup of tea, but it’s a fine book.

Book #5: Revival Starts Here by Dave Clayton

Dave is someone that I have met many times, and I have a ton of respect for his work and his heart. He’s the pastor of Ethos Church in Nashville, TN. He felt a call in his heart last year to pray and fast for the city of Nashville. There are over 300 churches in the Nashville area praying and fasting for every person in the city, by name, this month (February 2019). This book shows you how to fast in 2019. Fasting is such a forgotten practice in the modern church, and this book is outstanding for beginners. I couldn’t recommend it more.

Book #6: The Death of WCW by R.D. Reynolds and Bryan Alvarez

Talk about odd transitions, but this was the next book I read in January. Reynolds and Alvarez have written the definitive, unbiased book on World Championship Wrestling. If you are interested in how a company can rise to the highest of highs and sink to the lowest of lows in a short period of time, I recommend it. If you’re a wrestling fan, you are missing out if you have not yet read this book.

Book #7: Love Wins by Rob Bell

This is probably the most controversial book on my list. I am not smart enough to write a good review of this book. I have enjoyed a lot of Rob Bell’s previous work, but this one was challenging. Use your own discernment when deciding to read or not.

Book #8: The Power of Zero by David McKnight

McKnight offers creative solutions to help you get to the 0% tax bracket in retirement. If you work in the financial services industry, I HIGHLY recommend this book. This was probably the fifth time I’ve read this one, and it will not be the last. If you want to learn to mitigate risk and have a good retirement income tax plan, you should read this book.

Book #9: When to Rob a Bank by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

I absolutely love all of the work by these guys. They have created quite the universe with Freakanomics. Their books, blogs, and podcasts operate at the intersection of entertainment and information. This book is a collection of their blog posts where they look at different topics, like the ideal time to rob a bank. It is fascinating and funny at the same time. I highly recommend it.

Book #10: Jude

Okay, so it’s confession time. I’ve read the entire Bible in various pieces throughout my life, but I could not tell you a thing about the book of Jude before rereading it. This is a short letter that warns against false teachers. It also discusses Jesus being the only way to eternal life. Here’s my favorite passage:

“And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” -Jude 1: 22-25 (ESV)

Book #11: James

Man, this one is so dang good. Read it. It’s five chapters, and it is powerful stuff. Here are a few of my favorite passages:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” -James 1: 2-4 (ESV)

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” -James 5:11 (ESV)

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” -James 5: 19-20 (ESV)

Book #12: 1 Peter

Of all of the apostles, Peter is the guy that I can relate to the best. Does he make sudden, brash decisions sometimes? Sure, but, his heart is in the right place. He makes mistakes. He struggles with belief. He is a real human person. In this letter, Peter proclaims some incredible truths. This is especially powerful coming from a guy that spent years with Jesus. Here are the passages that jumped out at me the most:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” -1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” -1 Peter 4: 12-13 (ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” -1 Peter 5: 6-10 (ESV)

God is good, and there are incredible lessons to be learned through all sorts of writing. I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to spend some time reading this month. There is so much to learn, and there is joy to be found in reading.

God bless you this week!