Every year around this time, I comb through my notes and lists of books I read in the past 12 months and share my favorite books I read in 2020. I love seeing book lists from others and always find some books to add to my reading list. I hope this post encourages you to do the same for your own edification or as gifts for others.
Like years past, these books are not necessarily written or published in 2020. Rather, these books make my list if I read it this year. And, for the fourth year in a row, I got my wife to share a few of her favorites (check out Kristen’s Korner below).
A couple of thoughts before I dive in to sharing my list.
- Several of the books I really enjoyed this year fall into a common theme of rest, renewal, and sabbath. It could be borne out my near ministry burnout or you can give COVID and the stress of this year the credit. Regardless, several of these books hit me where I most needed it.
- I still love reading. It relaxes me, helps stir up creative thoughts, and helps me grow spiritually, professionally, and relationally. This remains one of my favorite posts every year.
- I know your time is limited. When I put together a list like this, I hope it helps you cut through all the noise out there. I just read that over 2,000,000 new books will be published in 2020. This short list is an accumulation of one man’s favorites—just one person’s humble opinion. Part of the reason I put this list together is to be helpful and to give some recommendations.
Stick around to the end of the post for a few giveaways!
In no particular order:
My Favorite Books I Read in 2020
My #1 Favorite Book I read in 2020. I just wrote a blog post/review of this book, but I loved Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. The book is timely, biblical, and honest. As I continue to battle negative thoughts and emotions, Allen reminded me to take my thoughts captive, to think on the right things, and that I have a choice of what to do with all my negative thoughts. In a year marked by transition for me and my family, I faced insecurities and negative thoughts in new ways in 2020.
The Book I Loved to Read That I Still Need to Apply. For too many years, I ran too hard in life. I worked too many hours, said yes to too much, and fell into bed exhausted most nights. All of life felt like a blur as we rushed from one activity or responsibility to another. Several people recommended this one, and I’m so thankful I read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. Comer unpacks four practices for unhurrying life. One of my goals over the Christmas holiday is to review my notes from this book and apply it!
The Book Our Family Needs to Read. A few years ago I read The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch (which made my 2017 list). This year i just finished the book The Tech-Wise Life written by Crouch’s daughter, Amy. In this book, she talks about how growing up in a tech-wise family shaper her upbringing and how it affects her life as a college student. The Crouch’s make a great distinction that they don’t live tech-free, but rather how they can be tech-wise. This is one Kristen and I need to read together.
My favorite marriage book I read this year. Last year I got to be on the FamilyLife Today Podcast where I was interviewed by Bob Lepine and Dave & Ann Wilson. This year Lepine wrote a new marriage book that I really enjoyed. In Love Like You Mean It, Lepine unpacks the famous love passage in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. He writes a full chapter on each aspect of love described in these verses. The book is honest, practical, and challenging, and will be one I refer back to on a consistent basis.
My #1 The Most Practical Book I Read This Year. Like several other books on this list, many recommended the book Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons. In the book she shares two input rhythms (rest and restore) along with two output rhythms (connect and create). Lyons gets incredibly practical as she includes seven chapters for each of the four rhythms. The book is practical, honest, and timely with the challenges of 2020.
My Favorite Business Book I Read This Year. A few good friends recommended the book The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. Coyle writes about the importance of culture, and 3 keys to creating a healthy culture: build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose. Through great stories from businesses and healthy cultures, Coyle helps readers build culture.
My Favorite Book I Read Again in 2020 (and will need to read again in 2021). Perhaps more than any other ‘short’ read I’ve ever read, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller packs a punch. Freedom comes not from loving the self or hating the self, but from self-forgetfulness. I probably read or listen to this book two times every year.
My Favorite Commentary Series. Whenever I study a book of the Bible, I check to see if The Good Company has written a book in this series. In 2020 I read the John, Luke, Exodus, and Philippians commentaries in this series. My favorite ones are the ones by Tim Keller (i.e., Galatians, Judges), but I still appreciate the entire series.
The Book I’m Glad I Read With Others. Reset by David Murray might be on a list of mine from a few years ago, but I read it again in 2020 with a group of 4 other guys. The book is excellent on its own, but was so good to read with other men. Check out the book Refresh written by his wife if you’re looking for the female version.
Kristen’s Korner
And now, back for round 4 in 2020, Kristen Kedersha! Kristen loves to listen to books. We’ve found Scribd to be a great alternate to Audible—think of it like Netflix for audio books!
The Most Spiritually Practical Book I Read This Year. Every week I get to pray for a different attribute in my sons. In Powerful Prayers for My Sons, Ron & Joanna Teigen help the reader start (or continue) a lifelong habit of praying specifically for your sons. (Note from Scott—I am so grateful I’m married to a woman who regularly prays for our sons. Such a gift to me and to them!).
The Most Encouraging Book I Read This Year. In their second book, Suffer Strong, Jay & Katherine Wolf share their powerful story as a couple. With deep authenticity they share all they went through and how they allow God to use Catherine’s disability for the good of others and God’s glory. In 2020 we can all stand to hear more stories of others who walk through major trials with their faith intact (and even strengthened).
My Favorite Medical Story I Read This Year. I have a medical background, so I typically enjoy books and stories about medicine (for instance, ER is still my favorite TV show!). Left Neglected by Lisa Genova tells the story of a career driven mom who suffers a traumatic injury in a car accident.
Honorable Mention:
- Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets by Andy Stanley. I trusted in Christ while I attended North Point Community Church. I love Andy’s teaching, and this practical guide will be a very helpful read for me moving forward as I process decisions. He provides 5 helpful questions to ask whenever making decisions.
- I really enjoyed reading the story of Pixar and learned some great principles about innovation and creativity from Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull. It’s been on my list for years and I finally read it this year.
- Another one I’ve wanted to read for years and am finally reading – The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. This four-book fiction series is a fun read! It’s not quite Chronicles of Narnia, but it’s definitely a fun read for the family.
- So grateful I get to work with and learn from my friend and pastor Jonathan “JP” Pokluda. My friends JP and Luke Friesen wrote the book Welcoming the Future Church to help leaders learn how to engage and lead the future leaders of the church. Real, honest, and practical. JP practices what he writes (and preaches).
- I really liked the short read Searching for Christmas by J.D. Greear. Greear does a short overview of Isaiah 9:6, a passage we often quote during the Christmas season. He briefly unpacks how Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.
Book Giveaways
I have several of these books to give away. If you leave your name and your favorite book you read in 2020 in the comments below, I’ll enter your name into a drawing for the following books (7 different winners!).
- Welcome to Adulting, by JP
- Becoming Us, by Beth & Jeff McCord
- Single, Dating, Engaged, and Married, by Ben Stuart
- Get Out of Your Head, by Jennie Allen.
- Reset, by David Murray.
- When to Walk Away, by Gary Thomas (from my 2019 list)
- Ready or Knot?, by Scott Kedersha (signed if you want it signed…).
Note: I will choose winners next Monday (December 7th).
Last, a link to my lists from prior years.
- 2019 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2019
- 2018 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2018
- 2017 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2017
- 2016 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2016
- 2015 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2015
Your Turn:
- What was your favorite book you read in 2020? What should I read? Comment below to enter into a drawing to win one of the books listed above!
- As you think about books and reading, what makes a book stand out to you?
Note to readers: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means I get a very small kickback on any purchases you make through these links (at no extra cost to you). I need some way to recoup a small percentage of the money I spend on this blog every year and any purchases you make help keep this writing ministry going.
Rory N
I also loved Get Out of Your Head, and what made it stand out to me was it’s practicality and how I could apply the strategies on a daily basis. I’d check out Best Yes by Lisa Terkeurst.
Karly Kitch
My name is Karly Kitch. My favorite book I read in 2020 was Hearts of Fire by Voice of the Martyrs. It contains stories of eight women in the underground church who demonstrated relentless courage to share the Gospel. As a privileged citizen of the U.S., this book rocked my world and has opened my eyes to the importance of dying to self and living for Christ. I would highly recommend! I received the book for free in the mail and will attach the link below. https://www.persecution.com/HeartsOfFire/
Scott Kedersha
Sounds like a very powerful read. Thanks for sharing it, Karly!
Scott Kedersha
Thx, Rory! As a people pleaser, I know I need to read Best Yes – I’ve heard it’s great.
Brett Billman
I look forward to this post every year! I just put a few of these books on my list for 2021.
My favorite book this year was Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson. It was extraordinarily helpful for me. It helped me gain the perspective of others that I did not really understand before reading this book. It spurred some great (and hard) conversations with friends and family.
Scott Kedersha
Great book and love the guy – he’s a class act!
Summer Powell
Hidden Christmas by Keller – deep, yet simple, and realigns your heart with why hope exists. I’ll read every year.
Scott Kedersha
Agreed – a great re-read! Check out Paul Tripp’s Christmas devo as well!
Jenny Fridge
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quereshi
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Jenny!
Cassie Eipper
I’m not a big reader. But my favorite read was a recommendation of YOURS from last year-What Is a Girl Worth? by Denhollander. As a former gymnast and new Mom to a little girl I was already following the story closely. I had no idea Rachel was a believer. Personal recommendations are definitely what draws me to a particular book. Thank you again for your recommendations.
Molly Zimmick
My husband and I read the meaning of marriage this year ahead of our wedding in May! It was my favorite book I read this year! – Molly Zimmick
Scott Kedersha
So good!! One I come back to regularly!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Cassie. So glad to hear you read that book – it’s so powerful! And yes, strong believer.
Logan Kirksey
“Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging” by Brenna Manning was my favorite. SO so good and it speaks so deeply to the part of me that doesn’t feel loved well.
Bless you brother! I continue to pray for you and your family.
Logan Kirksey/Panama City, FL
Scott Kedersha
Thank you, Logan! Grateful for your prayers, brother. Wreck ’em!
Lindsey Driscoll
Oh man..we refer to this post every year as the Kedersha book gift guide! Best book I read this year was Shepherding a Child’s heart by Tedd Trip! With a close second A Mother’s Heart by Jean Fleming.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Lindsey!! I like that book guide title!
Sarah Kitchens
Thanks for the post, Scott! I always enjoy reading this every year. I had a couple of favorites this year but loved You be You by Jamie Ivey!! Also, we loved going through Parenting by Paul David Tripp before we welcomed our first baby. Definitely one I will reread. Hope y’all are having a great holiday season! 🎄
Scott Kedersha
Merry Christmas to you as well, Sarah! Congrats on the baby – this will be a sweet Christmas for y’all!
Lindy Johnston
Thank you for this list… I’m always looking for new books to read. I was drawn to a lot of fiction this year (Where the Crawdads Sing, Things you Save In a Fire, Sharp Objects). Stillness is the Key is my current book and it’s great so far!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Lindy! I love the title – Stillness is the Key.
Aleks Stewart
Hi Scottie K! My favorite book to read in 2020 was one that I read aloud to Lily, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Laced with wisdom, filled with rich quotes that left me contemplating and wishing I could be more and more like Marmee… Can’t wait to see y’all when we next venture through Waco.
Laura Dunson
Loved Little Women this year too! Would highly recommend her series too. Read The Good Wives and I think there are a couple more as well I’m going to be working away at. Such sweet reads!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Laura!
Scott Kedersha
PLEASE come visit! And so fun that you read that aloud to Lily! We miss you, neighbors!
Andrew Smith
Hey Scott! For the first time, this year I set a goal to read more than a few books and I’ve really enjoyed diving into whatever grabs my interest at the time.
First this year, prophetically, I read a series about a pandemic, where all the world is soon to be infected. It he parallel is how sin leads to death for to us all. Ted Dekker’s Circle Series starting with the book called Black. My first foray into Christian fiction and it didn’t disappoint as it brings you through two worlds at once.
For sure what most makes a book stand out to me is a good recommendation and someone to read it with. That’s what happened when Preston Hagaman and Can’t Hurt Me, a really compelling true story that helped me a ton in May during the pandemic to get out of my rut and be productive again.
And then just a feel good read about many movies and things I feel close to, last month I read Bob Iger’s Ride of A Lifetime as he shares his bio leading up to and including his tenure at Disney.
Thanks for your recommendations! Lots of consider.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Andrew! Love your comments and agreed on reading along with others. Way to go! Hope all is well, brother!
Laura Dunson
Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wormbrand was the most impactful book I read this year. Reading his story and all he has been through with Communist rulers and his faithfulness to share Jesus and His gospel was convicting and inspiring! Put into perspective what persecution is and that our only hope is Jesus. This is not our home, but we are commanded to make disciples in it, and we know that every command from God is for our good!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Laura! Sounds like a very powerful read.
Cindy Mallin
I love reading your annual list, so thank you for that! I keep a list of books I read, and I give each a rating (1 – 10). I very rarely give any book a full 10, but I did this year. It was WHEN TO WALK AWAY by Gary Thomas. I noted “need to re-read it.” Yeah, that books for sure. I am in a life-long recovery process from a divorce to a minister. After 22 years, I barely survived. That was now 23 years ago, and I still read, listen, and talk to people. This book helped me a lot. Yes, there are some toxic people who choose to never change. Sometimes you need to walk away.
Scott Kedersha
Thank you for sharing that, Cindy. Such a great book and I know it’s been freeing and encouraging to many (myself included).
Kimball Parker
Hi Scott! I read John Piper’s This Momentary Marriage when it first came out [10 years ago] and thought it was good. I read it again this year and it went to the top of my list for favorite marriage books of all time. Maybe I’m just in a different place in spiritual and emotional maturity, but it becomes a joy to engage in the marriage covenant through God’s design for marriage. Blessings!
Scott Kedersha
Preach! You know this blesses me, Kimball! It’s a great book.
Rebecca Buckner
Your annual list is hands down my favorite post of the year! Thank you for faithfully sharing – I’ll take your humble opinion…
My favorite, life changing book this year is Dane C. Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. It is an all time favorite now and one I cherish reading. Jesus describes his character one time in Scripture and he calls himself “gentle and lowly.” It is my verse for 2021 and my heart seeks to be like Him. He is a kind and gracious King.
The most practical book I read was When to Walk Away by Gary Thomas. It was refreshing to know that Christ simply walked away when relationships were not fulfilling His mission to glorify God in all things.
I pray you and your family are well and loving Waco! Rebecca
Scott Kedersha
Thanks Rebecca! LOved Gary’s book (it was on my 2019 list I believe) and have heard great things about Gentle & Lowly. So glad to hear how much it encouraged you.
Meredith Nunley
Love this list! Definitely a few I will add to my TBR. My favorite book I read, and also probably the most impactful, was The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. My fave nonfiction was called Get Well Soon: History’s Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them – definitely need a strong stomach for this one. And my fave fiction was rereading Little Women 🙂
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Meredith! Little Women showing up quite a few times!
Josh Fortney
SUCH a great list! I have so many on this list that I need to read. My faves from this year were re-reads or oldies but goodies. “Leadership in Turbulent Times” by Goodwin was so insightful and especially applicable to leading today. I re-read “Communicating for a change” by Andy Stanley this year too…it’s really helping me shape how I prepare my messages and communicate more effectively. Thanks for sharing, continually and vulnerably, how God is working in you! I know God is working through you!
Scott Kedersha
Love you, brother. Thanks for the kind words. I just started Goodwin’s book. It will be tough at times to get through (I think) but it looks so good.
Jesse Belvin
“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” made my list of books to read this year, and ironically enough I got so busy I didn’t make it past the introduction. Maybe I should put it at the top of 2021’s to-read list.
By far and above, my favorite book from this year was “Before you Vote” by David Platt. This book was incredibly Biblical, very timely, and just the guide any Christian needed going into the election. Even though Nov. 3rd is behind us, I would recommend this to anyone.
-Jesse Belvin
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Jesse. Great choice. I started it and read about 1/3 of it before the election and wish I’d read the whole book.
Brandon Koch
Ready or Knot is mine! Going through it with my fiance, it’s full of great reminders of wisdom we gained from Merge earlier this year.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Brandon! That encourages me so much! Thank you!
Allison Grady
Great list Scott!! I love seeing what other people are reading and recommend to others.
I loved the Common Rule by Justin Earley. Highly recommend!! Very practical and biblical habits to practice as Christians.
Scott Kedersha
Great book, Allison. I like his stuff so much.
David Jones
Thanks Scott! A few from here I definitely want to add to the list. My favorite from 2020 was The Boys In The Boat. Also enjoyed Capital Gaines.
Scott Kedersha
Great books! Thanks, David!
Kimo
So many good ones this year! Top 2 from this year were:
The Shallows by Nicolas Carr (Cultural commentary on how the internet is making us stupid)
Steal Away Home by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey (historical commentary on how Spurgeon got became friends with a US slave)
Both were recommendations and I loved it.
Scott Kedersha
Great books, Kimo! I have them book but havent read either of them. Glad you enjoyed them!
Tyler Moffett
Thanks Scott! Preacher & Prayer by EM Bounds. An oldie but a goodie. Every page knocked my socks off with conviction. Hope you guy are doing well!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks buddy! Classic. Probably one I need to read!
Susan Record
Thanks for the great suggestion of books, Scott. I’ve read “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. Great book about the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Susan. I love just about anything by Chan. I’ve heard that’s a great one.
Nick Fluellen
I really enjoyed Curveball by Barry Zito. Great book for a baseball fan discussing the interesting life of Barry Zito and how he rose to fame and came to faith!
Scott Kedersha
Love it. Thanks, Nick!
Mary Eickman
Thanks for all the great suggestions. The book that ministered to me this past year was Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot. Having our oldest son die unexpectedly 2 years ago and helping lead others through Griefshare this past year reminded me there is a lot of suffering in this world. COVID has certainly magnified that. One of my favorite quotes: “There have been some hard things in my life, of course, as there have been in yours, and I cannot say to you, I know exactly what you’re going through. But I can say that I know the One who knows. And I’ve come to see that it’s through the deepest suffering that God has taught me the deepest lessons.”
Scott Kedersha
Thank you, Mary. Thank you for using your story to help encourage others in dark seasons. That’s a really powerful quote you shared.
Hannah Thacher
Love this list Scott! Adding a few of these to my list of books to read in 2021.
A few of my favorites this year: (too tough to pick just one)
-the great omission. Dallas Willard
-prayer. O Hallesby
-talking to strangers. Malcolm Gladwell
-soul keeping. John Ortberg
The first 2 were so good I read them twice!
I really enjoyed the ruthless elimination of hurry as well!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks Hannah! I want to read the Gladwell book. Have heard it’s a great one to listen to on Audible as well.
Michele Peters
This is my fav post of the year too! And I love seeing the comments of so many others I know and love. What a sweet community you’ve built here, Scott!
We read aloud a LOT in our family/homeschool, which is mostly what I have time to read these days (apart from books about our homeschooling method), and I’m finding middle grade fiction is what I love most because it’s on my reading level! LOL! We have loved a bunch of Christopher Paul Curtis’ historical children’s fiction books, like the Elijah of Buxton series about a protective town in Canada that was a refuge for runaway slaves. And in school, we read the true story of Amos Fortune, who was a slave who became a believer when he was taught to read using the Bible… I cried a river reading this one aloud. And the Elijah of Buxton series too. For family read aloud, we are reading Wingfeather and loving it.
Hope all is well in Waco! Dallas misses you! Give your sweet bride a hug from us!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Michele – and so appreciate the sweet encouragement. That means a lot.
Great list and so fun you’re reading Wingfeather as well! I’m almost done with book 2.
Ginger Kumler
Thanks for this list! My favorite book of 2020 was Shattered Dreams: God’s unexpected path to joy by Larry Crabb, but then again I also LOVED Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Ginger!!
Gaby Duke
I love reading this list that you put together every year. Thanks Scott!
I read Get Out of Your Head over the summer with some friends and it was awesome! Like others have said, love the practical take always from it.
But, I have to say that Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen is beginning to top GOOYH. It’s helping me see the pressures I put on myself and that I’ve got nothing to prove. Jesus has covered it all!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Gaby!! I’ve wanted to read that one as well!
Kim Brown
I have a few top picks for 2020, but Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen was wonderful, Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer is an absolute “must” bible study to do, Growing Together by Melissa B. Kruger is a great book on “mentoring”, New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp is the best Devo out there, Praying for the Scriptures for your Adult Children by Jodie Berndt, and I am currently engrossed in Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst, my favorite author! It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption!!
Scott Kedersha
What a great list, Kim! I look forward to reading the Forgiveness book by Lysa. I’m sure it’s excellent.
Drew Tritton
Thanks for the list Scott! I’m always looking for new biblical content. My favorite book this year has been More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell. Simple read but a great intro into the apologetics for who Jesus is. Much love from DFW, Harris Creek is lucky to have you!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Drew! We miss our friends and Watermark fam in DFW, but grateful to be in Waco!
Kathy Davidson
Love this list!! Like I mentioned the other day, my favorite this year has been “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer. Can’t wait to implement some of these practices into the new year! Thanks for all the other recommendations!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Kathy!!!
Caleb Raney
Hi Scott!
Loved this list. Thanks for for putting it together and giving so many solid recommendations. The Tech-Wise Life and Culture Code have been on my list of “need to read”, so this helps give me a kick in the pants to order them!
My favorite reads this year we’re:
1) Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. It helped me to take practical advice from a navy seal to stop blaming others and that leaders own their situation.
2) Desiring God by John Piper. I’ve read his blog for years, but I finally sat down and took this book in. I had written down 3 pages of notes in the introduction alone, so as you can guess, this one took me a while to chew through and appreciate.
3) Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money. As I’m 2 years removed from college and finally starting to understand saving, giving, and earning a consistent income… this book helped me to slow down, really analyze my spending habits, and figure out how I can be a goof steward with my finances in a way that glorifies the Lord.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Ready or Knot? By this guy whose name I can’t seem to remember at the moment. My girlfriend and I walked through this book and referred back to it often while going through Merge. It helped me be a better man to her, and overall, a better disciple of Jesus.
Scott Kedersha
Great list, Caleb! Except for the one in the honorable mention category (lol). Desiring God – so stinking good. And dense. One of the most life-changing books I’ve ever read.
paul rutherford
Favorite read from 2020:
“Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high” By Patterson & c.
It’s like a reading tactical how manual on conflict resolution. It is great. It does come from a secular perspective so just keep that in mind. The authors have some fantastic insights and great lines of questioning for reflection on why you get into conflict to begin with. Great book.
Scott Kedersha
Have heard it’s so good, Paul. I want to read it.
Jon Long
The two most applicable books I read this year were:
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
I just picked up and can’t wait to read:
For Better or For Kids by Patrick and Ruth Schwenk
Love the recommendations, thanks Scott!
Scott Kedersha
Great list! I know JP and Trent love A Praying Life. I think you’ll enjoy FBOFK – great book on marriage and parenting.
Troy Dandrea
One of my favorites in 2020 was Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. Fascinating science of the brain and how our thinking changes our brains.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Troy! Dr. Leaf is a fellow Baker Books author – have heard her stuff is great!
Matt Lair
Love this list every year!! Top few that stick out from 2020 are:
1. Dangers of a Shallow Faith by AW Tozer
2. To Hell With the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
3. Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldridge
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Matt! Bethke’s book is on this list a few times from others.
Josie Hutchinson
Fav book from 2020 was Blue Like Jazz!
Scott Kedersha
Such a great read – thanks, Josie!
Kayla Allmon
Thank you so much for this list Scott! I can’t wait to read Rhymes and Renewal from your list! My favorites of 2020 are Get Out of Your Head and Forgiving What You Can’t Forget. Both so impactful. Looking forward to going back to both Kristen and your lists from previous years.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Kayla! Definitely checking out Rhythms of Renewal – so good!
Samuel Fubara
Some of the top books that I’ve read this year.
1. Love Your God With All Your Mind, by J.P. Moreland.
2. Total Truth, by Nancy Pearcey.
3. Love Thy Body, by Nancy Pearcey.
4. American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant, by Ronald C. White.
5. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
6. Scalia Speaks, by Antonin Scalia.
Scott Kedersha
Strong list, my friend! You challenge me in your reading. Not much light reading on that list!
Laura Lewis
Favorite book of 2020: Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need
Scott Kedersha
Great book! Made my 2019 list. So powerful.
Laura lewis
I’m going to check out your past list too. Always looking for great books! Thanks for taking the time on these lists!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Laura!!
Scott Kedersha
I randomly picked 7 winners out of all the comments. Thanks for your great suggestions and comments.
Congrats to Cassie, Paul, Brandon, Lindy, Josh, Nick, & Kim for winning a book in the giveaway. I’ll reach out to you via email to get your book.
Dana Allen
Always love your list, Scott. Thanks for keeping this going.
My favorites this year:
– Talking to Strangers (Malcolm Gladwell) amazing on audio with how they integrate different audio to bring the stories to life as well
– Knowledge of the Holy (AW Tozer) deep in the character of God
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Dana! I’ve heard that about Talking to Strangers! It’s on my 2021 list! And definitely need to read more Tozer.
Matt Arnett
I always love reading this list. Blessings to you and your family, my friend. I’m grateful for your faithful witness.
Read Ruthless elimination of hurry in February…little did we know…
Reading Mission Drift right now and learning a lot about intentional leadership.
Misreading the Bible through Western Eyes helped expose some blind spots in my own worldview.
Scott Kedersha
Great list, Matt! Hope you are doing well. And aren’t you right about Ruthless Elimination and the timing there!