What Justin Read in 2023
As the pages turned and the stories unfolded, 2022 became a remarkable year of literary exploration for me. From the realms of ministry and leadership to the futuristic landscapes of virtual reality, my reading journey was a diverse tapestry of insights, wisdom, and self-discovery. Let’s dive into the alphabetical list of the books that shaped my year:
The 4-Hour Workweek - Timothy Ferriss
Anti-Time Management - Richie Norton
The Anxious Achiever - Morra Aarons-Mele
Culture Rules - Mark Miller
Decoding the Metaverse - Chris Duffey
Dopamine Detox - [Author not specified]
The Courage to Be Happy - Ichiro Kishimi
The Good Ancestor - Roman Krznaric
Going Beyond Better -
Game Thinking - Amy Jo Kim
Expect to Win - Carla Harris
Fully Engaged - Michael Matera
Future Proofed - Natalia Peart
Hit Refresh - Satya Nadella
How Long to Black Future Month - N.K. Jemisin
Invisible Influence -
It Didn't Start with You - Mark Wolynn
Leaders Made Here - Mark Miller
Leading from the Second Chair - Mike Bonem
Leaving Church - Barbara Brown Taylor
Liberating Ministry from Success Syndrome - R. Kent Hughes
Maximize Your Potential
MetaChurch - Dave Adamson
Now What - Sarah McKenzie
On Managing People - Harvard Business Review
Playing with God - William Baker
Powerful - Patty McCord
Religion and Sports - Rebecca Alpert
Smart Leadership - Mark Miller
Speaking Across Generations - Darrell Hall
The Heart of Laser Focused Coaching - Marion Franklin
The Secrets of Satoshi - Christopher Perceptions
The Solo Pastor - Gary McIntosh
The Wisdom of Teams - Jon Katzenbach
The Wonder Switch - Carroll Harris
This Here Flesh - Cole Arthur Riley
Taking Your Church to the Next Level - Gary McIntosh
Triggers - David Rich
Vibrate Higher Daily - Allah Delia
Virtual Reality Church - Garrell Bock
Why Men Struggle to Love - Essie Capparucci
Why Men Hate Going to Church - David Murrow
Your Purpose is Calling - Dharius Daniels
You’re Too Good to Feel This Bad - Nate Dallas
6 Types of Working Genius - Patrick Lencioni
Soundtracks - Jon Acuff
Healing the Wounds of Trauma: How the Church Can Help
This diverse collection of literature took me on a journey through the intricacies of leadership, the challenges of modern ministry, the intersection of technology and spirituality, and the exploration of self-improvement. From Satoshi's secrets to the Wisdom of Teams, each book offered a unique perspective, contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge.
As the year unfolded, I found unexpected connections between seemingly disparate topics. The threads of leadership woven through "Leaders Made Here" and "Smart Leadership" resonated with the futuristic visions explored in "Decoding the Metaverse" and "Virtual Reality Church." The introspective journey of "The Courage to Be Happy" and "You're Too Good to Feel This Bad" beautifully complemented the outward focus of "Expect to Win" and "Every Man’s Marriage."
In "Game Thinking" and "Now What," I discovered strategies for navigating change and uncertainty, which echoed the principles outlined in "Hit Refresh" and "Future Proofed." As I delved into the complexities of managing people in "On Managing People," I couldn't help but draw parallels with the challenges discussed in "The Anxious Achiever" and "Leadership with a Limp."
The exploration of religion and sports in "Religion and Sports" provided a unique lens through which to view "Taking Your Church to the Next Level" and "Leaving Church." Themes of personal growth and purpose resonated across titles like "Your Purpose is Calling" and "The Heart of Laser Focused Coaching."
As I reflect on this literary journey, I'm grateful for the diverse perspectives, challenging ideas, and inspiring stories that have enriched my understanding of leadership, spirituality, and the human experience. Each book, a stepping stone in my personal and professional development, has contributed to a year of growth, discovery, and enlightenment.
Here's to the power of literature to shape minds, broaden horizons, and connect the dots in unexpected ways. May the coming year bring even more opportunities to explore the vast landscapes of knowledge and continue this incredible journey of learning and self-discovery.
Let’s run it back in 2024!
-Justin