Books I Recommend

I am not usually a blog kind of person, but I thought I would give it a shot.  I do have some things going on right now that I'll probably be sharing some ideas and topics from (an online bible/book study I'm doing, reflections from a bible reading plan that I'm doing, etc) to hash out my thoughts (and maybe get some of yours) plus some other things that I would like share.  Such is the case in this blog...I was thinking about some of the books that I've read in the last six months or so that I thought might be an interesting read.  So, here it goes...

Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departed by Bronnie Ware
I know the title sounds a little dark, and maybe a little out there, but it really is a good read.  The author, Bronnie Ware, works in palliative care taking care of those who are about to pass on.  As she works with various people in her work, she finds that there are five common themes/lessons/regrets that seem to come up that she is able to use in her own life and realize, in a way, that it's not to late to change.  And really, these regrets and lessons can be applied to everyone, because a lot of us deal, or will deal, with some of the same regrets as we grow older.  Or maybe, we come across these regrets in our own lives whether it's dealing with a parent who's ready to pass on, or something we might finally realize when we decide to step back in some way, shape, or form and realize what we have been doing for so long...I know I did when I read this book.  Some of the regrets I realized that I've been going through my own life and I really didn't fully understand or realize it until I read this book.

In case you're wondering, the top five regrets she covers in the book are: 1) I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected for me; 2) I wish I hadn't worked so hard (so very true for me!); 3) I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings (definitely rings true for me, and I'm working on it); 4) I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends (I'm really bad at this); and 5) I wish I had let myself be happier.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
If you know me, I'm usually a very quiet person, especially when you get me outside of work (where it seems like I can be very outgoing and fun).  To read this book was actually quite interesting because it takes a look at how our society undervalues introverts and the contributions that they make.  Susan Cain covers a variety of other topics about introverts such as how Asian students feel out of place in an atmosphere of American schools that are brash, how leadership potential from introverts can actually be overlooked in the workplace, and some successful introverts, among several other topics.  Being an introvert myself, it was a great look at how powerful introverts can actually be in this world if given the opportunity, which is not always the case, and how important they can be, no matter the circumstance.

For more information, you can always check out http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com.  It has a ton of information about the book, the author, etc (there's even a forum to talk about the book and such).

Not a Fan.  Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman

Yes, I know I have included a religious book in my recommended reading, but I think it's worth look.  I think it's definitely worth a look, especially if you're going through a time where you're trying to figure things out and feel like the church/religious community is what you're looking for, or even as a source of strength to get you through things.  I know for me, reading this book in the last month or so has opened me up a bit to seeing how I can change what I'm doing and doing what I can to live like how Jesus wants us to...not worrying about things, trusting him, letting God and Jesus be in control of things, etc.  Ironically, these are some of the things that I definitely have to work on myself because I am the type of person who worries about things, don't trust a lot of people (at least I don't think so), and I definitely like to be in control of things.  What Kyle Idleman challenges us to do in this book is to make that sacrifice to follow Jesus, and not be a fan...not one where they will say, "I will follow you but only if I can still have, or do, x, y, or z," but instead say, "I will follow you no matter what."  I don't know how to fully describe the book, other than it's one that takes a good hard look at how you define your relationship with Jesus and how it goes deep into how to be a follower of Jesus, and live how he wants you to live, even if it means making some sacrifices along the way, which may not always be positive.

More information about the book: http://http://www.notafan.com/

For now, that is all I recommend that I can think of.  I know there are several other books that I have read recently that I recommend, I just have to recall which ones and possibly do another blog on it.  In the meantime, I am reading several other books if you would like to join me and have discussions on them.  One is called "Take This Bread" by Sara Miles, while the other is called "Let. It. Go." by Karen Ehman (which is actually more geared for women).  Both are considered religious, I believe, but so far they seem to be good books to delve into and read.