Buzzard's Best Books of 2009
In time for Thanksgiving, here's my Best Books of 2009 list. This isn't a list of favorite books published in 2009. This is a list of books I read in 2009 that I found the most profit or pleasure in. Below each book is a sentence summing up what I gained from reading the book. At the bottom of this post follow the link for last year's list.Add to the list, what was your favorite read in 2009?1. Trusting God by Jerry BridgesGod is sovereign, wise, and good—he can be trusted completely.2. Born to Run by Christopher McDougallYour body was designed to run, so stop jogging and start running.3. Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoungGod's will is clear: love God and do as you please.4. Blink by Malcom GladwellSometimes you should quit thinking so much and just trust your initial instincts.5. Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martyn Lloyd JonesJesus presents an entirely new framework for living life (MLJ's five sermons on worry from Matthew 6 are worth the price of the book). 6. Adrenaline and Stress by Archibald HartYou need to understand how stress works and how you work in order to do your best work (Hart's chapter on sleep is worth the price of the book).7. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. TolkienLife is a quest requiring faith and friendship.8. Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Kent and Barbara HughesThe measurements we use to gauge success in ministry are often unbiblical and enslaving, the Scriptures show us how to define true success in ministry.9. Spark by John RateyExercise may benefit your brain more than your body.10. A Praying Life by Paul MillerPrayer is dangerous.11. A Whole New Mind by Daniel PinkRight-brained thinkers are the ones who will make an impact in today's world.12. The Prodigal God by Tim KellerChristianity is something far more freeing and wonderful, total and comprehensive, than most think.13. Living in the Gap Between Promise and Reality by Iain DuguidAbraham's life was lived in the gap between promise and reality, the place where faith is forged.14. Into Thin Air by John KrakauerThe guy you think is frozen and dead tonight might surprise you by showing up tomorrow morning.15. Feelings and Faith by Brian BorgmanStop being enslaved by negative emotions, learn to cultivate your emotions to honor God.16. Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite by Charles Farabee and Jim MyersMany people have died in many different ways in Yosemite.17. From Fear to Freedom: Living as Sons and Daughters of God by Rose Marie MillerHearing one pastor's wife's story of moving from fear to freedom inspires you to leave behind orphan-like living.18. You Can Change by Tim ChesterWhat you worship and what you think about all day is the key to deep change.19. Counsel from the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis JohnsonDon't attempt to care for and counsel people without connecting everything back to the cross.20. Paul the Missionary by Eckhard SchnabelPaul's life still has everything to teach us about realities, strategies, and methods for advancing the gospel.Go here for last year's list, Best Books of 2008.