Summer is nearly upon us. It has been my custom to produce a summer reading list of books. Many have written saying they appreciate having recommendations to choose for their own pleasure. I try to include a variety of books to appeal to a wide range of tastes and needs. From my own experience I know that books fill deep needs at different stages of our growth.

I cannot imagine a life without reading. From my earliest years I sought out books that would expand my world, provide entertainment and give instruction. To that end I have sought out the best and kept those that speak to me. I do not claim to have a large library nor one that is representative of all disciplines. But I have a library that is useful to my life and I continue to seek out those books that provide much needed companionship on the journey. To that end I offer these books for your examination. Enjoy.

Never Surrender: A Novel of Winston Churchill by Michael Dobbs

I recently discovered this series and am well into the first volume. Dobbs has created a series of fiction based on fact surrounding the great British leader. I think he has done a good job in telling Churchill's story from a different perspective than normal narrative history. Churchill is a fascinating subject who continues to provide us with insight into leadership in adversity. I have already gained several keys of leadership from this series.

Run With the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best by Eugene Peterson

I have long held a fascination for the biblical prophet Jeremiah. This is no surprise to longtime readers of WNP. Jeremiah speaks to me and the work I have done since my youth. Peterson takes multiple episodes from the prophet's story and connects them to real experiences from modern life. The narrative from ancient Judah will come alive for you and open a new way to approach the study of the great personalities from God's Word. Peterson casts Jeremiah's story as one to study for a way to live a larger life. God's calling is not to mediocrity but to substance–to "run" a race worthy of the high calling of God. Highly recommended.

How Rome Fell: Death of a Superpower by Adrian Goldsworthy

This is a new work on an old and much studied subject. Since many are predicting the end of America's role as a world superpower, I thought this would be a good book to read. I also need to continually read of the ancient world in connection with a class I teach on early Church history. Future articles and television programming will no doubt spring from this book. It just came in the mail and I have not had time to read it completely. It looks promising.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't by Jim Collins

This book on business management has been out for several years but has endured as a top book in its field. I recommend it for those of you who collect such books. The chapter on "Level Five Leadership" is worth the price alone. Collins identifies traits of leadership that take organizations to the pinnacle of greatness. The qualities he identifies are not typically studied nor sought by those who lead. Yet they are similar to key traits identified by Christ in His teaching about leadership among those who would be "great" in the Kingdom of God. Very good.

The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick

This book is a bit different from those I typically read and recommend. The book comes from the popular movie Fireproof, which tells the story of a troubled marriage and the steps taken by the husband to make the changes needed to save the relationship. The book can be used as a devotional study through key principles of marriage or even as a primer in conflict resolution applied to a broader range of needs. The book provides a 40-day period of reflection, study and prayer to address the key principles. I have gone through this and can recommend it for any who desire a systematic and disciplined approach. The principle of a 40-day discipline comes from many Bible examples where 40 days, or years, are determined as a period of testing, trial and reflection. See the movie and then read the book. It is a worthy spiritual exercise.

Got any books you recommend? I would like to hear from you. In the meantime, use your time this summer to dive into a good book that expands your heart and mind and opens new vistas of understanding of this marvelous experience called life.

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