At the start of this year, I threw down a challenge for myself.
To read (or listen) one book per month.
A humble goal. Yes.
But guess what? I crushed it and then some!
All while juggling family, work, and church duties.
They were handpicked for life improvement, from family, finance, philosophy to even AI writing.
Almost all of them from a Christian perspective and they weren’t heavy readings.
Here are the 7 books I read this year:
- How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren
This classic guide explores the art of reading, emphasizing the importance of active engagement with a text. It provides practical techniques to enhance comprehension and analytical skills, helping readers extract more meaning from their reading experiences. - Tu Mejor Año: Un Plan de 5 Pasos para Alcanzar tus Metas Mas Importantes by Michael Hyatt
“Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals,” this book by Michael Hyatt offers a strategic approach to goal-setting and achieving personal success. The plan presented aims to guide individuals in reaching their most significant objectives. - A.I Writer: Use ChatGPT to Write 100X Faster (& Get Filthy Rich) by Jon Morrow
A guide demonstrating how writers can harness AI, specifically ChatGPT, to skyrocket productivity and income. It dispels fears of job replacement, emphasizing AI as an amplifying tool for writers to work smarter, automate tasks, and focus on creativity, ultimately leading to higher-quality work and a prosperous future for the writing profession. - Why we Pray? by William Phillip
This short book addresses the fundamental questions about prayer in the Christian context. Drawing on the author’s pastoral experience, the book explores the purpose and benefits of prayer, providing four compelling reasons to inspire believers. It emphasizes the joy and confidence that come from communicating directly with a loving heavenly Father. - What If I Don’t Desire to Pray? by John Onwuchekwa
John Onwuchekwa’s book tackles the common struggle of lacking motivation or desire to engage in prayer. It provides insights and guidance for individuals facing challenges in maintaining a consistent prayer life, addressing the obstacles and offering practical advice on how to overcome them. - Think Again: How to Reason and Argue by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong
This book explores the principles of critical thinking, reasoning, and argumentation. It provides readers with tools to enhance their logical and analytical skills, encouraging them to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and construct sound arguments in various contexts. - Everything the Bible Says About Money by Lin Johnson
Lin Johnson’s book compiles and examines biblical teachings related to money and financial matters. It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the scriptures’ guidance on topics such as wealth, generosity, and stewardship, offering insights for individuals seeking to align their financial practices with their faith.
Here are the 7 books I listen this year:
- The Case for Miracles by Lee Strobel
A former atheist turned Christian apologist, investigates the evidence for miracles. Strobel interviews scholars, theologians, and experts to make a case for the miraculous, exploring topics such as divine healing and supernatural events. - Family Worship by Donald S. Whitney
This book advocates for the importance of incorporating worship into family life. It provides practical guidance on how families can establish and maintain regular times of worship, prayer, and Bible study together. - Praying the Bible by Donald S. Whitney
A concise guide offering hope and practical advice for revitalizing prayer lives. Professor Whitney introduces a simple yet profound method — praying through Scripture one line at a time. This resource directs focus and encourages a deeper connection with God, proving invaluable for daily communion in prayer. - A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles Dr. J.P. Moreland
Moreland’s book explores the contemporary reality of miracles and supernatural interventions. Moreland, an esteemed philosopher, addresses the relationship between sickness and suffering, guides readers on discerning genuine miracles, and encourages a humble expectation for God’s miraculous works. Filled with inspiring accounts, the book provides practical wisdom for engaging in healing prayer, understanding divine communication, and navigating the spiritual realm. - Why God Allows Evil? A Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions by Dr. Clay Jones
Clay Jones, a Christian apologetics professor, confronts the age-old question of why a benevolent God permits evil. Exploring biblical perspectives, Jones challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of suffering, sin, and divine justice, offering insights into God’s grace, the joy of heaven, and the destiny of believers. - Christianity and Wokeness by Owen Strachan
A concise and theologically grounded primer for Christians navigating the challenges of the “woke” culture. Strachan, a respected Reformed theologian, explores critical race theory, advocates for rejecting wokeness in favor of gospel-centered unity, and guides readers through understanding the complexities of America’s past and the biblical perspective on ethnicity. - Cruel Logic: The Philosopher Killer by Brian James Godawa
“Cruel Logic” follows Charles Cullen, an escaped university professor and killer, as he challenges society’s moral boundaries. Dr. Joseph Kallinger, who diagnosed Cullen, and a weary cop team up to stop him. Meanwhile, Evangelical Christian Danny Ranes undergoes a transformative journey into radical activism, facing moral dilemmas that question his faith. The novel delves into deep philosophical and theological themes, exploring the consequences of ideas and the battle between good and evil.
Overall, I’m happy with my progress, but I’m not conform.
My 2024 Reading Challenge
This year I plan to read 18 books.
The goal is the same, to improve and educate myself the best I can on the 7 areas of life: Spiritual, Financial, Career, Intellectual, Fitness, Family and Social distributed in 12 themes of interest.
I already pre-selected the books I want to read.
- Theology
– Why Not Full Preterism? A Partial Preterist Response to a Novel Theological Innovation by Steve Gregg - Philosophy
– Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy by Paul M. Gould, et.al
– How to Think About God by J. Mortimer Adler - Marriage
– The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert by John Gottman and Nan Silver - Fatherhood
– Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker MD
– Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rythm by Justin Whitmel Earley - Finance
– Budgeting 101 by Michele Cagan CPA
– Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies by Kiana Danial - Politics
– More Guns, Less Crime: Understanding Crime and Gun Control Laws by John Lott - Health
– How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease - Technology
– Blockchain: The Next Everything by Stephen P. Williams - Science
– Four Views on Creation, Evolution and Intelligent Design by James Stump, et.al - Self-Improvement
– How to Speak, How to Listen by Mortimer J. Adler
– Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin - Social Issues
– Lost in Trans Nation: A Child Psychiatrist’s Guide Out of the Madness by Miriam Grossman MD
– Gay and Christian? by Dr. Michael L. Brown - Apologetics
– The Prophetic Apologetic: A Charismatic Approach to Christian Apologetics by Jonathan Ammon
– Mapping Apologetics: Comparing Contemporary Approaches by Brian K. Morley
As I share my modest achievement, I challenge you, to embark on a similar journey. Even if committing to reading just 3 or 6 books throughout the year, the impact can be profound.
Remember, it’s not about the quantity but the quality of the book, and each book has the potential to be a steppingstone towards a more enlightened and transformative future.