Books That Have Had The Greatest Impact On My Life

Jul 15

As the adage goes leaders are readers.

I love talking with other leaders about what they are reading and what books have impacted them most significantly.

AUTHORS WHO HAVE IMPACTED ME GREATLY

Before I list specific books, however, it’s important to start with the authors who have shaped me the most. Authors, of course, write books that impact readers - and as an author myself, I know just how difficult (and, at times, excruciating) it is to arrange letters in such a way that is clear, compelling, and engaging for readers.

There is a select group of authors who continue to shape me with each book they write, no matter what the topic may be. I have read their works extensively – and will continue to read whatever they publish, no questions asked.

· Eugene Peterson

· Dallas Willard

· N.T. Wright

· Henri Nouwen

· C.S. Lewis

· Malcolm Guite

· Andy Crouch

· Malcolm Gladwell

· Jim Collins

· Mary Oliver

· Billy Collins

· Cal Newport

BOOKS THAT HAVE IMPACTED ME GREATLY

When leaders ask me, I always start by sharing that the Bible has shaped me more than any other book. In addition to Scripture, there are many books that have shaped who I am today. Many of these books have been so impactful that I re-read them, some titles I re-read each year. You’ll notice my list is absent of fiction books. Truth be told, I only read non-fiction. (This often ruffles the feathers of many of my friends). Here they are, in no particular order.

· How to Read a Book (Mortimer Adler)

· The Divine Conspiracy (Dallas Willard)

· Renovation of the Heart (Dallas Willard)

· Knowledge of the Holy (A.W. Tozer)

· In the Name of Jesus (Henri Nouwen)

· The Cost of Discipleship (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

· A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Eugene Peterson)

· The Wounded Healer (Henri Nouwen)

· Working the Angles (Eugene Peterson)

· The Upside-Down Kingdom (Donald Kraybill)

· Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes (Kenneth Bailey)

· The Effective Executive (Peter Drucker)