Book Reviews for Your List
Our Wednesday list this week is the latest books I’ve finished. Due to the Thanksgiving break, I read a few different types of books. I hope you enjoy.
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A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Donald Miller
An autobiographical tale, A Million Miles was given to me by Justin Gerhardt (thanks!). Miller recounts his struggle to find him real purpose in a book that is amazingly open.
One of my favorite features of this book is that it is written in a quasi-journal style. Miller is able to keep the book moving forward, while taking small tangents to describe certain details as needed.
I would recommend A Million Miles to anyone who is looking for a little encouragement. It will make you want to achieve more as you read Miller’s struggles to find himself.
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It’s Easier to Succeed than to Fail
Truett S. Cathy
One of the Chick-Fil-A founder’s first books, this volume is pure Cathy. It is uplifting, encouraging, and focuses solely on moving forward despite any difficulty you may run across.
The book is brief and can be read in just a few hours, but that doesn’t mean it is without value. On the contrary, Cathy’s ability to relate how his company grew in spite of difficulties can easily be translated into helping you grow in any area of life.
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Another Season
Gene Stallings
Former college and NFL coach Gene Stallings is also well-known for having a son who has Down Syndrome. Another Season is the story of the growth of the son.
The book is so well done that anyone, whether a football fan or not, can gain from it. It shows the hardships and triumphs of a man struggling both professionally and with this difficulty at home. All the while, the book shows the growth of a boy not expected to live long into a wonderful icon in many communities, despite his difficulties.
Outside the obvious information and emotional part of the book, I found it to be an interesting look at the personal side of a profession where we almost never get to see that side of the man and the family.
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Leading on Empty
Wayne Cordeiro
No, I am not experiencing burnout! However, a look at one who has provides a very interesting read. Wayne Cordeiro, a “pastor” in Hawaii, went through a horrible season of burnout and depression; something that could happen to nearly anyone.
This volume details his journey, but also is highly practical. At times you will think you are reading a journal on taking care of your body or about how to eat right, because all these things (and many more) play a role in avoiding (or recovering from) burnout and depression.
As a minister, I found much of the information helpful, because most ministers have trouble saying “no” to any area of ministry. It’s always good to read of those who struggle with the same things, but overcome.
Even if you are not a minister, this book might help you if you struggle with burnout.
