- please forward to a bookish friend -
If you joined me in front of my bookshelves and told me I could pick only four titles focused on building healthier relationships, these are the ones I'd reach for.
In a heartbeat.
The great thing about these selections is that they are all-purpose. They're not one-facet volumes that solely focus on friendship or marriage or parenting or the workplace or the ministry arena. Their messages are applicable for wherever you find yourself and whatever challenges you're facing.
In a heartbeat.
The great thing about these selections is that they are all-purpose. They're not one-facet volumes that solely focus on friendship or marriage or parenting or the workplace or the ministry arena. Their messages are applicable for wherever you find yourself and whatever challenges you're facing.
They're like literary role models, perceptive companions to point us toward a wiser way to live, both relationally and spiritually.
~ Henry Cloud & John Townsend
I can't think of one person that couldn't use a bit of help when it comes to the whole issue of boundaries. None of us has arrived. This is the book I've recommended most to clients over the years. A readable, practical, must-read for sure, having sold millions of copies.
Love, love, love this book, these Christian psychologists, and their series of Boundaries books that followed this game-changing classic.
Kindle - $12.99
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
I can't think of one person that couldn't use a bit of help when it comes to the whole issue of boundaries. None of us has arrived. This is the book I've recommended most to clients over the years. A readable, practical, must-read for sure, having sold millions of copies.
Love, love, love this book, these Christian psychologists, and their series of Boundaries books that followed this game-changing classic.
Kindle - $12.99
The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It
~ Leslie Vernick
When you begin to read Leslie's wise words, you'll thank God that someone's finally putting a name to the sometimes subtle yet always devastating travesty of abuse. Leslie hits the nail on the head, naming sinful relational patterns in all their various forms, and guides the reader toward sanity, hope, and freedom.
Biblical, enlightening, straight talk. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Kindle - $11.39
The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction
~ Adam McHugh
Not too far into Adam's pages, attentive readers get a wake-up call as we begin to realize how seldom we truly listen to the hearts of others.
He writes, 'The question that drives this book is, how would our relationships change, and how would we change, if we approached every situation with the intention of listening first? What if we approached our relationship with God as listeners? What if we viewed our relationship with nature as one of listening? What if we approached our relationships using our ears rather than our mouths? What if we sought to listen to our emotions before we preached to them?'
This, a simply splendid soul-searching adventure, ended up as one of Christianity Today's 2017 Books of the Year, and one of my all time favorites. Go ahead and buy a crate of them for everyone on this year's Christmas list.
Kindle - $14.99
The Bible
Since way back in 1989, I've been using the same NIV Study Bible. Held together by layers of clear packing tape, the leather is cracked and worn ... and it remains one of my most prized possessions. Some of the pages are stained from spills and tears, and many margins are filled with notes from godly pastors, teachers, and professors God has brought into my life over the years.
When it comes to relationships, learning how to love God and others well, understanding the virtues of forgiveness and grace and kindness ... no other book will ever come close to the Holy Scriptures.
The sacred, precious truth of God's Word stands forever.
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BOOKISH LINKS
Elisabeth Elliot's Lost Manuscript
Michelle Van Loon
Simple Steps to Become a Leisurely Reader
Hannah Graham
A trick for when you're stuck in a reading rut
Anne Bogel
5 Unexpected Reasons Every Leader Should Be a Reader
Carey Nieuwhof
Books Around America: Uncover the Books Set Nearest to You
Crossword Solver
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E-BOOK DEALS
Fictional classics, devotional companions, relationship guides ... and more! Click here to scroll through 50+ titles selected for our little online community. Chances are you'll discover a gem or two.
What books are patiently awaiting your attention?
Linda
Want more?
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3 Grief Memoirs to Read (especially if you aren't the griever)
10 Exceptional Books to Calm + Heal + Inspire
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Love it, especially the Bible!!!
ReplyDeleteYes!
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I am so excited to see this post, Linda. I've read 3 of the 4 books and concur. I'm looking up the 4th now, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship, to get the Kindle sample. I value your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking we'll see your review before long.
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Hi Linda! Sorry I'm late to this party. I was gone all weekend. The first two books I have in my library and have gleaned things from them. The third one you mentioned I have never heard of. The fourth one I may have some knowledge of! Just a tad, but I can always learn more. :) Always interested in seeing what others are reading.
ReplyDeleteYes, you most certainly do have knowledge of #4. And while #3 is not nearly a sacred text, I'm thinking you might enjoy it!
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Once upon a time, I was known as a good listener. Somewhere along the way, I became more of an advice giver, probably when I became a parent. Advice - I've learned since - is not always asked for nor welcome. A listener. That's often what's needed most. Thanks for the book tip.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
onehopefulyear.com
'Advice - I've learned since - is not always asked for nor welcome.'
DeleteUm, yes. We usually have to learn this the hard way and it's not an easy lesson, isn't it. I'm finding the older I get the less I have to say. My family would most likely disagree.
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So many books. Can someone read them for me and tell me what they are about?
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Victor S E Moubarak http://timeforreflections.blogspot.com
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DeleteAw, Linda ... your Bible is a treasure (for all sorts of reasons). Just a thought, but have you ever thought about doing a post about Psalm 119? Seems like it lines right up with your love of scripture. [I used to sort of skip through it because it seemed repetitive, but I see it differently now. :-)]
ReplyDeleteI love God's Word but I'm no Bible scholar. For sure. But thanks for the encouragement to go deeper into what is a very long Psalm! I'll put the ball right back over the net at you!
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Linda, I am an avid reader of many genres, but time spent in God’s Word is the most important! Thank you Linda for the suggestions. Wishing you a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteYep, we need to keep that time with God front and center. I'm still left to wonder why this is such a challenge for so many of us ...
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Linda thanks for sharing these great recommendations. The Bible being #1. I have the book Boundaries I can see right where it is on my shelf. This was one of the books that was a requirement for one of my counseling classes many years ago in graduate school.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Oh I'd love to hear about your counseling classes and books and stuff, Paula. Maybe a blog post someday?!
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I always love your book recommendations, especially the Bible! I love that your Bible has been through so much and is filled with so many notes and memories from over the years. I haven't had mine for quite so long but it is heading the same way. Earlier this year, I was at a camp with young people and one of them had the same Bible as me but it was obviously very new. It was funny to remember what my Bible had once looked like and to see the contrast!
ReplyDeleteOh that'd be cool to see the same Bible in an unused pristine state ... although I love this one that's like my right arm. I lost it once and it was like losing a part of me. Thankfully it wasn't for long. Such a grace-gift.
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I do love all your recommendations Linda! I've really enjoyed Tim Keller's books on relationships, too.
ReplyDeleteLynn, thanks for the thumbs up. Appreciate you, girl!
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Thank you for your recommendations - seen at least one I'm going to check out. The last (bible) is my fave! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Wemi!
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Linda, The Listening Life sounds especially interesting. But, of course, the Bible is the Bread of Life. Mine, like yours is well-worn. In fact, I have had it rebound because it was in such bad shape. I have others but that one is very precious to me.
ReplyDeleteOh I've thought about having it rebound, too, Donna ... but I'm afraid that it'll get lost in somebody's shuffle.
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I have herd about The Listening Life for awhile now. Sounds like I might need to pick it up and read it. I hope you are doing well friend.
ReplyDeleteMary, I think you'd love it. Let me know, ok?! And yes, it's so good to see you again ...
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I meant "heard". Oh my! I am around you just don't always know it. 😉
DeleteI didn't even notice the herd!
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I love your list of books. A few I have read and some I will have to get my hands on. Pinning your post on my "Featured Grace & Truth" Board.
ReplyDeleteLinda- I am not seeing your share buttons for this article. Am I missing them?
ReplyDeleteRight before the comment section. 4 round aqua buttons.
DeleteThanks, Maree!
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I’ve read two of the four! The two middle books sound great—especially the one on listening. Thank you for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteIf you get to read these, I'd love to hear your thoughts, Anita!
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