Books Lindsey Read in 2023

Hello everyone, it’s that time again to share the books I read this year. I tried to have a book lined up once I finished one to keep up the momentum. It didn’t always work, but I was so excited to just keep reading. I hope you enjoy!

Above, you can see an overview of what I read, in the order that I read them. Some people read a couple books year, some a handful, some several books a month, and some more than that. I read 20 this year, which is proof that I am enjoying reading more and more. Each year, my book count goes up a little bit. And even if it goes down, no matter - let’s just keep reading! =)

1) The Lazy Genius Kitchen by Kendra Adachi - Not a cook book, but a book to help you love your kitchen. She is so delightful and smart and hilarious. Her podcast The Lazy Genius merits a listen too. I definitely recommend this book to every person who spends time in the kitchen!!!

2) Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton - I liked her encouragements toward rest, but overall this book is for bigger church structures - it definitely didn’t match up with a smaller church model.

3) Atomic Habits by James Clear - It’s been a popular one ever since it came out in 2018. I liked his practical approaches to habits. I recommend this for sure!

4) Prince Caspian by CS Lewis - I find myself reading through the Narnia series once every two years. Prince Caspian, the 4th book in the series, is inspiring in that it reveals how we all can rise to our potential with God’s help.

5) The Voyage of Dawn Treader by CS Lewis - I enjoy this 5th book mostly for the part when (spoiler alert) Edmond and Lucy’s cousin Eustice turns into a dragon. Ha!

6) Trucs & Astuces de grand-mère by various authors - Pierre bought this for me Christmas 2022, and I slowly went through the different grandma remedies. Baking soda, white vinegar, lemon, garlic and herbs seemed to be the main themes. I feel like a learned a bit of French culture too.

7) The Silver Chair by CS Lewis - This 6th book is probably my favorite in the Chronicles of Narnia series. The adventure is thick and dangerous and comical, and the twist is worth the wait.

8) The Last Battle by CS Lewis - This 7th book paints the most incredible picture of heaven. Every time I read it, I get so excited to be with Jesus one day.

9) How We Relate by Jesse Eubanks - There are so many personality tools out there to help us get to know ourselves better. I have really enjoyed the enneagram as a tool, and this book is my hands-down favorite book on the subject. It’s almost like a Bible study mixed with a discipleship program mixed with and incredibly vulnerable mirror that exposes our sin so honestly. I can’t say enough about this book. Jesse also has a podcast called The Enneacast, which has been such a blessing in my life. I recommend this book with big high fives!!!

10) Hearing God by Dallas Willard - I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the end. It’s long, and the writing takes a bit of digesting, but you guys… OH. MY. GOODNESS. GRACIOUS. This book answers like ALL the questions we’ve ever asked about how do we hear from God. I feel like it should be a staple for every Christian. I highly recommend!!! I think your mind will be blown.

11) A Non-Anxious Presence by Mark Sayers - Such a timely book for such an anxious time in history. I really appreciate Mark’s perspective on the church and how culture and history are affecting it. He also has a podcast called Rebuilders that is super insightful (and the Australian accents are a fun hang!)

12) Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn - This was one of the Lazy Genius’ summer read recommendations. I had never really read romance before, so I wasn’t sure. I knew I loved romantic comedy movies, so perhaps it was just like reading one. Well, I realized I do not like reading romance. I didn’t even finish the last 3 chapters, so I don’t know if I could recommend it - ha!

13) Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - Get your hands on this book as soon as you can!!! It was such an incredible read. I absolutely LOVED every moment in this book. I was hooked from page 1. My favorite book of the year, so I can wholeheartedly recommend this one!!!

14) Handling Accurately the Word of Truth by Rob Dingman - Rob is an actual friend of our family. Tonio and Pierre had translated this book in the past to French, and I was curious. I read it in English, and it is so practical. It’s a short handbook for anyone who serves in ministry and loves God’s Word and wants to teach it to others. I definitely recommend!

15) Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith - I’ve heard of this book for a few years from two different podcasts I listen to (The Next Right Thing and The Lazy Genius). For someone who is not incredibly gifted in interior decorating, I LOVED every page. I think what I like most of all is her recommendation to “quiet a room.” It’s been physically and psychologically calming for me in the living room and in our bedroom. I definitely recommend this if you could use a bit of help with creating your own cozy!

16) Dirt Matters by Jim Powell - This is one I will be returning to often. It is such a great look into how the “soil” of a church is so important. He also gives so many practical ideas and stories that makes this book just “chef’s kiss” perfect for ministry. I refer to this book about once a week in conversation. I highly recommend!!!

17) Part of My World by Jodi Benson - How could someone love Disney’s Ariel even more?!!! This woman, the voice of Ariel, shares her story so candidly and gracefully. She loves Jesus. She has walked through extremely difficult challenges. It’s raw and fascinating. I’m so glad I read this book. I highly recommend it if The Little Mermaid has been a part of your life in any way!!!

18) Try Softer by Aundi Kolber - This book was a beautiful combination of being hugged and encouraged while sitting in a therapy session with an incredible psychologist who loves Jesus with her whole heart. I’ve been through depression, trauma, therapy, medication, growth and healing, and this book… WOW! Some of the beginning descriptions can be tedious, but it is so worth finishing. Aundi helps you be gracious with yourself as you allow God to heal you in practical ways. I definitely recommend this one!!!

19) Get Personal by Erin K. Casey - I’ve been asked to share a bit of my story for a book someone is writing. This book was recommended. It’s a great framework for knowing what to share. We all have stories, and others can benefit from them. Erin helps us find a specific part of our story to incorporate God’s transforming power in sharing that story. I look forward to putting this little book into practice.

20) The Martian by Andy Weir - I saw the movie they made from this book with Matt Damon years ago. I remember really liking the movie, but I couldn’t remember all the details. Since I enjoyed Project Hail Mary so much by Andy Weir, I figured I would enjoy this one too. AND boy was I right!!! I looked forward to every minute of reading time. I definitely recommend!!!

Curious about what I read last year? Check out 2022!

Love Linz