Buzzard's Best Books of 2020

I didn't read as much as usual in 2020. I thought I'd have more time to read due to the virus/restrictions, but I actually had less energy for reading as my mind was often occupied with how to care for my family, church, and neighbors amid this roller coaster of a year. As always, my list is not restricted to books published in 2020, this is an account of the books I read in 2020 that I enjoyed and benefited from the most. I don't like the verb "read." That's not what I do. My verb is "explore." I never feel like I'm reading pages, I feel like I'm exploring new territory, seeing where a new trail leads me, chasing my curiosity. I aim to read/explore in many different fields, so this is an eclectic list. See the bottom of this post for links to past year’s lists, which will take you to more than a decade of book recommendations.Open by Andre AgassiEasily one of the best, most insightful autobiographies I've ever read. I hate tennis, but I loved this book. Excellent writing. Want to better understand the human heart? Read Open.The J-Curve by Paul E. Miller Brilliant book. So much theology, so much of life, is made sense of by the J-curve. Before I knew this book existed I built my logo around, and wrote this article about, The J-Curve. I wish I wrote this book, but I don't have the wisdom, humility, life-experience, or holiness to write like Paul Miller. What a gift of a book. Deeply study this book and it will give you new eyes.The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de BottonThis is such a unique piece of writing, and loaded with pictures to illustrate his arguments. I learned a lot about architecture, and how architecture can be done in service of (or against) happiness. I think differently, newly, because of this brilliant little paperback.The Message of Lamentations by Christopher WrightWe had much lamenting to do in 2020. I preached a sermon series on Lamentations, helping our church (and me) learn to lament. This commentary is gold, and helped me greatly.The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric JorgensonAgain, this is a unique book. It's a collect of Naval's tweet storms, podcasts, and interviews. It's organized well and flows. If you haven't heard of or listened to Naval, he's worth learning from. I disagree with him on plenty, but I've also been sharpened by some of his key ideas. I'd start with a few podcasts, then dive into the book.Fortune's Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt by Arthur T. Vanderbilt IIFascinating. Astonishing account of how massive wealth was built, stewarded, and squandered over several generations.Play by Stuart BrownIf you're an adult wanting help understanding the value of play and wanting to become more free and playful (an area I want to grow in every year), this book can help you. Please read it. We need a world with more playful leaders.The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselHousel writes well. His short chapters cover different, often overlooked aspects of how people approach, feel about, and handle money. I'm passionate about investing, stewarding money well, and putting resources in my friend's hands that help them become better investors. This book may replace the 1st book I normally hand people. I believe a huge education exists within these pages.Devolution: A First Hand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max BrooksFun, fun, fun! Max Brooks wrote World War Z, which is how I stumbled upon this. I never read that book, but I love the movie. This is a good book, but I believe it will make a much better movie. Go ahead and read the book though, the movie won't be coming for a little while. Sasquatch!!!Soulful Spirituality: Becoming Fully Alive and Deeply Human by David G. BennerA mentor recommended this one to me, especially for the chapters on the body. The book is worth buying just for those sections. Christians need to pay much more attention to knowing, honoring, and being in touch with their bodies. Sections of this book speak really well to this need. The rest of the book is also helpful. I've read a handful of Benner's books, and each time I disagree with sizable chunks of his theology, yet also grab hold of some very helpful footholds for a closer walk with Jesus.Click here to read Buzzards' Best Books of 2019, and get links to all my past year's lists.