Need Summer Reading Ideas?!
I came up with my top 10 books from the past 10 years (excluding parenting books, which I highlighted in My 10 Favorite Parenting Books). This also excludes all my recommendations for books related to sexual intimacy, which I will share in a separate post in the future!
Ok, I already fibbed. I couldn’t narrow it down further, so there are actually 17!
At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Fiction
Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe gave me all the feels. I wiped away many tears, laughed out loud repeating scenes to my husband, and concluded with profound gratitude for my salvation and the loving relationships God has placed in my life.
Reading this piece did not feel like careless escapism. Instead, it made me more thoughtful about my own reality and I am excited to share it with you and hear your thoughts too!
There is a good mix of humor, love, mental health awareness, loss, community, and family values woven throughout the pages of this Christian novel.
If you are looking for a meaningful way to spend a few hours that will impact your thoughts beyond the turning of the final page, I definitely recommend this read!
And if you want to hear an exclusive interview with the author, join our Patreon page today! For as little as $5 per month, you automatically gain access to over 30 additional podcast episodes and more than 10 downloadable Scripture cards. New episodes appear each month and new cards every quarter!
Intentional Living
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Gregory McKeown
Few books have changed my life in such practical ways. . .
Completing this book was the catalyst for quarterly meetings with my husband, minimizing our items owned, and mapping out my year with clarity and focus. Each of these lessons turned into a habit and each of these habits have been immensely fruitful.
If you want a fresh look at wise-living, give this book a chance. It’s also wonderful to listen to on audio!
Good Stories
Who doesn’t love a good story? They live on by impacting us for days to come after their conclusion.
This book was incredibly emotional as Robby Mitchell recounts his tumultuous childhood of abandonment, life in an orphanage, and God’s ultimate redemption.
I was so inspired, after reading this book multiple times, that I reached out to the author. Rob Mitchell was my guest as he shared his Incredible Story of Overcoming.
Only Bob Goff can make our sides hurt from laughing so loud while also sharing profound spiritual truth. This is a great one to read aloud to your older kids because the stories are too good to keep to yourself!
Eat Mor Chikin, Inspire More People by S. Truett Cathy
The founder of Chick-fil-A has an amazing rags to riches story and his humble leadership could only be inspired by God. His faithfulness to the Lord, love of people, and supernatural generosity left me inspired and ready to take action.
Do you want to catch more of the Chick-fil-A culture? Chick-fil-A leaders inspire me, so we devoted multiple episodes to learning from them in hopes of emulating their ways:
Being Intentional with our Health, Finances and Relationships with Elizabeth Dixon
The Inside Scoop on Chick-fil-A with Mark Dugger
How to Apply Successful Business Principles to Your Life with Dee Ann Turner
Managing Family, Career, and Health with Leslie Neslage
Simple Changes for Healthier Living with Leslie Sexton and Vasu Thorpe
Stewardship as the Daughter of Chick-fil-A Founders with Trudy Cathy White
And here are a few more favorite episodes with surprising Chick-fil-A ties:
Ideas for Spreading Generosity and Finding Your Purpose as a Mom with Courtney DeFeo
Business
Radical Business by Gary Ringger
God meets us anywhere and Gary shares his story of God’s hand in changing his perspective from business owner to wise steward.
We are all called to steward what God has entrusted to us and this easy read will help you learn how to allow God to stretch, mold, and shape you into the vessel He longs to fill to overflowing!
Gary and his wife, Marla, joined me on The Savvy Sauce for a chat where we discuss Radical Business and Radical Parenting.
Know What You’re FOR by Jeff Henderson
Jeff is a pastor, leader, and marketing genius! I list this as a business resource, but it is helpful in the way you live, raise your children, or lead your ministry team. The lessons go well beyond business.
If you want to get a taste of a few concepts from the book, listen to How 2 Questions Can Grow Your Business and Change Your Life.
Time Management
I am always on the quest to make the most out of my time!
Rather than adding more to your full life, Kat helps you boil down a savvy way to start your day with three simple ways to fill up in three minutes.
She is gifted at teaching how to apply biblical truths through actionable steps. Those steps lead to peace, energy, purpose, and life change!
Spiritual Growth
Jesus, Continued…by J.D. Greer
The subtitle sums up my entire reason for this recommendation because you get to further study “Why the Spirit Inside You Is Better than Jesus Beside You.” That statement seems controversial until we realize Jesus was the One to leave that encouragement with us!
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. (John 16:7, AMP)
Relationship Builder
The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman
Most likely you have heard of this, and you may even know your love language, but have you ever actually read this book?
Just like a relationship with Jesus, experiencing it is very different from knowing about it.
I return to this book every few years because it always improves my relationships when I apply the wisdom contained within.
Whether you want to improve your relationship with your spouse, significant other, children, parents, or friends, I can’t think of a better book to promote this contagious way of sharing love.
Bonus: Dr. Gary Chapman was one of my all-time favorite guests to host on The Savvy Sauce Podcast. You can click to listen to his episode about applying the 5 Love Languages.
Personal Growth
Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons
You can read more about my love for this resource and all the lessons I learned in Rhythms and Why They Matter, and listen to The Savvy Sauce episode about on Rhythms of Renewal with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons.
The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holley Gerth
Holley wrote this book for all introverts and anyone who lives with or loves an introvert in their life! As an extrovert, I still devoured this book and it helped me to understand and better love the introverts in my life!
If you enjoy auditory learning, you can hear Holley unpack this book further in Powerful Purpose of Introverts with Holley Gerth.
Health and Wellness
Sleep It Does a Family Good OR Digital Minimalism (basically, anything by Dr. Archibald Hart).
Regardless of release date, his messages are timely and prophetic in the way he writes about issues that become relevant for decades following his work.
Honorable Mentions
Time Management: What Successful People Do Before Breakfast or 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think (both by Laura Vanderkam)
Personal Development: Habits by Charles Duhigg
Reading changes the way we think which changes the way we live.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. (Ephesians 5:15, NLT)
Let’s live wisely this summer!
Please share your favorite recommendations with me! What is on your reading list this summer? Which books have you completed years past? Any you will return to again?
Happy reading, Friends!
Love,
Laura
About The Savvy Sauce
Practical chats for intentional living
A faith-based podcast and resources to help you grow closer to Jesus and others. Expect encouragement, surprises, and hope here. Each episode offers lively interviews with fascinating guests such as therapists, authors, non-profit founders, and business leaders.
They share their best practices and savvy tips we can replicate to make our daily life and relationships more enjoyable!
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