Best of 2018's Non-Fiction

In the middle of high school, I decided I needed to start reading more non-fiction. As a fun "reward", I also started doing a Top 10 list at the end of the year to share my favorites with others. (In case you haven't figured it out yet, I love sharing books with people almost as much as reading them in the first place!).

Goodreads lets you make a reading challenge each year - a goal to work towards. I've never had a problem reading books :) but I did want to set a non-fiction goal, so in the back of my planner, I made a goal of reading thirty non-fiction books this year.

I read forty.

Crazy, I know, but some of them were quick reads or short books. Plus, I usually have two or three books going at one time.

Because of the plethora of books this year, and since I was reading at least one business book each month, I'm going to do categories. (To keep this post as short as possible, I'm only including the top three books in each category. If you'd like the rest of the list, send me an email at [email protected])

Since I'm starting my own photography business, I thought it'd be a good idea to read some business books. Some are more business focused than others. I also am trying to learn about and figure out my ideas about marriage and dating before I jump into it, so I read quite a few books on that topic this year. Then there are books by Christians that influence my faith walk. Those are always good to read and my 2019 non-fiction goals revolve around reading more of that kind of book. I can't forget biographies. They are kind of how I learned that I actually do like reading non-fiction!

Without further ado, I give you my 2018 Non-Fiction Recap!!

Business
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - We know how to be nice to people but sometimes we need a little reminder to listen and not talk, to go above and beyond, to give without expectation of return. Carnegie's book is a timeless classic that will remind you and even teach you a few new things (at least that's how it was for me).
Worth Every Penny by Sarah Petty - Great book for any entrepreneur who wants to do business differently. It's written by a photographer, but photography is rarely mentioned. I'm seriously considering buying this book to have as a reference.
The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears- I loved this book for the insights it provided. It was so informative but interesting at the same time. The style of writing was easy to understand and not boring at all. I would read a chapter - sometimes two - at a time, taking time to think things through. (Contains some language)

Christianity/Christian Life/Theology/Apologetics
King's Cross by Timothy Keller - Keller takes you step by step through the book of Mark, looking at who Jesus was and what was His purpose. It's a Bible study of the best kind, teaching and showing you "who is God?".
Total Truth by Nancy Pearcy - This is a very intellectual book. By that, I mean that you need to really be focused when you're reading. It's not hard to understand or boring, but it takes focus. If you are into apologetics, worldview studies, history, or just want to know about how we (America) got to where we are, this book is for you.
Daring To Hope by Katie Davis Majors - Katie does it again. I got a free review copy, finished it, and immediately knew I needed to buy this book to read over and over again. Katie's view point and the lessons she shares are really resonating with me. Funny how a middle-class American girl can deal with things that a missionary in Uganda deals with (but obviously in different ways and on different levels).

Marriage/Dating
Love That Lasts by Jefferson and Alyssa Bethke - Every book I've read that they've written has been amazing and this one is no exception. It's one thing to know that for a good marriage you need to keep God in the center, but it's so good to have examples. And things were by no means easy for these two.
You And Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan - not your average marriage book. Really, this book is all about how your marriage should be for the Kingdom. A spouse's goal should be helping their husband/wife live a life that will result in hearing "well done, good and faithful servant". Very Kingdom focused and service focused.
Not Yet Married by Marshall Segal - there are a lot of themes in this book but one that stood out to me (because it wasn't something I'd really thought much about until this year) was how you should not view the person you're dating as "yours" but rather assume that they will belong to someone else in the future. This changes how you treat them and how you care for them.

Biographies/Autobiographies
Unplanned by Abby Johnson - This is a hard book. It's not for young people. Despite such a controversial topic, (literally life and death), Johnson does not demonize or villainize people. In fact, love, real, Christian, Jesus-like love, is what brought Johnson out of Planned Parenthood. It's an incredible book but very hard to read.  
The Color of Rain by Michael and Gina Spehn - Speaking of hard reads, I knew going into this book that I'd probably cry. That I still chose to read it is astonishing considering 1) I hardly cry at any books or movies and 2) I don't like to cry. However, their story sounded like an incredible example of "God works all things for the good of those who love Him", plus they are from Michigan, so I decided to read it. I did cry. And it is an amazing testament to God's healing and restoration.
Made For The Journey by Elisabeth Elliot - I need to read more by Elisabeth Elliot because everything I have read has been so amazing. Talk about struggle and God doing great things. The Elliots saw God at work in incredible ways but also dealt with devastating circumstances; things that would make them doubt and question. Elliot's books always strengthen my faith.

Miscellaneous
Madame Chic trilogy by Jennifer L. Scott - I've been a conservative dresser and I like to look nice, but these books have given me new goals and it's about more than just your style and look. She covers being chic in your home and in life. I loved these so much I asked for them for Christmas presents :)

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker - I would never have called myself a minimalist and I'm still not hardcore by any means, but I am definitely intrigued by this whole idea and what it might do for my life. I have goals and dreams and visions and minimalism could help me achieve them. As I clean my room in the future, I'll be keeping minimalism principles in mind.


Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What ones are you going to look into reading next year? I hope you found a couple!