2017 was quite the year for me. Much of my time was spent in coffee shops working, waiting between work/meetings, and catching up with friends. It was also the year of Angela’s crazy commutes (and 2018 is looking to be the same)! I spent a lot of time reading books and listening to podcasts. Since the Internet is crawling with “best of” lists this time of year, I thought I’d add mine to the mix but focus solely on books and podcasts. I can be pretty long-winded (take this intro for example) but also rather impatient. If I tried to add anything else, this post would be pages long and let’s be real… we live in an age where the average person’s attention span is smaller than that of a goldfish. So. Muster up all of your strength, be stronger than a goldfish and read my list. I hope something of interest jumps out at you!
I’ve always been a big reader, but post college I’ve been able to read more for pleasure and let me tell ya, I’ve most definitely taken advantage of that. These are my most favorite reads of 2017. Some are serious and life changing, while others are hilarious and somewhat random (kind of like me). I’ve included more detailed descriptions about a few but if you’d like to know more about anything listed below I would LOVE to discuss!
Scary Close, Donald Miller. My most favorite book of 2017, this book taught me so much about grace and about being in relationships (of all kinds) with healthy people. He writes honestly, and his humor is spot on, making him one of my favorite authors.
Rising Strong, Brené Brown. This book is all about living a brave life and owning your story.
Monster Loyalty, Jackie Huba. This book is about how Lady Gaga has turned her followers into fanatics. If you’re into building brands, PR, marketing, or Lady Gaga this book is for you. If you’re not into Lady Gaga but everything else listed above intrigues you, this book is still for you.
Uninvited, Lysa TerKeust. If you’ve ever had the feeling that you’re not enough, read this gem.
The Defining Decade, Meg Jay. If you’re in your 20s and feel like you have no idea where your life is going read this book. It will light a fire under your ass and make you get stuff done. I wish I could put that last sentence in a more eloquent way, but I can’t. The book is brutal but necessary and honestly the push I needed to follow my dreams and reach out to the people I’m now getting to work with. So worth it!
Talking as Fast as I Can, Lauren Graham. It’s funny, witty, and she talks about Gilmore Girls. Enough said.
Enneagram: A Christian Perspective, Richard Rohr and Andreas Elbert. Okay you guys; I’m a HUGE fan of the enneagram. If you haven’t taken the test you need to (like right now). If you don’t know what the enneagram is, it’s a personality typing system that gives nine different personality types. However it goes beyond just describing your personality, its goal is to help you be the best version of yourself by being super honest about your shortcomings. I’ve never been a big fan of personality tests but this one got me good. I’ve read many different books on the subject and this one gives a great overview of the different types.
Love Lives Here, Maria Goff. My most recommended book this year. Overall, just a solid read.
In Full Flower, Gemma and Andrew Ingalls. So I just got this book for Christmas but I’ve already finished it making it the perfect last book to add to my list. This book inspires me creatively in so many ways and I can’t WAIT for all the flowers I get to play with in 2018!!!
Now on to podcasts… I spent so much time in traffic during 2017, which meant a lot of podcasts. Some are more serious, others are lighthearted and for lack of a more descriptive word, fun. Here are my favorites…
The Unmistakable Creative- if pursuing any type of creative endeavor this podcast brings inspiration when feeling uninspired.
Typology- a podcast all about the different enneagram types ( I’m a 2 by the way).
Auburn Community Church Podcast- specifically the series about Jonah. If you feel like
God's seriously wrecked your plans, and you don't really know why, stop what you're doing and download this podcast.
Anna Faris is Unqualified- I LOVE this podcast, more than her book. It’s hilarious and she has great guests.
S Town- If mysteries intrigue you, and you loved Serial, download all episodes and binge immediately.
Oprah’s SuperSoul- She interviews prominent leaders from different faiths. Really intriguing and very insightful.
It was a year filled with growth and as most everyone knows, with growth comes a lot of realizations, emotions, and some downright painful stuff. It can be tiring but necessary. There were times when 2017 was rough. So much of what I’ve learned this past year came from what I’ve read and listened to. Towards the end of this year, I’ve seen God’s plan for my life and this specific season unfold more and more everyday. I’m appreciating his goodness, and how he wrecks my plans to make a way for something so much better. I have a feeling 2018 will be filled with more than just books, and podcasts, so stay tuned for my “best of” list next year. Until then, read or listen to some of my suggestions ;)
Peace & Love,
Ang