LINCHPIN by Seth Godin

Review by @VinThomas

Marketing guru Seth Godin has done it again. In his newest book Linchpin, Godin discusses the art of becoming indispensable. This book is a call to step out of a robot mentality and start injecting creative personality into the workplace. Being in the midst of a job transition, this book has come at a good time. It has encouraged me to take creative risks and given me a fresh sense of value as I try to learn the ropes at a new company. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s looking to grow professionally, take risks, and find personal value in the workplace.

NINE DRAGONS by Michael Connelly

Review by @Vonster

Michael Connelly is a former crime beat reporter from the Los Angeles Times who’s been writing a very compelling detective book series for well over a decade now. The main character of these novels is an LAPD Homicide Detective named Harry Bosch (Hieronymus Bosch). The latest work of fiction is “9 Dragons” an emotional story about the murder of a South L.A. shop owner that leads to the kidnapping of his own daughter by the Hong Kong triad. Even though this is book 15 in the series it stands on it’s own and will captivate you from page one. But if you’d prefer reading them in chronological order, you’ll want to pick up a copy of “The Black Echo” circa 1992. Like myself you’ll end up admiring this character and the way Connelly paints a visual picture for his readers. The stories are authentic, textured with real-world personalities, and brutally honest in it’s approach to crime fighting. But you’re easily offended this might not be the book series for you.

O ME OF LITTLE FAITH by Jason Boyett

Review by @BoLane

Author Jason Boyett brings to surface an area in many Christians lives that is often filled with shame and regret: doubt. It’s a book that focuses on the authors own experience, asking difficult questions and, often, not having any answers. It’s a book that offers hope and support for the struggling believer and will inspire you to push on, asking more questions and learning to live without all the answer. It’s a great little read that will give your summer some much needed freedom.

STRENGTHS FINDER 2.0 by Tom Rath

Review by @ScottFromSalem

StrengthsFinder 2.0 is a book by Tom Rath. As an updated version from Strengths Finder, Rath partnered with Gallup to further the strengths-based research. Operating through your strengths is a way that we can maximize our potential. So often we’ve been told to better our areas of weakness. Instead, the strengths philosophy says to increase our areas of strength. Since taking the Strengths Finder test again after 5 years, I renewed my interest in developing my strengths. This allows me to pursue developing the natural talents that God has given me. Strengths isn’t about learning who you are, it’s about confirming who you are. Then you can learn how to make yourself better through this awareness. If you’re in a time of transition or feeling like you’d like to learn more about how you can be a better you, Strengths Finder 2.0 is for you.

STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE by Jon Acuff

Review by @KristerDunn

Dad was a pastor. I know stuff about Christians. Lots of stuff. We are just like any other people group out there. Scratch the surface and you’ll see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Maybe even Clint Eastwood. You never know. But dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover the ridiculous, ludicrous, and convoluted. Jon Acuff has found a way to bring to life an ever growing cast of characters pulled directly out of every idiosyncrasy and double standard that can be found within Christianity. It’s like people watching on crack…or caffeine. Christians probably prefer a caffeine reference as it is clearly a better analogy. If you’ve ever done any time in a church you’ll connect right away. Satire, flat out comedy, good old fashioned knee slappers…it’s all in there. But it’s this next part that to me, is the pure genius: there is no anger present. Acuff doesn’t rant. There is no meanness. Slapping people around, taking people out at the knees, shaming people for knowing who Lady Gaga is…these are easy. Pointing out the odd stuff we do in the name of faith and having a laugh…that takes tact, heart and soul, and it’s just plain fun! But then there’s more. There are those times when I pause in the laughter and realize that there are attitudes I need to examine a little further; there are behaviours I need to address. There are those times that I realize Acuff just spoke to me on a deeper level (whether he meant to or not) and if I hadn’t been laughing so hard, I would have never let anyone take me there. Jack Bauer, Chuck Norris, and Jon Acuff walk into a bar… I’m pretty sure Christians like all three of those dudes. As for walking into the bar…is this the right time to insert a Braveheart reference to FREEE-DOOOOOM!?? Buy the book. Read the book. You’re welcome.

ALSO, make sure to check out our interview with Jon Acuff here.