In recent days I have heard the three words “back to school” enough times to know that summer is drawing to a close for many of my readers. With the change of seasons in mind, I offer the ten best books I read this summer:
- (5+) The End of White Christian America by Robert P. Jones (Simon & Schuster, 2016)
- (5) Raising the Floor: How a Universal Basic Income Can Renew Our Economy and Rebuild the American Dream by Andy Stern (Public Affairs, 2016)
- (5) Vital Vintage Church: How Traditional Congregations Thrive by Michael S. Piazza (CreateSpace, 2016)
- (4.5) Mother, Heal My Self: An Intergenerational Healing Journey Between Two Worlds by JoEllen Koerner (Crestport Press, 2003)
- (4) Who Moved My Pulpit: Leading Change in the Church by Sam Rainer (B&H Books, 2016)
- (4) The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker (Waterbrook, 2016)
- (4) Glorify: Reclaiming the Heart of Progressive Christianity by Emily C. Heath (Pilgrim Press, 2016)
- (3.5) The Power of TED – The Empowerment Dynamic (10th Anniversary Edition) by David Emerald (Polaris Publishing, 2016)
- (3.5) Weird Church: Welcome to the Twenty-First Century by Beth Ann Estock (Pilgrim Press, 2016)
- (3) Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead by Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder (Moody Publishers, 2016)
So What?
The two books atop my list both address key issues in our rapidly changing world. Each look at a key issue from a uniquely American perspective.
Earlier this month I shared some reflections on the book that sits atop my list of the best books I read this summer: The End of White Christian America. It provides an historical perspective that will enrich every Protestant leader and everyone who cares about the present and future of Protestantism in America.
The second book, Raising the Floor, is written by Andy Stern (former president of the Service Employees International Union) who spent the first four years after leaving a life of work for unions researching the future of work in America – a future in which 50% of today’s jobs will likely be replaced by automation. He proposes a universal basic income (UBI) of $1,000 a month for every adult as a way to raise the floor and provide all people with the opportunity to enjoy a new American Dream. Whether or not you are in favor of UBI, I recommend this book because it affords an incredibly well researched look into the changing nature of work in America that is appropriately forward looking with a genuine concern for the well-being of all Americans.
I invite you to share
- The best book you read this summer
- Your thoughts and questions about the end of White Christian America
- Your thoughts and questions about a future America in which working may be increasingly atypical