Here are some of the books I read from January to June that I enjoyed/appreciated most. 

Fiction 

• Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson (2004 Pulitzer Prize) 
• The Runaway Jury, by John Grisham 
• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (collection of ten short stories) 
• A Study in Scarlet, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (the debut story featuring Sherlock Holmes) 

Theology and Spirituality 

• Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness, by Wesley Hill (a gay Christian’s reflections on living a celibate life out of convictions about the gospel and Christian morality) 
• Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate, by Justin Lee (a gay Christian’s account of coming to terms with being gay, exploring Scripture, and presenting a case for legitimizing gay relationships/marriage within Christian ethics) 
• Behold the Pierced One, by Joseph Ratzinger (before he became Pope Benedict XVI)
• How to Be Rich, by Andy Stanley (on Christian stewardship and generosity) 
• Ten: Words of Life for an Addicted, Compulsive, Cynical, Divided and Worn-out Culture, by Sean Gladding (exploration of the Ten Commandments and significance for today)

Leadership and Ministry 

• The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation, by Herrington, Creech, and Taylor (on the place of spiritual and emotional maturity in the life of a ministry leader) 
• Rich Church, Poor Church, by Clif Christopher 
• Effective Staffing for Vital Churches, by Bill Easum and Bill Tenny-Brittain