I just released my Top 10 List of the Best Books of 2013. You can pick it up at this link.
I’m often asked by my coaching networks and alumni, “How many books do I read?” I typically read 5-7 books per week.
That means I need to give myself an estimate of how long it will take me to read each book. So, when I get ready to read a book, I like to size it up.
Here are some questions that I like to ask when I size up a book:
- Who is this book written for?
- Is this book written for a lay audience?
- Is this book written for a more advanced audience?
- Is this book written for a seminary level class?
- Is this book written for the general public?
- Who is this book written for?
- How many pages does it have?
- How big is the font?
If it’s a very, very, very academic book, it may take me longer to read. It may not, but it may take me longer to read than a book written more for a devotional purposes. Then I like to ask “Who is the author?” If I know the author, if I know the style. If this is an author that tells stories versus an author who loves to part his Greek words, that tells me something about the book.
I like to go ahead and read the front cover, the back cover, the front flap, the back flap, and depending on if it’s soft cover or hard cover.
Some covers may tell me that I’m going to learn these four things from the books. Well, if I’ve read about two of those things over and over and over, and I’m not sure they are going to say anything new, I may skim over that part. But hey, there’s two areas this author has written about that I haven’t read anything about at all. So I will focus in on those two.
Sizing up a book helps you establish how long it’s going to take you to read that book, and then read it within that set period of time and move on. Some books aren’t worth reading cover to cover and some books are worth reading slow and methodical. You get to determine how much time you invest in the books you read. Size up your books before you start and you’ll read more and learn more.
Your partner in ministry,
Nelson
P.S. If you share my passion for reading, you know that for every hour you have to devote to a good book, there are hundreds of choices to fill that time!
The good news is, it’s that time of year when I’ve narrowed down the volume of books I’ve read into one Top 10 List of the Best Books of 2013. (With a couple of Honorable Mentions thrown in.) And it’s FREE for you today through Friday!
Click Here to grab your free list of the Best Books of 2013!
In this list, you’ll find:
- A roadmap for turning any setback into a step forward
- Direct marketing strategies that you can also apply to ministry!
- A fresh look at the art and science of connecting
- How to be 100% present in every minute, of every day!
- What it takes to break the mold and be an extraordinary church
- New insights into pastoral leadership and the ministry rules you need to know!
- New books from your favorite authors
- And one book that you would definitely overlook!
Don’t waste another minute trying to figure out what to read. I’ve already done the work for you! This year I’ve read over 263 books, and this list is the best of the best. Save yourself time, effort and money.
Go ahead and grab your FREE list of the Best Books of 2013
I’m so excited to give you this inside look into what I have read and learned this year. I hope you’ll take advantage of this growth opportunity.
Remember, all leaders are readers!
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