Staff Picks and Must-Reads: 2022
We asked our counselors, “what’s the best book you read this year?” Here’s our list of staff picks and must-reads for 2022. See any to add to your Christmas list?
Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It
by Richard Reeves
“I have noted in my practice over the last number of years that boys and men are struggling to find their place in our society. This book offers a sociological view of this growing problem as well as some practical solutions.”
— Matthew Miller, PsyD
Man’s Search for Meaning
by Viktor Frankl
“I read this back in graduate school but wanted to read it again before finishing my blog post on God and Suffering. Frankl—a psychoanalyst, father of existential therapy, and Holocaust survivor—argues that suffering is unavoidable, but we can choose our reaction to it, find meaning through it, and move forward with a renewed purpose in life because of what we've learned.”
— Peter Ruffini, LPC
Do You Mind If I Cancel?
by Gary Janetti
“This was my favorite book of 2022 because it was just pure comedy and made me belly laugh. As a counselor, I find it a form of self-care to read at least one book a year that has nothing to do with counseling and the therapeutic process. This book was a perfect fit.”
— Lauren Wycuff, LPC
The Unseen Realm
by Michael S. Heiser
“This book will change the way you see the scriptures and the spiritual world. It will help adjust your worldview lens to that of the Hebrew reader to better understand the confusing areas of scripture, especially the OT.”
— Brandon Bressler, LPC
When Faith Meets Therapy
by Anthony Evans and Stacy Kaiser
“I actually ordered this book at a sold-out Maverick City concert upon hearing Anthony Evans, the son of renowned Tony Evans and accomplished in his own right, speaking onstage with such transparency and authenticity about his own struggles with mental health. Evans and Kaiser effectively normalize therapy and dispel the stigma of needing and getting help, while striking an enjoyable balance between faith practice and practical application of clinical interventions.”
— Teresa Pressley, AMFT
Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home
by Richard Foster
“This book is beautifully written. It is simple but also wise and complex all at once. It filled my spirit.”
— Natalia Parker, LAC
A Field Guide to Genuine Community
By Ben Connelly
“This book helps provide some groundwork and foundation for what it looks like to live our lives as believers in our surrounding community. It dives into different approaches that can be helpful in getting to know neighbors and those we interact with frequently to help create meaningful relationships. Very practical approach to love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Drew Fort, LAC
The Consolation of Philosophy
by Boethius
“Writing in AD 523 while falsely imprisoned and awaiting execution, Boethius describes his transformation from a state of self-pity to a state of true contentment through his conversations with ‘Lady Philosophy.’ In learning to reject the passing fortunes of this material world and embracing instead the eternal fortunes that come from God, Boethius writes one of the most influential works in all of Western culture.”
— Sean Kelly, LAC
Love Sense
by Dr. Sue Johnson
“This book talks about relationships and how attachments made early in life can play out in how we interact with each other (primarily in romantic relationships). She's an Emotionally Focused Therapy expert and I love how she writes in a way that is helpful to both a clinician and someone who knows nothing about psychology. This book allows you to reflect and learn more about yourself but also sets you up for growth, safety, and trust in your relationship.”
— Michele Suarez, LAC
The New Freedom of Forgiveness
by David Augsburger
“I was introduced to this gem back in my glory days of graduate school and I always gain more insight into the abstract concepts of forgiveness versus reconciliation every time I pick it up. This must-have resource is so powerfully relevant to what's occurring in our world right now because healing is real, available, and can transform you in the way that God always intended, which is through the act and mission of Jesus Christ.”
— Kim Fritsch, LAC
The Meaning of Marriage
by Tim Keller
“I have always been a fan of Tim Keller. This book was a great way for my husband and me to prepare for marriage during our engagement. It's a great resource for any who wants to learn about God's design for marriage and relationships in general.”
— Rachel Schwindt, LAC
Funny How Life Works
by Michael Jr.
“I’ve enjoyed Michael Jr’s hilarious comedy acts for years now. This book is a collection of stories from his life that are surprisingly funny, while also being both deeply applicable and inspirational. (Get the audiobook for the added benefit of comedic timing!)”
— Nate Callahan, LAC
Parenting with Words of Grace
by William P. Smith
“This has been a helpful book. It is incredibly convicting without an ounce of shame. I think it is the best parenting book I've ever read.”
— Michel Snyder, LAC
East of Eden
by John Steinbeck
“I became a fan of Steinbeck as an English major, but I never read the book he considered his best work. East of Eden gives a strikingly accurate display of rural life and culture and is a provocative modern retelling of Genesis, Cain and Abel, and the effects of the Fall.”
— Juston Wolgemuth, LAC
A Touch of Wonder
by Arthur Gordon
“This book is broken down into sections titled ‘gifts’ such as the gift of caring, bright encounters, faith, and adaptability. It’s very easy to read and yet wonderfully thought-provoking, and his words stay with you. It’s a great antidote to anxiety and helps foster a spirit of awareness and gratitude.”
— Brynn Gutelius
The Devil in the White City
by Erik Larson
“This is a fascinating true story about two men embodying different virtues: Daniel Burnham, the honorable architect of the 1893 World’s Fair; and Henry H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure victims to their death. The author makes the building of the World’s Fair really interesting, all while building suspense around Holmes’ next victim.”
— James Snider
Showing Up: How the Power of Presence Is Reshaping Evangelism
by Kerry Willis and Margaret Michael
“This book talks about the importance of being present with people and practical ways to do it. I was challenged by it to approach evangelism as if ‘Jesus is wearing me like clothing’—not by my efforts or strength but by Christ in me. I love how this book emphasizes how you don’t need to be educated or wealthy to make a big difference; you just need to show up and let God do what He is going to do through you.”
— Lauren Matos
A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
by Paul E. Miller
“This book reshaped my perspective on prayer and changed how I talk to God. I would recommend it to anyone who feels uncomfortable or lost when they pray and want something different.”
— Jillian Dilworth
The Complete Guide to Crisis & Trauma Counseling
by H. Norman Wright
“This book has offered many practical ways of loving people that have gone through trauma. It’s not only helped in professional work but also with friends that have experienced trauma.”
— Ismael Santana