Ron Aulbach

2023 was a good year of reading broadly. While I normally stick to books in my field, Christianity and religion, I decided to read in areas that were new and interesting to me. Rather than review each book, I thought I’d group a few of my favorites in categories that could be places for you to start and engage. My big take away from reading broadly was there is much to learn and explore. While I still read a lot of commentaries and devotionals, reading broadly engaged my sense of thinking and curiosity. It allowed me to see faith in places and authors that didn’t espouse faith in their righting. In the words of Arthur Holmes, “all truth is God’s truth” and is even more reason to get out of your comfort reading zone and learn something new.

Faith

One Year Bible, NLT – I liked this translation for devotional reading. In about 15 minutes of reading, you get an Old Testament, New Testament, Psalm and Proverb.

Rooted – This is a devotional put together by Mariners Church. I actually went through it twice with my staff and small group. The section on Strongholds was very helpful.

Health & Diet

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia MD – This book turns conventional medicine on its head. Instead of treating symptoms, Attia gets upstream towards prevention. This book will get you looking at the long end of your life, beyond 80 and the possibility of your centenarian olympic debut.

Prevent and Reduce Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn – This book changed my life. Dr Esselstyn lays out the science behind heart disease and how a plant based diet is effective at not only reducing your risk, but can actually heal your heart from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Fiber Fueled by Will Bulsiewicz MD – You’ll definitely feel better and think more clearly if you get more fruits and vegetables. The book has an easy to follow plan and solid research behind it.

Outdoors

Endure by Cameron Hanes – I took up bow hunting after I read this. Hanes makes you think anything is possible and the only thing holding you back is you. Don’t read this book, you’ll do crazy stuff the rest of your life!

Winter Swimming by Dr. Susan Sorberg – I have a love hate relationship with ice baths and cold exposure. Dr. Sorberg gives a practical approach to the practice of winter swimming. Sounds silly, but the book has great photography and plenty of pictures throughout.

The Rest of the List

Here’s the rest of the books from 2023, in no particular order. Not all were pictured above. Happy Reading!

• The Obstacle is the Way, Ryan Holiday
• Mere Christianity, rev. C.S. Lewis
• Limitless, Jim Kwik
• How Not to Die, Michael Gregor
• The Gray Man, Mark Greaney
• Metachurch, Dave Adamson
• Following: Embodied Discipleship in a Digital Age, Jason Byassee & Andria Irwin
• Built to Move, Kelly & Juliuet Starrett
• Scarcity Brain Michael Easter
• Traveling Light, Eugene Peterson
• The Sacred Enneagram, Christopher L. Heuertz
• Breath, James Nestor
• Longevity Simplified, Howard J. Luks
• Irreversible Damage, Abigail Shrier
• Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins
• Scarcity Brain, Michael Easter
• Fast After 50, Joe Friel
• Essential Week by Week Training Guide, Matt Fitzgerald