I thought as a final list, I’d post about my top readings of 2012. Seeing I have a habit of reading more than one book at the same time (my mood can vary on what I want to read from day to day), some I haven’t quite finished, but so far are pretty good. Here are a few that I really enjoyed or are currently having the pleasure of reading and would definitely recommend. **Note: these are not books published in 2012 but that I’ve read this year.

Strength to Love – Martin Luther King, Jr.

This spiritual and philosophical book is a powerful one on the journey, convictions and transformation t Dr. King emphasizes for change in our society…our world. He points to our inner spirit, authenticity, vulnerability, fear, struggle, purpose and ultimately the ability to embrace and demonstrate love to one another.

Sex and the Soul of a Woman – Paula Rinehart

Written from a spiritual perspective, this is a phenomenal book that I feel every woman and young lady should read to tap into the depths of one’s heart, a mirror to her own beauty, and truly cherishing who one is. The way the book focuses on the desires or longings of a woman’s heart, intimacy, experiences of love and sex; it causes one to reflect on life, to recapture an innocence and purity of the heart, mind and body, and allows one to truly fall in love with oneself and who God intended you to be all over again. I actually plan to do a online video stream and chat with teens and young women on this book, so look out!

The Gospel Remix: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation – Ralph C. Watkins w/ Jason Barr, Jr, Jamal-Harrison Byrant, William Curtis, Otis Moss III

This book engages us in a conversation on how to embrace hip hop or shall I say the hip hop generation as it has evolved into one that often depicts African Americans in a negative light. With music focusing on money, crime, sex and sexual imagery, indifference to what is happening in our communities and more, the book focuses on how to have a dialogue that allows us to critique the music while still embracing it and the generation that lives by it.

Conversations With God: an uncommon dialogue – Neale Donald Walsh

I’ve already done two previous postings on this book. In some ways, it can be seen as unconventional and even controversial, but it also speaks to the desire to seek God and truth. Though only half-way through, this book is thought-provoking and spiritually re-awakening in how it prompts to you to seek God within you. Feel free to read my previous posts for more…
Conversations With God: Part 1
Conversations With God: Part 2

The World of Duke Ellington – Stanley Dance

Not so much a biographical or autobiographical book but in the words of Duke Ellington. This book is more so a perspective of the man and music from himself and those who played with him. Ellington gives his insights on what jazz is, how he sees and hears music, and his life experiences as a music legend. The book includes interviews, as well as accounts of performances, tours, travels, and the span of his career.

Discerning the Voice of God – Priscilla Shirer

This is an amazing book especially for those in a place of seeking God, seeking discernment, growing in one’s faith, and perhaps feeling lost or unsure about life. The book focuses on truly ‘listening’. There is an emphasis on developing a two-way relationship with God and the book takes you through various exercises, questions, and recommendations in the act of truly discerning God’s voice. This is one book that I’d definitely read again.

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: The Soulful Journey of Stevie Wonder – Mark Ribowsky

Just making a small dent in this book, this is a biographical look at one of the greatest musicians, songwriters, singers. Stevie is a personal favorite of mine, so it is intriguing to learn more in-depth about his life, his experiences, and the man himself.

Meditations – Marcus Aurelius

This is a philosophical book that translates the reflections and thoughts of the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius. The 12 books that make up this body of work are an analysis of self covering a wide range of spiritual, personal, intellectual writings on a variety of aspects of life; virtue, human understanding, the substance of man, faith, and so much more.

Notable Books I’m set to read for 2013
Divided Soul: Life of Marvin Gaye – David Ritz
Discourses and Select Writings – Epictetus