There wasn’t a lot that was great about 2020, so like most people, we’re looking for the silver linings. One of our favourite parts of last year was the extra time we got to spend reading.

Whether it was after putting the kids to bed, or listening to an audiobook while running errands around town, we’ve got a few books we thought we’d share here in no particular order. 

1. Prayer by Philip Yancey — This isn’t a new book, but it is a good one. If this year has left you a bit disillusioned with prayer and you find yourself struggling to keep it up, we highly recommend the encouragement and solidarity this book provides.
2. Caffeine by Michael Pollen— A very interesting and short read on the impact caffeine has on our bodies and how coffee truly does run the world. Or at least it runs Rend Collective!
3. How To Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons) by Barbara Kingsolver— If you’re a poetry lover, this book came out this year and is delightful. Kingsolver (as always!) has the best way with words and we think you’ll find this book accessible and inspiring.
4. Chasing Vines by Beth Moore— This book on staying rooted in the Holy Spirit and connected to THE Vine was timely and needed this year. Moore always manages to write and teach with joy and humour and for that we’re grateful!
5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou— This book is stunning. A bit of a trigger warning for some adult content as Angelou shares about her childhood trauma, but really this book is incredible. If you’re an audiobook person, we recommend the audio version because Angelou narrates it herself and it’s a delight!

Okay these are just a few of the books that made 2020 more bearable for us! We would love to hear your recommendations for what we should be reading this year too. Let us know in the comments below!