What I read last year
I am an avid book reader - underlining the key lines, writing notes on the back pages, studying each book! My favourites are biographies, inspirational writings and teachings, to help me in my walk with God. Lockdown has given me time to read even more, although I usually read on trains and planes! I would like to share with you the books I have read in 2020 and some of what I have been learning. They are in chronological order of reading.
Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?: Larry Norman and the Perils of Christian Rock by Gregory Thornbury
Larry Norman was a huge influence on me, a true pioneering trailblazer and the first Christian artist to make truly cool music, inspiring a generation of Christian music makers. Classic albums such as Only Visiting This Planet and So Long Ago In The Garden got worn out on my record player! Larry took the original William Booth quote (founder of the Salvation Army) and wrote the song ‘Why Should the Devil have all the Good Music’. His label, Solid Rock Records, set the bar high in terms of quality of recordings, packaging and also stable of artists. Larry is called the father of Jesus Rock and this book tells the real story of his life. I still love and respect this pioneer.
Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

Little did I know that Covid-19 was going to accelerate so much change and that I would have to start thinking differently and embrace innovation and out of the box thinking! Steve Jobs became the face and the voice of the digital revolution. He trusted that the dots would connect. He followed his heart and didn’t settle for ok. If he didn’t believe it was good work, he redid it again and again. He encouraged us to have the courage to follow our hearts and intuition. An inspiring read.
Rise Up: The #Merky Story So Far by Stormy
Great read! This book documents Stormzy building his #Merky team, as well as the journey of Grime. From the streets to headlining Glastonbury. Good to learn more about Stormzy’s personal life and church upbringing. Also excellent inside info on the making of his album ‘Gang Signs and Prayers’. Worth reading alone for the building and choosing of the Merky team.