As 2020 comes to a close, I wanted to share some of my favorite books I read this year. They are in no particular order, except for the first one, by a long shot.
A few caveats:
Because I enjoyed a book does not mean that I fully endorse any of the authors or books. By telling you about a book means I found it helpful, thought provoking, or interesting in some way.
All the links shared (click the picture of the book) go to Amazon. If you purchase from Amazon, might I recommend you also support a local non profit like Gospel Rescue Mission, or Agape house through the Amazon Smile program? Or support a local bookstore like Peregrine Book Company, or the wonderful people at Hearts and Minds books in Pennsylvania.
You can always check the local library. Some of the titles are available in Yavapai County!
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund became an instant classic this year. The whole tone of the book is one that leads you to know, appreciate and love Christ in fuller ways. It’s a book I’ll return to often. From the publisher “Christians know what Jesus Christ has done―but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This book reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.”
If Tim Keller writes it, I want to read it. In this book he gets to the age old question, “How could a good God allow pain and suffering?” With a pastoral heart, careful look at scripture, and gut wrenching stories, Keller helps those who suffer and those who walk alongside others in their pain.
Mark Sayers is a pastor, author, and thinker that blends theology, ministry, and culture together with insight and accessibility. In this follow up to his book “Disappearing Church” he shows the history and flow of renewal and revival and wonders if what is going wrong in the world can provide an opportunity and fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit on the church.
This book was published in 2017, and was incredibly fitting for 2020 given the state of American politics and the church’s desire for worldly power. The authors address the temptations the church has had for power, control, and influence, then points us to discover and embrace Jesus’ way in the world today.
Dr. Zach Eswine highlights an area of the “Prince of Preachers” life that was consistent, but not well known. He writes about Spurgeon’s struggles with depression as a fellow sufferer with a heart to help and show the hope Christ gives. The three main sections of the book are 1. Trying to understand depression 2. Learning how to help those who suffer from depression and 3. Learning helps to daily cope with depression. It’s a short book packed with gospel light.
Honorable Mentions:
Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer - Technically read in 2019, this book gives a compelling case against hurry and hustle and toward rest, slowness, intentionality, and simplicity in our apprenticeship with Jesus.
Home/Jack - Marilynne Robinson - These are a couple novels that follow up her award winning book Gilead. Marilynne Robinson is a writer that understands humans well and creates characters and dialogue that stir the soul.
The Splendid and the Vile - Erik Larson - A look into the life of Winston Churchill, his family, and cabinet during the bombing of London during the fall and winter of 1940-41. Larson is an incredible researcher and this book shows how the people of England suffered with a strength and grit that is difficult to imagine today.
Caste - Isabel Wilkerson - If you want to understand more of the history and tension of race relations in America, Mrs. Wilkerson is a good guide. She shows the dark underbelly of racism and it’s effects in the United States with stories and accounts that are alarming and heartbreaking. While I don’t agree with her conclusion and grief the lack of a gospel lens and hope, this book is worth reading to have a greater understanding of many people’s experience of America today.
Atomic Habits - James Clear - There’s a reason this book has sold over a million copies. James Clear breaks down how habits are formed and gives insight and guidance into how we change and can build healthier, more productive new habits. It’s a compelling read with some good takeaways.