In keeping with tradition, here’s a collection of books I enjoyed and/or found helpful this year.
(For the 2020 list, click here, 2021 here. 2022 here, 2023 here)
I’ll put the fine print first:
If I say that I “enjoyed” a book, that does not mean that I fully endorse the authors or volumes listed. To me, “enjoyment” means I found it helpful, interesting, thought provoking and/or well written. There may be questionable content or language that some might find offensive. You’ve been warned.
All the links shared (click the picture of the book) go to Amazon. Amazon is a retail behemoth. If you prefer to shop smaller and/or local, you can support a local bookstore like Peregrine Book Company, or the wonderful people at Hearts and Minds books in Pennsylvania. They can order them for you.
You can always check the local library. Some of the titles are available in Yavapai County!
If you read one of the books below or have a personal favorite, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Let’s get coffee.
There are a lot of resources out there on depression, anxiety, and mental illness. This book is written by someone who “gets it” and is written in a refreshing and thought provoking way that points the reader to the hope of Jesus.
A comprehensive biography on a 20th century juggernaut. Jonathan Eig gives a vast portrait of his life, family, and ministry and shows the entirety of Dr. King from victories to failures. Wonderfully written.
John Mark Comer writes a helpful book on discipleship with Jesus. The premise is simple: Be with Jesus, become like Jesus, do what Jesus did, and with those three encouragement comes helpful research and practical tools for daily life.
Chuck DeGroat is a counselor and teacher that writes with keen insight into the interior life. This book gives a path toward a better and more biblical understanding of of the self, and how to apply to good news to areas of hurt that need healing.
I got on a William Kent Kruger kick, and this novel about 4 orphans was a page turner. I appreciate books that understand human existence and have compelling character development.
Some Others:
Endurance - Alfred Lansing - This book has been recommended to me by multiple people and it didn’t disappoint. A story of humans cut from a different kind of cloth.
Divine Conspiracy and Scandal of the Kingdom - Dallas Willard - If Dallas Willard wrote it, know that 1. It’s a little dense and 2. It is worth reading and reflecting on. His philosophical background and simple approach to the truth of Jesus is thought provoking and helpful.
Expectation Gap - Steve Cuss - The subtitle is “the tiny, vast space between our beliefs and experience of God.” In a conversation with Steve he admitted the structure and format wasn’t what he wanted, the main struggles of the christian life he walks through have plenty of wisdom to glean. 1. I believe God loves me, but I don't feel it. 2. I believe God is with me, but I don't see him. 3. I thought I'd be further along in my spiritual progress by now.
Diary of a Country Priest - Georges Bernanos - A French novel about a young catholic priest with a terminal diagnosis serving the people of God? C’mon now.
No Country for Old Men - Cormac McCarthy - Dark, I know.