I really enjoy reading what others write about their top books of the year. I figured that I would list some of my own in effort to hopefully bless others. Note: my list is not limited to books published in this past year but to books that I read during the last year. In effort to be foster more of a love for reading, in 2015 I tried to read more broadly. It’s only been one year, but I would say it is working. Here is my list in no particular order.
- Baptist Foundations, by Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman. This was, hands down, my favorite book of the year (review). After all what is better than the 9Marks guys nerding out on church polity with a bunch of their Baptist friends? If this type of thing excites you, read it! If not, what is wrong with you?
- The Life of Jayber Crow, by Wendel Berry. I have read this twice this year alone. I loved it. Come and visit Port William, Berry’s fictional town and marvel at another age. I laughed, learned, and even got a bit uncomfortable as he critiqued common practice of pastors. I felt like I was sitting in Jayber’s barber shop learning about the current events of the town. This was a good break from some heavy reading on eschatology and ecclesiology. I am now a Wendell Berry “guy” and look forward to reading more.
- To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. I remember being told to read this in high school. I didn’t but now wish I did. I feel like Atticus Finch discipled me in how I should look at people. For example, Mrs. Dubose was on my nerves but Atticus was eulogizing her, with sincerity. He seemed to do this with everyone he intersected with in the book, from the vile Mr. Ewell to Judge Taylor to Tom Robinson to Walter Cunningham Sr to even the town and time they lived in. Everything, it seemed, was an occasion to find an explanation for the evil or an evidence of something noble or praiseworthy. Atticus was slow to anger, balanced, and just.
- Hannah Coulter, by Wendel Berry. This book got to me in a good way. I listened to it as I commuted on my bicycle and found myself with tears welling up and spilling out as I listened. It is shorter than Jayber Crow but still in the same town. The grief and gladness in the community drove me to repentance when thinking about my relatives, our church, and my neighborhood.
- Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. Yes I am “that” pastor who never read this book. My wife lovingly bought it for me several years ago but I didn’t “have time” to take a break and read fiction. I wish I would have. The heart-stirring letter of an aging minister to his much younger son is so, so good. I look forward to reading more of Robinson’s work.
- The Shallows, by Nicholas Carr. This book is fascinating. It starts with the theory that the internet is chaining the way we think. Carr then builds his case from a bevy of research that the “neuroplasticity” of our brains means that our brains are always being shaped by what we do. The impact of our connectivity and the internet is not neutral. Very good book.
- Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor, by Robert Godfrey. I often read Calvin but rarely read about Calvin. Godfrey puts the man in his context by providing historical, biographical, theological and pastoral sketches. I really enjoyed this book.
- God, Marriage and the Family, by Andreas J. Köstenberger and David W. Jones. A massively helpful and timely book. In an age of increased confusion and revolution concerning marriage, gender and the family these writers provide a comprehensive and accessible biblical answer book. I love that they do not flinch but get into the issues that people are dealing with by asking and answering the right questions.
- Bondage of the Will, by Martin Luther. The most clear, biblical, logical and helpful book on the subject of the human will. And the topic never loses relevance. Luther’s sarcasm and wit can help keep you paying attention even when he is flossing theologically. Every single pastor should read this.
- Compelling Community, by Mark Dever and Jaime Dunlop. Immensely helpful book, especially for young pastors, church planters, or revitalizes. The guys at 9Marks have spent a lot of time at the whiteboard to think, work, and pray through church life. Their concepts of “gospel-plus” and “gospel-revealed” are gold. (here is a review I wrote for TGC on this)
- Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, by Rosaria Butterfield. By now most people know Rosaria’s story of how God brought about a remarkable conversion of an English professor, who was a Lesbian and ardently opposed to Christianity. The author’s transparency serves to encourage us as to the power of the gospel and the need to be increasingly sensitive, persistent, patient with our unbelieving friends and neighbors.
What are your top books read this past year? Do you have any that you think I need to read? Leave a comment or drop me a note on Twitter or Facebook.
