Last year was my first year doing a reading list. I found the process of keeping track of the books I’ve read and writing down some summary thoughts helped me get more out of each of them. Last year, they were categorized in only fiction or non-fiction. This year, I’ve expanded to six categories. Without further ado, here are the books I read this year as well as a few thoughts on each.
Biblical/Theological
- Psalms as Torah: Reading Biblical Song Ethically by Gordon J. Wenham
Excellent book that opened my eyes to the power of biblical song for shaping Christian ethics. I will likely write more about this book later.
Recommend? Yes, especially if you are interested in Psalms scholarship. - The Catholic Companion to the Psalms by Mary Kathleen Glavich
Recommend? Probably not, see Peterson book below.
(Review forthcoming) - Praying the Psalms by Thomas Merton
This is a short little booklet. There are a few nuggets in here but not worth the price of the book. In short, it is an encouragement to Catholics to make the psalms their prayers. Those who pray the psalms are praying with Christ and his Church. The Psalms at their heart are about praise. (This is a slightly different view from those who say that they are primarily about lament.)
Recommend? No, surprisingly disappointing given how much I enjoyed Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain. - Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer by Eugene Peterson
An excellent introduction to learning to pray the Psalms. Peterson is not writing for an academic audience, but he is very aware of and conversant with some of the best scholarship available at the time he wrote it. As with pretty much every Eugene Peterson book I’ve ever read, I thought this one could have been shorter, but the content was excellent. If you’re not already praying the Psalms, start. Then after some time, read this book.
Recommend? Yes. - God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World by Andrew Wilson
This book was a pleasant surprise. Wilson basically traces various “things” through the Bible revealing fascinating connections and gospel implications. His chapter on horns, water, and viruses were particularly interesting. Wilson has an incredible gift at helping us see familiar passages in a new way.
Recommend? Yes. - Ephesians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Clinton E. Arnold
I don’t usually make reference to biblical commentaries. Having said that, this is hands down the best all-around commentary on Ephesians at present.
Recommend? Yes, for those preaching or teaching Ephesians.
Christian Life
- Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks is the Key to Our Well-Being by Cornelius Plantinga
I had high expectations for this book based on other things I’ve read by Plantinga and by how much I care about the subject of gratitude. But I thought the book was just okay. It may have been an unfortunate victim of my high expectations.
Recommend? Eh, it’s fine but if you’re only reading one book on gratitude, I’d recommend Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts first. Voskamp’s writing style sometimes feels over-the-top, but still, her book is gold. - How to Memorize Scripture for Life by Andrew Davis
A good short little guide to memorizing scripture. But if you think there’s any shortcut besides repetition, think again.
Recommend? If you are looking for a plan to memorize Scripture. Honestly, you’re probably better off just using the time to start memorizing. - The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes
A classic puritan work that helped me appreciate the good news of the gospel in a fresh way. I am thinking that I probably should re-read the first 75 pages or so of this book a couple of times a year just to remember the depths of God’s love and mercy toward people like me who do not deserve it, but desperately need it.
Recommend? Yes, especially to pastors - The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
A spiritual classic consisting of a series of fictional letters from a senior devil (Screwtape) to his nephew (Wormwood). C.S. Lewis was an absolute genius. I read this book for the first time years ago and re-read it again this year. It was even better than I remembered. The book is insightful, thought-provoking, challenging, and at times, hilarious.
Recommend? Yes - The Gospel-Shaped Marriage: Grace for Sinners to Love Like Saints by Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn
There are a lot of books in the gospel-shaped marriage category, but I appreciated that this book read differently from the others. I thought it was a good apologetic for marriage generally.
Recommend? Yes - Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
This author has been incredibly influential among younger generations of Christians over the last several years. His approach is not my style, but I liked this book more than I thought I would. It’s a fresh introduction to the concept of discipleship with a heavy emphasis on returning to ancient Christian practices by way of a Rule of Life. I think Justin Whitmel Earle’s book and Stephen Macchia’s book are both more helpful in terms of developing a rule of life, but I appreciated the freshness of the approach to discipleship, or what he calls, apprenticeship.
Recommend? Mostly - The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson
This is not a very long book; nevertheless, I didn’t get all the way through it before I had to return it. Having said that, it is a great book to freshly inspire fathers to take a more active role in raising their children and is filled with interesting research from the Barna group.
Recommend? Yes
Biography/History
- Behind the Ranges: The Story of J.O. Fraser by Geraldine Taylor
I have always loved missionary biographies. This one was no exception. After having heard people reference it for years, I finally got my hands on a copy. An inspiring story of faith and prayer on the mission field of Western China.
Recommend? Yes - The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves
Absolutely fantastic, see review here.
Recommend? Definitely - Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609 by Scott M. Manetsch
I wish I had taken better notes on this book. All I can remember is that as I read it, I consistently found it fascinating. If you’re looking for a well-researched book on Calvin that reads like a popular-level book, this one is amazing.
Recommend? Yes, mostly for pastors - Flight Path: A Biography of Frank Barker Jr by Janie Buck & Mary Lou Davis
A great biography of one of the fathers of the PCA. Having visited Briarwood this year, it was a great encouragement to see what God can do through those who trust him wholly. There are many things I could comment on from this biography, but one of the aspects of this story that is particularly moving was Frank and Barbara’s commitment to increasing their giving through the years. Powerful testimony.
Recommend? Yes - The Way of the Hermit: My Incredible 40 Years Living in the Wilderness by Ken Smith
The book was moderately interesting. One of the things that occurred to me is that a so much of what makes a life interesting has to do with people. Stories about encounters with wildlife just aren’t the same. If you’ve dreamed of living totally off the grid in the Scottish Highlands, this may be the book for you. It ends with some vague spiritualistic reduction of Christianity into something that is not Christianity, a version of “be kind and live your truth.”
Recommend? No, not worth it - Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber
This book is part love story, part coming to faith testimony, and part glimpse behind the scenes of one of the world’s most fascinating universities. I enjoyed all parts of it. Apparently there is a movie, though I have not seen it. I can certainly recommend the book though, particularly if you share my fascination with old British universities.
Recommend? Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by Surprised by Oxford - The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell
An incredibly fascinating book about the B-29 bomber, a group of forward thinking airmen, the development of the Norden bombsight and napalm. A fascinating audio book with interviews and original clips from the characters that was later turned into a book. As with every Gladwell book I’ve read, it was interesting from beginning to end and came up in many conversations while I was listening to it. I did not appreciate the fact that in WWII, bombing the daylights out of the enemy’s citizens was still the preferred method of bringing about surrender. Germany did it to Britain, and Britain wanted to do it to Germany…despite the fact that it didn’t work. However, Curtis LeMay was successful with the approach in Japan by utilizing napalm. I highly recommend the audiobook as Gladwell designed this book for the ear.
Recommend? Yes - Charles H. Spurgeon: London’s Most Popular Preacher by W.Y. Fullerton
A short but excellent little book on Charles Spurgeon. If I were looking for a book on Spurgeon, this is probably not the one I would’ve chosen. It just so happened that I already owned this book and decided to finally read it. The more I read about the man, the more impressed by him I become.
Recommend? Yes, though there are probably other better books out there - The Vision That Changed a Nation: The Legacy of William Tennent by John F. Hansen
This book was given to me by a friend who was inspired by Tennent’s vision. After reading the book, I can see why. The Tennent family had a tremendous impact not only on the formation of the Presbyterian church, but on the United States.
Recommend? Yes, though again, there are probably better books out there - The Mighty Weakness of John Knox by Douglas Bond
This is one of the books I was reading in preparation for our Reformation Tour this fall. It’s part of the Long Line of Godly Men series. It was very interesting reading this book and then watching the Mary Queen of Scots movie while en route to Scotland. In short, Hollywood is not a big fan of John Knox.
Recommend? Mostly.
Leadership/Productivity/Ministry
- Slow Productivity:The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
See my review here.
Recommend? Yes - The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
I have a draft of a reflection on this book and at some point I’m going to publish it on the blog. I just don’t know when.
Recommend? Eh, not really. Some great quotes but there are better sabbath books out there, and the first I’d recommend is Mark Buchanan’s “The Rest of God.” - Leading with a Limp: Take Full Advantage of Your Most Powerful Weakness by Dan Allender
This is another book that I have drafted a review for but haven’t gotten around to final editing. In short, I thought it was excellent.
Recommend? Yes, for any leaders but especially pastors - Spirit Empowered Preaching: Involving the Holy Spirit in Your Ministry by Arturo Azurdia
Yet another book that I have written a review for but needs editing before publishing. This is starting to get embarrassing.
Recommend? Eh, it was okay, but there are many other books on preaching I’d direct you to first, such as John Piper’s below. - Expository Exultation: Christian Preaching as Worship by John Piper
I was given this book as a gift several years ago but just got around to reading it this year. Piper did a superb job on this book. It’s not the first book I would give to someone on preaching, or the only book, but it’s a great book. The first book I would give them is Bryan Chapell’s “Christ-Centered Preaching.”
Recommend? Yes, for pastors - Problems of Christian Leadership by John Stott (audiobook)
A very short book containing some of John Stott’s wisdom for those in Christian leadership with helpful messages on self-discipline and managing relationships. Contains the simple but powerful reminder to treat others as though they are Jesus and treat others as Jesus would treat them. Also offers the advice to those who minister to give one hour a day to reading, and one four hour block of time each week. I love this idea but implementing it would require tremendous discipline. Also, his suggestion to take one quiet day a month away and out of the office for deeper thinking, reflecting, and planning. There is an interesting anecdote about how when John Stott’s assistant would bring him tea, Stott would always mumble, “I’m not worthy.” Once his assistant teasingly responded, “yes you are.” At that, Stott got very serious and said his assistant didn’t yet understand grace. Then as Stott resumed his work, he murmured, “It’s just the narrow end of the wedge.” (By that I think he meant that if we start to think we’re worthy of small and insignificant things like a cup of tea served to us, it is the narrow end of the wedge to opening us up to thinking we’re worthy of much more.)
Recommend? Yes - Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality by Henry Cloud
This was an excellent book on leadership. You may think you don’t need to read a book on integrity, but there’s more to it than you think. This is a book I will return to again.
Recommend? Definitely for anyone in a leadership role - The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and Leadership by John Currie
I loved this book. Pastors are sometimes tempted to “just preach” and leave the leadership to someone else, but this cannot done. The preacher is a leader, and in the church, the leader leads through preaching. I also love that the book uses footnotes rather than endnotes. Endnotes should forever be banned from publishing.
Recommend? Definitely, a fantastic book for pastors - Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness
I love reading research about resilience, grit, mental toughness, and the like. Magness argues that we have largely misunderstood mental toughness and where it comes from. In this book, he directs us to more helpful ways of thinking about how to develop true mental toughness. Spoiler alert: it’s not the Bear Bryant “Junction Boys” approach.
Recommend? Yes - The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
I typically like books that encourage people to get up early. This book was a glaring exception. Not interesting writing, not a compelling story, and not inspiring. I believe getting up early is probably the most important discipline a person can develop because it is a foundational discipline that so many other good disciplines can be built upon. Rising early means so much to me that I’m offended by this book’s attempt to make it attractive. I’m also offended that it has sold so many copies.
Recommend? No, but I do recommend going to bed earlier, waking up earlier, and being intentional to protect your early mornings for your most important spiritual and personal development practices. - From Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church by Harry L. Reeder III
I read this book after visiting Briarwood Presbyterian Church this fall. Church revitalization is needed all over the US. Dr. Reeder had a vision for that which continues at Briarwood. This book is a great introduction to that theme, but also contains many helpful reminders of best practices for those who are pastoring thriving churches.
Recommend? Yes for pastors
Contemporary Issues
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt writes interesting books. This is one of the most important books I read this year. Haidt’s analysis of the impact of smartphone usage and social media on the mental health of young people is tremendous and compelling. Do not give a smartphone to a child or teenager under your care without first working through the implications of this book.
Recommend? Definitely, my strongest recommendation of 2024. - The Life You’ve Always Wanted by Andy Crouch
I loved this book. I have written a review of it. Guess where it is? Sitting in a file unedited and unpublished. *Sigh*
Recommend? Yes - The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken
This is a great read. See my review here.
Recommend? Yes - The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Michael Graham
This book was fantastic. I have a draft of a review that will hopefully see the light of day in the future.
Recommend? Yes, especially for pastors and elders - The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt
I am a fan of Jonathan Haidt’s work. I don’t agree with Haidt’s approach to the big questions of life, but I always find him thought-provoking. This book is an attempt to gather wisdom from the great faith traditions of human history and evaluate them in light of modern social psychology to discover tried and true paths to happiness. Any venture to happiness that does not include Jesus Christ at the center is doomed to failure from the beginning, but the research Haidt puts into this book still yields some very interesting insights.
Recommend? Yes, if you don’t mind wading through a lot of evolutionary psychology to get a few golden nuggets - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Lots of interesting ideas in the book, an easy read. Her suggestions on decluttering your space were on the mark. I have found a tremendous amount of correlation between clutter around me and the clutter in my soul. This book differs from the Haidt book in that it’s filled with practical suggestions and more broadly accessible.
Recommend? Mostly
Fiction, Sports, and Other
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Definitely my longest book read this year, but well worth the effort. Undoubtedly, this book could be abridged to make it available to more readers. The social commentary, while at times interesting, is pretty difficult to appreciate for most of us 21st century North American readers. But the story is so compelling and well told it is more than worth it to wade through the slower portions. I came away from this book deeply moved and freshly impressed by both Victor Hugo and the men who adapted this book into a musical. The musical actually captures the spirit of the book in song; truly a masterpiece.
Recommend? Definitely. If you were thinking about tackling War and Peace or Les Mis, I liked War and Peace, but I’d re-read Les Mis three more times before I revisited War and Peace. - Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
I love this book. See my reflection here.
Recommend? Definitely - True Grit by Charles Portis
A delightful story featuring a 14-year-old female Presbyterian protagonist. You don’t find many of those in literature. She’s a fantastic character. The book was a real pleasure, well-told, suitable for most ages.
Recommend? Yes - Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (Adaptation by LA Theatre Works)
I listened to quite a few LA Theatre Works productions last year and loved them all. This was was also excellent.
Recommend? Yes - Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet by Jesse Itzler
I loved the concept, but I can’t recommend this book. The language was so gratuitously bad that it ruined an otherwise cool story.
Recommend? No - Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr.
This is the classic novel about running and frequently hailed as the best one ever written. (To be fair, it’s a pretty small category.) I’d been wanting to read it for years and finally did. If you’ve ever been a competitive distance or middle-distance runner at the high school or college level, you will enjoy this book. If you haven’t, you may still enjoy the book. The book is part of a trilogy and I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
Recommend? Yes, if you have ever been a competitive runner - Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
A New York Times best-selling novel that uses quantum mechanics to explore how our lives may have been different if we had taken another path somewhere along the way. This book reads quickly and was very entertaining. A work of fiction that caused me to pause and appreciate the life I have and to see it with fresh eyes. I read very few works of modern fiction, let alone science fiction, but this one was fascinating. As a heads up, this book is probably the equivalent of a barely R-rated movie.
Recommend? Yes, regardless of the speculative scientific premise underlying the book, there’s a worthwhile message for consideration in here - Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
A classic from the 1970’s depicting the decline of a young woman into the world of drug addiction and all that goes with it. The ending was a bit surprising. It’s pretty contemporary, but it would be interesting to see this book rewritten in the age of meth and opioids rather than LSD and marijuana.
Recommend? No - The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
A strange, dystopian feminist trope railing against the patriarchy. I wouldn’t read it again and barely got through it the first time. Having said that, the book may be a bit eye-opening for those wanting to better understand the challenges of being a woman. But I would guess there are lots of other books far better at that.
Recommend? No - Running the Dream: One Summer Living, Training, and Racing with a Team of World-Class Runners Half My Age by Matt Fitzgerald
I really enjoyed this book, as I suspect many lifelong runners my age would. It is the autobiographical story of a man who, at 46 years of age, went to Flagstaff, Arizona to train with the Northern Arizona Elite running club. Fitzgerald was an excellent runner already, having completed some forty marathons with a personal best around 2:41 (if I remember correctly). But, as he mentions in the book, it’s almost unheard of for a lifelong runner to set a new personal best at 46. I won’t spoil the surprise, but the book is an inspiration to runners as to what can be accomplished, even at a later stage of life, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to go for it. Quite apart from that, it was a nice story and getting to know the professional runners through Matt’s eyes was a pleasure. If you are not a runner, I highly doubt you would enjoy this book. He spends a great deal of time talking about specific workouts and times; the kinds of things that are the primary reasons non-runners don’t run. Recommend? Yes, if you have been a competitive runner and are still trying to compete at the master’s level
That’s it for this year’s list. I’d be interested to hear from you if you share my opinion or disagree on any of the titles above. Happy reading in 2025!
Be First to Comment