It was a good year of reading. Some great books, some duds, but 35 books and10,200 pages (though some of the fiction was audiobooks). Here are some of my favorites from the year in categories:
Fiction
Theo of Golden by Alan Levi. It was the first book of year, and in many ways, the best. The goodness of the characters was what drew me in. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Phil 4:18)” kept ringing in my mind as I read.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Sometimes you read classics and wonder why its considered a classic. Not this one. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Honorable Mention: 1984 by George Orwell was eerie and timely. Stoner by John Williams was very enjoyable, but I don’t know why.
Theology/Christian Living
The Augstine Way by Joshua Chatraw and Mark Allen. Extremely good book. The authors seek to retrieve and older approach to apologetics, one that engages the whole person, not simply the intellect.
Grimke on the Christian Life by Drew Martin. Compelling story about a former slave turned pastor/theologian/activist I had never heard of. Not a biography, but look at his theology in several key areas.
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson. A very obscure controversy in the 18th-century Scottish Presbyterian church sheds considerable light on the gospel and its relationship to the law.
Preaching in Hitler’s Shadow by Dean Stroud. Sermons from different pastors at different stages of the Third Reich, including Bonhoeffer, Barth, and Bultmann. Very encouraging and convicting.
The Rare Jewell of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. My summer read with a group of men. Not everyone shared my enthusiasm, but I love the Puritans, and Burroughs take on contentment is very helpful.
God Entranced 