This year I read over 110 books, which is fairly typical for me. Of these books about half were focused on the Bible: either study, Bible-centered devotionals, or Christian biography. The other half were equally divided among three types of fiction: classics, mysteries, and general fiction. Of the fiction books, 29 were selections of the Close Reads podcast group that I have been a happy member of for several years. Close Reads has broadened my interests and introduced me to new and challenging authors while bringing fresh life to books I would have left behind on the dust heap of literary history. Among the fiction and Bible study were a few outliers related mainly to history.
Bible Study
The Bible Speaks Today series (series editors J.A. Motyer and John Stott) is currently among my favorite Bible study tools. Not intended to be detailed commentaries, they focus on clear exposition, application, and readability. This year, I read nine in the series, five on Old Testament books and four on New Testament ones.
My favorite this year was The Message of Zechariah by Barry Webb, which I read twice. The complex visions in Zechariah always left me feeling puzzled, but when I finished this book, I felt for the first time that I had a clear understanding of how Zechariah fits in the story of the Old Testament as well as foreshadowing the coming of the True King. I have benefited from all of the books in this series.
I was excited to find a new book by a favorite author Dale Ralph Davis in the Focus on the Bible series published this year. I ended the year reading Ezra and Nehemiah: The Quest for Restoration and as always benefited from his clear insights, no-nonsense approach to controversies, and his quirky anecdotes to illustrate points. I have read many of his books and would recommend them all. I think Ezra and Nehemiah will help form the foundation of how I look at the coming year:
Note then where prayer begins: with the knowledge of the nature of the covenant God. The character of God is the bedrock for prayer. Theology is the proper foundation for devotion.
Devotionals
This year I read a lot of devotionals, including three by Sinclair Ferguson. Based on this assortment, I think I can safely say that Ferguson’s devotionals are outstanding. The readings are fresh and relevant, and each reading is long enough to contain real substance, often combining prayers, hymns, and other ways to that enhance the theme. His books helped me prepare for Easter and Christmas this year as well as were a daily companion through the year.
- Things Unseen: One Year of Reflection on the Christian Life is a 52-week topical devotional. Sample quote: “When we deny God, we lose our identity as His image bearers. We no longer know who we are.”
- To Seek and to Save: Daily Reflections on the Road to the Cross focuses on the characters Christ meets on the way to Jerusalem and the Cross.
- The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: Daily Devotions for Advent provides a similar thoughtful encounter with the characters of Christmas.
Biography
Most of the biographies I read this year were rereads. One that I really enjoyed was God’s Smuggler the story of Brother Andrew written with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. I had forgotten how wonderful this story was, from his unbelieving youth to conversion and then his life taking Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Much has changed since those days, but God has not. And I find I need to be encouraged to know and believe he can continue to rescue and blind eyes and open closed doors for his faithful servants.
Classic Fiction
My favorite classic this year is a book you may never have heard of. I certainly hadn’t before Close Reads selected it. The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni was written in Italian and recently freshly translated by Michael F. Moore. Published in 1848 and set in the Italy of the 1620’s, The Betrothed is required reading for high school students in Italy. It is a classic love story of a young lower-class couple whose relationship gets caught up in the tangle of religious, political, and class strife of the day. While the love story of Renzo and Lucia is engaging, the broader portrait of cultural and historical events from war to the plague lifts this novel to another level, while at the same time opening up a range of deep theological issues about what true constitutes true Christian devotion. Yes it is long (700+ pages) but well worth it, and the audible version is also very good.
In the midst of a love story, wars, and plagues, this book contains one of the best descriptions of a pastoral vocation I have ever read and a wonderful and deep conversion experience as a wicked man discovers that the love of God covers his sins.
Favorite Fiction Reread
My favorite fiction reread this year was George Macdonald’s The Princess and the Goblin and the sequel The Princess and Curdie. In a similar fashion to C.S. Lewis (who considered Macdonald his master), Macdonald creates vivid images that haunt your imagination, in a good way. Like the Chronicles of Narnia, also written for children, these two fantasy stories are woven around deep spiritual and theological truths and illuminate them in fresh ways. It was a delight to visit them again.
But, remember, it may seem to you a very roundabout way indeed, and you must not doubt the thread. Of one thing you may be sure, that while you hold it, I hold it too.
Favorite General Fiction
East of Eden by John Steinbeck rises to the top of the list this year for me. I have started this book several times, but this time I managed to finish. However, since the book features one of the most evil literary female characters I have ever encountered, I did skip a few pages.
Set in California’s Salinas Valley, two families reenact biblical themes of sibling rivalry, free will, and redemption across generations. This is not an easy read, but I can understand better now why it is considered a great American classic.
Mystery
Most of the mysteries we read this year for the monthly Close Reads “Murderpod” were from the classic period of British mystery writers. Of these my favorite was A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters (a pseudonym for scholar Edith Pargeter). She wrote 20 books that feature Brother Cadfael, a Welsh Benedictine monk living in an abbey in western England in the first half of the 12th century. The books are meticulously researched and interesting for their historical and cultural details. Cadfael himself has an unusual worldly background for a monk, but is a kind and righteous character the reader can depend on. A Morbid Taste for Bones is the first in the series so introduces the character and lifestyle. If you like mysteries with an interesting setting and a protagonist you can trust, you will enjoy these books.
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