I’m stunned how lengthy this record is. I’ve sifted out many good reads from 2021 and thought I’d spotlight simply the very best—however that also left 22 books!
I’m not endorsing each phrase of each e-book that follows. If I didn’t write the e-book, I most likely don’t agree with all the things in it. (Even if I did write it, in hindsight I can most likely assume of some higher methods to place issues!) But if a e-book is on this record, meaning I believe it’s value your money and time.
These should not all “Christian” books, so don’t count on them to learn like they had been all revealed by Harvest House. This is just not a dig towards Harvest House—I really like Harvest House and have had one e-book revealed by them (Thirsting for God). It’s simply that you could be learn content material or ideas {that a} conservative Christian publishing home wouldn’t publish.
These are listed alphabetically, not so as of choice, aside from the final e-book, which earns the title “Book of the Year” (although it was first revealed in 1659).
Novels
Belgravia by Julian Fellowes. Fellowes is probably greatest identified for his display work, Gosford Park and Downton Abbey. But his novels are simply as wealthy. If you want historic novels (this one is ready throughout the Battle of Waterloo) about secrets and techniques and honor amongst the higher echelon of London society, you’ll love this one.
A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke. Sometimes, actors can write. Steve Martin and right here, Ethan Hawke, are proof of that. This is a narrative a couple of younger man making his Broadway debut simply as his marriage implodes. If you want slightly insider details about what the life of knowledgeable actor is like, you’ll significantly get pleasure from this one.
Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand. Sometimes, best-selling authors are best-selling for a cause—they inform a compelling story and create partaking characters. Hilderbrand is one of them. In this work, 4 siblings face a tumultuous summer season (you may guess which one by the title) and one of them even will get to fulfill Ted Kennedy.
Isabelle in the Afternoon by Douglas Kennedy. If Kennedy’s title is on it, it’s going to be a superb learn. Kennedy is just not significantly fond of the Christian religion and his novels don’t symbolize Christian values, by any means. But he’s a supremely gifted author and wordsmith. This one is a narrative of adultery, psychology, and place (on this case, Paris).
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. It’s enjoyable and most of you’ve most likely already learn it. The first novel on this trilogy is far stronger than the 2 follow-ups.
A Happy Marriage: A Novel by Rafael Yglesias. Some critics savaged this e-book as a result of of their very own agendas, however I’ve discovered to not let critics warn me away from one thing with out contemplating it myself. Yglesias is an effective author, however truthful warning: this novel will really feel like work. Halfway by means of, Yglesias takes you thru the brutal and gradual loss of life of his partner, so it’s neither a straightforward nor really feel good learn.
Nonfiction
Safe Haven A Devotional for the Abused and Abandoned by Michelle Donnelly. I want there wasn’t a necessity for a e-book like this, however there absolutely is. And you received’t discover one that’s higher written, with extra perception and encouragement web page for web page, than Safe Haven . As a author, I love Michelle Donnelly’s facility with language; as a pastor, I admire her perception into the non secular dynamics of abuse; and as a Christian I rejoice in the truth that so many victims of abuse could be forewarned, outfitted, strengthened, and delivered from their abusers. The degree of knowledge and perception was nothing quick of astonishing to me. Michelle lays naked the motivations, manipulations, and customary ways of abusers. Pastors, buddies, counselors and of course the abused will all be fortified, blessed and outfitted by studying this seminal work on abuse. In a phrase, I discovered this e-book to be nothing lower than sensible.
Are You Really Okay? By Debra Fileta. Debra has written many glorious books, however right here she is at her greatest. This is a good e-book that invitations the reader to delve right into a extra plentiful life of non secular, emotional, psychological and bodily well being. You’ll be challenged and outfitted to develop, mature, and spiritually prosper.
Safe Haven Marriage: Building a Relationship You Want to Come Home To by Dr. Archibald Hart and Dr. Sharon May. Drs. Hart and May (a father/daughter crew) current a useful introduction to emotional attachment principle in marriage which stresses emotional connection and security as the inspiration of a rising relationship.
One at a Time by Kyle Idleman. Brilliantly carried out, particularly so because it’s a e-book about reaching individuals one life at a time that’s written by the senior pastor of one of the most important and most influential megachurches within the nation. I liked this e-book and was blessed and challenged by this e-book on many ranges.
Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation by Joshua Choonmin Kang. This was an enormous hit in Korea (the place Kang is from, although he now’s senior pastor of a big congregation in Los Angeles) and needs to be one right here. Straight out inspirational non secular formation and encouragement briefly, bite-sized chapters.
Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder by Paul Mason and Randi Kreger. I hope you by no means must learn a e-book like this, however my work with my very own e-book, When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People, led to this advice. If you want it, it can assist restore sanity and provide you with a glimpse of why a liked one may be treating you the best way he/she does—and how you can reply in form.
Make Your Bed: Little Things that Can Change Your Life and Maybe Your World by Admiral William H. McRaven. Inspired by a university handle, this retired Admiral (and Navy SEAL) dispenses quick life-lessons that he discovered within the army. If you’ve a son or daughter who doesn’t like lengthy chapters, McRaven will get some nice factors throughout in story format.
Communion with the Triune God by John Owen. Life altering. In a world stuffed with malice and division, I discovered such refuge and solace spending time meditating on the wonder and glory of our triune God, with John Owen as my non secular director. A must-read traditional, for my part. What is extra worthy of our time than gaining a better understanding of simply how great and ideal God is?
On the Mortification of Sins in Believers by John Owen. Such a superb begin; a masterpiece, even, of laying out what mortification is and why it’s important. Owen falls slightly quick in the long run on the precise apply of mortification however general the e-book continues to be effectively value studying.
A Quest for Godliness by J.I. Packer. My mentor J.I. Packer is now not with us, however fortuitously, he’s left quite a few books behind by means of which he nonetheless speaks. I’ve by no means been disenchanted by a Packer e-book, however this one—a journey by means of the knowledge of the Puritans—was particularly highly effective and inspiring. Even although I’m not a five-point Calvinist (sorry professor!) I loved this so very a lot.
Les and Leslie Parrott, When Bad Things Happen to Good Marriages. This e-book ought to have been a bestseller when it got here out over 20 years in the past. I’ll by no means perceive why some books promote and a few don’t. The title explains the topic; the Parrots showcase quite a few {couples} who’ve confronted extreme trials, utilized their religion, and are available out stronger.
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. Next to Desiring God, one of his most traditional works. And deservedly so.
Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser. A beautiful little e-book that summarizes the messages of Sacred Marriage and Sacred Parenting (he doesn’t point out my books and will by no means have learn them, however he takes the identical method—household life as a possible supply of nice non secular progress).
How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins. Every church would profit if “associate” employees would learn this e-book, talk about this e-book, and apply this e-book. Wonderfully carried out.
Married Sex: A Christian Couple’s Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta. When you method a co-author that can assist you write a e-book, you actually don’t know the way it’s going to go. How will you’re employed collectively? Will you be happy with their chapters? Can you settle for their opinion of your chapters? I couldn’t have been extra happy with this collaboration. Debra did a superb job on her chapters and helped me refine my very own. Our mixed background and expertise helped us produce a e-book that offers with the theology, psychology, relational, and bodily features of married sexuality. We polled and/or interviewed over a thousand {couples}, so there are lots of tales which give a plethora of concepts for long-term married {couples} who need to maintain their intimacy contemporary and enjoyable. Warning: as a result of of these tales, this e-book did turn out to be maybe a bit extra express than I anticipated, so if that can flip you off, be happy to look elsewhere.
Hang On, Let God: What to Do When Your Dreams are Shattered and Life is Falling Apart by Frank Viola. Astonishingly good. I wasn’t an enormous fan of Viola’s two books critiquing the church, however have liked his works directed towards people and the dominion of God (we don’t want to put in writing somebody off if we disagree with one specific e-book). Hang On, Let Go is in one other league altogether! The knowledge, non secular software, and perception is breathtaking. Again, why this e-book isn’t on the high of the bestseller lists for 2021 is past me. If you might be annoyed about how life is treating you, this can be balm to your soul and strengthen your thoughts.
Book of 2021
Thomas Brooks Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod. I loved so many books in 2021 that I hate to decide on a favourite, but when pressured, it could most likely be this one. Brooks talks concerning the necessity of afflictions for non secular progress. Whether these afflictions are persecution, monetary calamity, deterioration of well being, unfair criticism, relational breakdowns, or vocational frustration, he offers laborious however essential drugs. If you need to be coddled and really feel sorry for your self, keep away from this e-book in any respect prices. If you’re keen to be challenged earlier than you’re inspired, this e-book will raise you again up. This has turn out to be one of my favourite classics, and I’ve learn dozens and dozens of them.
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