Each year I like to share some of my favorite books I read over the past year. I wasn’t planning on reading a lot of biographies this year, but it seemed to be an unplanned theme. If you haven’t read any of these, be sure to check them out!
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
Einstein is a household name and a word we often use synonymously with genius. However, if you are like me, other than E=mc2 or the theory of relativity, I couldn’t tell you much about the life of Albert Einstein. This book explains the life, struggles, and discoveries of a scientist who became a rock star.
The Watchmaker’s Daughter: The True Story of World War II Heroine Corrie ten Boom by Larry Loftis
A fast-paced, you-don’t-want-to-put-down read about the fascinating story of Corrie ten Boom. Hiding Jews during WWII until she was caught and sent to concentration camp, this story illustrates the faithfulness of God in the worst of circumstances. Corrie’s courage in the face of evil, willingness to lay down her life for others, and unbelievable ability to forgive the worst of transgressions against her will encourage and inspire you.
The Storied Life: Christian Writing as Art and Worship by Jared C. Wilson
If you are a Christian and a writer, you will enjoy and be encouraged by this work. Wilson has written several well-known books that have taught and encouraged many in the church, and this work pulls back the curtain into the writing process and shows how writing is an act of worship and transformation, for both the reader and the writer.
Elon Musk by Walter IsaacsonÂ
If you shy away from biographies because you think they are boring, I dare you to give this a read. Isaacson doesn’t sugar-coat anything, but presents Musk as he sees him, both incredibility gifted and incredibility flawed. I haven’t read many biographies where the subject is still alive, but this helps put things into perspective as you see Musk’s name come up in the news. (Warning: strong language)
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy by Timothy Keller
This short read can be completed in one setting, but don’t mistake its brevity for shallowness. In typical Keller fashion, this work precisely diagnoses something we all deal with: pride. Gospel humility, Keller argues, doesn’t fall into either extreme of self-hating or self-loving, but self-forgetfulness. This is one I plan on reading every year.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
The only work of fiction on my list this year, this is a must-read if you enjoy good stories. I won’t give away the details, but there’s a chapter toward the end of the book that’s worth the cost of the book. If you want to get lost in a good story, take up and read this book by Enger!
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
After reading the work on Musk, I thought there couldn’t be a more interesting biography. However, this one was equally amazing. Once again we see a main character who’s an incredibility talented genius with tremendous personal flaws. Yet, in spite of it all, he gave us much of the tools we use today, such as the phone/computer you are likely reading this article on right now. Very rarely can you find an example of one man who transformed the technology industry, music industry, and the movie industry, but Jobs somehow did all those things. Find out how the Mac, iPod, iPhone, iTunes, Toy Story, iPad, and many other great works of creativity came into being. (Warning: strong language)
You have good biography taste and Isaacson is a great biographer. Thanks for sharing.