Each December, I like to post some of my favorite reads of the year. Here they are in no particular order:
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
“Set in a not-too-distant America, I Cheerfully Refuse is the tale of a bereaved and pursued musician embarking under sail on a sentient Lake Superior in search of his departed, deeply beloved, bookselling wife. Rainy, an endearing bear of an Orphean narrator, seeks refuge in the harbors, fogs and remote islands of the inland sea. Encountering lunatic storms and rising corpses from the warming depths, Rainy finds on land an increasingly desperate and illiterate people, a malignant billionaire ruling class, crumbled infrastructure and a lawless society. Amidst the Gulliver-like challenges of life at sea and no safe landings, Rainy is lifted by physical beauty, surprising humor, generous strangers, and an unexpected companion in a young girl who comes aboard. And as his innate guileless nature begins to make an inadvertent rebel of him, Rainy’s private quest for the love of his life grows into something wider and wilder, sweeping up friends and foes alike in his strengthening wake.”
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
There are a few books that I would argue that every Christians must make a point to read at some point. This is one of them. I go back to it often and allow it to highlight the amazing character of our great God!
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
A prequel to the Hunger Games series released this year. If you enjoyed the original trilogy, then you will likely enjoy the backstory to Haymitch. After reading it, I went back to read the original series, as well as, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is the origin story of President Snow. Fun books (although can be heavy) that are quick, easy reading.
When People Are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch
Fear of man, codependency, and peer pressure…who hasn’t struggled with at least one of these? Welch helps us see past ourselves and provides practical tips to help us keep our focus where it should be…on our great and powerful Lord!
Authentic Ministry by Michael Reeves
I haven’t seen a lot of publicity for this small, encouraging resource, so I wasn’t expecting a whole lot when I began reading. However, it was such a tremendous help to dissect the heart and evaluate the motives for anyone in ministry. Reeves is able to communicate clearly, simply, and with humor while dealing with issues of massive importance. This is a good one to read with your elders, ministry team, staff, etc.
Writing for Life and Ministry by Brandon J. O’Brien
I always enjoy reading about writing, and this is geared specifically for those in ministry. He also provides helpful exercises the hone your craft, especially if you are just beginning.
How to Lead Your Family by Joel Beeke
Christian husbands and dads…please take time to read this small but helpful resource. You may already know what you are “supposed to do” but this book provides an encouraging reminder and helpful evaluation for you as a husband and/or father. We need strong families that are being led by godly men in our church and community!
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
I like to go back and read some of the classics that I was probably supposed to read in high school. While I find some more enjoyable than others, I greatly enjoyed this story that, to me, shows the damaging effects of hiding guilt and shame verses the freeing power of confession in spite of its immediate consequences.
