It’s hard to believe that we’re already to this point of the year again: Christmas trees, holiday programs, Hallmark movies, and “best-of” book lists. As you may know, I like to do two lists each year to highlight my favorite reads in June and again in December. While I like to read new books, I’m often a bit behind in what hits my shelves. My list, then, is not intended to be the five best books released in 2023, but five of my favorite reads since Independence Day. This time I’ve included three in the “Christian living” category, one biography, and one novel. Maybe something in my brief list will spark your interest this holiday season or in the new year. Enjoy!
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age by Rosaria Butterfield
If I got my hands on Rosaria Butterfield’s grocery list, I’d want it to be published. Her skill with words is unparalleled in this genre. However, it’s not only her wordsmithing that draws me to her books; her love for God’s Word, humility, and insight all make her books a delight. Five Lies is no different. Butterfield tackles major issues of our day: transgenderism, homosexuality, feminism, immodesty, and “spirituality.” You may not agree with every word on every page, but this book is worth the read—and reread. Butterfield is cogent, biblical, winsome, and humble.
Seasons of Sorrow by Tim Challies
Perhaps, like me, you remember hearing the news of the death of Tim Challies’ son in early November three years ago. The unexpected homegoing of Nick spurned Tim to write and reflect on his grief, his struggles, his hope, and his faith. This short book walks through the first year after Nick’s death as Tim put fingers to keyboard in effort to process his thoughts. Some of the chapters appeared first as posts on Tim’s blog, but some are found only in the book. If you have suffered a similar loss or know someone who has, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Tim’s transparency and vulnerability, coupled with his unshakable faith in the Savior, will be a helpful companion through the valley of death.
Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower
This year, I read this book for the third time; and it was still helpful and convicting. Klumpenhower’s goal is to help teachers (particularly children’s teachers) tie every lesson they ever teach to the Gospel. That may sound daunting and un-doable, but Klumpenhower has plenty of tips and resources to help the teacher on their way. This book upended my teaching paradigm, and for that reason I return to it every few years. If you teach the Bible to children in any capacity—even if you just read your own kids or grandkids Bible stories at bedtime—you should read this book. It’s a game-changer.
The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton
While I remember where I was when I heard the news of Princess Diana’s death (though I wondered at the time why it was such a big deal), the wedding of William and Kate, and the birth of Prince George, I admit that my knowledge of the royal family is lacking (to say the least). So as I listened to Andrew Morton’s biography of Queen Elizabeth II, I enjoyed getting to know England’s longest-reigning monarch. From the tumultuous events that brought about the coronation of her father and then his untimely death, to the queen’s own coronation and subsequent romance with Prince Philip, her attempt to balance work and motherhood, and the drama surrounding the family of her eldest son, Morton unfolds the life of a brilliant woman, the likes of which the world may never see again.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
I know I’m behind the times on this one. I dragged my feet at reading this excellent novel because I incorrectly assumed that it was going to be dark, heavy, and sad. On the contrary, while the subject matter is certainly serious (it’s all about a man who repeatedly tries to commit suicide), it’s warm, humorous, and endearing as the curmudgeonly Ove learns to develop relationships with his “annoying” neighbors. Backman has a knack for developing memorable characters, comical dialogue, and witty narration. If you haven’t yet enjoyed this book, I recommend that you do.
Bible Study Nerd 