Some of My Favorite Reads from 2021
I’m surprised how long this list is. I’ve sifted out many good reads from 2021 and thought I’d highlight just the best—but that still left 22 books!
I’m not endorsing every word of every book that follows. If I didn’t write the book, I probably don’t agree with everything in it. (Even if I did write it, in hindsight I can probably think of some better ways to put things!) But if a book is on this list, that means I think it’s worth your time and money.
These are not all “Christian” books, so don’t expect them to read like they were all published by Harvest House. This is not a dig against Harvest House—I love Harvest House and have had one book published by them (Thirsting for God). It’s just that you may read content or thoughts that a conservative Christian publishing house wouldn’t publish.
These are listed alphabetically, not in order of preference, except for the last book, which earns the title “Book of the Year” (even though it was first published in 1659).
Novels
Belgravia by Julian Fellowes. Fellowes is perhaps best known for his screen work, Gosford Park and Downton Abbey. But his novels are just as rich. If you like historical novels (this one is set during the Battle of Waterloo) about secrets and honor amongst the upper echelon of London society, you’ll love this one.
A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke. Sometimes, actors can write. Steve Martin and here, Ethan Hawke, are proof of that. This is a story about a young man making his Broadway debut just as his marriage implodes. If you like a little insider information about what the life of a professional actor is like, you’ll particularly enjoy this one.
Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand. Sometimes, best-selling authors are best-selling for a reason—they tell a compelling story and create engaging characters. Hilderbrand is one of them. In this work, four siblings face a tumultuous summer (you can guess which one by the title) and one of them even gets to meet Ted Kennedy.
Isabel in the Afternoon by Douglas Kennedy. If Kennedy’s name is on it, it’s going to be a good read. Kennedy is not particularly fond of the Christian faith and his novels don’t represent Christian values, by any means. But he’s a supremely gifted writer and wordsmith. This one is a story of adultery, psychology, and place (in this case, Paris).
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. It’s fun and most of you have probably already read it. The first novel in this trilogy is much stronger than the two follow-ups.
A Happy Marriage: A Novel by Rafael Yglesias. Some critics savaged this book because of their own agendas, but I’ve learned not to let critics warn me away from something without considering it myself. Yglesias is a good writer, but fair warning: this novel will feel like work. Halfway through, Yglesias takes you through the brutal and slow death of his spouse, so it is neither an easy nor feel good read.
Nonfiction
Safe Haven A Devotional for the Abused and Abandoned by Michelle Donnelly. I wish there wasn’t a need for a book like this, but there surely is. And you won’t find one that is better written, with more insight and encouragement page for page, than Safe Haven . As a writer, I admire Michelle Donnelly’s facility with language; as a pastor, I appreciate her insight into the spiritual dynamics of abuse; and as a Christian I rejoice in the fact that so many victims of abuse can be forewarned, equipped, strengthened, and delivered from their abusers. The level of wisdom and insight was nothing short of astonishing to me. Michelle lays bare the motivations, manipulations, and common tactics of abusers. Pastors, friends, counselors and of course the abused will all be fortified, blessed and equipped by reading this seminal work on abuse. In a word, I found this book to be nothing less than brilliant.
Are You Really Okay? By Debra Fileta. Debra has written many excellent books, but here she is at her best. This is a great book that invites the reader to delve into a more abundant life of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health. You’ll be challenged and equipped to grow, 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 team) present a helpful introduction to emotional attachment theory in marriage which stresses emotional connection and safety as the foundation of a growing relationship.
One at a Time by Kyle Idleman. Brilliantly done, especially so since it’s a book about reaching people one life at a time that is written by the senior pastor of one of the largest and most influential megachurches in the country. I loved this book and was blessed and challenged by this book on many levels.
Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation by Joshua Choonmin Kang. This was a huge hit in Korea (where Kang is from, though he now is senior pastor of a large congregation in Los Angeles) and should be one here. Straight out inspirational spiritual formation and encouragement in short, 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 never need to read a book like this, but my work with my own book, When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People, led to this recommendation. If you need it, it will help restore sanity and give you a glimpse of why a loved one might be treating you the way he/she does—and how to respond in kind.
Make Your Bed: Little Things that Can Change Your Life and Maybe Your World by Admiral William H. McRaven. Inspired by a college address, this retired Admiral (and Navy SEAL) dispenses short life-lessons that he learned in the military. If you have a son or daughter who doesn’t like long chapters, McRaven gets some great points across in story format.
Communion with the Triune God by John Owen. Life changing. In a world filled with malice and division, I found such refuge and solace spending time meditating on the beauty and glory of our triune God, with John Owen as my spiritual director. A must-read classic, in my opinion. What is more worthy of our time than gaining a greater understanding of just how wonderful and perfect God is?
On the Mortification of Sins in Believers by John Owen. Such a brilliant start; a masterpiece, even, of laying out what mortification is and why it is essential. Owen falls a little short in the end on the actual practice of mortification but overall the book is still well worth reading.
A Quest for Godliness by J.I. Packer. My mentor J.I. Packer is no longer with us, but fortunately, he’s left numerous books behind through which he still speaks. I’ve never been disappointed by a Packer book, but this one—a journey through the wisdom of the Puritans—was especially powerful and encouraging. Even though I’m not a five-point Calvinist (sorry professor!) I enjoyed this so very much.
Les and Leslie Parrott, When Bad Things Happen to Good Marriages. This book should have been a bestseller when it came out over 20 years ago. I’ll never understand why some books sell and some don’t. The title explains the subject; the Parrots showcase numerous couples who have faced severe trials, applied their faith, and come out stronger.
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. Next to Desiring God, one of his most classic works. And deservedly so.
Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser. A lovely little book that summarizes the messages of Sacred Marriage and Sacred Parenting (he doesn’t mention my books and may never have read them, but he takes the same approach—family life as a potential source of great spiritual growth).
How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins. Every church would benefit if “associate” staff would read this book, discuss this book, and apply this book. Wonderfully done.
Married Sex: A Christian Couple’s Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta. When you approach a co-author to help you write a book, you really don’t know how it’s going to go. How will you work together? Will you be pleased with their chapters? Can you accept their opinion of your chapters? I couldn’t have been more pleased with this collaboration. Debra did a brilliant job on her chapters and helped me refine my own. Our combined background and experience helped us produce a book that deals with the theology, psychology, relational, and physical aspects of married sexuality. We polled and/or interviewed over a thousand couples, so there are many stories which provide a plethora of ideas for long-term married couples who want to keep their intimacy fresh and fun. Warning: because of these stories, this book did become perhaps a bit more explicit than I anticipated, so if that will turn you off, feel free 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 a big fan of Viola’s two books critiquing the church, but have loved his works directed toward individuals and the kingdom of God (we don’t need to write someone off if we disagree with one particular book). Hang On, Let Go is in another league altogether! The wisdom, spiritual application, and insight is breathtaking. Again, why this book isn’t at the top of the bestseller lists for 2021 is beyond me. If you are frustrated about how life is treating you, this will be balm to your soul and strengthen your mind.
Book of 2021
Thomas Brooks Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod. I enjoyed so many books in 2021 that I hate to choose a favorite, but if forced, it would probably be this one. Brooks talks about the necessity of afflictions for spiritual growth. Whether those afflictions are persecution, financial calamity, deterioration of health, unfair criticism, relational breakdowns, or vocational frustration, he gives hard but necessary medicine. If you want to be coddled and feel sorry for yourself, avoid this book at all costs. If you’re willing to be challenged before you’re encouraged, this book will lift you back up. This has become one of my favorite classics, and I’ve read dozens and dozens of them.
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