- Child’s Story Bible by Catharine Vos
- Without hesitation, this has been my favorite book to read this year. Of course, much of my enjoyment is related to the fact that this is the first sizable book that her and I have read together, yet we would not have made our way through this 800-page behemoth of a children’s book if the content was not fantastic.
- Read my full review here.
- A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin
- This is a book that is not only worth reading but is certainly worth rereading. The new translation and edition published by Ligonier is just fantastic.
- Read my chapter-by-chapter thoughts here.
- The Mortification of Sin by John Owen
- This is Owen’s most read book for good reason. It is focused, thorough, and strikes at the heart. Every Christian should read this book.
- Read my chapter-by-chapter thoughts here.
- Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher
- “A totalitarian state,” writes Dreher, “is one that aspires to nothing less than defining and controlling reality. Truth is whatever the rulers decide it is” (pp. 7-8). He notes that this should not be confused with an authoritarian state, which “is mere dictatorship” (7). Totalitarian states are driven by ideologies under which reality itself must conform. The thesis of Live Not by Lies is that 21st Century United States is looking remarkably like the pre-totalitarian cultures of Eastern Europe before their plunge into communism.
- Read my full review here.
- That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis
- I tried two other times to get into the book but never made it past the first chapter. This third time I resolved to press through, and I’m so glad that I did. It may, in fact, be my new favorite book by Lewis. It is absolutely bonkers, but intensely prophetic of our present hour.
- Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis
- I’ve heard that this is one of Lewis’ most difficult books to get into and understand. While I am certainly that there is more significant depth to discover upon further readings, it was not a chore nor a bewilderment to read. Lewis thought of this as one of his best works, and I am bound to agree. The story is captivating, and the realities that Lewis sneaks past our watchful dragons are beautiful. I would now set Till We Have Faces on par with That Hideous Strength as my favorite books of Lewis.
- Deacons by Matt Smethurst
- This is now my go-to book on the subject of deacons.
- Read my full review here.
- The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steven Lawson
- Perhaps I have a particular love for this book on Calvin because he happens to be one of the theologians dearest to my heart. While there are few historical figures in general that are as misunderstood as Calvin, I have long found him to be rich source of pastoral insight, bold defense of the truth, and, as this book focuses upon, a relentless commitment to the Scriptures. As a pastor who strives toward those very goals, Calvin has been a four hundred year removed mentor to me.
- Read my full review here.
- Daniel by Iain Duguid
- While this commentary is a collection of expository sermons through Daniel as opposed to a verse-by-verse treatment, Duguid is a wonderfully clear and biblical writer, and this book is no exception. It was a tremendous resource while preaching through the book of Daniel, but it would also be a great aid for anyone wanting to have a greater understanding of such a mysterious book.
- That Hideous Strength: How the West Was Lost by Melvin Tinker
- This is a fascinating little book that takes up the title of Lewis’ third Space Trilogy novel and explains how Lewis was prophetic in many ways of the rise and danger of Cultural Marxism. Tinker has now released an expanded edition that I am excited to explore next year.
Honorable Mention: Right Now Counts Forever by R. C. Sproul
Right Now Counts Forever is the recently released four-volume collection of Sproul’s monthly column on current affairs in Tabletalk Magazine. I am nearly finished reading the first volume, which covers the late 70s and early 80s, and it is both interesting and a little sad to see that so many of the same issues have only escalated since that time. It is certainly worth reading.
B. C. Newton 