This year I have read significantly fewer books than last year’s 134 but I still managed 54 books on top of all the articles, papers and chapters that I’ve read for my MA.
I’ve again covered a wide range of subjects from typography to generosity and here are some of my favourites:
Top Christian
- Mission Shaped Evangelism: The Gospel in Contemporary Culture – Steve Hollinghurst
I loved this brilliant book all about sharing the gospel in contemporary culture. Hollinghurst astutely surveys and decodes the cultural landscape and presents a thorough, biblical and inspiring vision of mission in the 21st century. - Strangers and Pilgrims Once More: Being disciples of Jesus in a Post-Christendom World – Addison Hodges Hart
An accessible read, exploring the challenges for Christian discipleship in an increasingly secular society. A rallying-cry to embrace ‘mission from the margins’ and recalibrate our thinking and priorities in the light of ‘passing through’ this world. - Determined to Believe: The Sovereignty of God, Faith and Human Responsibility – John Lennox
This is a chunky and detailed look at the topic of free will and predestination from Oxford Maths professor John Lennox. His thorough and wise exegesis of passages such as Romans 9 – 11 and Ephesians 1 in the context of the whole thrust of Scripture and witness to God’s character is refreshing and inspiring. - The Five Marks of Mission: Making God’s Mission Ours – Christopher J. Wright
A very short but brilliant explanation of the five marks of mission from renowned Out Testament scholar and missiologist Chris Wright. It explores evangelism, teaching, compassion, justice and creation care. Read a free online version here. - The Message of the Sermon on the Mount – John Stott
Recently I’ve been slowly working through the Sermon on the Mount using the Lifebuilder Bible study and Stott’s excellent commentary. It’s really helping me to delve deep into Jesus’ extraordinary and life-transforming teaching.
Top Non-fiction
- Big Bangs: The Story Of Five Discoveries That Changed Musical History – Howard Goodall
Utterly fascinating exploration of musical history including composers, notation, tuning, the invention of the piano and recording music. - 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism – Ha-Joon Chang
A great exploration of global economics, financial and political systems. - Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need To Know About Air Travel – Patrick Smith
Written by a pilot, this book is full of interesting information about air travel, from airlines and airports, to safety, history and cabin crew secrets. - What If? Serious Scientific Answers To Absurd Hypothetical Questions – Randall Munroe
I don’t pretend to understand all the complicated science, but I did find this book enlightening and entertaining as it tackled questions such as ‘How many humans would a T-Rex rampaging through New York need to eat in a day?’ - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Nicky Scott
A short and practical guide to what we can all do to live more sustainably and care for our planet.
Top Fiction
- Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café – Fannie Flagg
A heart-warming classic tale of friendship, community, love and loss in the Deep South during the Depression. - The Solitaire Mystery – Jostein Gaarder
From the author of Sophie’s World, this is a gripping and inventive book full of puzzles, intrigue and philosophy. - The Midwych Cuckoos – John Wyndham
Creepy sci-fi classic that had me hooked. - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce
A light and easy read about a man embarking on an epic journey that is remarkably poignant in places.
Those are some of the reads that I’ve enjoyed this year. I’d love to know your top picks, so do leave a comment.
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