52ish Books in 2021

I made a goal to read 1 book a week in 2021. Unfortunately for me, I am not a New Year's Resolution type of girl, so I made this goal in... August. I can confidently say I read 50 books this year, but in order to officially meet the 52 goal, I will have to count my read through the coffee table book sitting on our living room table and the children's book Ferdinand the Bull, LOL. (And how do I count the 12 others I am halfway through?!) SO, 52ish it will be.

These books were truly my companions this year. And while part of me believes I set this goal because it felt like one of the few things that I could control in such a challenging year, I feel like I am so much better for it. Here is the FULL LIST of each read, in order from my favorite to my least favorite. I have also included my brief thoughts on each read just in case you are considering reading them, too!

1. Hearing God – Dallas Willard

This book was by far my favorite read this year. I might even venture to say that it was life-changing. If you are wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit, grow in your intimacy with God, or discern God's will for your life, this is the book for you! This book was dense as it was filled to the brim with Scriptural reference, but it was incredibly worth the deep study. Hearing God will stay in my library forever and be revisited with frequency.

2. When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse – Chuck DeGroat

Wow. I don't think words can adequately explain the perfection of this read. Chuck DeGroat approached this subject with unbelievable tact and fairness. With his background in therapy and ministry, he is able to empathize and challenge the reader with conviction and care. I walked away from this read feeling equal parts heard, validated, challenged, and pushed. What I admired most about this read is the redemptive lens in which it was written, emphasizing accountability and compassion in equal parts.

3. A Grief Observed – C.S. Lewis

This was my first time snuggling with a C.S. Lewis read, and I was not disappointed. To call 'A Grief Observed' a book would not do it justice. I honestly believe that this was a work of art, a vulnerable bearing of the soul. I highly suggest digging into this if you or someone you know is experiencing some sort of grief. Seeing the way C.S. Lewis wrestled with God through the death of his wife was comforting, inspiring, relatable and so much more. I read this book start to finish while waiting on my most recent flight to Denver. Did I cry in the middle of the airport terminal? Absolutely.

4. Trusting God – Jerry Bridges

This was a reread for me and it still remains one of my all-time favorite books. The first time I read this book, it changed me. I will revisit this book several more times throughout my lifetime. Jerry Bridges does such an incredible job at explaining the divine providence and will of God amidst suffering. If you have questions about why a good God allows suffering, this is a great place to start exploring answers.

5. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels – Kenneth E. Bailey

This was the thickestttt book I read this year, but I couldn't put it down! Kenneth E. Bailey explains cultural context in-depth but with simplicity. 'Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes' truly set me on a journey to read more about the cultural context of Scripture. If you have been a Christian for a while and are hungry for a deeper look into the Scripture, this is the book for you.

6. A Multitude of All Peoples: Engaging Ancient Christianity’s Global Identity – Vince L. Bantu

Okay. THIS book is important. 'A Multitude of All Peoples' is a journey through the history of Christianity in Asia, Africa, The Middle East, etc. If you choose this read, be prepared for the scholarly voice. The writing can be a bit dry, but the information is so fascinating. Although much of this book is a simple walk through historical fact, it makes the greater point of the importance of the presence of culture in the Church. While doctrine should be the same despite culture, practices can and should differ in their unique context just as God's people carry such special distinctions. This book has set me on a personal quest to study out the relationship between Christianity and culture. (I am currently drooling over the Culture and Christianity Master's program at a particular university). This read is not for everyone, but those who choose to commit to it will surely gain a lot.

7. Everything Happens For A Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved – Kate Bowler

For some reason, I seem to save my most emotional reads for the airport. I definitely soaked these pages with tears while flying over some middle American state. This memoir follows Kate Bowler's journey accepting her cancer diagnosis and wrestling with her faith. While aspects of her journey through grief may be initially jarring (such as her use of language), I respected Kate Bowler's honesty. Memoirs are my new favorites.

8. Banker to the Poor – Muhammad Yunus

Hear me out on this one. This read may seem very niche because it is about microlending in some senses. But it is also just about the life of Muhammad Yunus and his life is soooo fascinating. This is an autobiography that will leave you motivated and inspired. If you're a nonfiction lover, then I would encourage you to add this to your bookshelf.

9. Dare to Lead – Brene Brown

I have been converted into a Brene Brown fan. I can't wait to read more from her (and listen to her podcast). Dare to Lead is so full of wisdom that is unbelievably applicable to daily life. There are enough people singing her praises, so I won't go into deep detail, but just know those shouting "Brene Brown!" from the rooftops are absolutely right!!!

10. Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life – Craig Groeschel

The basic premise of this book is that our thoughts are powerful and what we think about truly directs our life. This book was incredibly simple and incredibly practical. I read this with a book club and I would suggest reading it in a similar setting. The activities were super helpful and the book club gave me the accountability needed to complete them. Additionally, the book facilitated such vulnerability in our discussions.

11. Esther: A Woman of Strength & Dignity – Charles Swindol

I just love Charles Swindol's books on individuals in the Bible. This one was particularly applicable to me, but I haven't been disappointed by one of his books yet. I don't know quite how he does this, but Charles Swindol writes in a way that allows me to follow my own journey and make my own discoveries with the text.

12. The Explicit Gospel – Matt Chandler

Did I highlight and underline every word? Perhaps... LOL! Matt Chandler's book on the Gospel was phenomenal. This book does such a great job at explaining the Gospel and breaking down the common challenges and misconceptions that get in the way of focusing on it. Passionate, exciting, and challenging!

13. Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance – Charles Swindol

This was one of the most impacting reads for me this year. I have always been intimidated by the book of Job and I feel like Charles Swindol successfully guided me through it. The lessons I learned reading through Job will stick with me for a lifetime, and Charles Swindol was part of that journey.

14. Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewish Words of Jesus Can Change Your Life – Lois Tverberg

Another book that dives into the cultural context of Scripture! Lois Tverberg really breaks down the cultural context in simple, easy-to-understand, and practical ways. Her writing was deep, and yet easy to process. Again, such a great read for anyone who wants to go deeper in the Word and gain a fresh perspective on Scriptures they have been reading for years!

15. The Cost of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of my heroes. It was an honor to be able to read some of his work. This book definitely required my full attention to truly digest all that was being said. I would say, though, that my favorite part of the book was actually the brief biography by Eric Metaxas at the beginning. I am now super excited to read Eric Metaxas' full biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

16. Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretations as an Exercise in Hope – Esau McCaulley

This book taught me a lot. I will say, one thing that I learned this year is that the theology of grief and lament is often neglected. This book was a huge step in me learning those lessons. Additionally, I think this book emphasizes how much God cares about our grief and is fighting for our freedom in every way. There was one particular chapter that I feel like stretched some Scriptures to try and make them fit Esau McCaulley's personal opinion, but otherwise this was a profound read.

17. Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman

18. Social Intelligence – Daniel Goleman

Both of theses reads are excellent. I think there is a lot of overlap, which is why I will review them together. Honestly, I think if all of humanity absorbed these concepts, the world would be a much better place. Another thing that this year has taught me is how important it is to understand ourselves. These books can be a great guide to learning yourself. Additionally, understanding your brain and the way you think can have profound impacts on overcoming toxic thought patterns and behaviors. I will definitely have to reference these in the future!

19. Shattered Dreams: God’s Unexpected Path to Joy – Larry Crabb

OOF. I have mixed feelings. This book was painful to walk through because it prompted me to face a lot of the deep questions I had for God. It was an excellent journal prompt for me during a painful time. And of course, I chose to read this on a plane and cried my way through it. Why do I do this to myself?!

20. Leaving Egypt: Finding God in the Wilderness Places – Chuck DeGroat

Chuck DeGroat fan over here! Another discussion of the importance of lament (even corporately). Chuck DeGroat's background in therapy sheds new light on Scriptures and stories that we can tend to know "all too well" (such as the story of the golden calf)."As a therapist, many of the struggles I see playing out in people's lives can be summed up as a failure to wait, to long, to grieve in the midst of the delay." I am eagerly anticipating more from Chuck DeGroat. What an excellent writer with such a unique lens.

21. Live No Lies – John Mark Comer

Live No Lies touches on some of the deepest problems plaguing American society today (and plaguing human hearts since the beginning of time). John Mark Comer discusses Satan's plan of attack as he whispers lies to each of us. He also points out some of the clear lies we are led to believe in our culture. I was impressed by Comer's unapologetic stances and his clearly outlined understanding of the spiritual warfare surrounding us. If I were to give one critique, it would be on a few of the "facts" that John Mark Comer boldly states. I felt like, for a book about the lies we are fed, there were too many moments where he claimed things as fact that could be disputed. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

22. The Cry of the Soul: How Our Emotions Reveal Our Deepest Questions About God

There were times that this book left me offended... and then when I sat with it, I realized that I wasn't offended because the statements were untrue, but rather they were painfully true. How refreshing it is to be rightfully offended! This book walks through the emotions that we tend to deem as "bad" and demonstrates how every emotion teaches us something about God. The chapter on shame was worth the read alone. One of the most quotable books I have read this year.

23. Good News to the Poor – Tim Chester

I have been waiting for a book to describe the importance of service the way that this one does. I think a book like this is a must read for anyone working in the full-time ministry or working in a faith-based nonprofit. It is so easy for us to pick what we deem as the most important ministry of God, but this book walks through the importance of every outpouring of the Gospel.

24. With: Discerning the Way You Relate to God – Skye Jethani

I wish I read this book sooner. I think this could have been a groundbreaking concept for me several years ago and accelerated my journey in my walk with God. In 'With', Skye Jethani breaks down the different ways we tend to relate to God. I think this book is so helpful in repairing our unhealthy dynamics and lenses in which we view our relationship with Him. Worthwhile, 1000%.

25. Good to Great – Jim Collins

26. Great by Choice – Jim Collins & Morten T. Hansen

My main business reads of the year. The illustrations and data used to explain why some companies become (and remain) successful while others do not were very compelling. A memorable, practical, and entertaining read that I hope will add to my skills as a professional.

27. In Real Life: Love, Lies & Identity in the Digital Age – Nev Shulman

I am obsessed with the show 'Catfish: The TV Show'. It was super fun reading Nev's memoir-esque book that walks through his early life, the making of the 'Catfish: The TV Show', and many of the lessons learned along the way. A very entertaining lazy Saturday afternoon read.

28. The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb – Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel

I will say, this one was a tiny bit of a let down for me. I think I had reallllly high hopes and expectations for what this book could be considering the theme. Although I was a bit let down, I will blame it on my overly high expectations. This book was still valuable as it discussed what differentiates the "sheep from the wolves" in church leadership. Jamin and Kyle spend the book interviewing several different ministers and pastors that they have come to respect and admire. It was a unique book that reminded me how careful we must be when given power and responsibility. How easily we can become corrupted.

29. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (x3) – Peter Scazzero

So I read all three of the books that are included in this program. This included a daily devotional book, a chapter book, and a workbook. Once again, I truly believe this would have had a deeper impact on me if I had met it at a different point in my life. But it was still valuable. I was skeptical when I began reading because I had heard several people say that this book was life-changing for them, and several others say they didn't like these books at all. Regardless, what made this book all worth it was walking through it with one of my best friends. Meeting up to talk through the different concepts presented became so bonding.

30. Rethinking Church: A Guide for the Perplexed and Disillusioned – Ron Highfield

Super concise read that reminds us that church is so not about the institution. I love the critique on stage-centered worship. The thoughts on the misuse of spiritual authority were spot on. Although I don't agree with everything this book covers, I think it is actually super applicable to many of the current issues facing the Church. Lastly, I wish that there were more Scriptural references.

31. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde – Robert Louis Stevenson

I don't know that I need to say a ton about this book considering it is a horror literary classic. This was my only true fiction read of this year. I selected it because I believe it is an allegory for the good and bad we each find in ourselves. My second time reading this and I think about it's application all the time.

32. A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness – Gene Edwards

A narrative of the accounts of Saul & David's reign as an example of the response of someone (David) who has been deeply hurt by toxic and abusive leadership. I loved the clear example of David who was deeply wounded by people but never let it change the way he felt about God, the way he fought for the kingdom, or the way he pursued character and righteousness. I did feel as though the author oversimplifies our role in creating resolution, but it was still a challenging and thought-provoking narrative. I would suggest this to anyone struggling with hurt at the hands of other Christians.

33. Messy Loving – Imani Shola

Over the years, I have searched high and low for a spiritual book that specifically addresses breakups. This is the only one I have ever found. Imani Shola is a self-published author who talks through her breakup and how she worked through the painful aspects of it with God. If you are going through a breakup or are aiding a friend through a breakup, this could be beneficial on your journey.

34. Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks – Priscilla Shirer

Great content, hated the format. This book was a great guide for me and it was FULL of helpful Scriptures and questions. However, I kind of hate the whole adult workbook thing. This is just personal preference, but some of the activities felt very juvenile. I don't really feel like coloring in circles and drawing things, LOL. But if you can get past the cheesy activity here and there, this book can be very beneficial in learning to better interact with the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."

35. Charity Detox: What Charity Would Look Like If We Cared About Results – Robert D. Lupton

Robert D. Lupton is the author of the popular book 'Toxic Charity'. 'Charity Detox' surprised me, in all honesty. I thought I would be reading another book that says the same thing, but it was very fresh. Might I take this opportunity to say that I don't always agree with 100% of everything an author says in a book that I like. While Robert D. Lupton did a great job outlining the most powerful ways to serve, I felt like this book could be overwhelming and less practical to people who may not have time to essentially start their own local nonprofit. But for those who are able to look beyond this, there are so many good principles that could help you engage with nonprofits and organizations that are doing redemptive work in your community.

36. Slow Kingdom Coming: Practices for Doing Justice, Loving Mercy and Walking Humbly in the World – Kent Annan

This was the first book I read this year and I barely remember it. I know that it was decent, but it clearly didn't leave a lasting impact on me. However, I do remember it outlining important aspects of service, such as agency. The concept that did stick with me from this book was how much perseverance it takes to truly serve like Jesus. Service isn't always some exciting adventure, and often the behind the scenes work is where it counts.

37. Forgiving as We’ve Been Forgiven: Community Practices for Making Peace – L. Gregory Jones & Celestin Musekura

The best part about this book was hearing from Celestin Musekura. He discusses his journey of healing and forgiveness after living through the Rwandan genocide. I was truly inspired and amazed by his heart for God and people after experiencing such trauma. Definitely a call higher.

38. Respectable Sins – Jerry Bridges

I think I was hoping for something deeper with this book. As my middle school basketball coach always said, "Finesse, not fancy." The basics are always important, and so I respect this about 'Respectable Sins'. A great reminder and call to reflection.

39. Short Stories in Spanish (x2) – Olly Richards

I wasn't sure where to put this book on the list because it is so different than all my other reads. This book simply aided me in my continued process of learning and growing in my Spanish. I think it paid off! I read this twice as the book instructed and was better for it. There are questions after every chapter to help guide you in comprehension. Additionally, there are vocabulary lists that continue to build upon each other. Olly Richards offers similar books in different languages and for different levels of language learners.

40. Redeemed Sexuality – Tim Konzen & Dr. Jennifer Konzen

This book was honestly really well written. It just didn't feel super applicable to my life right now. I think that this book is a must-read for anyone who feels as though they grew up in a confusing purity culture. I was impressed with the phenomenal usage of Scripture.

41. Healing for Christians Crucified by Christians – Gene Edwards

Mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, I think the overarching point is fabulous. However, I feel like it oversimplifies a lot. The focus on Jesus was so refreshing, though!

42. Humility – Andrew Murray

Another reread for me! The first time I read this little book I was deeply impacted. I look to this book as playing a pivotal role in helping me overcome aspects of my pride. The reread was a great reminder. Short and sweet.

43. Victory of Surrender – Gordon Ferguson

I read this because I felt like surrender was something I really needed to work on. I didn't feel that the book guided or helped me the way I had hoped. Although I often hear people recommend this book, I don't know that I would. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. (On a personal note, the illustration of his son shoving the mouth piece of a brass instrument into a bully's teeth was honestly horrifying...)

44. The God of Great Reversals: The Gospel in the Book of Esther – Timothy Cain

This book was decent, but it paled in comparison to the Charles Swindol book on Esther.

45. Christ Among Other gods: A Defense of Christ in the Age of Tolerance – Erwin W. Lutzer

This is my second Lutzer book and I have to say, once you've read one, you've read them all. I truly love Lutzer's commentary on Nazi Germany and I believe that the parallels he draws are really insightful. However, he can write with a tone of fear and can tend to be repetitive. He doesn't do a great job disguising his biases, which can be a good and bad thing. Overall, his discussion on the similarities between Nazi Germany and our times now was thought-provoking.

46. A Gentle & Quiet Spirit: Discover the Truth About These Misunderstood Qualities – Virginia Lefler

I reread this because I remember it having a great impact on me the first time I read it several years ago. I honestly put into practice some of these concepts and saw huge differences in some of my relationships. HOWEVER, reading it again all these years later was... interesting. There were definitely several examples that I felt like I didn't entirely agree with or were oversimplified. A great example of take the meat and leave the bones.

47. You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit – James K. A. Smith

Boring. Boring. Boring. Honestly, please don't read this book. The greater point that our habits, mindsets and loves influence our lives is great, but there has to be another book out there somewhere that express that point better. I found this recommendation on Bridgetown Church's website (John Mark Comer's church)... so obviously some people would disagree with my assessment. Not my cup of tea, but you do you!