My Top 10 Books of 2019

December 18, 2019

My Top 10 Books of 2019

Every year I keep track of what I read and offer my list of top reads to my friends and family. There are so many books out there and so little time. Why not read what is recommended?

Here is my list in descending order and a little bit about the books.

10.

The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God by John Piper. I found this to be a very readable and thought-provoking book by Piper. World Magazine rated it as one of the 20th Century’s top 100 books. J. I. Packer wrote, “This is a unique and precious book that everybody should read more than once.”

Becoming Dallas Willard: The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower by Gary W. Moon. This book introduces you to a wonderful brother, author, philosopher, and Christian thinker. It was an ECPA 2019 Christian Book Award Finalist as well as 2018 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalists.

8.

All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel by Anthony Doerr. This was an emotionally gripping look at World War II from the perspective of a French blind girl and a German soldier. It was also a New York Times Bestseller as well as a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

7.

The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future by Ryder Carroll. This book helped motivate a new way of organizing my tasks, days, and goals. This is a New York Times Bestseller.

6.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I found this book to be revolutionary in its insight into the introvert. I find some of the tendencies in me and some in others I know and love. This was a great book.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
NPR BESTSELLER
WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER
LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER
USA TODAY TOP 50 BESTSELLER
INDIEBOUND BESTSELLER
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER
Fast Company’s #1 Best Business book of 2012
INC Magazine’s Best 2012 Books for Entrepreneurs
People Magazine’s 10 Best Books of 2012
O, The Oprah Magazine 10 Favorite Books of 2012
Christian Science Monitor’s Best Books of 2012
GoodReads Nonfiction Choice Award Winner
Audible’s #1 Non-Fiction book of 2012
Amazon’s Best Books of 2012
Barnes & Noble Best Books of 2012
Library Journal’s Best Books of 2012
Kirkus REVIEWS’ Best Books of 2012

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow. This was a fantastic read. Ron Chernow brings you back in time to learn about the rise of Washington. You feel like you really get to know him after reading this massive book. In 2011 it won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography.

4.

Encouragement for Today’s Pastors: Help from the Puritans by Joel R. Beeke and Terry D. Slachter lived up to its title. Derek Thomas wrote, "I am deeply grateful for this important volume, not the least for the finesse with which it handles otherwise difficult concepts with ease and eminent practicality."

3.

Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and Answers by Jim Newheiser. This book made me think about ethical dilemmas I have never considered. Martha Peace wrote, “An exceptional resource. Carefully organized, thoroughly researched, and very well written. This book is going to be the gold standard for pastors, biblical counselors, and other Christians.”

2.

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry. This book takes you through a journey of self-discovery, pain, and sacrifice. Jackie shares her story, and you will find it impacting yours.

1.

The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield. This is a wonderful book that reintroduces us to the concept of hospitality. Russel Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, wrote, “One cannot spend any time at all with Rosaria Butterfield without a renewed sense of how good the good news really is. This book is a needed call to the church to model the hospitality of our Lord. As our culture faces a crisis of loneliness, this is the book we need. The book will inspire you and leave you with a notebook filled with ideas for how to practically engage your neighbors with the welcome of the gospel.”

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