In ancient Rome, the Athenaeum was a school founded by the emperor Hadrian, designed to pass on the knowledge of ancient times. Here, in this online athenaeum, you too can peruse the knowledge of the past.
I’ve selected each of these books because of their value. Each one of them, in their own little way, informs the perspective that you can see at From Daniel’s Desk. You won’t regret reading any of these.
So, by all means, go ahead and browse the collections. For ease, the library is divided into four sections: history, ideology, Christianity, and self-mastery. You’ll see a wide variety of books (and there are many more that I may yet place on the shelves). I hope you enjoy.
Because the collection is so large, here is a simple outline. Click on a word to jump directly to that collection.
The Collection
- History
- Ideology
- Economics & Politics
- Philosophy
- Africa
- The American Idea (includes Revolutionary history)
- Christianity
- Self-Mastery
- Other
It goes without saying, of course, that there are many different ideas and opinions represented here. While I believe that these books are worthwhile reads, this is obviously a ‘limited’ endorsement. My standards for books may be different than yours – and that’s okay. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact me.
Pro tip – click on the title of any book to go directly to its page on Amazon!
History
This collection is divided in two: general history, and the Great War. Be sure to also check out the collections on African history and church history, farther down.
General History
This section contains general historical works, including adventure stories.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edward Gibbon) – Edward Gibbon’s massive story of the Roman Empire’s demise constitutes one of the great works of English literature. Originally published in six volumes, it takes 126 hours to read the entire history. Never fear: not only is this one of the most eloquently written books of the English language, it is also filled with fascinating tales (sometimes reality is more fabulous than fantasy). If the whole work sounds overwhelming, consider reading the first ten chapters: they chronicle the descent of the empire from a wealthy and powerful realm to a place of bloodshed and vice, where the empire is sold to the highest bidder. For those who care to know: No, I have not finished the whole thing myself! But I’ve read a good portion of it, enough to recommend it. And I’m still working on it!
Medieval Europe: A Short History (Bennett and Hollister) – This college textbook is short and easy to read. I enjoyed it because it took a long period of history: the thousand years of the ‘Middle Ages’ and pointed out the salient features of life during that time. While it may seem like an age of castles and crusaders, it is important to understand the way that the world was being formed during this time. From the rise of the Roman Catholic Church, to the horror of the black death, to the beginning of the Renaissance, the middle ages are a fascinating and often-overlooked part of history.
River of Darkness: Francisco Orellana’s Legendary Voyage of Death and Discovery Down the Amazon (Buddy Levy) – Around 1541, Orellana set out from Spanish Peru to explore the interior of South America. Dreaming of vast empires of gold, the Spanish expedition soon found itself on the verge of starvation, fighting to survive in the vast unexplored reaches of the Amazon rainforest. This incredible tale tells of tribes and empires that no longer exist, desperate men fighting for survival, and a jungle that is among the most dangerous places in the world.
Hiroshima (John Hersey) – What was it like to be in Hiroshima the day that a nuclear bomb exploded? This book gives the stories of several who were involved. It is an extraordinarily gripping book, one that forces you to read on and on. The scenes that you read will fill you with wonder and horror at the warfare of the modern world. Yet despite taking on such a deep and grim subject, the tone of the book is almost numbing and emotion-less – similar, in some ways, to the feeling that pervaded Hiroshima on the day when there was too much suffering to comprehend.
An Army at Dawn (Rick Atkinson) – America’s first major campaign against the Nazis was launched in North Africa, on desert battlefields in Tunisia and Libya. Though overshadowed by future fighting in France, it was a pivotal part of the Second World War, and the fate of the future lay in those battles. This book presents a well-researched and fascinating read of the campaign, from the big battles to the tactical blunders (landing planes at enemy airports!) to the shifting allegiances (Vichy France fought for both sides). Note: this book contains some language, readers beware.
We Die Alone (David Howarth) – What happens when a single Norwegian freedom fighter finds himself trapped in Nazi territory north of the Arctic circle, on the run for his life? This book describes the fascinating and almost unbelievable account of a true story. Sometimes nonfiction is more astonishing and unbelievable than fiction. This is perhaps the most thrilling adventure book I have ever read.
The Escape Artists: A Band of Daredevil Pilots and the Greatest Prison Break of the Great War (Neal Bascomb) – During the First World War, captured officers were sent to special Prisoner-Of-War camps that offered them more comforts than the average soldier experienced. Many British officers felt that it was their duty to return to the fight, so they constantly tried to escape. This book is downright entertaining, and almost hilarious, as it describes the ingenious ways in which the officers tried, failed, and tried again to escape from their POW camps. This is a very enjoyable read, filled with excitement and suspense. Unlike many war books, I did not find it gruesome or gory – it is just a great story worth reading!
Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson (S. C. Gwynne) – The biography of a civil war general may not seem like the most encouraging book to read, but this biography was both edifying and engaging. Gwynne’s carefully-studied description of Jackson describes a man who rose from relatively obscurity to become one of the most celebrated figures of the 19th century. As one of the most respected generals of the American Civil War, he was admired by Southerners and Northerners alike for his brilliant strategies, peculiar personality, and robust faith. This account admirably explains the man and his motivations while allowing the reader to grapple with Stonewall’s genuine faith and apparent contradictions. While part of the book describes his tactical brilliance, readers will meet the man himself through extensive accounts of his earlier life.
The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945 (Rick Atkinson) – This is the third volume in the Liberation Trilogy, describing the final stage of the war against Nazi Germany. It’s a masterful piece of history (like all of Rick Atkinson’s books), showing the incredible complexity, immense scale, and stark brutality of war. Atkinson’s books do a good job of balancing the big picture story with the personal accounts and narratives, bringing the history back to life. Reader discretion advised due to language and thematic content.
The Pacific War Trilogy (Ian Toll)
The Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942
The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942-1944
Twilight of the Gods: War in the Western Pacific, 1944-1945
Ian Toll’s Pacific War Trilogy is a masterpiece of historical writing. Detailed yet interesting, minute yet expansive, these books – collectively more than 2000 pages – show the pacific war in all its vastness. Besides the excellent writing and intensive research, the narrative held my attention because it details the story of a war fought across the most remote, expansive ocean on earth. The war is filled with stories of dramatic events and sudden twists: Pearl Harbor, Midway, Iwo Jima, Hiroshima, and so much more. Reader discretion advised.
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, The Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History (S. C. Gwynne) – A mere one hundred and fifty years ago, western civilization was limited by a vast expanse of empty prairie known as ‘Comancheria.’ This was the homeland of the Comanches, a native tribe that resisted western expansion in Texas. Empire of the Summer Moon details the fascinating, brutal, and dramatic decline of this native region. The story comes to life through the real-life story of Quanah Parker, a powerful chief whose white mother was abducted from a Texas settlement as a young girl. Parental discretion advised due to thematic content.
Other great titles: Silk Roads, Endurance
The Great War
I am fascinated by the Great War (World War I), even though the Second World War is more famous now-a-days. Perhaps it is the greatness of the conflict, and the fact that nothing of its scale had ever been seen before. Perhaps it is the distance from our own time, and yet the radical effect that it had in shaping the modern world. Whatever the cause, here are some of the best books and memoirs from the war.
The Great and Holy War (Philip Jenkins) – Few books deal with the religious side of World War I, but the Great War was a profoundly religious conflict. The combatants on both sides used religious rhetoric as they motivated their soldiers to fight, and the war was seen as religious causes. More importantly, the First World War significantly reshaped the structure of religion through large swathes of the world, setting the stage for religion in the twenty-first century.
The Guns of August (Barbara Tuchman) – The first month of World War I is riveting drama. Here are the great powers of the world, swaying violently toward modern warfare. All the while, terrified citizens and politicians do everything they can to avert crises – but all in vain, since the systems of government seem to foreordain it. This book, a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, is sure to hold your attention; your only regret will be that it is not longer than its 640 pages.
Storm of Steel (Ernst Junger) – There are few accounts of soldiers from the First World War. Junger’s account as a German storm trooper in the trenches of the western front provides a powerful and poignant view of the war from an interesting perspective. Most surprisingly, Junger did not view the war as a terrible catastrophe for humanity – he rather views it as cleansing of the moral world, a great challenge to counteract the growing sloth and indifference of civilization. While he describes the war and its horrors clearly, his nationalistic, pro-war sentiment makes this a less popular account, since it contradicts the standard view of the conflict as purely evil.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom (T. E. Lawrence) – Lawrence of Arabia was a nearly mythic figure of the First World War, an English soldier who wound up leading Arab tribesmen into battle against the Ottoman Turks. Lawrence’s autobiography gives a gripping, highly colorful account of his time in Arabia. His vivid descriptions of the war in the east reveal it to be everything one imagines: mysterious, exotic, romantic, desperate, and brutal. It is a rare look at the Middle East before it was widely affected by the West. The book can be a little slow at places, and those who read it would benefit from having a map nearby. Still, it is a worthwhile sensory visit to a mythical time and culture. Note: reader discretion advised due to content.
Undertones of War (Edmund Blunden) – I’ve been fascinated by the Great War for a while and have been steadily chipping away at memoirs from the war. This one is a work of art. It is eloquently written by a front line poet, Plot isn’t primary, but you read it for the experience.
Ideologies
This section of the library explores how various ideas affect the politics and economies of nations. It is divided into three sections: ‘Economics and Politics,’ ‘Africa,’ and ‘America.’
Economics and Politics
This collection explores specific ideologies and their effects on economies and governments.
Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty (Acemoglu and Robinson) – I headed into this book wanting to know why governments go broke, or coups take place. What I got wasn’t quite what I expected, though this volume does describe the root causes of things like that. Rather, this is one of those rare books that describes the vital relationship between economy and politics. Too often, these are treated as separate subjects, but they really are not. This is an involved read and the theory that it presents is complex. In fact, I think that even this complexity is somewhat oversimplified, but if you have an interest in the relationship between economics and politics, I think you’ll find it interesting.
Animal Farm (George Orwell) – “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” This famous line describes the end result of the ‘animal farm’ experiment. It is a darkly terrifying account of the ‘animal revolution’ when a barnyard of animals decides to run off their human masters and collectivize their community in the style of a socialist / communist country.
Why Liberalism Failed (Patrick Deneen) – While we generally use the word ‘liberalism’ to refer to ‘the left,’ liberalism as a philosophy can include both the left and the right: it refers to a set of ideas that often include the autonomy of the individual, constitutional government, and human rights. Whether you are on the left or the right, it isn’t hard to see that liberalism has its problems: widening wealth gaps, expropriation of natural resources, an uneducated voter base, and large sections of society trapped in cycles of poverty and despair. This book asks ‘why,’ and controversially, argues that liberalism itself (both right-wing and left-wing) is the problem. I found this book challenging to read (it is not a light read) but thought-provoking. I’m still thinking through how much I agree with it, but it does present some very intriguing ideas.
Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) – Knowledge is powerful, which is why it is worth controlling. In Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury imagines a world where the job of firemen is to start fires and burn books. In order to maintain peace, humans are coddled with easy lives and uneventful existences; books must be banished because they make us think, question the existing order, and live remarkable lives. The book is an easy read, and it challenges you to remember the value of books. Reader discretion advised for some language.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations (Adam Smith) – When people ask me who Adam Smith is, I sometimes describe it this way: “Adam Smith is to Capitalism what Karl Marx is to Communism.” It isn’t quite the same, but in many ways, Smith is the great theorist of free markets and government deregulation. This book works through countless examples of how British government stifled, hampered, and harmed the British economy through its efforts to control trade. Smith’s approach is simple: let each man make the business decisions that are best for him, and in that way, business will flourish and the economy will improve. The forms of government interference are different nowadays, but the principle is just as valid. This book is a classic, but it is excessively minute and very difficult to get through in many places.
The Origins of Totalitarianism (Hannah Arendt) – Not all forms of tyrannical government are totalitarian. Arendt posits that their have only been two significant examples in the world: Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany. This book is an in-depth analysis of ‘pure’ totalitarianism. In fact, the book contains three sections: Antisemitism, Imperialism, and Totalitarianism. I found that the first two sections are hard to follow, but the third is both profound and terrifying. Totalitarianism is characterized by an uncontrolled desire for power in the world, coupled with a unique philosophy that seeks to remove complexity from the world. Together, it creates a system so powerful that absolutely nothing escapes from its destruction. Totalitarianism desires power for power’s sake, and requires no justification to do anything to anyone.
Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents (Rod Dreher) – When I undertook to study ‘government gone wrong’ in 2020, I didn’t have time to write a book on my findings. But if I did, I hope that my book would have looked something like Life Not By Lies. It summarizes clearly what Christians today need to be thinking about in our increasingly hostile society. The book points out that while Christians of the 20th century lived under harsh regimes characterized by hard totalitarianism, modern America is undoubtedly entering a period characterized by soft totalitarianism. This period will be just as demanding in it’s requirement for unquestioning societal and intellectual conformity, but it will use ‘softer’ punishments to destroy the lives of those who resist. Although Dreher isn’t a Protestant, his many interviews with persecuted believers in the former Soviet bloc lend to a book that is valuable for anyone who is interested in thinking outside of what is ‘politically correct.’
The Gulag Archipelago: An Experiment in Literary Investigation (Vol 1) (4 stars) Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Gulag Archipelago: An Experiment in Literary Investigation (Vol 1) (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) – The USSR was responsible for the deaths of tens of millions – perhaps as many as 60 million. Many, however, greeted socialism with joy, imagining that it would bring a more fair and just world. This classic book recounts the terrors of living in Soviet Russia, from the firsthand experience of the author and what he heard from many personal sources. It’s a tribute to those who died, and a reminder of how easy it is to fall into collective groupthink. Although terrifying, it’s a valuable book and well worth your time. Not for the faint of heart. Reader discretion advised due to thematic content.
Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West (R. R. Reno) – Whatever you think of it, nationalism and populism are making a comeback. This book shows how liberalism attempted to remove the traditional structures that bound society together – and as society unravels, more people are returning to the idea that we need those social cohesions. This is an insightful book that points out undeniable trends, for better or worse.
Other great titles: Brave New War
Philosophy
A History of Western Philosophy: From the Pre-Socratics to Postmodernism (C. Stephen Evans) – Summarizing western philosophy is no small job. Even this book, with nearly 600 pages, barely manages to squeeze in all the highlights. However, it does an admirable job, presenting the main thinkers and their most significant ideas. The book is written from a Christian perspective, and while I certainly didn’t pick up everything in it during one read-through, I’m sure I will return to it as a great reference.
The Stranger (Albert Camus) – Albert Camus was an absurdist philosopher (nearly the same as an atheist existentialist); The Stranger is a novel that fleshes out his philosophy. It’s a jarring, dulling, depressing read – and yet remarkably thought-provoking. I’ve written about it at length here.
Africa
Africa is included under ‘ideologies’ because it presents numerous case studies of various successful – and failed – states. This section isn’t limited just to ideologies, however; it includes many books that are fascinating just for their stories and adventures.
The Race for Timbuktu: In Search of Africa’s City of Gold (Frank Kryza) – The Race for Timbuktu describes the fascinating – and harrowing – endeavors of European explorers to find the most fabled city of Africa. During the Middle Ages, Timbuktu’s wealth and knowledge had astonished even the most prosperous European kings, and explorers were desperate to find the mysterious and uncharted city. Most of them gambled their lives and lost. This fascinating book tells the story in a fast-paced, exciting narrative.
Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival (Dean King) – When the crew of an American brig shipwrecks off the coast of the Sahara Desert, the New England sailors find themselves slaves of the nomadic population. Thrilling, fascinating, and too gory for the faint of heart.
The Fortunes of Africa: A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor (Martin Meredith) – As I was getting ready for a trip to southern Africa, I wanted to read a book that covers all of African history. But where does one find such an expansive record? Fortunately, Meredith manages to not only cover all the major events, but to do so in an engaging and enlightening manner.
Congo: The Epic History of a People (David Van Reybrouck) – Journey with this book deep into the heart of central Africa, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – the largest failed nation-state in the world. Beginning with the vicious reign of Leopold of Belgium to the more recent ‘African World War’ that claimed between 2.7-5.4 million lives, the Congo has suffered tremendously while the rest of the world virtually ignores the situation. This book will take you from the camps of bloody warlords, to the densest jungles on earth, to the halls of maniacal dictators.
The American Idea
This section explores the ideas and figures that founded America. What is unique about this nation, and why does it have the structure that it does?
Democracy in America (Alexis de Tocqueville) – Alexis de Tocqueville’s study of early American democracy provides one of the most profound explanations of this country, but it extends far beyond politics. De Tocqueville argues that democracy is fundamentally engrained into American society. More than that, democracy has entered the world, and consequently, aristocracy has come to the end. This book functions as more than a commentary on America; it is a commentary on how the world as we know it now functions.
George Washington: A Life (Willard Stearne Randall) – We know that Washington was ‘first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,’ but what was it about Washington that elevated him to the status of a great leader and great warrior? This fascinating biography is well worth your time, and Washington’s life is well worth your consideration. Not only did he guide the American patriots to victory against the most powerful army in the world, he also sparked one of the first truly ‘world’ wars (the French and Indian War, or Seven Years’ War) and guided the US government through its most formative infant moments.
The Federalist Papers (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) – In 1788, after several years under The Articles of Confederation, Americans realized that they needed a better foundation. When the Constitution was written, however, it invoked much controversy. Did it give too much power to the federal government? Did it provide a better form of government? Were the states giving up too many rights? In the ensuing war of words, The Federalist Papers was written to explain the Constitution and why it is an ideal document for America. This is not an easy read; however, for those with the patience to read it, it shows the underlying thinking behind the Constitution and why that document has provided such a firm footing for American government.
The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 (Rick Atkinson) – After completing the Liberation Trilogy on World War Two, Atkinson has now started the Revolution Trilogy, covering America’s War for Independence. The war that this book portrays is dramatically different from WWII, but the style of writing (vivid, broad, and yet personal) remains true to the author. Once again, everything that Atkinson writes is worth reading. It’s a powerful reminder of what our forefathers suffered so that we could be free. Reader discretion advised due to language and thematic content.
Christianity
This section includes books on the following topics: Church History, Evangelism & Missions, Pastoral Ministry, Practical Christianity, Theology, Christian Biography, and Commentary.
Church History
There are many significant events in the history of the Christian church. This section doesn’t do them all justice, but it does touch on the some of the most important events that have shaped the story of God’s people throughout the ages.
Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New Evangelicalism (George Marsden) – Fuller Theological Seminary, now a ‘moderate’ (i.e., non-conservative) evangelical school, was planted by serious conservatives who wished to establish solid evangelical scholarship. The story of the seminary hence becomes a microcosm for the story of twentieth-century evangelicalism: a battle between moderate and conservative elements against the backdrop of a largely liberal country.
The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century (Roland Bainton) – The reformation of the sixteenth century shook the world like few events in history. This informative introduction to this remarkable time is short and enjoyable, and while it hardly sugar-coats the sins of different groups, it reminds me why I am so fascinated by the sixteenth century.
The Story of Christianity, Part Two: The Reformation to the Present Day (Justo Gonzalez) – The story of Christianity from the time of the reformation is no small story, especially if you wish to include all the branches of so-called Christianity, in all the different parts of the world. This book tackles that assignment, and does it as well as could be hoped. Its an interesting bird’s-eye view of history, and it’s well worth the read for those who want that perspective.
Revival and Revivalism: The Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism 1750 – 1858 (Iain Murray) – ‘Revival’ has been a common theme throughout American evangelical history. Even today, some churches still hold ‘revival meetings.’ In this meticulously researched volume, Iain Murray traces the history of revival and argues that, somewhere around the 1830s, the definition of ‘revival’ began to change into something more like ‘revivalism.’ The traditional view of revival as a miraculous and unforseeable outpouring of God’s Spirit to convert sinners began to give way to a new approach in which conversions could be anticipated, planned, and even helped along by human ingenuity. If you want to understand how the modern church got where it is, you should read this book.
The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America (Thomas Kidd) – During the Great Awakening, God’s Spirit did marvelous things in the pre-Revolutionary American colonies. This book sets out to document those marvels. It provides a fair and balanced history of a turbulent time. Surprisingly, not everything from the Great Awakening was good. As I read this book, I was startled to see how Satan worked counterfeit religion along with the true thing. Still, the Awakening was a remarkable period, and it did much to set America along the trajectory that she still follows somewhat: a western nation in which religion maintains a prominent role.
Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World (Tom Holland) – We only notice incomplete revolutions. And Christianity, as this book argues, was a completed revolution. It was a revolution in thinking, and it isn’t an exaggeration to say that it changed everything – from politics to morality, even down to how we keep track of time or speak of personhood. We don’t realize this, only because the revolution was so complete that nothing from the previous culture was left unchanged. In fact, this book goes further, arguing that even post-Christian thinking stems from a Christian foundation, and is impossible to understand apart from it. The book accomplishes its purpose by telling the stories of key figures at key moments in history, thus keeping the narrative interesting and concrete rather than dull and conceptual.
Evangelism and Missions
Christians have been called to take the Gospel to every creature. Here are some resources that will help you think through how we do that. (Note: For missionary biographies, see ‘Christian biography’).
A Vision for Missions (Tom Wells) – This very short book is my absolute favorite book on missions. It is simple and straightforward, arguing that the work of missions stems from the character of God. By working through the attributes of God, Wells points out that missions is the natural result of a biblical theology of God.
Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions (John Piper) – I could hardly list out essential books on missions without including Piper’s groundbreaking read. This book makes much of the glory of Jesus and shows how that plays into the need for missions.
Missionary Methods: Saint Paul’s or Ours? (Roland Allen) – Here is a book to challenge one’s missionary methods. Are we more devoted to our own traditional approach to missionary work, or would we follow the apostle’s approach?
Missions in the Third Millennium: 21 Key Trends for the 21st Century (Stan Guthrie) – This is an outdated book, but it still provides useful information for anyone interested in missions. Organized into four sections (the home arena, the strategic arena, the overseas church arena, and global culture), the book lists out 21 trends in missions. It covers such topics as mission agencies, women in missions, the 10/40 window, prayer as mission, and religious persecution. While the figures are somewhat outdated, the trends remain current, and the overview is both balanced and insightful.
Other great titles: The Master Plan of Evangelism, A History of Christian Missions
Pastoral Ministry
The pastor is called to a unique ministry: aiding the spiritual development of Christ’s people at all points in their faith. These resources provide helpful considerations for how this is – and has been – done.
The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything (Marshall and Payne) – In ministry, it can be easy to focus entirely on the trellis (the ministry structures and systems), or entirely on the vine (the people being ministered to). Marshall and Payne remind us that both are important in order to see a flourishing ministry. The book introduces not only a useful analogy, but it also provides a framework for increasing the number of ‘vine-workers’ in the local church: a practical and intensely Biblical method to help harried pastors everywhere.
The Reformed Pastor (Richard Baxter) – This book is less about Reformed Theology, and more about a renewed (or ‘reformed’) view of the ministry. As one man noted, it is “one of the best of Baxter’s invaluable treatises. In the whole compass of divinity, there is scarcely anything superior to it.”
A Pastor’s Sketches: Conversations with Anxious Inquirers respecting the Way of Salvation (Ichabod Spencer) – Perhaps the most influential book that I read in 2015 (beside the Bible!), Ichabod Spencer combines Christian charity, Biblical wisdom, and evangelical zeal in the real world. This hefty tome (over 550 pages) is his own account of pastoral visits, mostly among non-Christians. His highly respected ministry in 19th century Brooklyn was blessed by abundant fruit; I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to ‘join him’ on his visits!
Lectures to My Students (Charles Spurgeon) – Brimming with wit, wisdom, and practical application, these lectures deal with many issues that pastors must think through, from the call to ministry to the use of illustrations in a sermon.
The Word Became Fresh: How to Preach from Old Testament Narrative Texts (Dale Ralph Davis) – I’ve mentioned him before: everything that Dale Ralph Davis writes is worth reading. This quick introduction to Old Testament preaching is simple, straightforward, and downright fun to read (like everything else he writes). After reading his commentaries on 1 Kings (The Wisdom and the Folly) and 2 Kings (The Power and the Fury), this book was helpful to understand his teaching approach.
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast (Christianity Today) – New forms of media – such as podcasts – are gradually entering the domain that books once held – useful repositories of information. The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill is the first time that I’ve placed a podcast on my ‘reading list.’ In all fairness, there are so many things that I don’t like about this podcast. I don’t appreciate the perspective on certain theological topics. Christianity Today – the maker of this podcast – should have called out the problems of Mark Driscoll long before they did. I could go on. Still, despite all its negatives, this podcast is undoubtedly a five-star production. It’s an in-depth look at dynamics of power, authority, pride, and control, specifically in a religious context. This podcast should be required listening for all seminary students, and possibly all others in church leadership positions as well. Listener discretion advised due to thematic content.
The Christian Counselor’s Manual: The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling (Jay Adams) – Jay Adam’s classic book on counseling is a fine balance between theory and practice. Although somewhat outdated, it still contains much that is beneficial, and it is by no means irrelevant. Adams talks about the goal of counseling, how to structure counseling sessions, motivations, effecting change, gathering data, questions, and much else.
Counseling the Hard Cases: True Stories Illustrating the Sufficiency of God’s Resources in Scripture (Scott and Lambert) – One of the frequent criticisms leveled against biblical counseling is the damage that some people say it causes. Admittedly, in the hands of an unwise or unskilled counselor, ‘biblical counseling’ is often nothing more than trite and unhelpful statements like ‘trust the Lord’ or ‘just stop sinning.’ But real biblical counseling – wise, mature discipleship of individuals, using the Bible to answer the deep questions and problems of life – is profoundly beneficial. This book gives a number of case studies to show the powerful results of biblical counseling in the most challenging situations imaginable.
Other important titles: Preaching and Preachers, Biblical Preaching
Practical Christianity
While all of Christianity is ‘practical,’ these books develop Biblical truth for specific challenges of everyday life.
Shepherding a Child’s Heart (Tedd Trip) – Beside the Bible, this is the single best resources for parents that I know of. I say this, not because it is exhaustive, but because it provides a solid Biblical framework for thinking through what parenting looks like and the what is the goal of such a process.
Christian Marriage: From Basic Principles to Transformed Relationships (Martyn Lloyd-Jones) – Here is solid meat for a strong Christian marriage. Lloyd-Jones’ exposition of Ephesians 5 is not an intentionally-planned book on marriage but simple a collection of sermon manuscripts. However, you will hardly find more biblical, practical, and godly truth for marriage than is found in this book. It’s a great read for those who are married, hope to be, or interact with those who are.
The Sacred Search: What If It’s Not About Who You Marry, but Why? (Gary Thomas) – A friend recommended this book as containing valuable insights, and I fully concur. I’ve recommended it to a few people already. In fact, I think this is a great book for single people to read before they enter a relationship, since it points out some significant pitfalls. Thomas’ point is simple: your goal in life is to ‘seek first the kingdom of God.’ Choose a person who will help you seek that goal.
Divorce and Remarriage: A Permanence View (Wingerd, Elliff, Chrisman, Burchett) – In a day and age when divorce is rampant, we need to reexamine our beliefs about this common practice. What does the Bible say? This book lands where few people land, but it offers robust argumentation and serious consideration of the biblical text. If you read it, you may very well be convinced. And even if not – it will do you good to wrestle with one of the most countercultural aspects of the Bible.
Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure (Martyn Lloyd-Jones) – Spiritual depression is perhaps too narrow of a term for this book. Lloyd-Jones’ sermons touch on the heart-attitudes and emotions of the Christian life. Whatever inner struggles you are facing, there is something here for you. This book reminds believers of the glorious reality that God has provided them with all things necessary for life and godliness. I remember, after reading it for the first time, a sense of near-ecstasy: ‘if this is true, then I can really go through anything that life throws at me, because there is a God who cares for me!’
Spurgeon’s Sermons on Prayer (Charles Spurgeon) – I have often read sections from this book prior to praying, because it reminds me of the duty and delight of prayer. Spurgeon teaches many lessons about prayer, drawing from the Bible’s teaching on the subject and the famous prayers found within.
The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a Kempis) – The Imitation is one of the most famous devotional Christian books. It was written during the medieval catholic period, so I can’t recommend everything; but it is still so excellent that it earns five stars. Much of the book is written as short aphorisms – like proverbs – that you can read and think on. This book deserves more than one read – it is filled with rich piety and serious, devotional thoughts that our modern, loud, busy culture has no time for.
Suffering is Never for Nothing (Elizabeth Elliot) – The story of Elizabeth Elliot’s suffering doesn’t end with the death of her spouse, Jim, who was martyred when she was only 29. She later went, along with her toddler daughter, to live among the same tribe that had martyred her late husband. Her second husband died only four years after their wedding. Hence, Elliot is able to speak from experience about the theological significance of pain and suffering. This book is short and deeply encouraging, reminding us that suffering is, as the title says, never for nothing.
Newton on the Christian Life: To Live is Christ (Tony Reinke) – John Newton – the former slave trader and later author of ‘Amazing Grace’ – was an author and prolific letter writer. This book brings together and summarizes many of his views on the Christian life, and I benefitted deeply from his Christ-centered approach to life. Reinke both quotes from Newton and summarizes Newton’s theology, in chapters as varied and practical as ‘The Daily Discipline of Joy in Jesus,’ ‘Seven Christian Blemishes’ and ‘Victory over Mr. Self.’ This is the same Tony Reinke who wrote ’12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You’ and ‘Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books’.
Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World (N.D. Wilson) – Here is a book that will provide a whimsical, yet deeply true, perspective on life. Likening our lives to riding a carnival ride (a big spinning ball), this book explores themes of life and death, joy and sorrow, mortality and eternity. The book itself is a work of art – beautiful word pictures, hilarious illustrations, and a writing style that is a joy to read. Once I started this book, I could barely put it down – and when I did, I left with a deep-seated sense of wonder at the world that God created. Parental discretion advised.
The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul: Illustrated in a Course of Serious and Practical Addresses Suited to Persons of Every Character and Circumstance: With a Devout Meditation or Prayer Subjoined to Each Chapter (Philip Doddridge) – Rise and Progress is a famous book, responsible for encouraging and directing many in their walk with God. I’m disappointed that it is rarely known today. Functioning like a guide for souls, each chapter addresses an individual in a specific situation. It begins with the unconverted, covering such topics as The careless sinner awakened and The sinner sentenced. Then there is advice for the seeker, such as An address to a soul so overwhelmed with a sense of the greatness of its sins, that it dares not apply itself to Christ with any hope of salvation. Next comes advice for Christians in various situations, finally ending with a chapter to The Christian honoring God by his dying behavior. Although the language is archaic, it is well worth the read.
Don’t Waste Your Life (John Piper) – Piper’s direct challenge to Christians is something that we all need to hear more often. It’s a counter-cultural message in a society where personal fulfillment and pleasure count more than suffering for the sake of gospel proclamation. This book is challenging because it is so convicting – and that is why we need to read it.
Theology
Thinking rightly about God is one of the most important things that humans are called to do. This section provides rich resources to help in that endeavor.
God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology (Gentry and Wellum) – Today there is debate over the best way to understand the storyline of the Scripture. In this short volume – an abridgment of Gentry and Wellum’s longer volume, ‘Kingdom through Covenant’ – the authors present the case for ‘progressive covenantalism.’ Despite the scary name, the idea is simple: the storyline of the Bible is about God building his kingdom, using covenants that progressively reveal God and His work in the world. This volume is a great introduction to the subject, and a must-read if you want to better understand the storyline and essential unity of Scripture.
Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin) – Calvin’s theological masterpiece presents a beautiful and compelling picture of God and man. His thesis – as he explains at the beginning – is that there are two things which man must know: who he is, and who God is. Divided into four books, Calvin does not even enter into his more controversial, ‘Calvinist,’ doctrines until the second book. Though this book certainly has a polemical edge, it is worth your time to read through it carefully and meditatively, even if you don’t land where Calvin does on every doctrine.
The Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan) – Few books have had a more profound influence on global Christianity than Bunyan’s classic work. This is allegory at its finest, a description of the life of faith and the trials that the believer overcomes in his earthly pilgrimage. Read it for the story, read it for the truth, read it meditatively, and read it repeatedly.
The Life of God in the Soul of Man (Henry Scougal) – Written as a letter to explain the essence of real religion, Scougal’s classic book has instructed generations of believers. Scougal was a Scottish professor of theology who died at 27 years old, but not before writing the book that would help lead George Whitefield to salvation. This is a short read, and there are updated versions (in modern English) for those who want easier access.
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Mark Dever) – The doctrine of the church – ecclesiology – is one of the more neglected Biblical teachings today. Thankfully, this book reminds us of what a healthy church looks like, and it provides a blueprint for what we should strive to see in churches. This book is biblical, theoretical, and highly practical, all at the same time.
The Man Christ Jesus: Theological Reflections on the Humanity of Christ (Bruce Ware) – We all know that Christ is the God-man, but we often focus more on the ‘God’ side of the equation. Without diminishing that important reality, Bruce Ware provides a reality check, revealing that the New Testament places a surprising emphasis on the humanity of Christ. This book is sure to shake up your thoughts about Jesus. By the end, you will still be orthodox, but you will understand Jesus better, and you will be amazed by the important application that Christ’s humanity provides for the Christian life.
Christianity and Liberalism (J. Gresham Machen) – This book, first published in 1923, dissects two important belief systems. This is not a political book but a religious book, and the reference to ‘liberalism’ refers not to the modern political ideology, but rather the religious view characterized by higher criticism. Machen argues that Christianity and Liberalism, while both claiming to be ‘Christian,’ are fundamentally different religions, differing in every way from each other. Only one of these religions presents the message of Jesus. The other is a man-made, man-centered ‘gospel’ that can lay no legitimate claim to Jesus.
Redemption Accomplished and Applied (John Murray) – God is working to save every one of his people. This book explains how he does that and what the different phases look like. In ‘Redemption Accomplished and Applied,’ Murray walks through the very phases of salvation, all the way from effectual calling to the final phase, glorification. Along the way, he explains how redemption is accomplished – through the atonement. This is a relatively short read and packed with great theology. Plus, it’s a classic, first published in 1955 and reprinted dozens of times since.
Putting Amazing Back Into Grace: Embracing the Heart of the Gospel (Michael Horton) – What was it that made the Reformation so remarkable? In the span of a few short years, Europe was radically changed, not merely as kings and countries changed their religious policies, but – more fundamentally – as common men and women were impelled to rethink the very meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But what was that message, and why is it so powerful? While I’m not in complete agreement with everything that Horton expresses, this book is an excellent, serious introduction to Reformed Theology and the Doctrines of Grace.
Other great titles: The Deliberate Church, Going Public, Wasted Faith, Adoniram Judson on Christian Baptism, The Vision of God, Confessions of St. Augustine, No Place for Truth, The Godly Man’s Picture.
God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology (Gentry and Wellum) – It has been said that the key differences between all Christian denominations stem from the way that they define and relate the old and new covenants. This book – an abridgement of Kingdom through Covenant, is a biblical theology that presents the storyline of the Bible. Arguing that the ‘spine’ of the story is a succession of covenants, this book is invaluable for helping think through these covenants and understanding their relationship with each other. Although the first chapter is quite dense, the following chapters are not so challenging and provide many fascinating insights into Scripture.
A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry (Heath Lambert) – Too often, theology is treated as merely an academic subject without much real-world application. This book changes that, showing how different aspects of theology apply practically to biblical counseling. Not only was this helpful as I study counseling – but I was challenged and encouraged in my own reading.
Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies (Wellum and Parker) – This book, building on the foundation laid in Kingdom Through Covenant, answers a number of questions that arise in the study of biblical theology. As the title indicates, the authors of these essays are presenting a theological system that is midway between dispensationalism and covenantalism. This book covers such varied topics as the Mosaic Law, the relationship between Israel and the church, the Sabbath, and the land promises to Israel.
Christian Biography
Here are the stories of God’s people in history, often times coming up against great challenges. Christian biography is sure to be one of the most edifying genres that you will ever read.
To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson (Courtney Anderson) – The life of Adoniram Judson needs no introduction – as one of the first American missionaries, and perhaps the most famous, he is beloved by all who wish to see the gospel at the ends of the earth. His was a life of deep suffering and severe grief, but also thrilling adventure and visionary leadership. To the Golden Shore is a masterful retelling of this timeless story, providing rich details of the life and times of the man, as well as a narrative so well written that it reads more like a novel. I’ve read it multiple times myself and look forward to reading it again.
A Supreme Desire to Please Him: The Spirituality of Adoniram Judson (E. D. Burns) – This is life-changing in how it frames the Christian life. I already consider Judson to be a major influence in my life; this book showed that Judson’s great aim in life was ‘to please Christ.’ His simple faith in God allowed him to weather great challenges and trials, recognizing the sovereignty of God through them all. If you are not already familiar with his story, I recommend that you begin by reading To the Golden Shore; after reading that book, you will better appreciate this one. The first chapter began somewhat slowly; from then on, this book was pure gold.
For the Love of India: The Story of Henry Martyn (Jim Cromarty) – In 1805, Henry Martyn headed to India as a chaplain of the British East India Company. Seven years later he was dead, an unmarried missionary without any apparent converts. Martyn’s story is the ultimate story of sweet sadness, broken dreams, and unrequited love, but it is also the story of a faithful servant of Christ who longed for his life to be used by God. This book will move you, challenge you, rebuke you, and maybe even make you cry. But that’s okay. In the process, you might gain a heart for the nations.
George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth-Century Revival, Vol. I & Vol. II (Arnold Dallimore) – the ‘Great Awakening’ – was one of the most profound movements of God in the history of the world. Within one generation, the gospel gained the hearts of tens of thousands of converts on both sides of the Atlantic. Few were as influential in this time period as George Whitefield. This biography is the account of his life. This is time well spent. I read the book years ago, only to find out, years later, how much it affected my entire view of life and ministry.
The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Iain Murray) – Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a British preacher and pastor who ministered in London during World War II – including the deadly German bombings. This short book (a condensed version of the much larger two volume biography) gives the general contours of his life. Over the past several years I ‘discovered’ Lloyd-Jones, and I’ve been extremely blessed by his writings. Despite a few slower spots, this biography will help shape your understanding of the man. (You’ll value it more after you’ve read some of his own writings).
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther (Roland Bainton) – I’m quite familiar with the story of Luther, so when I decided to pick up this book, I wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is fascinating history, painting a compelling portrait of Luther and his times. It’s a joy to read, and it reminded me of why I find the Reformation to be such a fascinating time.
Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot (Elizabeth Elliot) – Elizabeth Elliot’s skillful edition of her martyred husband’s journal is a deeply moving, spiritually strengthening book to read. It paints the picture of a man who was on fire for Christ, willing to sacrifice everything for his Savior, and who joyfully – and knowingly – took great risks to advance the Kingdom. Jim Elliot was just 28 when he was martyred in the Amazonian rainforest while taking the gospel to unreached peoples. He had been married to Elizabeth for only 2 years and three months. I greatly profited from the example of this man, and I’m sure that you will, too.
William Carey (S. Pearce Carey) – William Carey launched the modern missions movement, and this book is probably the best biography on him. From his humble roots as a lowly English cobbler, to his rise as one of the most respected linguists in India, this book gives an intimate, behind-the-scenes view of the man, his many trials, and his remarkable faith.
Other great titles: John Patton, Evidence Not Seen, God Sent Revival, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Commentary
These books will help you get a better understanding of the Biblical text itself. While there are many commentaries, these are the best of the best.
Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible (Stephen Dempster) – Packed with insights about the Old Testament, this book has become an essential reference any time that I venture into a study of the Hebrew Bible. This book goes through each book of the Old Testament, following the order of the Bible as it was in the time of Jesus. My own copy is bright yellow, because I highlighted so many insightful thoughts and useful observations from the text.
1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly (Dale Ralph Davis) – Little did I know, when I first picked up this book, that it would become one of my favorite Biblical commentaries ever, or that Dale Ralph Davis would take his place as my favorite Old Testament commentator. But it’s true. Davis provides the perfect blend of application and insight, explanation and illustration. He specializes in Old Testament narrative, and his writing style is both edifying and enjoyable – this is the sort of book that you can’t wait to get back into. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book, “2 Kings: The Power and the Fury.”
The Epistle to the Hebrews (John Brown) – John Brown was a pastor and professor of exegetical theology in Edinburgh. His grandfather, John Brown of Haddington, was a genius who taught himself Greek simply by comparing manuscripts. That genius was passed on to his grandson, and John Brown’s Exposition of Hebrews is filled with insightful, challenging, and edifying thoughts. This book is a treasure worth every penny.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Matthew Henry) – There was a time when Matthew Henry was a household name, known for his rich, deeply pious comments on the entire Bible. While you can find far more academic volumes, you will probably never find a book so filled with rich gospel truth, drawing practical application from every passage of Scripture. The older English of this writer may present a challenge for some readers, but the content is so priceless that the book is worth the difficulty.
Another great title: The Treasury of David.
Self-Mastery
This is a sort of catch-all category for books on self improvement, as well as reading, writing, studying, etc.
Leadership
Here is a collection of resources for leading both yourself and others. It’s a treasure chest of advice on how to live a balanced, thoughtful, strategic life.
The 33 Strategies of War (Robert Greene) – I am fascinated by history, especially when I can learn from the mistakes and triumphs of the past. Greene has done us all a service by analyzing scores of military battles and leaders to find the 33 strategies that lead to victory. This book is a real page-turner, filled with interesting anecdotes and practical application. While it is based on mostly military battles, it is applicable to many other aspects of life.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey) – I am a huge fan of self-improvement books, and Seven Habits tops the list. Covey argues that while some self-improvement books are about changing the exterior using gimmicks, true self-improvement must start on the inside. These seven habits are truly life-changing and transformative. They will help you with everything from figuring out what you should be doing with your time, to how to handle relationships with others, and everything in between.
The Vanishing American Adult: Our Coming of Age Crisis – and How to Rebuild a Culture of Self-Reliance (Ben Sasse) – The American adult of the past – one of grit and valor, who tamed the west and endured the great depression – is rapidly becoming an endangered species. Yet this book is not simply a panegyric on the greatness of past peoples. It is a practical, muscular description of what we can all do in the here-and-now to be actual adults. I recommend this book not only for…everyone…but especially for parents – it contains many excellent suggestions for how parents can raise their children to live as true ‘American adults.’
Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best when it Matters Most (Weisinger & Pawliw-Fry) – We all face pressure at different points, so its wise to prepare in advance. While stress refers to the tenseness and difficulty of situations, pressure refers to those moments where everything is on the line. This book presents numerous helpful strategies to prepare for these moments, and it describes the mindset that must be intentionally cultivated if you will succeed at those junctures.
Strengths Finder (Tom Rath) – Learning about your own personality is not only interesting, but also practical. Strengthsfinder is based on the premise that recognizing and developing your strengths is just as important as overcoming your weaknesses. The book lists 34 strengths, describes each of them, and lists action steps to help you capitalize on those strengths. There is also a single-use online assessment that will identify your top five strengths. Since this assessment considerably inflates the price of the book (and you can probably identify them yourself), I recommend purchasing a copy with an already-used survey code.
The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business (Patrick Lencioni) – Lencioni is one of my favorite leadership writers. This is probably his most accessible work. Lencioni argues that many organizations (businesses, churches, non-profits, etc.) have talent, but not all have organizational health. In our hyper-competitive world, only the healthy organizations can adapt to changing tides and remain successful. This book is well-written, clear, simple, and applicable.
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t (Jim Collins) – How do you take a ‘good’ organization, and turn it into something ‘great’ – the kind of organization that will make a lasting impression on the world, the kind that is the best that has ever been seen and effectively accomplishes its purposes? Here is the book that explains the answer. Meticulously researched, readable, and most important, practical, this book will challenge you to think about every organization that you are in – not just business organizations, but any group of people that come together for a purpose: from business to government to church to school to family, all can benefit from these insights.
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies (Jim Collins) – Some organizations are passing phenomena, but others are built to last. What distinguishes between them? This book lays out the essential characteristics of organizations that have passed the test of time. Even if you are not in business, it is profoundly helpful, for an ‘organization’ refers to any group of people organized together, from a business to a church to a family. Reading the book in this light, you suddenly gain insight into why some families thrive and others fail, some churches expand at the expense of others, and so on. Take your time to digest it, and invest your energy in this book!
How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In (Jim Collins) – I’ve been an enthusiastic reader of ‘Good to Great’ and ‘Built to Last’ – business books that describe healthy organizations. In fact, these books are applicable to all ‘organizations’ – groups of people who work together to accomplish a goal. This book is shorter than the others, and it shows how once great organizations can decline. It’s applicable not only to businesses, but also to families, churches, and even one’s personal life.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (Greg McKeown) – In a world where everything goes faster, with more information, responsibilities, and possibilities at our fingertips, we desperately need to focus on the essentials. This book is clear, simple to read, applicable, and certainly worth your time. Whereas our culture focuses on more, McKeown argues that it is better to focus on less but better. I highly recommend that you read this book – and I look forward to reading it again, maybe in 2019!
Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges that No One Expects and Everyone Experiences (Carey Nieuwhof) – We all face challenges in our lives, but sometimes we don’t see them coming. The surprising thing about some challenges is that they are so common that you can almost guarantee you will face them – challenges like cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness. In this book, Carey Neiuwhof explains these challenges and presents helpful ways to avoid them. The reading is easy and insightful, and this book is worth your time.
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World (Cal Newport) – I’ve talked before about the dangers of the digital revolution (such as here, here, and here), but I think this book best answers the question, ‘how do we respond?’ Last year I read 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You, and while that book is good, I felt that the ‘solutions’ it provided were inadequate for the problem. This book, however, presents a full-fledged philosophy of how to use digital technology in a way that moves your life forward, rather than distracting you. I think anyone who uses such technology would benefit from this book.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World (Cal Newport) – This book is simple in its suggestion, but radical compared to how most people think. In a world where we value ‘connectedness’ and instant communication, Newport argues that we need lots of distraction-free time in order to think clearly, focus intently, and do our best work.
The Checklist Manifesto: How To Get Things Right (Atul Gawande) – If you think about ‘dangerous jobs,’ medicine and aerospace have to be near the top: one tiny mistake can kill people. Gawande shows how a simple checklist – the sort of think you might tack onto your refrigerator – provides the solution. This book is short, easy to read, and challenges you to think about how you could use checklists to improve whatever you are doing.
The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership that Matters (Albert Mohler) – Leadership is not merely about moving people from one place to another; the Christian leader begins with serious convictions which impel him to lead others toward the truth. The 25 principles that this book expresses are practical and worth revisiting often.
Leadership in Turbulent Times (Doris Kearns Goodwin) – If we want to learn leadership, we should learn from those who did it well. Goodwin uses this book to tell the stories of four US Presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Each of these men guided the country through periods of turmoil, and (whether you agree with their approaches or not), they demonstrate what effective leadership looks like. I found it engaging and filled with valuable lessons.
Other great titles: Getting to Yes, Crucial Conversations, 20 Qualities of a Good Listener (essay), Platform, Unbeatable Mind, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Leading Change.
How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide (Boghossian & Lindsay) – Plenty of people are talking nowadays, but there seems to be less communication than ever. How do you have rational discourse with an ideologue, or someone from the opposite side of the spectrum? With a wealth of tips and strategies, this book explains how to have those conversations that we would normally describe as ‘impossible.’
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It (Chris Voss) – Written by a top government negotiator, Never Split the Difference explains how to negotiate with anyone – even the really bad buys – and come out on top. Although this book teaches a more hardball approach than Getting to Yes, it’s still worthwhile to read, and is probably more useful in tense and difficult negotiating situations. Mild language.
Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers (Tim Ferriss) This book is a collection of interviews with some of the most influential people in the world today. Ferriss asks several key questions of each individual, then records their answers on such various topics as their most useful purchase, their routines, and how they think about difficulty. The result is something like a gold mine – not everything that you will read is gold (in fact, most is not) but the nuggets that you come across are more than worth the time you invest.
Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World (Tim Ferriss) Tribe of Mentors is ‘part two’ of ‘Tools of Titans’ (see above). Like that book, not everything will be useful, but the nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout it are priceless.
Writing
As a writer, there are a few books that have influenced my craft. More than that, they are must-reads for anyone who seriously wants to improve their writing.
On Writing Well (William Zinsser) – I continue to develop as a writer, but the two books I read when I started my blogging journey were ‘On Writing Well’ and ‘The Elements of Style.’ Seriously, that may have been the best blogging decision I ever made. ‘On Writing Well’ strips away the myths about writing. Anyone can write – but only a true writer can edit and cut. That is what writing is primarily about: cutting out the excess, summarizing, and eloquently stating what needs to be said in the best possible way. If you write anything, read this book.
The Elements of Style (Strunk & White) – This book, like ‘On Writing Well,’ speaks much of the importance of brevity. The true secret to ‘style’ is not to create a style so much as to edit well. This is a short book, but worth its weight in gold for those who wish to write usefully.
Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life (Douglas Wilson) – This is a short, enjoyable read for those who want to be writers. Douglas Wilson has a way with words (anything he writes is a pleasure to read), so he is the perfect teacher for aspiring ‘wordsmithies.’ His advice, if followed, will certainly make you a master of the art – though it takes work, as when he recommends reading the dictionary or getting lots of real-life experiences.
Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer (Roy Clark) – Writers have a toolbox, and we use these tools to enhance our craft. This book opens the lid on a master-writer’s toolbox and points out dozens of different tools. It’s an enjoyable read, very practical, and you will come out feeling much better prepared to write well.
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking (Chris Anderson) – This book is an easy read, readily skimmable, and filled with simple, practical suggestions on how to be a great public speaker. I love the idea of the book itself – it brings the classical subject of ‘rhetoric’ into the 21st century. This means that it touches on all aspects of public speaking: the speaking itself, how to be a good speaker, how to use props and visual aids, etc.
Other
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything (Chris Hadfield) – Whether your interests lie in the realm of technology, outer space, science, big machines, adventure, or spaceships, this book has it all. Hadfield uses his unique experiences in space to pass on some valuable lessons (like ‘learn to sweat the small stuff’), but the book doesn’t read like a self-help book. It just draws you in through a combination of great writing and interesting stories.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End (Atul Gawande) – Old age. It’s not on anyone’s wish list, but most people will face it. Today, as the global population continues to age, seniority is a reality for more and more people. Gawande’s incredible, though-provoking book isn’t always delightful, but it’s surely worth your time. As an ER nurse myself, I believe that this book is essential reading for anyone who plans to get old or has any family members who are (or will be) getting into their senior years. I’ve recommended it to others in the healthcare profession, and they’ve all agreed that it’s worthwhile. Although this book isn’t written from a Christian perspective, it also brings up plenty of thought-provoking ideas that Christians will benefit from.
Ancient Israel: Its Life and Institutions (Roland De Vaux) – If Greece has given us philosophy and Rome has given us law, it is ancient Israel that has most impacted the spiritual life of the western world. This erudite volume is massive in its scope: it covers all aspects of the ancient Hebrew society, including the military, government, culture, and religion. Do you want to know how the ancient Israelites divided the year? You can find it here. Do you want to know what it meant to be a farmer, or what slavery was like? All these questions are answered in this volume. Although a bit dated, it’s still an incredible resource. Conservative Christians should beware that De Vaux’s book does follow some of the more progressive approaches to the Old Testament, including liberal dating of different sections of text and recommended ‘improvements’ of the text. While this limits some of the conclusions and requires discernment, it is still a wealth of information.
Them: Why We Hate Each Other – and How to Heal (Ben Sasse) – America has a much deeper problem than ‘the idiots on the other side.’ We’re more divided than we’ve ever been since the Civil War, and we are convinced of the evil of the ‘other side.’ This deep-seated division makes it impossible for us to work together on what matters, even though (surprising to some) we actually agree on many of the things that matter. Ben Sasse, Republican senator from Nebraska, brings his unique perspective to this problem, and I appreciate his analysis of the underlying problems. He is also the author of The Vanishing American Adult, which I’ve previously recommended.
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (Dave Ramsey) – This is a fairly simple read, and well worth the time for everyone. I didn’t read this book until now because I thought ‘I’m doing fine with my finances!’ But then a friend gave it to me, so I decided to read it – and I was reminded that this is good, basic advice for everyone. If you’ve not read it, do so soon. It’s a simple path to healthy finances.
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On with Your Life (Bill Schultheis) – Finally – a book that explains investing in a way that the average person can understand! The book provides a simple investing strategy, the same strategy recommended by much more ‘technical’ books,’ in a way that isn’t complicated. While non-investors might come across a few things that are confusing, it’s overall pretty simple (better than any other book I know), even if the author overdoes the chatty style and ‘coffeehouse’ theme.
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold (C. S. Lewis) – Although I was initially skeptical, Lewis’ retelling of an ancient Greek myth – the myth of Cupid and Psyche – is an enthralling read that presents a deep knowledge of human nature. On the surface, it functions in the realm of Greek mythology, including Greek deities. Underneath, it reveals the human condition and provides invaluable concepts for Christians to ponder deeply.
The Body: A Guide for Occupants (Bill Bryson) – For this year’s science book, I chose a book on the human body – and I wasn’t disappointed. Even though I know a fair amount of anatomy and physiology, I was still amazed by the scale, complexity, and engineering that are present in every human. This is far from a bland survey of biology. It’s filled with little known facts, recent research, and lots of interesting anecdotes. Parental Discretion.
The Text of the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Biblia Hebraica (Wurthwein and Fischer) – The Biblia Hebraica is the text of the Old Testament, and this book explains the history of the text and the manuscripts that exist. This is a broad-ranging survey, covering much minute ground, such as textual criticism, ancient translations of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and more. For those who are interested, it is an important survey. This book shows that textual criticism and textual transmission are certainly not simple subjects – but the text has been remarkably well-preserved.
Lays of Ancient Rome (Thomas Babington Macauley) – Without stacks of textbooks and high rates of literacy, the ancient world transmitted its stories through epic poems – just think of Homer’s Iliad. This book is a (relatively) modern attempt to convey the spirit of ancient Roman epic poems. It consists of four epic poems, written in delightful English verse. It was a pleasure to read one of these around a campfire with some friends!
A Sacrifice of Praise: An Anthology of Christian Poetry in English from Caedmon to the Mid-Twentieth Century (James Trott) – Here is a collection of Christian poetry, from the earliest times to the present. Due to the length of this book, I focused this year on early Christian poetry – up to the year 1700. This is the best book that I know to cover such a broad range of poetry, from a variety of denominations. Of course, the quality of the poems differ, but there is enough for anyone to find something that they enjoy in this anthology.
