About this time each year, I look back at the books I’ve read over the previous twelve months. I try to balance fiction and non-fiction, Christian and non-Christian, new and old works, but I’m not always successful.
Here’s this year’s list along with book summaries (most copied from Amazon or Christian Book Distributors).
What books did you read over the past year? I’m always looking for suggestions, so please share those in the comments!
Fiction
The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is one of the earliest and most influential science fiction novels ever written. First published in 1898, this classic alien invasion story introduces readers to a terrifying vision of humanity under siege by advanced Martian invaders. Set in Victorian England, Wells’ groundbreaking novel blends thrilling action, suspense, and social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, extraterrestrial life, and early science fiction literature.
Fire Strike, Clive Cussler
Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon must battle an army of genetically engineered mercenaries to stop a hypersonic missile attack in this explosive new adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Mercy, David Baldacci
FBI Agent Atlee Pine’s harrowing search for her long-lost sister Mercy reaches a boiling point in this breakneck thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne
First published in French as Vingt mille lieues sous les mers in periodicals in 1870, with the first English version in 1872, 20,000 Leagues describes the journey around the world of Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, which had been thought a giant monster when first spotted.
Theo of Golden, Allen Levi
Personal note: If you were wondering, I loved it! Read it and let me know what you think! Here’s the Amazon summary: One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He doesn’t explain much about where he came from or why he’s there—but when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for the person’s story.
Non-Fiction
A Village in the Third Reich, Boyd and Patel
Personal note: I loved this book. It explains how an ordinary small town in Germany could get caught up in and changed by the Nazi movement. From Amazon: Hidden deep in the Bavarian mountains lies the picturesque village of Oberstdorf—a place where for hundreds of years people lived simple lives while history was made elsewhere. Yet even this remote idyll could not escape the brutal iron grip of the Nazi regime. Drawing on personal archives, letters, interviews, and memoirs, it lays bare their brutality and love; courage and weakness; action, apathy, and grief; hope, pain, joy, and despair.
The Glorious Cause, Jeff Shaara
In Rise to Rebellion, bestselling author Jeff Shaara captured the origins of the American Revolution. In this sequel, the American Revolution’s most immortal characters and poignant moments are brought to life in remarkable Shaara style. Yet, The Glorious Cause is more than just a story of the legendary six-year struggle. It is a tribute to an amazing people who turned ideas into action and fought to declare themselves free. Personal note: GET THIS BOOK! Especially during our 250th year!
Confronting the Presidents, Bill O’Reilly
From Washington to Jefferson, Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kennedy to Nixon, Reagan to Obama and Biden, the 45 United States presidents have left lasting impacts on our nation. Some of their legacies continue today, some are justly forgotten, and some have changed as America has changed. Whether famous, infamous, or obscure, all the presidents shaped our nation in unexpected ways.
Henry V, Dan Jones
Henry V reigned over England for only nine years and four months and died at just thirty-five, but he looms over the landscape of the late Middle Ages and beyond. The victor of Agincourt, he is remembered as the acme of kingship, a model to be closely imitated by his successors. For one modern medievalist, Henry was, quite simply, “the greatest man who ever ruled England.” Personal note: I was fascinated by Henry’s story and a look at life and leadership in medieval England.
Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends, Guarnere and Heffron
Personal note: This was one of my favorite reads. Basically, Wild Bill and Babe sit down and tell their stories, and every word is recorded. Word of warning: the language can be offensive, so you’ve been warned. But if you want a first-hand account of war, this is a great one. Amazon: William “Wild Bill” Guarnere and Edward “Babe” Heffron were among the first paratroopers of the U.S. Army—members of an elite unit of the 101st Airborne Division called Easy Company. The crack unit was called upon for every high-risk operation of the war, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden in Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden.
Theology/Christian
Ask Pastor John, John Piper
Subtitle: “750 Bible Answers to Life’s Most Important Questions.” Living a Christian life in a secular world can be tricky. Podcast host Reinke condenses 10 years of best-selling author John Piper’s answers to audience-proposed questions regarding ethics, theology, the Bible, and more. Each thematic section offers sagacious biblical advice on formidable topics, including dating, social media, politics, mental health, and Bible reading.
The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing, Jonathan T. Pennington
The Sermon on the Mount, one of the most influential portions of the Bible, is the most studied and commented-upon portion of the Christian Scriptures. Every Christian generation turns to it for insight and guidance. In this volume, Jonathan Pennington provides a historical, theological, and literary commentary on the Sermon on the Mount and explains how this text offers insight into God’s plan for human flourishing. As Pennington explores the literary dimensions and theological themes of this famous passage, he situates the Sermon in dialogue with the Jewish and Greek virtue traditions and the philosophical-theological question of human flourishing. He also relates the Sermon’s theological themes to contemporary issues such as ethics, philosophy, and economics. Personal note: I really liked this book and its fresh perspective, so much so that I typed into my notes every line I underlined, and there are many!
The Principle of the Path, Andy Stanley
Where you want to go in life and the path you choose to get there don’t always agree—despite good intentions. Teaching that our direction determines our destination, Stanley offers a story-driven, Bible-based road map to help you avoid unnecessary disappointments and attain your goals for your marriage, career, finances, and more. Includes interactive study guide.
The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges
From the best-selling author of The Pursuit of Holiness comes a thought-provoking look at legalism, discipleship, and spiritual freedom. We must pursue holiness, but we are far from perfect and need God’s grace. Bridges shares how grace and holiness are linked — and how the same mercy that leads believers to Christ also develops us spiritually in the areas of commitment, conviction, choices, watchfulness, and adversity.
Run Baby Run, Nicky Cruz
Personal note: I read The Cross and the Switchblade last year, so it was only right that I read this next. This is a great story of what God can do if we trust him. From CBD: This classic testimony continues to have power to change lives! Cruz was the leader of New York’s notorious street gang, the Mau Maus — until David Wilkerson reached out and told him, “Nicky, Jesus loves you.” Then a dramatic transformation began. Now Cruz shares his thoughts on teen violence and a helpful, practical action plan for concerned parents.
Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis
Arguably the 20th century’s most influential Christian writer, C.S. Lewis sought to explain and defend the beliefs that nearly all Christians at all times hold in common. His simple yet deeply profound classic, originally delivered as a series of radio broadcasts, is a book to be thoroughly digested by believers and generously shared with skeptics. Personal note: This is my second time reading this book. If you don’t read anything else by C. S. Lewis (and you should read lots of things by C. S. Lewis), read this one!
God’s Will, J. I. Packer
In this biblical and practical exploration of divine guidance, you’ll find solid foundations for understanding how and why God guides his people. Discover the role of Scripture, discernment, wisdom, the counsel of others, and the Holy Spirit in helping you discover God’s will. Personal note: Packer will help you see that we shouldn’t try to find God’s will because it isn’t lost. If you want help in discerning God’s direction in your life, get this book and refer to it continually.