Another year has come to an end and more books were published in 2021 that I want to read than I could possibly ever read. So, I thought I would share a few of the ones I enjoyed the most in 2021. The usual caveats apply. I am an eclectic reader so if nothing interests you on this list, that’s on me, not you. Also, a book’s inclusion on this list does not mean I agree with or endorse everything that is written in a particular book. It means that the book was enjoyable or challenging or helpful in some way to me.

In no particular order:

The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas. Spiritual formation (or discipleship) is a main concern for me, both personally and pastorally. In this book, Rich, the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship in New York City, takes the five core commitments of his church and elaborates on both the why and how of each. Very helpful in thinking about and applying what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Part memoir, part social commentary, this book recounts the author’s work as a lawyer to free an innocent man from death row. The combination of stories and commentary is powerful. Some of you may have seen the movie based on this book. As in most cases, the book is better.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. This was a re-read for participation in a book club on the 10th anniversary of the release of this book. While not written from a Christian perspective, Brown (a professor and social work researcher) uncovers many of the unhelpful and unhealthy thoughts, desires, and feelings that drive us and keep us from living wholehearted lives of integrity. While it is easy to read, what it reveals about one’s self is often uncomfortable but is also the first step towards change.

Hope in Times of Fear by Timothy Keller. This was one of the books I read in preparation for Easter. This book was written in the early months of the pandemic, which only increased its relevance. Keller does a masterful job of bringing the Scriptures to bear in a way that takes seriously all of our fears and anxieties while also providing gospel balm to our souls so that we are not overcome by them.

Atomic Habits by James Clear. I actually finished this book last night. Usually, I find such books boring and unhelpful. But Clear is a good writer and what he proposes seems right to me in light of how people actually live. His main thesis is that long-lasting change is brought about by small changes in habit, not major leaps in change. Just as an atom is small but powerful, so small changes worked out over time can produce significant changes. I also appreciated his focus on identity rather than outcomes.

Inferno by Dante. As I mentioned in a sermon this fall, I am part of a world-wide reading group that is reading through Dante’s Divine Comedy. We finished this first part in November. Dante’s poem reveals the de-forming and disordering nature of sin through powerful images, stories, and people drawn from the Scriptures, classical literature, and even from Dante’s own times. While not the Bible, Dante is a Christian and influenced greatly by that way of viewing the world.

A Burning in My Bones by Winn Collier. Many of you might not know the name, Eugene Peterson. But if you have ever heard of or used The Message translation of the Bible, then you have some connection with Peterson, who was the translator for that work. More importantly to me, Peterson was a pastor and has written numerous books on pastoral ministry that form much of my convictions of what it means to be a pastor. I, along with many others, would state that were it not for Peterson’s books and example, we would have left ministry long ago. Collier does an excellent job of revealing the roots of this pastor, including some of the dark aspects of his life and ministry. That only serves to make Peterson more real and endearing. A very encouraging read. So good, I am reading it again in the early months of 2022.

A few other fiction recommendations:  The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis; the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny; the Penn Cage series by Greg Iles; Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry; any works by Jane Austen or Charles Dickens

So, there are some recommendations. I encourage you to find time to read for pleasure in 2022. If you only read 10 pages a day, you will benefit from it. I also encourage you to read some poetry as a way to train your mind and heart to think imaginatively. So, take up and read!