Another annual summary of the top books of the year. This year I had a goal of reading 60 books, but didn't quite make it, instead landing somewhere in the mid 50s.
Anna Karenina – One of the most revered novels of all time. I
was inspired to read it because of Teddy Roosevelt’s interest in the book (There's a story in Edward
Murrow’s biography of TR describing how he read the book during a river boat journey
while in pursuit of thieves). Definitely worth reading and a great reminder to
not let sin grow, but bring it out in the open.
Command and Control – Recounts the many near misses in the
atomic weapons program, centering on the tale of a missile silo explosion in
Arkansas in the 80s (one of my co-workers lived nearby at the time and remembers feeling the explosion some 30 miles away). Fascinating read. Given all that is covered in this book,
It really is amazing that there has not been an accidental explosion of a
Nuclear weapon.
Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry – Great, great book for
putting in the hands of those who question whether one can be both for the
preservation of marriage and yet also extend love towards those who would find
a homosexual lifestly acceptable biblically. Allberry lays out the biblical
case for traditional heterosexual ethic, and does it from his own perspective
of being a same-sex attracted man who is fiercly committed to a life of
celibacy. I had a chance to interview him last fall for a project we’re working
on at FamilyLife and was VERY impressed with his compassionate, humble spirit.
Freedom of the Will by Jonathan Edwards – Wow this book blew my
mind. It was much more influential than I could have ever imagined. And I am
under no illusion that I even really comprehended the main point of the book.
In fact, most of it was very difficult to follow and tedious in its repetiion.
But after completing it I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the soul and the
various factors that weigh in on every motivation and decision we make. How ‘free’
are we truly? It deepend my trust and faith in God’s sovereign hand to guide me
through life. Definitely worth taking the time to read. I read it with a couple of other guys (and was the only one of the three to finish it... and if one of you two are reading this I hope you feel just a twinge of guilt) and it was a great forum for reading and making better sense of it. I think this was honestly one of the most influential books I've read in the last few years in terms of understanding the human soul.
Pensees by Pascal – one of the most widely read books of all
time. Pascal’s theological ponderings are thought provoking and soul enriching.
I read this in small daily doses over the course of the year (some of which are
posted on this blog) and found that to be a tremendously enriching approach.
Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community by Wendell Berry - Not my favorite of Berry's books, but still good. I think the whole book is worth the essay from which the title is drawn (the last half of the book), as well as the essay on tobacco.
A Brief History of Thought by Luc Ferry - Started reading this book because of a friend's
recommendation. He had heard Tim Keller say this book was the best single summary of why we think the way we do today. Written by an atheist French philosophy professor, you wouldn't know it (that he's an atheist) till nearly the end of the book, as he treats Christianity pretty fairly, even emphasizing the importance of it in shaping western thought. Readable, interesting, accessible. Need to read it again. If anyone wants to read/discuss, let me know.
Mastery by Robert Greene – Every young man or woman should read
this book. It is so good at outlining some of the basic principles that lead to
someone becoming a “Master” in their field. In fact, Greene presents these more
as laws than principles, showing how they work time and time again, even
debunking the belief that only ‘geniuses’ really become masters in their
fields. Instead, he seems to make the case that those who work hard to become
Masters in their field also become geniuses. Great read, though laced with some
evolutionary mumbo-jumbo, but one can sort through that and still benefit
greatly from the book. I was put on to Greene by reading some of Ryan Holiday
(who reads like crazy and publishes an excellent monthly reading list – sign up for his email here). Ryan points to Greene as his mentor and as the man who
taught him everything he knows about his research method. I'd put this book at the top of your reading list for 2015 if you are under 30. If that is you, then don't let the year end without reading it.Other good books I'm working on right now:
J.R.R. Tolkien Bio by Humphrey Carpenter - wow. what an amazing biography. I love, love, love reading about his life. Most fascinating part about him is learning that he wrote LOTR to make sense of the languages he had created (and not the other way around).
Strange Glory - Another excellent bio on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In some ways I like this better than the one by Metaxas.
"S" by J.J. Abrams and some other guy - fascinating approach to a novel. Amazing design detail. I don't think I've ever seen a book quite like this.
As always you can check my Shelfari feed to see what I’m
reading right now. The theme for reading this year will be “Book discussion
groups.” Right now I’m reading 5 different books in discussion groups,
sometimes only covering a chapter or two a month. They are as follows:
- Center Church by Tim Keller
- Instructing a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
- Lost in the Middle by Paul David Tripp
- The Story of Christianity Vol. 2 by Justo Gonzalez
- Slaughter House Five (finished the book but waiting to discuss...)
Discussion groups are a GREAT way to trick yourself
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2 comments:
Great recommendations. I'm really hesitant on Robert Greene, given his other work, but I'm very interested in finally reading through Anna Karenina.
I feel you on this. I've not read his other books, as the titles were enough to give me pause. But this one is pretty good. Let me know what you think of AK.
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