Favorite Books A.D. 2024
Since 2015, I have kept track of my favorite books read in the past year, and this year I have maintained the tradition.
Next year I hope to read some classic literature I've never read (such as the Iliad—don't judge me), finally finish Kristin Lavransdatter (got halfway and stopped despite loving it), plod through a good systematic theology (still choosing), some biographies, and more Bible. That's the plan, at least. I am aiming for my concentrated diligence during the day and less screens in the evening.
Click here for all books read in 2024. Favorite books from previous years: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
To the Ends of the Earth (Haykin/Robinson)
I chose this book for our elder session to read together at King's Cross Church. Great mix of chapters and gives the same type of encouragement that The Puritan Hope does.
No Compromise (Green/Hazard)
I have always wanted to read this biography, especially years ago when I was more theologically closer to Green. But reading it now as a Reformed minister was honestly a great joy and very moving. It renewed within me a sort of eagerness and zeal that I think we all need to keep kindled. He was not perfect, but what was striking was seeing his repentance and growith in humble maturity. Lastly, reading this account of his life helped me appreciate his music a lot more.
A Way to Pray (Henry, ed. Robertson)
This is a great resouce for daily prayer, especially this modernized edition by O. Palmer Robertson published Banner of Truth. My method was to keep a book dart in each section of different kinds of prayer, and slowly work through one prayer of each daily, along with notecards of personal prayer lists. Will definitely return to this work again.
American Saint (Winger)
Although at times dense, this was a really well written history of Francis Asbury and the American Methodist movement. I have affection for Methodism as that was the first church I joined and served in as a new believer and the area I grew up in has many historic Methodist churches (my wife also lived on Asbury Road). Asbury was a remarkable man. He rode approximately 270,000 miles on horseback up and down the country, organized hundreds of young Ciruit Riders, and literally gave his all in service of the King. He never married and never gained wealth for himself. Some of my favorite details of his life were that John Wesley sent him to America because he was "dependable but expendable" (literally what the minutes say). "He had proven that he had the toughness and resourcefulness... but wasn't important enough to warrant keeping in England." Likewise, he was not the greatest preacher or orator. Instead, his "legacy is not in books and sermons, but in the thousands of preachers whose careers he shaped one conversation at a time, and in the tens of thousands of ordinary believers who saw him up close and took him as their guide." What a testimony to the wisdom of God—who is pleased to use weak men to accomplish great things.
P.S.—"Against a dead orthodoxy, Pietism and Methodism, with their conventicles and revivals, always have a right to exist." Herman Bavinck
A New Day of Small Beginnings (Courthial)
This was a very unique and comprehensive book that is hard to categorize. Both very Reformed and also ecumenical in the best sense of the word. You can purchase it here from Zurich Publishing.
Watchfulness (Hedges)
Excellent book on a very neglected topic. One of the first steps to fighting sin and cultivating holiness is being watchful. Currently on sale for $5 from Reformation Heritage Books.
The Mission of Parenting (Smyth)
Log College Press is doing great work in republishing old works on foreign missions by Presbyterians. This short booklet was simply fun and resonated deeply with me and how I am raising my children to pray for missionaries.
Resolutions and Advice to Young Converts (Edwards)
A short classic. A couple resolutions stood out as a bit over the top, but overall helpful. Perhaps you think it too pietistic, and I would say yes, we modern Reformed need a dose of that from time to time.
Godric (Buechner)
First book I've ever read by Buechner. Really enjoyable and easy to read, with a couple disturbing elements.
Bad Therapy (Shrier)
I did not expect this book to live up to the hype—but it did. I also didn’t expect it to be so applicable to my own life and family, but rather anticipated it to be about “those people” over there. At times, it’s definitely polemical. And that tone comes through crystal clear in the audiobook read by the author. But that also makes it more interesting to listen to.