'21 Reads

The ten books below are not ranked; you’ll not find here “the best books of the year according to Lianna,” “a list of books I endorse,” or even “my favorite books I read this year.” Instead, my list is comprised of a handful of books that drove themselves into my thinking and changed me this year.

Katharina and Martin Luther, by Michelle DeRusha

The story of a marriage between a runaway nun and the Reformer Martin Luther amidst the Protestant Reformation

Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures, by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Addresses the source and causes of spiritual malaise; points to hope and joy

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The captivating story of healing and finding joy, friendship, and freedom as a child

Introducing Christian Mission Today: Scripture, History, Issues, by Michael Goheen

An overview of the global mission of the church; includes history and present-day concerns

Christian Mission: A Concise Global History, by Edward Smither

Easy-to-read survey of the history of the spread of the gospel throughout the world

Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global, by Andy Johnson

Explains and helps the church in its vital role in worldwide missions

The Way Home, by Tessa Afshar

A heartfelt and touching six-week Bible study on the book of Ruth pointing toward redemption, providence, and divine purpose

God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our World, by David F. Wells

On viewing the world through the character of God in His holiness and love

Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl, by N. D. Wilson

A poetic look at faith, wonder, and creation—coaxing the reader toward awe

The Story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day, by Justo L. González

Traces events, movements, and figures in the history of the church from the time of the Reformation

Lianna B. Davis

Lianna Davis is a student of the Word with a B.A. in Ministry to Women from Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Tyler, reside outside of Dallas, Texas and have two dear daughters, one who lives in heaven and one who lives on earth. She is author of Made for a Different Land: Eternal Hope for Baby Loss (Hope Mommies, 2019) and Keeping the Faith: A Study in Jude (Moody, 2020).

Previous
Previous

Today Is for Freedom and Peace

Next
Next

'20 Reads