'22 Reads

The 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—in the assorted ways described below—and changed me this year.

Let Me Be a Woman, by Elisabeth Elliot

Elliot pursued exquisite truths about being a woman in this work. Though I did not agree on every point, she elevated womanhood in a way that made me feel blessed to be counted amoung this sex’s ranks.

The End Times in Chronological Order, by Ron Rhodes

Here was a fascinating look at end times events, and I do happily recommend this book. His thinking is categorically and near-dogmatically biblical—while being thorough and organized.

The Imperfect Disciple, by Jared Wilson

Wilson confessed that he woke up every day for a season not feeling like a Christian. As someone who has struggled with assurance of salvation, I believe I needed to read this book purely for this sentence.

Devotions from the Song of Solomon, by Charles Spurgeon

This book was my lasting delight for weeks, for I listened to it on repeat. The love of Jesus is magnified.

Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard

Much-afraid’s journey helped me with my own. But I will never forget that in this work, the Lord Jesus leaves Much-afraid while Jesus bounds ahead. And this is simply not what I see Jesus doing with me. He is there, showing himself in the sorrow and suffering. I am afraid that Much-afraid would have had reason for fear if the Lord was not her every-present help. If anything this book made me all the more grateful for the presence of Jesus.

Rejoice & Tremble, by Michael Reeves

This book promotes fearing God for His awesome goodness. That every attribute of God is suggesting of awe for him is what I will remember. God’s goodness is so good, we fear Him.

The Christian Lover, by Michael A.G. Haykin

I adored this little series of letters between Christian lovers across history; it was good for a short Sunday afternoon read. Simple and sweet, the letters provoked reflections on the beginnings and closings (in death) of Christian marriage. “Rejoice with those who rejoice”—so says the Scriptures. And these made me rejoice in the gift of marriage evidenced in faithful saints, a source of comfort and friendship and God-facing joy and more. My complaint for this work: too brief.

A Week in the Life of Corinth, by Ben Witherington

I found this book’s depiction of Paul utterly unconvincing. I don’t imagine Paul fading into the background of his own life, even if he is mild in person. Otherwise, quite a few facts were learned that will enrich my studies of 1 and 2 Corinthians and the times.

The Things of Earth and Strangely Bright, by Joe Rigney

My reflection as I concluded these books: I do sometimes withhold myself from enjoyment because withholding symbolizes the present fallen reality of this earth (i.e. we are kept apart from the full experience of God’s presence and joy here). That practice is, perhaps, keeping me from rendering due gratitude to my God for life on this earth.

George Müller: Delighted in God, by Roger Steer

This was a fascinating account; it shows how deeply God honors our faith. In fact, I am moved by this book to see that God loves the faith of his people. Müller’s story will stay with me—it made a deep impression.