In 2019, I wanted to read at least one book a month (your mileage may vary, I realize) as I had allowed my phone to greatly lessen my ability to stay focused on longer reads. In 2020, I continued this challenge.
Here's what I read in this most unusual of years.
January
A Big Gospel In Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters by Stephen Witmer
Non-Fiction, Church Studies
Thoughts: This one hit home as it's what we do at Redemption. so many ministry books are so far removed from any sort of similar context that I really appreciated this one.
The Gospel According To Satan: Eight Lies About God That Sound Like The Truth by Jared C. Wilson
Non-Fiction, Christian Living
Thoughts: Maybe one of the best personal, Christian living-type books I've read in a long, long time. Jared C. Wilson is not only super-smart, but one of the best pure writers in the game today.
February
Runnin’ With The Devil: A Backstage Pass To The Wild Times, Loud Rock, And The Down And Dirty Truth Behind The Making Of Van Halen by Noel E. Monk (Manager of Van Halen 1978-1985) with Joe Layden
Non-Fiction, Entertainment
Thoughts: I love this kind of behind-the-scenes look at a band like the mighty Van Halen, especially from their heyday of '77-'84. RIP EVH, but those guys were a mess.
Hard To Handle: The Life and Death of The Black Crowes, A Memoir by Steve Gorman with Steven Hyden
Non-Fiction, Entertainment
Thoughts: See above. I will say the Crowes are one of the biggest "coulda-shoulda" bands in rock and/or roll. Their first two albums are among the best of the 1990s.
March
Lord Of The Flies by William Golding
Fiction
Thoughts: Reading this right before the pandemic and seeing bare grocery store shelves was particularly unnerving. Sorry I missed this one in high school.
April
Talking To Strangers: What We Should Know About The People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell
Non-Fiction, Cultural Studies
Thoughts: I love Gladwell's stuff and this one is no exception. If you ever wonder why things escalate (deadly police encounters, for instance), this helps explain it. One of my favorites of the year.
May
Raised In Captivity: Fictional Nonfiction by Chuck Klosterman
Fiction
Thoughts: Klosterman is my favorite cultural writer and this collection of short stories was super-weird but endlessly entertaining. It was a great birthday gift from my Shannon.
June
Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church by Michael Horton
Non-Fiction, Church Studies
Thoughts: I've had this one on my bookshelf for probably a decade and finally read it. It's great at recognizing the problem, but not the greatest at solutions (though "preach the Gospel" is a pretty great solution).
July
The Last Days According To Jesus: When Did Jesus Say He Would Return? by R.C. Sproul
Non-Fiction, Theology
Thoughts: Richard Crabtree lent me this one as I've been thinking a lot about amillennialism the past few years. There is much to think about in this one, especially if you take into account how much thoughts on eschatology influences so much about our nation.
August
The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s by Andy Greene
Non-Fiction, Entertainment
Thoughts: My Father's Day gift from Shannon and the girls. This one was a super fun and entertaining read about the details of our family's favorite show.
September
Kingdom Man by Tony Evans
Non-Fiction, Christian Living
Thoughts: This is my least favorite read of the year. Way too heavy on the macho, John Wayne version of Christian male-ness, in my opinion. However Dr. Evans is a solid teacher so there were still important thoughts to be gleaned from it, especially as I attempt to lead my family and wife well in our pursuit of Jesus.
October
One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America by Kevin M. Kruse
Non-Fiction, History/Cultural Studies
Thoughts: This one expalins so much about why we are where we are today, especially in relation to the American-ized version of Christianity that's so prevalent in our so-called culture wars. This one was one of my favorites this year, as well.
November
Echo Island by Jared C. Wilson
Fiction
Thoughts: It's labeled as Young Adult fiction, but Jared's second work of fiction is deep enough for any adult. If you're looking for Stranger Things meets CS Lewis, this one is for you. It's fantastic (see above about his writing abilities).
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Fiction
Thoughts: I think I skipped this one in high school English (or read the Cliff's Notes, more likely). Very prescient for our present times.
December
Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck
Fiction
Thoughts: A gripping shorter story that I missed in high school, as well. Sorrowful.
January 1 to December 31
The Holy Bible (English Standard Version Study Bible) [YouVersion Bible-In-A-Year Plan]
Non-Fiction
Thoughts: I'm not sure how many times I've done the Bible-in-a-year plan(s), but this year, I wanted to read to grow instead of just meeting a goal. As always, every time you read Scripture, you grow and see something you missed previously. If you, like me, believe this is the word of God, then you can't help but want to read it again. In addition, I started The Bible Project podcast and YouTube videos about halfway through the year and it's like reading it in color now. Endlessly deep and rich.
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