A few years ago, I set a goal to read at least one book a month (your numbers may vary, I realize) as I had allowed my phone, social media, etc. to greatly lessen my ability to stay focused on longer reads. In 2021, I continued this challenge.
Here's what I read in 2021.
JANUARY
Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How To Restore Our Nation by David French
Non-Fiction, Political Science/Cultural Studies
Thoughts: This was a gift I received for Christmas 2020 from my lovely wife (who has to endure my musings on the state of things more often than she should). In my opinion, David French (who married a lady who graduated from my hometown high school a few years prior to me) is one of our great modern political/cultural thinkers. Some of this book is analysis of our current state and some is quasi-fictional, albeit, quite believable, "this is how this could happen" scenarios. Recommended for those who are not blindly partisan in their politics and are quite concerned for the deepening division our country is undergoing.
FEBRUARY
A Dying Machine by Mark Tremonti & John Shirley
Fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Thoughts: Mark Tremonti is the guitar player for one of my favorite rock bands, Alter Bridge. He also has a pretty solid solo gig under the band moniker Tremonti. His 2018 solo album was a concept record that shares the title of this book. He and author John Shirley wrote this book as the story on which the album was based. Set in an AI-dominated distant future, it turns into a dystopian world where machines take on man. It's fairly obvious neither writer is all that experienced, but it's a good enough story that I could overlook sections that could have been tightened up a bit. Unfortunately, this one was a loaner from my friend Mike and is out of print, so I can't recommend it to a casual reader, but if you're super-intrigued, I'm sure you can find a copy on eBay or the like.
MARCH
Gospel-Driven Ministry: An Introduction to the Calling and Work of a Pastor by Jared C. Wilson
Non-Fiction, Church Ministry
Thoughts: As I'm sure I've mentioned before (and trying not to be a name-dropper), I've known Jared since we were college classmates (and fellow entertainment critics at the "Sidelines" newspaper) at MTSU in the mid- to late-90s and I've kept up with his career since. So, I will likely read everything he writes, including this one — the first of his two books in 2021. It's now filled with highlights and feels more like a resource book to return to time and again rather than simply another book I'll never look at again on the shelf. Jared is at his best when he’s reveling in Jesus’s finished work and encouraging us to find rest in it. Recommended if you’re in ministry or thinking about being in ministry.
APRIL
Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld
Non-Fiction, Humor
Thoughts: This career retrospective is simply all of Seinfeld's bits from his entire career. Some you will recognize, some you won't. As a fan of stand-up comedy, I found his creative process interesting. Not every bit lands for me, but this had a few laugh-out-loud moments and was worth a library check-out, but maybe not repeated reads. Recommended if you're a fan of Jerry Seinfeld and his work.
Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt In the Church Edited by Ivan Mesa
Non-Fiction, Theology/Cultural Studies
Thoughts: "Deconstruction" has, like "critical race theory," become a phrase many people (not you, I'm sure) toss around without really understanding what it means. It's something Christians should take seriously, especially in our up and coming generation(s). This book was a compilation of essays from various authors and thinkers. Some were really good, some not, but nearly all of them were worth considering as American evangelicalism faces some rough waters ahead and a "pruning" of sorts in our churches. Recommended if you or someone you know is wrestling with doubt, with aligning belief and the church, or trying to grasp what's happening in the hearts and minds of so many believers (and those struggling with their belief).
MAY
My Southern Journey: True Stories From The Heart of the South by Rick Bragg
Non-Fiction, Humor/Cultural Studies
Thoughts: My sister gifted me this collection of essays from Southern Living writer Rick Bragg. I had previously checked this one out from our library a few years ago but never really started it before I had to return it. However, I'm glad I did this time around. A spiritual cousin of Lewis Grizzard, Bragg take a humorous and honest look at southern life while maintaining a love for southern culture that only a native can truly understand. Recommended if you're southern, southern-curious, or like funny, homespun stories. This one just barely missed my Top Five (see below).
JUNE
Ghosting The News: Local Journalism and the Crisis of American Democracy by Margaret Sullivan
Non-Fiction, Political Science/Current Events
Thoughts: When I ordered this book, I thought it was a "normal" length book. Turns out it was almost, as my wife called it, a "pamphlet." However, it's short, sweet, and to the point. Our country *needs* strong local journalism and, right now, we have an increasing number of communities living in "news deserts." There are some thoughts on solutions, but mostly a presentation of the problem. Recommended for people interested in current events and democracy.
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
Non-Fiction, Cultural Studies
Thoughts: This one was my beach read this year. I purchased three older Gladwell books used earlier in the year and this was my first of two in 2021. Gladwell is great at examining the small, seemingly overlooked things that end up having big impacts in culture. This one and "Blink" were in similar veins and, in my opinion, not nearly as good as some of his later works. I'd only recommend either of these two books if you are a massive Gladwell fan. Honestly, I've forgotten much of what is in either of these books (perhaps the beach distracted me).
JULY
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
Non-Fiction, Cultural Studies
Thoughts: See previous thought above. Fairly forgettable, honestly.
AUGUST
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted A Faith and Fractured A Nation by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Non-Fiction, Church History/Cultural Studies
Thoughts: My dentist (we've been a part of the same church for many years, too) recommended this book to me and I had heard a building buzz about it for about a year before I actually read it. Covering similar ground as a book I read last year "One Nation Under God," "Jesus and John Wayne" carried that forward and looked at surrounding aspects not quite covered in that book — including gender issues in the church. Recommended if you're interested in how we got here and some critical issues facing evangelicalism and our culture. If you appreciated the podcast "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill," you will probably appreciate this book. To be honest, I've wrestled with some previously-held fandom of guys like Mark Driscoll and books like this help me. Your mileage may vary. This one also just barely missed cracking my Top Five (see below).
SEPTEMBER
Intentional Churches: How Implementing an Operating System Clarifies Vision, Improves Decision Making, And Stimulates Growth by Bart Rendel and Doug Parks
Non-Fiction, Church Ministry
Thoughts: I read this one for my role as the executive minister at our church. It's really an advertisement for their group more than a "normal" book. I gleaned a few things and disagreed with others fairly strongly. Recommended if your church is thinking of hiring this outfit.
OCTOBER
The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility by Ray Ortlund
Non-Fiction, Church Ministry/Christian Living
Thoughts: This one is my book of the year, I believe. It's so good, I may be leading a group through it in 2022 at our church. Ray Ortlund approaches this delicate subject from the perspective of a father to a son — and avoids so many of the pitfalls similar books on this topic fall prey to. Ortlund tries to show men God's glory and good and the love of Jesus rather than the traditional approach of "do better, try harder." It also isn't a Driscoll-esque "how dare you" rant, but a humble approach that's hard to put into words here. Recommended for any person of the male species, honestly. Also, I think women could benefit from reading this. Not being a member of that particular tribe, I don't pretend to understand the female brain, but I can't help but think this could be beneficial to anyone, really.
NOVEMBER
Peril by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa
Non-Fiction, Political Science/Current Events
Thoughts: Look, a lot of you love Trump and hate Biden and a lot of you are the flip side of that coin. I will say this book was probably the hardest to put down this year and will make you angry, make you thankful, and, maybe, make you reconsider (depending on how much you allow yourself to be open). With an apt title, this book is filled with fantastic reporting from preeminent journalists. "Peril" is — simply — worthy of your time. This one was *this* close to being my number one book this year. Not "recommended for ..." or "recommended if ... ." Just Recommended.
Love Me Anyway: How God’s Perfect Love Fills Our Deepest Longing by Jared C. Wilson
Non-Fiction, Christian Living
Thoughts: As dc talk once sang "we all wanna be loved." As I mentioned before, Jared is a *fantastic* writer. Jumping off from 1 Corinthians, and deftly interweaving personal stories, he looks at the deepest desire all of us have and shows how only God's love fulfills that longing. Recommended if you've ever wondered if someone could love you (so, probably, you).
DECEMBER
Alright, Alright, Alright: the Oral History of Richard Linklater’s 'Dazed and Confused' by Melissa Maerz
Non-Fiction, Entertainment/Cultural Studies
Thoughts: Last year, I read another oral history book. That one was about "The Office" television show. I enjoy that style, but it's also a bit overwhelming after a bit. This one covered a movie I first saw via word of mouth from my college friend Chris when I was visiting his family in East Tennessee. I think we watch it on laser disc somewhere around 1995-96. To me, however, the true meat of the book is the last few chapters as the author (who happens to be married to one of my favorite writers, Chuck Klosterman) examines the film in light of our penchant for nostalgia. Recommended if you love the film — or have at least seen it more than two or three times — or you grew up in the 1970s or 1990s.
ALL YEAR
The Holy Bible (English Standard Version Bible) [The Bible Project's "The Bible" Bible-In-A-Year Plan via YouVersion Bible App]
Non-Fiction
Thoughts: For my reading this year, I used The Bible Project's plan via the YouVersion app. Beyond daily reading, there were fantastic animated videos for each book that helped give me context, background, and a deeper understanding of what I was about to jump into. Though it took a bit longer, especially on days that had a video, it was well worth the time spent each morning diving into God's word. I don't know what plan I will use next year, but if you're looking for one, you can't go wrong trying this one. Recommended if you're a human being made in your Creator's image.
MY TOP FIVE (besides The Bible, of course)
1. The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility by Ray Ortlund
2. Peril by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa
3. Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How To Restore Our Nation by David French
4. Love Me Anyway: How God’s Perfect Love Fills Our Deepest Longing by Jared C. Wilson
5. Alright, Alright, Alright: the Oral History of Richard Linklater’s 'Dazed and Confused' by Melissa Maerz
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