Thanks to our friend, Mr. Covid, I read more books than usual this year. Plus, my wife helped me embrace listening to books, so I listened to several during the extra walks I enjoyed, thanks again to our friend. The following are several of my favorite books this year. Skip to the bottom for my most favorite of all. (And sorry for the lack of links – I figure if the book sound intriguing, you can find it easily).
Walkin’ Preacher of the Ozarks by Guy Howard
I learned about this book when I was asked to find a copy and send it to my aunt and my mother. The book is long out of print, but they knew the daughters of Guy Howard in high school back in the day. This book chronicles Howard’s call to preach in the backwoods Ozark mountain region of Missouri, then follows his adventures in starting churches and serving the men and women within reach. Howard walked everywhere – thus the title of the book – carrying the gospel into the hills and people’s hearts. Part of my heritage of being a preacher from the Ozarks, and I enjoy walking.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
My wife first read this book and handed it to me. I never knew of Howard Thurman, but found myself spending inordinate time and thought in the words of this African-American pastor and teacher. He wrote for those whose “backs are against the wall.” He reminds me of the discipline necessary to see one another of different races as individuals, and to treat each other as so. It is said that Martin Luther King, Jr. carried a copy of this book throughout his public life.
Mark of the Christian by Francis Schaeffer
Every follower of Jesus would benefit from this short, powerful work by Francis Schaeffer. Convicting is the word that continues to come to mind, along with love.
Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey
Pushing against today’s narrative that portrays Christianity as hateful and harmful, Pearcey makes the case that Christianity undergirds the dignity of the body, doing so in accord with science. She delves into issues like transgenderism, homosexuality and abortion. She explains how we are “embodied beings,” not just a soul in a shell, our physical bodies matter. Pearcey jumps into the debate and shares why “affirming” is not the loving response it’s made out to be. She writes, “Our feelings do not define us. Our moral commitments do.” I took a lot of notes while working through this book.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Classic western, fabulous adventure. Over one thousand pages long, and when I finished, I wished for a thousand more.
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey
Bailey takes us through the gospels while sharing how Middle Eastern Christians and traditions view the stories of Jesus. Insightful and filled with discovery. This is more of a commentary, and you can skip around and read whatever chapter interests you. This book made a nice addition to my shelf (actually shelves) of commentaries on the scriptures.
The Yellow Cap by Greg Stone
Greg Stone serves with Young Life and is a high school friend of mine. His book chronicles the story of a high school student who was severely injured in a car wreck. Greg follows him and his mother, and himself, through the long years of living in a coma, up until his death and final release. Throughout Greg paints a picture of eternity and the hope found in Jesus. It reminded me of The Shack and I enjoyed the hopefulness Greg brings to a tragic story.
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
I enjoy Wendell Berry, his country style and rural settings, and especially his wicked sharp insight into the world. This fun story about a fascinating character remains one of his best.
Seated with Christ by Heather Holleman
It’s good for me to remember how the Lord looks towards me and considers me, especially in light of the world around me. Heather brings the Lord into focus in this book, encouraging all along the way. This is one of those books to read slowly, a chapter a day, so the ideas soak into your mind and soul.
The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett
I often read books by really good writers, both to enjoy their work and spur my development. This is one of those books. Beautifully written.
Rebel Yell by S.C. Gwynne
The best book I read in 2020. I hardly put down this biography of General Stonewall Jackson of the Confederate Armies during the American Civil War. When the war started, Jackson taught math and artillery at the Virginia Military Institute (which only recently removed his statue from its prominent location). He was killed during the war, but not before entering history as one of America’s greatest military leaders, North or South, before or since. How did a bumbling, socially awkward professor, ridiculed by his students, develop into a leader whose tactics are still studied today? Certain men appear destined for their times, and Jackson certainly seemed born for war. His accidental death helped turn the tide for the North. Despite being a Unionist, I found the story of his transformation from professor to general, and his subsequent audacious leadership, utterly fascinating.
