The Best Books of the Year (So Far)

I love to read and every year I read around 100 books. Many of them are older works that I am just catching up to. Some are related to the subject that I choose to study for the year (this year it’s Jonathan Edwards). But some are newer books that have just been released this year. Here’s the best of all that I’ve read so far.

Best New Books:

1. Bound Together: How We Are Tied Together In Our Good and Bad Choices by Chris Brauns

This is the only new book I have read this year. I was shocked that I hadn’t read more recent publications. It’s okay though, because Brauns’s book was so good that it may be the only new publication I need to read this year. He has written a practical and fresh work on the doctrines of original sin and union with Christ. It has already proved helpful for me as a counselor and I am certain it will serve as a good refresher for years to come. See my full review here.

Best Books I’ve Read:

1. Inerrancy and Worldview  and Inerrancy and the Gospels by Vern Poythress

These two volumes are among the best books I have ever read on the doctrine of inerrancy! Poythress is so accessible, and so aware of the common criticisms and questions be asked of this doctrine. He writes both with a keen eye to those questions and yet is quick to assert that our starting place determines, in many cases, the outcome of our investigation of the Scriptures. His starting place is submission to God’s Word. He demonstrates in breathtaking fashion the impact that worldview has on our acceptance of the doctrine. I loved these books and will use them for years to come! Read my reviews here and here.

2. Redemption by Mike Wilkerson

This is the best book I have read on recovery counseling! Wilkerson both understands the nature of addictions and suffering, and yet understands the way to freedom is through the gospel. He walks us through the book of Exodus making connections between those who suffer and sin and the Israelites, and then shows how the paradigm of salvation found there points us to hope in Christ. This is practical theology in all its grittiness! A book that should be mandatory in counseling courses! See my review here.

3. Secrets of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

How does a lesbian, on the cutting edge of feminist studies, become a Reformed pastor’s wife? Rosaria Butterfield walks us through her journey in this breathtaking autobiography. It is both a wonderful testimony to God’s grace and a helpful reminder of what compassionate, sensitive, loving, and patient friendship can do for those caught in sin. See my full review here.

4. Mind and Cosmos by Thomas Nagel

When an Atheist denies the logic of Darwinian naturalism everyone sits up and takes notice. One of the world’s leading atheist philosophers did just that last year in this captivating book. Tom Nagel has made a very compelling case in this book for the illogic of naturalism, and while he remains distant from Christ we can appreciate his work in this book. See my full review here.

5. Detroit City is the Place to Be by Mark Binelli

As a new resident of the Detroit metro I found this book fascinating. Binelli, a native to the city, has written about the demise and afterlife of this once great metropolis. His narrative is compelling and his insight is hopeful, but not naïve. Detroiters can appreciate this book, while outsiders can learn from it. Binelli loves his city and I hope to develop the same affection for the area in years to come. See my full review here.