January Reads

January 2020: the month I couldn’t get enough books.

Okay, fine, that’s every month.

Here’s a list of the ones consumed this month:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Wonderful. Magical. Mesmerizing. Incomparably better than the movie. I read Little Women in middle school but couldn’t remember it, so when the movie trailers started circulating, I bought the book to re-read before watching the movie. Unpopular opinion: I could have done without the movie.

The Power of Christian Contentment: Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy by Andrew Davis

Stop reading this and order this book. It’s rich and practical, convicting and encouraging, and full of truth that leads to heart explosions and worship.

“Many Christians live such discontent lives that they are never asked by any of the similarly discontent unbelievers surrounding them to give a reason for the hope that they have (1 Pet. 3:-5), because they don’t evidently have any hope.” -Andy Davis, The Power of Christian Contentment

Fight Your Fears: Trusting God’s Character and Promises When You Are Afraid by Kristen Wetherell

Kristen was my editor at Unlocking the Bible and I will read anything she writes. She is such a gift to me and the church. When the opportunity came up to be a part of her launch team for this particular book, it was a no brainer. Recently, I’ve become increasingly aware of big fears that swirl in my soul and threaten to choke out the life therein and this book was wonderfully helpful. I am so thankful the Lord gave Kristen these Gospel-drenched, hope-filled words and I cannot wait to continue learning from them and sharing them with others as He uses them to honor Himself. He is worthy and this book is a gem. Pre-order it in bulk and give it to all your friends.

Find more information and watch her beautiful book trailer here.

Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves

The content of the book was great. However, I really struggled with how the book was laid out. The content itself, however, was excellent and helpful for this heart so prone to legalism and fear.

Struck: One Christian’s Reflections on Encountering Death by Russ Ramsey

“Often the best gifts we can give each other cost nothing.” – Russ Ramsey, Struck

I loved this book. Russ Ramsey is a beautiful wordsmith who is raw and real and conveys truth so eloquently I didn’t want the book to end. I’m grateful for his story and that he has vulnerably shared it with us. 

The Accidental Feminist: Restoring Our Delight in God’s Good Design by Courtney Reissig

I’m a big fan of this book. Highly recommend. Especially as a consideration to work through with high school or college girls, as the content is “radical” to our current society but extremely necessary and highly relevant.

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Tim Keller

After hearing this book talked up for years, I finally read it. Well, I listened to it. It was as good as the hype.

“Everyone will be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come to naught.

“Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath and behind this one, and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever.” –Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work

Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I read it basically once a year and it never disappoints. This year I listened to it and, while not as great as reading, it was again delightful.

Humble Calvinism by J.A. Medders

My boyfriend and I listened to this on a weekend road trip to see my family. It was easy to listen to and packed with what is, unfortunately, needed exhortation for the reformed family. I’m grateful for J.A. Medders words, humor, and heart. He is gentle and firm, truth-telling and fun. I recommend this book.

“Many of us who love to love the ‘doctrines of grace’ have not grown in showing grace, We have not become more gracious, kind, tender, and compassionate. And that can only mean one thing: we actually don’t know the doctrines of grace. Sure, we know the points and can rehearse the arguments and even recall verses to support the five petals of the TULIP. But an arrogant and argumentative Calvinist is just a Pharisee with a fresh coat of paint.” -J.A. Medders, Humble Calvinism

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

One of my goals is to be constantly reading books on counseling and books on writing. This was the writing book of the month and it was short and straightforward and interesting. 

“He is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write. He is careful of what he learns, for that is what he will know.” – Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

I love Katherine Reay’s books. She tells beautiful stories that are packed with literary references and humor and sweetness. This may not have been my favorite Katherine Reay book, but I still enjoyed it greatly and find it hard to resist a book about a bookshop. So much happy. I’m grateful for the grace of a story that fills your mind and transports you into it.

I would love to hear what you’re reading!