2021 Reading Recap and Favorites

It’s time for an end of the year update on my reading challenge. Hang on, this is a long post with lots of links. 

My goal for 2021 was to read 104 books (2 per week), and I HAVE met that goal! Yay! There are technically a few pages left to finish because my final two are a year-long devotional and a through-the-Bible-in-a-year reading schedule we’re doing with friends from church - but I went ahead and marked them as finished on my Goodreads page since I’m definitely going to be done in time and I wanted the page counts to be accurate for this post. 

I’m super grateful for the way these books have stretched my brain, taught me more about God and myself and others, and just brought a lot of joy into my life. It’s challenging to choose favorites, but I narrowed it down to the top ten and came up with this list (arranged in the order in which I read them). All these Amazon links are affiliate, meaning I’ll get a tiny kickback if you click through and order.  

1. Lost! A harrowing true story of disaster at sea, Thomas Thompson 

This was actually the very first book I finished in 2021, and it was definitely memorable. I have read many true life adventure stories, including a number of tales of people who were capsized at sea. But this is the first featuring a devout Seventh Day Adventist and an agnostic. The story gives much to ponder on the role of God’s will vs. human effort. How can a believer take care that their “faith" does not become a liability in desperate situations? Absolutely fascinating, superbly written, and a story that will stay with me for a long time. 

2. This Too Shall Last, K.J. Ramsey 

I got SO much encouragement from this book. K.J. deals with chronic illness issues also, and her perspective of God’s tender love towards those who are suffering was tremendously helpful. I underlined all the way through, and probably annoyed my FB friends with all the quotes I posted, petty much every day for a couple weeks. I’d recommend this book to anyone struggling to trust God through suffering. 

3. Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, Ellen Vaughn

I have read stacks of books by and about EE over the years, and listened to many of her radio programs and other presentations. I’m quite familiar with her story, yet this biography filled in many gaps and gave me a much better sense of who Betty really was “behind the scenes.” The author has thoughtfully and fairly portrayed EE as a very real human, with relatable weakness and strengths, dreams and questions. Her example of trusting God even through seasons of grief and “strange ashes” is something I will always look up to. So thankful for this book! I’m already looking forward to volume 2. 

4. Sick and Tired: Empathy, encouragement, and practical help for those suffering from chronic health problems, Kimberly Rae 

I’d recommend this book to any person facing chronic illness. It is like a lovely chat with a friend further down the path, one who has a great sense of humor and a solid faith in God’s goodness. This is a book I need to reread often. The others in this series that I’ve read are also good, and they are all quite inexpensive on Kindle. 

5. Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund 

There are a few minor theological points I’m not sure I agree with, but otherwise this is such an encouraging book and I understand why it has been so popular in many circles. Worth reading slowly, a chapter a day, for fuller savoring and application. Looks like they have a study guide and video series out now, for group studies. I read this one from the library but want to get my own copy of the book so I can mark my favorite quotes for easier reference. 

6. Forgotten God, Francis Chan

I read this book alongside a Bible study the kids and I did this summer on the first chapters of Acts. Our pastor was also preaching through Acts at the time, so I was learning about the Holy Spirit on all sides. Growing up in conservative circles, I heard very little about Him - so this was a much needed study for me, and one that changed the way I think about God. This is an easy-to-read book, not intimidating even for those who are a little wary of the topic, as I was. Very Scripturally solid and balanced. 

7. Boundaries for Your Soul, by Alison Cook & Kimberly Miller

I actually read this book in 2020, but pulled it out again this year and went through it more slowly as I talked through the concepts with my counsellor. I can truly say it was deeply life-changing for me, and helped me work through some old baggage. 

8. The Tanglewoods’ Secret, Patricia St. John 

I don’t cry over books easily, but this one had me so choked up at several points that I had to stop reading it to the kids for a bit. My mom read it to us many years ago, but the beautiful portrayal of Jesus as a Good Shepherd touched me in far deeper ways this time. Such a sweet, memorable story, and one I was delighted to be able to share with my kids. 

9. Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life, Emily P. Freeman 

This one had been on my shelf for quite a while, and I wish I hadn’t waited so long to pick it up. It’s one of those rare books where it felt like the author was in my head, and I underlined a ton because everything was so spot-on. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who has been raised with a solid knowledge of the Bible and wonders why it often feels so hard, so fake. This helped me understand God’s grace and love for ME in needful ways, and I know I’ll have it on my re-read stack. 

10. Untwisting Scriptures that were used to tie you up, gag you, and tangle your mind (Book 2, Patriarchy and Authority), Rebecca Davis 

I’d seen many recommendations for this series for several years, but was wary of them because the title seemed angry and deconstructionist, and I was pretty sure I’d find the viewpoints frustratingly unBiblical. But then I grabbed an ebook copy of this one for free and eventually decided to give it a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by the author’s respectful approach to Scripture and her clear calling out of many Christian teachings I have also seen as deeply problematic. I can’t vouch for the rest of her series since I haven’t read those yet, but I’m glad I read this one and I wish I’d had input like this 20+ years ago. 

All the books I read in 2021. The color key is:
Dark blue = Christian non-fiction
Light blue = secular non-fiction
Red = Christian fiction
Pink = secular fiction

Looking ahead to next year... 

I’ve done the Tim Challies reading challenge for several years now and really enjoyed it (find his for 2022 here), but I think I’ll change it up a bit for 2022 and try this one. 

That list only has 52 prompts, but I’m hoping to hit more around 100 books again since that seems to be a pretty good pace. So I’ll plan on using this beautiful page as a master log of ALL the books I finish. I'll also log them on Goodreads, since that’s so handy - follow me there if you aren't already! 

I also have really enjoyed listening to The Literary Life podcast the past couple years, and loosely following their reading challenges. They do a GREAT job explaining more difficult books that I probably wouldn’t tackle on my own, and it’s basically a homework-free literature course. Super educational! So I’ll be doing that again as I have time, but won’t stress if I don’t fully fill out this chart. 

Did you set a reading goal for 2021? How did you do with it? What were your favorite titles? If you've read any of these on my list, let me know what you thought of them! If you’re still looking for a challenge to follow in the coming year, there are a TON of options here. 

Here’s to another great year of reading! I’m looking forward to all the books I’ll discover in 2022.

Book review: Daughters of the King

This lovely book, Daughters of the King, is a true treasure! I was admittedly a bit hesitant initially, having read my share of cheesy moralizing tales over the years. But with her honest, humble grasp of real life struggles, Natasha Metzler quickly laid my cynicism to rest. 

The topics addressed in these beautiful stories are keenly relatable and very relevant to any young woman (or older - I kept wanting to highlight passages!). The allegories are easy to spot, but are not heavy-handed or forced. I especially loved that not all the chapters end with a “Prince Charming”, yet all point to the joy found in serving wherever the King chooses. I was challenged and uplifted by the reminders of the high calling I have as a daughter of the King. 

 I can’t wait to introduce my six-year-old daughter to Daughters of the King when she is just a little older. ❤ This would be a beautiful volume to give to any pre-teen or teen, or to use as a discussion starter in a book club or Bible study. I wish I'd had it when I was growing up. 

Pre-order the Kindle version here (#ad), or order the print version at the same link when it releases on September 14!

Book Review: Love, Paris

I rarely make time to read fiction, even Christian fiction - but if more books were like Love, Paris I would read them all! 

This book is SO much more than just an engaging story, though I did find it very hard to put down. It beautifully captures an inspiring walk of faith and the shows restoration that God can bring to a heart that is surrendered to Him. God really can work through each of our stories and bring something beautiful from the mistakes and pain and loss! 

Each of the characters is well-developed and believable, and I loved the humorous exchanges they shared. The romance storyline is sweet and made me chuckle because all the second-guessing is so realistic. I also loved the way several of the characters had such vibrant prayer lives, quick to pray about everything that came into their days and to be there for others in the same way. 

As one who grew up in a conservative Christian home, I found those facets of the storyline familiar and well-portrayed. I appreciated that the author did not feel compelled to wrap it all up with a perfectly happy (and fake-feeling) ending, but instead showed how God can bring freedom and peace and joy even when difficult circumstances remain. 

So many encouraging Biblical truths are woven through the pages of this story, yet it somehow never feels “preachy” or that the storyline has been forced to fit in spiritual references. I found myself highlighting a number of passages that spoke to what I need right now. 

I would recommend this book to any Christian woman, and I look forward to sharing it with my daughter when she is a teenager. 

Thanks to the author for letting me read an advance copy as part of the launch team! The official launch date is February 16, 2021, but you can pre-order your copy on Amazon NOW, available in Kindle or print. #ad 

Book review: Love Changes Everything

Love Changes Everything (#affiliate)
By Micah Berteau, 2019

With the subtitle "Finding What's Real in a World Full of Fake", this is a book that many need to read. The focus is on God's amazing, unconditional love for each of us, and how realizing and internalizing that truth will truly "change everything". The author takes a closer look at the story of Hosea and Gomer, finding truths that will apply to any of us in our relationship with our heavenly Bridegroom. He also lays out what true love is, as defined in Scripture, and how we can display it to others.

I think this book is most appropriate for a millenial reader, perhaps especially those who have not been believers very long or those unaccustomed to reading much theology. It is full of references to pop culture, and is written in a simple, easy to read style.

As I do not personally fit this target audience, this book was not as meaningful to me personally as I had hoped. I found it to be rather hard to follow and lacking a logical progression from chapter to chapter...it is more like a collection of motivational essays than a well-planned volume. But nonetheless it holds much truth that I trust will encourage all readers to examine their own view of God.

Thanks to the folks at Handlebar for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Books I Read in 2018

Since my earliest memories, I have been a bookworm. Throughout my girlhood and teenage years I devoured pretty much any book I could get my hands on, and after high school I delved even deeper into topics that interested me. It was a wonderful form of self-education! But for several years after I became a wife and then a mother, I mostly laid aside my books. My time was now being claimed by others and it felt selfish to prioritize reading when there were so many other important things to attend to.

This mindset changed when I read an article (somewhere; unfortunately I can't remember the author) stating that reading is actually very unselfish because it equips us to be a more engaging conversationalist. Only when we continually feed our mind well will we have a rich feast to serve to others. For me,"others" includes friends, extended family, my husband, and my children - for whom I want to set an example of loving books and learning.

With this shift in perspective, I was so excited make reading a high priority in 2018 and to not just meet, but to more than double my original goal of 24 books this year: I hit 60 total. YAY!

I've had quite a few people ask me lately how I make time to read this many books as a homeschooling, WAHM with 3 kids under age 6. Honestly, it all comes down to choosing how to spend my spare minutes. If I'm waiting in the car for a few minutes or send all the children out to run around the yard, I can opt to scroll FB, or I can grab a book (I keep several in progress titles handy around the house) and read a few pages. I've dealt with a lot of insomnia this year, so those late night hours sometimes let me get through quite a few chapters. I also try to get in at least a chapter or two a night after the family is in bed, sequestered in the bathroom where no one will bother me even if they do get up for something. ;) It's amazing how even a chapter a day has gotten me through a lot of books this year! Audio books don't work well for me, especially now with chronic illness that has made me extra sensitive to noises and such, but I know they have been a game-changer for many moms. Basically, if you want to read you can find a way to fit it in somewhere. I am so glad I have!

Without further rabbit trailing, here are the books that filled my reading list, along with Amazon affiliate links. I'll only take time to review the most notable titles here, but please do ask questions if you're wondering what I thought of any of these.

Biographies/Autobiographies/Memoirs

If I could only read a dozen books a year, I'd probably choose that 3/4 of them would be memoirs. I love the way they give an inside peek at another person's experiences - and, when well-written, they are harder for me to put down than fiction. I found some really excellent titles this year and am grateful for the ways they helped me think in new ways.

Unbroken is unquestionably the best of this genre that I read - just an incredible, nearly unbelievable story that is life-changing! We watched the original movie about it this fall, and I'm looking forward to the new one whenever it's our turn to get it from the library. This is a story of courage and faith that everyone should read.

I very rarely read any WW2 books because they are emotionally heart-wrenching, but In Our Hearts We Were Giants caught my eye at the library and it was such a interesting read. I'd never really considered before how physical challenges would have made the concentration camps even more dangerous. This is an amazing story of a very brave family.

The Indifferent Stars Above is a memorable and detailed look at the Donner Party story. I found it very hard to put down, but it is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me is one of those rare books that had me literally laughing and crying in the same paragraph. I really appreciated the author's perspective and enjoyed his clever way with words.

Christian non-fiction

I spent a lot of time in this genre again this year, and found some really amazing books. Obviously I don't agree with all the ideas in all of these books, but each was worth the read.

Just Open The Door wins my Favorite Book Of The Year award for being very practical and convicting in the area of hospitality. She makes it seem doable for anyone, and does a great job addressing all the "excuses" that come up. It is a book I know I will pick up again and again, and I'd love to do it as a group read sometime for the accountability of application.

I also enjoyed reading three books by Angie Smith this year, and was especially encouraged by What Women Fear: it was just what I needed. I Will Carry You is also excellent, and one I would recommend to anyone going through a hard time.

Parenting and Give Them Grace are both amazing books and though I might not agree on every tiny point they have done a lot to re-shape my view of motherhood. Highly recommended!

Fiction

I am pretty picky about fiction and generally choose to spend my reading time elsewhere. But this year, almost by accident, I discovered a new favorite fiction author, Michele Phoenix. Of Stillness and Storm and The Space Between Words are all that Christian fiction should be: thought-provoking, spiritually rich without being preachy, hard to set down, and memorable.

Also notable in this category is the Noah trilogy written by an old friend of Joe's, which reminded me why I read so much Biblical historical fiction years ago - really good!

By Ways Unseen is a LOTR-ish fantasy story I was privileged to design the cover for, and one I really enjoyed reading. Looking forward to book two when it comes out!

Miscellaneous non-fiction

Some of these almost could have fit in the memoir/biography/autobiography category, but didn't seem to exactly belong there. Others are written by Christian authors and could possibly fit under the Christian non-fiction category, but I put them here since the content was not overtly religious.

The Read-Aloud Family was a bit of a disappointment to me, as I'd heard others review it so highly. I was left feeling like it made family reading times complicated and a "duty" rather than just a normal part of life as I'd always seen them. But I did glean a few helpful ideas.

I really enjoy keeping a clean house already (when I feel well enough to keep up with it!), but the two Dana K. White books on cleaning and decluttering were surprisingly helpful and insightful. I'd recommend them to anyone, and especially to those who find housework and clutter overwhelming. They're practical but also super fun and quick to read.

Long Chapter Books Read Aloud to the Children

I decided these should count towards my yearly total since I did read them, every word. :) It's been fun to read aloud to the children more this year since they are old enough to understand and appreciate full length stories! My illness kept this number lower than I wished, but hopefully we'll be able to do a lot more in the year ahead.

The most notable title here is Little Pilgrim's Progress. It is a full-length retelling of the classic Pilgrim's Progress, in easy to read English, and with the main characters making the journey as children. Lukas hung on to every word and it opened the door for lots of great conversations about spiritual topics. He still keeps the book on the shelf by his bed because he likes it so much. :)





Have YOU read any of these books? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Looking ahead to 2019, I am hoping to tackle this list - at least the committed level with 52 books, but hopefully beyond. Joe is planning to join me, and I'd love to have a bunch of you along for the ride as well! What are your reading goals for the new year?