The 5 Best Books I Read in 2018

I recently heard a man say “If we could live a thousand years and experience a thousand relationships in the thousand times and places and cultures that offer themselves, perhaps we wouldn’t need books in order to become wise. But our lives are short, and God has been merciful to give many places, many times, many cultures, and many insights distilled into books.” I couldn’t agree more! I look forward to a life time of reading and am grateful for the books that came my way this year.

Without further adieu, these are the 5 best books I’ve read this year (with a couple honourable mentions).

The Help (2009) by Kathryn Stockett

I’m a sucker for good historical fiction, and this one was fantastic. Hard to put down and hard to hold back the tears and the laughs. Follows the story of African-American maids in 1960’s Mississippi and the white woman who wants to chronicle their stories. I loved the way Stockett wrote the book in the first person from the viewpoint of three characters. Remarkable, eye opening and relevant.

Balanced Christianity (1975) by John Stott

This short book (my copy had a mere 105 pages) was refreshing, brilliant and relevant. I found myself astonished that it was published in 1975 when most things Stott wrote were very pertinent to the issues I’ve been wrestling with in 2018! A really fair and enjoyable read that is inspiring and invigorating. Stott discusses the role of using the intellect and emotions, being conservative while being radical, having freedom whilst having form and doing evangelism without neglecting social action. A highly recommended book that helps the reader live well in a polarised world and a polarised Church!

The Signature of Jesus (1988) by Brennan Manning 

Former Roman-Catholic priest Brennan Manning is best known for his grace-filled book The Ragamuffin Gospel. This book is the follow up (although it can be read on its own) which discusses discipleship. Manning has a unique ability to give you a good kick in the pants whilst preventing you from condemning yourself or becoming discouraged. He paints a picture of radical discipleship and always leads the reader to Jesus, the Spirit and our Abba Father. A book to be savoured rather than gulped. I hope to re-read it in the years to come, which is not something I say very often.

Scripture and the Authority of God (2013) by N.T Wright

N.T. Wright is a (somewhat) conservative New Testament scholar, former Anglican Bishop and theologian who has an obvious high regard for the Bible, but does not lean towards worshipping it. This fact alone is invigorating. His approach to scripture is really refreshing (I love his 5 act model/hermeneutic) and enjoyable. I had to re-read a couple of the chapters (the chapter on the enlightenment is worth the price of the book!) because it was just too good. Recommended to anyone who takes part in reading, studying or approaching the Bible. Endorsements from legendary conservative theologian JI Packer, post-modern theologian John Franke, and the controversial writer Brian McLaren, demonstrate how fruitful Wright’s thoughts are in many different contexts.

The Hound of the Baskervilees (1902) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Never read any Sherlock Holmes stories before? This is quintessential Holmes and the place to begin! The setting, the characters, the dialogue, the pace, the mystery and the descriptions are all so superb and well worth reading. 116 years makes this story like a well aged cheese, only getting better with time (not that I know anything about cheese….). It’s also pretty short, hovering at just above 110 pages and easy to find a copy of.

Honourable Mentions

Out of the Shadows: Let’s Get Real About the Gay Issue (2008) by Graham Ingram

Part memoir and part non-fiction, this must be one of the most unique Christian books on the topic of sexuality because it comes from a respected internationally based, Calvinistic, fairly conservative, evangelical pastor who was gay and well-acquainted with gay culture. Will be controversial for most of it’s readers (some thinking he goes too far and others not far enough) but compassion-inducing for all. Highly recommended and (once again) very relevant!

A Week in the Life of Corinth (2012) by Ben Witherington III

I’m becoming more and more convinced that story is one of the best tools for education. Brilliant! A historical fiction-novella from a top New Testament scholar and historian. Think Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers but with even better historical background and less plot. This book was invaluable for my understanding of 1st Corinthians. Witherington truly made the New Testament world come alive with an engaging plot and short, readable chapters. The added historical background (via the textbook like blurbs) were greatly appreciated. I wish a scholar like Witherington would do a full blown novel about the life of Paul or John! If you’re interested in Roman Empire era history, the Bible and you love fiction….look no further.

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

What were the best books you read this year?

Click HERE to see the best books I read last year (2017).