For the past few years, my wife and I have challenged each other to read more. 2023 was a particularly busy year in my life, work, and ministry, but I did end up reading 44.

Here’s a list of the books I read with a brief description. I share these in case any of these books sound interesting to you. But first, I want to highlight a few books I enjoyed most…

THE AWARDS

Nathaniel’s Book of the Year

Elisabeth Elliot: A Life
by Lucy S. R. Austen (Crossway, 2023)

I grew up knowing the story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and friends’ martyrdom. I read Elisabeth Elliot’s Through Gates of Splendor and knew of her return to the live with the people who’d killed her husband. But I really didn’t know much about Elisabeth Elliot the person.

That changed when I read Lucy S. R. Austen’s masterful biography of Elisabeth Elliot. Austen tells all of Elliot’s story, from the triumphs and the tragedies. She doesn’t gloss over the thorny issues in Elliots life, such as her difficult later marriages, friction with Rachel Saint, theological inconsistencies, and her ongoing battle to master her own frosty personality. But the book never feels salacious or gossipy; Austen seems to be trying to emulate Elliot’s own method of writing biography — to tell the truth, plain and simple. Yet in it all, Elisabeth Elliot’s humanity shines through the pages. She was an imperfect person whom God used to do amazing things, and Austen’s own admiration for her subject is clear.

Sadly, being named my book of the year won’t guarantee any more book sales or golden stickers on the cover. But I do hope you’ll read this wonderful book for yourself.

(If you want to hear more, check out the Christ and Culture conversation with Mrs. Austen: “The Humanity of Elisabeth Elliot.“)

The Book That Demanded to be a Part of my Intern Reading

Deep Discipleship: How the Church Can Make Whole Disciples of Jesus
by J. T. English (B&H, 2022)

How can churches develop disciples? How can church leaders structure ministries so that discipleship goes from being an ideal to a reality? Deep Discipleship is a helpful book that answers these questions and more. It complements one of the books I return to often, The Trellis and the Vine. Whereas The Trellis and the Vine explores how the church is both organism and an organization, Deep Discipleship explores how to structure the trellis in such a way as to facilitate healthy growth of the vine.

It’s a fantastic book, and our interns will study it this year.

The Biggest Eye Opener

Educated
by Tara Westover (Random House, 2018)

Educated is a memoir about Tara Westover’s experience growing up in a conspiracy-minded Mormon sect. At first, Westover’s family’s eccentricities are mildly humorous. But as the book progresses, things take a darker turn. The book highlights lessons the evangelical church would be wise to learn — such as the dangers of tolerating abuse and sweeping it under the rug.

The Children’s Book I Just Couldn’t Put Down

Secret Keepers
by Trenton Lee Stewart (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016)

In recent years, our family read Trenton Lee Stewart’s Benedict Society series. And while I enjoyed those books, Secret Keepers was on another level. Honestly, I devoured this book. Young Reuben finds a mysterious watch, and his journey leads him to meet an eclectic band of characters, uncover dark secrets, and face danger at every turn. Secret Keepers is so tightly constructed, and its characters so vivid. I couldn’t put this one down.

The Book for Parents Who Really, Really Enjoy Reading Out Loud

The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared
by Alice Ozma (Grand Central Publishing, 2011)

When Alice Ozma was in fourth grade, her dad pledged to read to her for 100 straight days. “The streak,” as the called it, didn’t just last 100 days — it lasted 3,218! It only ended as she embarked for college. This book tells the story by highlighting key moments throughout the journey.

THE REST OF THE 2023 READING LIST

Books I Read with my Kids

The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016)

The Wild Robot is a modern-day classic novel about a robot who learns what it means to truly live. It’ll tug at your heart strings.

Sing Down the Moon
by Scott O’Dell (1970)

This book is a fictionalized account of a young Native American who experiences the Trail of Tears and westward expansion. A powerful book.

The Silver Chair
by C. S. Lewis (1953)

My kids loved this entry in the Chronicles of Narnia series. While it’s not quite to the level of The Horse and His Boy, Puddleglum is one of Lewis’ all-time best characters.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J. R. Rowling (Scholastic, 1999)

I love sharing these Potter books with my kids, and boy were they into this one. I had to spoil the ending for my daughter, who was seriously afraid of the looming threat of Sirius Black, but they loved reading this classic book.

Fiction

The False Prince
by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Scholastic, 2012)

Katie was a huge fan of this book and couldn’t wait to share it with me. I can see why. The protagonist Sage is a delightful, street-smart character who, despite his persistent troublemaking, makes those around him better. And as for twists? Boy does this novel have a good one. One of my favorites of the year.

The Runaway King
by Jennifer A. Nielson (Scholastic, 2013)

The sequel to The False Prince doesn’t reach the same heights as its predecessor, but it still stands well on its own. Our protagonist is settling into his new role as King, but things fall apart — and he once again finds himself in a pickle with no way out.

The Shadow Throne
by Jennifer A. Nelson (Scholastic, 2014)

Sadly, The Shadow Throne is my least favorite of the the initial three False Prince books. There are still fun moments, but I got bogged down in all the battles and conflict. But, once again, our hero finds himself in a situation with no escape and… well, you know what happens.

The Monster in the Hollows: The Wingfeather Saga Book 3
by Andrew Peterson (Waterbrook, 2020)

Last year, I wrote how the early Wingfeather books weren’t my favorite, but I kept pushing through. Well by book 3, my decision to read them was worth it. Each book in the series is better than the last, and The Monster in the Hollows fleshes out its characters and touches on themes of community, brokenness, and forgiveness.

The Warden and the Wolf King: The Wingfeather Saga Book 4
by Andrew Peterson (Waterbrook, 2020)

The Warden and the Wolf King made the whole Wingfeather Saga worth it. Honestly, this book feels like an entirely different book than the first book. Peterson is in his element here, writing complex characters, navigating a weighty plot, and exploring powerful themes of redemption, healing, sacrifice, and more. It’s a superb culmination to the saga.

Pembrick’s Creaturepedia: The Wingfeather Saga
by Andrew Peterson (Waterbrook, 2021)

Pembrick’s Creaturepedia is to the Wingfeather Saga what Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is to the Harry Potter series: an encyclopedia of fictional magical creatures in the books.

The Mighty Miss Malone
by Christopher Paul Curtis (Yearling, 2012)

Deza Malone was a minor character in Christopher Paul Curtis’ classic book, Bud, Not Buddy. This book tells her story, and boy it is a weighty one. The book is filled with poverty, sadness, and tragedy, but Deza is a character you root for.

Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle
by Washington Irving

Every year I try to read a few classic books. I found this one at a used book store. The stories within were… not my favorites. But now I can check them off the list.

The Black Star of Kingston
by S. D. Smith (Story Warren Books, 2015)

Various members of my family love the expansive world of the Green Ember Saga. While I can’t say it’s my favorite, I did enjoy this small companion novel about some heroic bunnies (yep, you read that right). Smith excels at depicting characters with bravery, courage, and heroism, and that’s on full display here.

The Last Archer
by S. D. Smith (Story Warren Books, 2017)

Another companion novel to the Green Ember series, this time about — you guessed it — a young archer.

The Time Machine
by H. G. Wells (1895)

I re-read this classic sci-fi novel this year, and it remains a must-read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi.

Sackett’s Land
by Louis L’Amour (1974)

Louis L’Amour was a prolific writer of westerns. Katie and I decided to read some of his books this year. Sackett’s Land, oddly enough, starts out in England, as it tracks its’ protagonists’ journey to the new world.

Taggart
by Louis L’Amour (1959)

Definitely the better of the two Louis L’Amour books we read this year. This one does take place out west, and you understand why people enjoyed L’Amour’s depictions of the western terrain. Be warned, though: Lots of stereotypical and racist depictions of Native Americans.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic, 1997)

This book needs no introduction. Katie gave me a collector’s edition of the book, so we re-read it together.

Christian Nonfiction

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
by Donald S. Whitney (Navpress, 1991)

While it’s not my favorite book on spiritual disciplines, Whitney does a wonderful job of explaining and exploring the various spiritual disciplines. (Though I’d quibble with whether journaling is actually a spiritual discipline, as defined by the Bible.)

The Work of the Pastor
by William Still

One of my all-time favorite books on pastoral ministry. It’s punchy, razor-sharp, and essential reading for anyone aspiring to pastoral ministry.

The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction
by Eugene Peterson (Eerdmans, 1993)

I want to be like Eugene Peterson when I grow up. The Contemplative Pastor is one of Peterson’s best books, and his chapter on “The Unbury Pastor” is worth the price of the book alone. Seriously, if you haven’t read it, go do so now.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
by John Mark Comer (Waterbrook, 2019)

“Most of us are too busy to follow Jesus.” This simple but horrifying truth provokes the need for a book like “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.” John Mark Comer repackages timeless wisdom for millennials like me who are far too busy for our own good.

The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians
by D. A. Carson (Baker, 1993)

Another timeless book on Christian ministry. Carson exposits key texts from 1 Corinthians and applies them to pastors.

The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything
by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne (Matthias Media, 2009)

How is the church an organism? What role does organization (i.e., church structures) play in the growth of the church? A fantastic book on what real ministry entails.

We Go On: Finding Purpose in All of Life’s Sorrows and Joys
by John Onwuchekwa (Zondervan, 2022)

A beautiful, raw book on finding hope in suffering. The book itself (formatting, photography, etc) is also beautifully put together.

The Augustine Way: Retrieving a Vision for the Church’s Apologetic Witness
by Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen (Baker Academic, 2023)

What can Augustine teach us about apologetics? How was his day like ours, and what tactics can we learn from his approach? Chatraw and Allen discuss in their new book, The Augustine Way. (You can also listen to our Christ and Culture episode on this book: “Augustine’s Approach to a Changing Culture.“)

Astrobiology and Christian Doctrine: Exploring the Implications of Life in the Universe
by Andrew Davison (Cambridge University Press, 2023)

What if extraterrestrial life were… real? What if that extraterrestrial life were intelligent? How would the existence of alien life jive with what we know to be true from the Scriptures? I’ve long pondered these questions myself. In this book, Andrew Davison explores them from scientific and the best of the Christian tradition. While I don’t agree with all his conclusions, I appreciate his thoughtfulness.

Pastoring Small Towns; Help and Hope for Those Ministering in Smaller Places
by Donnie Griggs and Ronnie Martin (B&H, 2023)

An ode (and a challenge) to pastors like me who shepherd churches in small towns and rural communities.

Sports

Make the Call: Game-Day Wisdom for Life’s Defining Moments
by Mark Richt (B&H, 2021)

Make the Call serves as both a memoir and a book of life tips. Mark Richt, beloved Dawg coach, shares from his life, decisions, successes, and failures. If you’re a Dawg fan, you should check it out.

The Teammates: A Portrait of Friendship
by David Halberstam (Hyperion, 2003)

A care little about the Boston Red Sox. But I adored this book about some Red Sox players — Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dominic DiMaggio, and Johnny Pesky — from their early years to late in life. A celebration of baseball and friendship.

The Racers: How an Outcast Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Challenged Hitler’s Best
by Neal Bascomb (Scholastic, 2020)

A book about racing… and Hitler? How could you not want to read this one? Sports is at its best when it draws communities (and nations) together. That’s what happened in World War II with a washed up race car driver, an upstart racing team led by a woman, and the whole of France supporting a race against a German powerhouse.

General Nonfiction

The Undoing Project: A Friendship that Changed Our Minds
by Michael Lewis (W. W. Norton and Co, 2016)

Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky were two friends who happened to be scientists, and their work changed psychology forever.

Outliers: The Story of Success
Malcolm Gladwell (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

I went on a Malcom Gladwell kick this year, and it began with his book Outliers. What makes high achievers different? The answer has much little to do with innate ability, and much more to one’s community, family, and something as seemingly random as when you’re born.

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
by Malcolm Gladwell (Little, Brown and Company, 2000)

Epidemics don’t just happen in medicine; they happen in ideas. But what causes those “tipping points”? Malcom Gladwell explores.

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
by Malcolm Gladwell (2013)

What makes Davids beat Goliath’s? Maybe it has less to do with luck, and more to do with the fact that one’s greatest strength can also be one’s greatest weakness.

It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership
by Colin Powell, Tony Koltz (Harper, 2012)

Colin Powell has a famous list of 13 leadership principles, including tips such as, “It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.” This book expands on Powell’s principles.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World
by William H. McRaven (Grand Central publishing, 2017)

McrRaven delivered a commencement speech that went viral. This book is an expanded meditation on that speech.

Common Sense
by Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine’s treatise lays out a foundation for why American independence was morally necessary. I was impressed with how he saturated his argument with the Scriptures. I’m not sure his theology was entirely sound, but he at least spoke eloquently to and about religious people.

C. S. Lewis: Memories and Reflections
by John Lawlor (1998)

Some memories of Lewis from one of his colleagues. If you enjoy Lewis and his writings, you’ll probably find some nuggets in this one.