My 8 Favorite Books of the Past Year

A while back I set a goal to read and listen to 100 books each year. I hit my goal again in 2022 with the same 70/30 ratio of print books to audio books. I like to draw from different categories of books, and this past year my reading/listening list spanned eight genres. Here are my favorite books from each category, plus a runner-up in each and my Book of the Year.

Art and Creativity

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work?by Michael B. Crawford

This book was a surprise, mainly because working with my hands is pretty much restricted to typing. Yet I found this book by a motorcycle mechanic to be engaging and challenging. Engaging because Michael Crawford is a superb writer and challenging because his book caused me to think differently about the dignity of working with physical rather than metaphysical objects.?

Runner up:?Handmade?by Gary Rogowski

Christian Living

Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care?by Uche Anizor

I could be accused of bias because Dr. Anizor is an associate professor of theology at Biola University, where I received my M.A. in Christian Apologetics and serve on the board of trustees. But many others agree that his book on breaking the cycle of apathy—a sad characteristic of many in this present age—is superbly written and highly practical. So much so that?Christianity Today?picked?Overcoming Apathy?as its Book of the Year.?

Runner up:?Prayer in the Night?by Tish Harrison Warren

Creation Care

Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s for Hope and Healing in a Divided World?by Katharine Hayhoe

Creation care should not be controversial (after all, God told Adam to steward his creation), but it has become a political football, with both sides of the climate change debate accusing the other of taking an extreme position.?Saving Us?is a balanced look at science, faith, and human psychology, written by a committed Christian who is one of the world’s leading climate scientists. If you keep an open mind, you will find Hayhoe’s book to be eye-opening and practical, especially as you discuss this important issue with those you care about.?

Runner up:?Climate, Catastrophe, and Faith?by Philip Jenkins

Culture

The Jungle Grows Back: America and Our Imperiled World?by Robert Kagan

If you think the world is growing a bit darker, with oppressive nation states wielding more influence in the world, your sentiments are not unfounded. Robert Kagan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, argues that the “jungle” (what he calls the natural drift of countries from order to chaos) will always grow back if democratic states don’t push back. What he finds troubling but not surprising is that America seems to be leaning increasingly toward withdrawal in the face of such disarray.?

Runner up:?Digital Minimalism?by Cal Newport

Fiction

The Lincoln Highway?by Amor Towles

I have read each of Amor Towles three novels and enjoyed them all (A Gentleman in?Moscow is my favorite).The Lincoln Highway?is a clever story that spans just ten days and is told from several points of view. This is a typical “road” book that is both complex and enjoyable.??

Runner up:?These Precious Days?by Ann Patchett

Leadership

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life?by Arthur C. Brooks

There’s no question a shift occurs in middle age when we move from pursuing success to seeking significance. Brooks provides a workable blueprint for this stage of life that includes priorities and habits anyone can learn, such as detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress. I have given this book to several friends, and each one has expressed appreciating for the deep wisdom found in this book.

Runner up:?A Non-Anxious Presence?by Mark Sayers

Memoir

Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story?by Bono

If you read only one book in 2023, read Bono’s memoir,?Surrender.?Even if you’re not a U2 fan (which I am most assuredly), you will find this poetic, engaging, beautiful book to be a pure delight. The book’s?subtitle—40?Songs, One Story—refers to?Surrender’s?forty chapters, which are each named after a U2 song.?This is my Book of the Year for 2022.

Runner up:?Greenlights?by Matthew McConnaughey

Theology/Ministry

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth?by Beth Allison Barr

This enlightening book shows that that the way women are viewed in the church, including their role as ministers, is based on church tradition and culture, not Scripture. Barr is a Professor of History at Baylor University, so her research is meticulous and convincing. This book will challenge you, but isn’t that what good books are supposed to do?

Runner up:?The Celtic Way of Evangelism?by George Hunter

Would love to hear about the best books you’ve read or listened to in the last year. My favorite book so far in 2023 is?The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership?by two Biola professors, Richard Langer and Joanne Jung.?