At some point this past year it occurred to me that reading is good for my emotional well-being. For some reason I just feel happier if I am reading a good book. My all-time favorite is the Bible, and this past year I did a monthly rotation reading through Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. It was so rich, thought-provoking, and life-impacting! As if the everlasting, immutable Word of God could be anything but those things… 🙂 But I also love to read a variety of other books that draw on the experience, expertise, and wisdom of others in different areas. Here’s a list of books I read last year, along with a few of my thoughts on each one:

Madame Curie: A Biography
Eve Curie

A search for a new, engaging book to read during my Christmas and New Year’s break led me to the stocked shelves in my dad’s office. A tattered hardback with embossed lettering that read, “Madame Curie,” caught my eye. Not (I’m now embarrassed to say) because I recognized the name, but because I thought perhaps a good story was hidden within its pages. A brief perusal of the introduction and first chapter sufficiently convinced me of the artful excellence of the author, and it became my companion for the next couple of weeks.

It was surprisingly difficult to pull myself away from the bigger-than-life story of a woman I now recognize as one of the world’s most renowned scientists. In fact, this story did for me what no amount of curricula could accomplish growing up – it gave me an appreciation for the study of science! I am more convinced than ever that a curriculum comprised in large part of great books is one of the highest and most effective forms of education.

This extensive biography sketches a fascinating picture of the quiet, unassuming woman who, along with her husband, Pierre, is credited with the discovery of radium. Although she was the recipient of two Nobel Peace Prizes and numerous other awards and honors, the devoted scientist never became enamored with fame or notoriety. In fact, quite the contrary, as she herself expressed in her letters:

“I long for calmer days passed in a quiet place, where lectures will be forbidden and newspapermen persecuted…Always a hubbub. People are keeping us from work as much as they can. Now I have decided to be brave and I receive no visitors – but they disturb me just the same. Our life has been altogether spoiled by honors and fame.”

Numerous other humorous and thoughtful anecdotes are interwoven throughout the book, generously allowing readers an in depth view of this amazing woman. I was inspired in many ways by Madame Curie’s character and the unified vision and life work she shared with her husband. Even though there is no indication that she was a Christian, it’s clear that God used her to fill an incredible role in history.

The Persecutor
Sergei Kourdakov

After soliciting biography recommendations from my friends, this is one of the first that I was able to get my hands on (thanks to the generous loan from the referrer!). Her claim that it was a riveting story held true in every respect! Although I have read numerous accounts of World War II and post-war experiences, I think this is the first story I have read from the eyes of a member of the Russian police.

A man who had attained many of the most coveted honors in the Communist regime and was destined for a high seat of power nevertheless tells of the depravity and emptiness that compelled him to escape. His journey is a long one, with much terror and destruction left in his wake as he resists the pull of God on his life. And even as he fights for freedom – spiritually and physically – in a new land, he remains a fugitive – hunted by a relentless enemy.

Will-O’-The-Wisp
The Baroness Orczy

This short novel made its way home with Mom during one of her thrift store excursions. Noticing that it was written by The Baroness Orczy (author of the classic, The Scarlet Pimpernel), I was intrigued. Set on the coast of France in the early 1800’s the story follows the clandestine dealings of one Le Pere Ribot, his daughter, Follette, and an officer of His Majesty (a.k.a. Emperor Napoleon) as he tries in vain to pursue her affections. The not-altogether-unpredictable love story is redeemed in part by the excellent writing of The Baroness, but still falls easily under the category of “fluff” that provides a diversion from reality, but not much in the way of lasting value.

When People are Big and God is Small – Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man
Edward T. Welch

This book was selected for our young ladies Bible study in the spring and was a wonderful tool for instruction in biblical principles and discussion with others over the areas covered. Whether you think you struggle with a fear of man versus a fear of God or not, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll find convicting truths and practical applications that you can apply to your life. Dr. Welch helps readers dig much deeper than a lot of pop psychology seems to so that you can understand the real issues underlying your attitudes and reactions. He doesn’t shy away from some tough issues, but uses lots of illustrations, stories, and steps to help overcome sinful and destructive habits in our lives and relationships. I gleaned many valuable insights from this book that have already impacted my own life and opportunities I have to help others work through difficult situations. I know that will continue to prove to be the case as I refer back to it in the years to come.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
David Platt

One of my dearest friends first alerted me to this book in an e-mail, saying, “[it] is SOOOO good.” Imagine my surprise, then, when I walked upstairs later that evening and saw this very book resting on the dining room table! My sister had just finished reviewing it for a magazine and my mom was making her way through its pages. I quickly took the next place in line and was grateful when my turn to read it came around. After becoming the pastor of a mega-church at a young age, David was challenged to rethink nearly every element of how we “do church” in America. This led to a drastic restructuring of priorities in his life, his family, and his church. Now, with Radical, he challenges other American Christians to embrace a global vision for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He posits that too often we pass over the “radical” commands of Jesus – like selling everything and giving the money to the poor, or going to the ends of the earth to share the gospel with unreached people, etc. – by countering that God doesn’t call everyone to do that. We forget that sometimes God does still call people to do just that. What’s more, God calls every Christian to make disciples of all nations. We should all be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world in some context. Practical examples give inspiration, but ultimately the reader is challenged to adopt this new perspective and seek God for the particulars of how he can be involved in this global calling. I’m excited about the possibilities and look forward to seeing how God continues to bring growth in my life in this area!

Exposed: The Life and Thoughts of a Home School Graduate
Felicia Alvarez

This quick read is a peak into the life of a Southern California girl and her family’s journey in homeschooling. As a fellow homeschool grad, I was excited to compare my story with hers! We had much in common – trading our school room for the kitchen table, involvement in music, memorable travel experiences, teaching businesses, and more. The book is a mixture of Felicia’s reflections and thoughts, with short vignettes of actual experiences woven throughout.

The Family Daughter
Sarah Bryant

The author kindly sent me a copy of her book as a way of saying “thank you” for the assistance I gave her as she was working through the publication process. First off, I have to say that the book itself is beautiful! From the velvety texture of the cover to the artistic use of complementary fonts to the attractive layout of each chapter, this book goes above and beyond in its aesthetic appeal. When digesting the content of the book, it is perhaps most helpful to keep in mind the background perspective that Sarah succinctly lays out for the reader at the beginning of the book. While some might take issue with the specific application of the principles set forth, any young woman is sure to glean practical and beneficial ideas that can be implemented in her own life! I also appreciate the variety of quotes and additional resources referenced at the end of each chapter. The style of writing embodies a spirit of exhortation, and Sarah’s desire is obviously to encourage younger girls to have a heart for their families. They are the demographic that will probably be the most interested in and encouraged by it.

A Collection of Love Gifts
Helen Steiner Rice

This book of poems was a Valentine’s gift from some friends of mine. I had heard of Helen Steiner Rice, but didn’t know anything about her or her work. My friends included a biographical sketch with the book that helped me gain a greater appreciation for the woman who is considered “America’s beloved inspirational poet laureate.” There was nothing especially insightful about these poems, but they were sweet little reminders of God’s love.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters
Joshua Harris

Ever since Josh Harris first announced that he was writing this book, I’ve had it on my wish list. I finally treated myself to an Amazon order one day and had this wonderful book read within a week! My introduction to Josh’s writing came years ago when I was a subscriber of his New Attitude magazine. I have read several of his other books and was especially interested in this one because it promised to be a closer look at his background and “the story of how [he] learned to dig into truth and build [his] life on a real knowledge of God.” I love the way he wove his own life experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly – with foundational biblical doctrines. Even though I love to study church history and theology, even someone not previously in the habit of doing so would really enjoy the personable presentation of the variety of topics addressed in Dug Down Deep. This approach, along with Josh’s down-to-earth style of writing, makes the book an engaging read while also maintaining a depth of heart and thought in its rich content. I was challenged, convicted, and inspired!

In God’s Image After All: How Psychology Supports Biblical Creationism
Dr. Paul D. Ackerman

A short, but powerful collection of insights from a psychologist who was an avowed atheist. I heard Dr. Ackerman speak at an apologetics seminar and was very impressed by his presentation style and the things he shared. When I found out about this book that he wrote, I was eager to get my hands on a copy. I have never studied psychology, but I find it incredibly fascinating. The illustrations, research, and insights that Dr. Ackerman shares in this book only served to further my fascination with the field! Here are a few of his thoughts that I especially appreciated:

“We fallen creatures, far from being gods, are blown this way and that by subtle features in our surroundings of which we are not even aware.”

“Any ‘meaningful self’ we attribute to ourselves is dependent upon God. God has life in himself (John 5:26), but we have whatever life he chooses to give and maintain in us. We need God.”

“Confidence in contingency-design is an important and practical part of our faith in the kindness, mercy, and provision of our heavenly Father. If there is a problem, there must be a solution.”

This book gave me a greater appreciation for God as our Creator and the many aspects of His creation that function beneath the level of customary observation or awareness. It is both useful and awe-inspiring!

Talent to Treasure: Building a Profitable Music Teaching Business
Marcia K. Washburn

A second-generation piano teacher with many years of experience, Marcia Washburn sets out to help aspiring music teachers get started on the right foot. Many of the tips and principles she shares are ones that I had to learn the hard way! Although every teacher will have different approaches to the way they run their studio and do their teaching, Marcia’s book is sure to help new teachers think about issues that are all-too-often completely overlooked.

She covers a wide variety of topics, including: evaluating your motive for launching a music teaching business, preparing for the practical side of running a studio, establishing appropriate policies and practices, learning how to communicate effectively, and some of the nuts and bolts of what and how to teach. This is a great starting point for a teacher, and even experienced teachers will probably take away a few new ideas, tips, or insights that will help them become better teachers and business owners. I know I sure did!

The Messianic Character of American Education
Rousas John Rushdoony

An interest in education in general and American education in particular prompted me to travel through the pages of history contained in this eye-opening book. Rushdoony spends the bulk of the book sketching out the lives of those people most responsible for the establishment and development of our government education system as we know it today. This approach was incredibly effective as it allowed the reader to dig deeper than a mere collection of historical facts to unearth the philosophies and methods of these educational masterminds.

Perhaps the thing that struck me the most was how much the motivation of those highlighted in this book parallels what I have heard for years from leaders in the homeschool movement. Here’s an example: “Education, in its enlarged sense, is the disciplining, cultivating, and furnishing of the man, as a man, and for the particular position which he is to hold.” (Henry Barnard)

Or consider this description published in the NEA Journal in 1895, “The ideal school is an ideal community – an embryonic democracy. We should introduce into the school what we must have in the state, and this is democracy in its pure sense. The child is not in the school to learn, not in there for mere knowledge; but he is in there to live, to learn to live – not in preparation for life so much as real living. The pupil should in school learn to live. He should there learn to put himself into life. The teacher is the leader in this community life. Self-government is the only true government. A child should be taught to live for others. We are too apt to ignore the divinity of a child.”

The school was thus made the center of life, the training ground to prepare children to be servants of the State. Education was promoted as the savior that would enable society to become essentially a utopia. Pioneers in the homeschool movement understood this undergirding philosophy and how diametrically opposed it is to a Christian worldview where the Lord Jesus Christ is the center of our lives. God designed the family to be the primary transmitter of true knowledge as parents train their children to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Many home educators and government school educators have the same goal in mind – to train the whole child and be the primary influencer of his thoughts and behaviors. It’s obvious from Rushdoony’s extensive research and documentation that the latter are working intentionally and determinedly to accomplish their goal. It would behoove us, as Christians, to understand what’s really at stake and to work tirelessly to impart God’s ways to the next generation!

The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit
Matthew Henry

The title of this book immediately appealed to me. Who doesn’t want to embody a meek and quiet spirit? In case the desire is not already present, Matthew Henry spends the first half of the book painting an image of the nature and excellency of meekness and quietness of spirit. The more I read, the more eager I was to get to the application part where I was hoping the author would show me exactly how to attain these qualities in my own life. Even the style of writing itself seems to carry an aura of the meekness and quietness of spirit that is being discussed. It reminded me in some ways of John Bunyan’s much-loved “Pilgrim’s Progress” with the effortless and insightful interweaving of Scripture after Scripture to construct each point.

As one can imagine, the practical application didn’t consist of a neat “5-Steps to Meekness” approach. Instead, Henry exposed attitudes and behaviors that reveal a lack of meekness, challenging the reader to repent and seek meekness. Indeed, that is perhaps the thing that was most impressed upon my heart: meekness is not something to be attained, but something to be sought. “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth; Seek meekness” (Zephaniah 2:3). The author comments, “Though they were meek, and were pronounced so by him that searches the heart, yet they must seek meekness.” There were many other nuggets of wisdom to be gleaned from the pages of this book and I find myself already turning back through the pages for reflection and assimilation into my own life.

Lord, Send Me (now Send Me, Lord Jesus)
Christina Grubb

A sweet friend of mine sent me this copy of her first published work of non-fiction – an account of her experiences serving as a missionary in India. It’s always exciting to get to know friends in a deeper way through their writing, and I appreciate Christina’s open and gracious spirit that comes through her writing. Any romanticized views of missionary life in India were quickly overshadowed by some of the struggles she faced. In particular, it was eye-opening to see how much the people you work with as fellow missionaries can impact your entire experience. For Christina, the impact was a less-than-positive one, eventually resulting in her return to America. It seems clear that God has given her a heart and passion for the people of India, though, so perhaps He will one day soon send her again, this time with more experience, discernment, and wisdom “under her belt.”

Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope
Mary Beth Chapman

I remember hearing about this book almost as soon as it came out and have been eagerly anticipating reading it ever since. Having heard of the tragic accidental death of the Chapman’s little adopted Chinese daughter when it happened, I knew the Mary Beth’s story would be heartfelt and insightful. I was not disappointed on either count. Mary Beth’s style of writing is very real and personable. It has you laughing one minute, gasping the next, and then wiping tears from your eyes. But in it all, she points the reader continually to Jesus Christ and His sufficiency in every situation.

The aspect of the story that was mostly indelibly impressed upon my heart was the emotional openness that the Chapman’s exhibited, especially in regard to their son, Will, who was responsible for the accidental death of his little sister. They didn’t downplay it or sweep it under the rug, assuming he would get over it on his own. Instead they talked about it openly, encouraged the support and prayers of friends, and acknowledged how incredibly difficult it would be for him to get past the experience. In a day when so many Christians plaster on a smile and pretend like everything is okay, it was both refreshing and convicting to see the value in an emotional openness that is honest about our deep inner struggles. For in the vulnerability of this openness, we are also enabled to receive the comfort, love, and support we need from the Lord and His people.

Everyday Life in Ancient Rome
Lionel Casson

This book first intrigued me several years ago when I came across it while browsing the shelves of a local bookstore. My upcoming trip to Italy this summer was the impetus I needed to order it and work my way through it. As you read it, you are transported to the streets of the center of one of the most powerful empires the world has ever known. The author discusses a variety of topics and includes illustrations and quotes to make the ancient world come alive to the modern reader. There was a bit of redundancy between chapters, but I enjoyed the history gleaned from the book and made sure to jot down the places that I wanted to visit!

Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story
Lang Lang with David Ritz

A fellow piano teacher recommended this autobiography of world famous pianist, Lang Lang, at a music teachers association meeting. It was a quick read, but wow was it fascinating! I had absolutely no idea the kind of dedication and work that lies behind some of the young prodigies that emerge on the world scene. According to Lang Lang, in China it is everything to be Number One. Propelled by his father’s obsessive drive and his mother’s enduring love, that’s the pianist that Lang Lang was destined to be ever since winning his first competition at the age of five: Number One.

As a piano teacher, it was interesting to read of the different personalities of Lang Lang’s teachers and how they impacted him – either positively or negatively. Even in the cruel, critical world of competitive piano playing, Lang Lang blossomed and enjoyed music the most when his teacher, while highly qualified, was encouraging and cared about him as a person. Even though Lang Lang suffered at times because of his father’s indefatigable pressure to be Number One, I appreciated his desire to honor him and reconcile their differences. He also acknowledges that he wouldn’t be who he is today were it not for his father. Lang Lang’s story paints a vivid picture of what it looks like to be wholly devoted to a cause. Even though I love playing the piano, I am mindful that ultimately my cause is Jesus Christ. I am inspired to make my devotion to Him more of a living reality every day.

Preparing to Be a Help Meet
Debi Pearl

I don’t even remember what prompted me to pick this book up to skim through it one night because I don’t usually read marriage-centered books, but I was immediately captivated. So much so that I ended up staying up well into the night reading through almost the whole book. As my sisters and I traveled out of town the following day, I read them a chapter and other portions of the book that I found particularly inspiring. Even though I question some of the author’s points, I finished the book feeling both a renewed anticipation at the prospect of marriage and a vision for using the single years I have to fully invest myself in the work the Lord has given me to do. Perhaps more than anything, Mrs. Pearl’s insights and stories have compelled me to pray more faithfully for the guys in my life, upholding them before the Lord as a sister who wants to see them rise up to be godly husbands, fathers, and leaders in the world.

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will or How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.
Kevin DeYoung

Three friends and I read this book aloud together as we traveled through Italy this summer. To be honest, for the first four chapters I was appalled at the statements the author was making. They seemed to fly in the face of everything I’ve ever believed about praying and seeking God’s will for important – and even not-so-important – life decisions. But as we read chapter five, the proverbial light bulb came on in my mind. In reality, Mr. DeYoung was advocating a biblical truth that I believe with all my heart, but he applied it to this topic of following the will of God in a way that was quite enlightening. The truth? It’s neatly summed up in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Instead of defining the will of God by the external path we take in life, it is more biblical to pursue the will of God as a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ that transcends every choice we make. Rather than being caught up in making the “right” decision, we should invest our time and energy into seeking the Lord with all our heart, knowing that to the extent that our relationship with Him is right, the path we take in life will also be right.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Eric Metaxas

A friend of mine was reading this book and kept expressing how much he loved it, so as soon as he finished I was eager to read it for myself. I was not disappointed! This is a masterfully written biography of arguably one of the most important Christian thinkers/writers/activists during World War II. The author’s tendency to reference future events sometimes seemed like a bit of a spoiler, but I can appreciate what a monumental task it is to weave so much information about the subject, his family, and his time in history into a cohesive and captivating story. I loved reading more about Bonhoeffer’s early family life, and, as a musician myself, it was neat to read of his appreciation for the arts and music. Bonhoeffer’s views and words have often been taken out of context over the years, as Mr. Metaxas makes clear. Even though it seems like sometimes the picture he paints of Bonhoeffer is a larger-than-life image, I thoroughly enjoyed reading much of Bonhoeffer’s original writings and seeing the depth of thought and biblical analysis that he put into understanding what was going on in the world and determining how to respond to it. It’s a bit lengthy, but this is one of my favorite of Bonhoeffer’s quotes from the book:

“‘Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves’ is a saying of Jesus (Matt. 10:16). As with all of his sayings, it is he himself who interprets it. No one can look at God and at the reality of the world with undivided gaze as long as God and the world are torn apart. Despite all efforts to prevent it the eyes still wander from one to the other. Only because there is one place where God and the reality of the world are reconciled with each other, at which God and humanity have become one, is it possible there and there alone to fix one’s eyes on God and the world together at the same time. This place does not lie somewhere beyond reality in the realm of ideas. It lies in the midst of history as a divine miracle. It lies in Jesus Christ the reconciler of the world.”

When a Man’s a Man
Harold Bell Wright

A quick, fiction read, this story is set in the Old West and extols the virtue of true manhood and womanhood. The context is a mysterious stranger who shows up to work at an Arizona ranch and continually leaves the more experienced hands astounded at his willingness to take on the most difficult exploits for the sake of proving his own character. The truth about his past and his real identity is gradually exposed, but not before he is forced to endure the hardest test of all – sacrificing his own reputation for the sake of those he aims to honor and protect.

This Great Salvation
Robin Boisvert and C.J. Mahaney

This brief study was the selection for a fall Bible study in which one of my sisters and I participated. The authors do a good job of using personal illustrations, biblical insights, and a variety of quotes to cover the topic of justification. Chapter titles include: This Great Salvation, Does Anyone Believe in Sin?, The Holiness of God, The Wrath of God, Justified by Christ, and The Fruits of Justification. Each chapter concludes with a list of discussion questions, and there are several additional study suggestions within each chapter for those who want to dig a little deeper into each topic that is covered.

My Life with the Great Pianists
Franz Mohr with Edith Schaeffer

This book is a natural appeal for pianists, but I think it would be equally inspirational for anyone who is devoted to maximizing their impact in their given field for the glory of Jesus Christ. Some of the finer details about pianos and tuning may be lost on the non-musical reader, but the real message from this concert technician is how one person, by being skillful in their field, can gain an audience with many to make an eternal investment in their lives. I was reminded often of Proverbs 22:29, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” I loved the little anecdotes from Mr. Mohr’s interaction with pianists Horowitz, Rubinstein, Cliburn, Gould, and others, and I came away from the book with an even greater appreciation for the beauty of this instrument – the piano – that occupies so much of my life!

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski

I confess that I put off reading this book for quite a while because there was such a craze surrounding it that I was reluctant to jump on the bandwagon. Nevertheless, when a friend gave me her copy to borrow, I couldn’t resist. J The book was a challenging parallel to many of the things that God has been impressing on my heart this year. In a nutshell, it could probably be described as an extension of the response of Simon Peter, James, and John when Jesus called them to exchange their fishing trade to become fishers of men – “they left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:11). So, too, should be the response of every one of us when Jesus calls us to follow Him.

It’s Not That Complicated: How to Relate to Guys in a Healthy, Sane, and Biblical Way
Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin

My friend sat down across the table from me at a local restaurant. We exchanged a few pleasantries before I broached the subject that had prompted the day’s lunch meeting. “How is the situation with your guy friend going?” She looked at me, raised her eyebrows, and began, “Well…it’s complicated.” My mind immediately drifted to the ingeniously titled new book by sisters Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin: “It’s Not That Complicated.” I hadn’t read the book yet, but by the end of our lengthy conversation – one of many I have had this year with various friends going through relationship challenges – I couldn’t help but wonder, “What world are they living in?!” My own previously-held view of uncomplicated relationships took quite a beating this year, so I was eager to get my hands on a copy of this new book and find out what the authors had to say.

Anna Sofia and Elizabeth are just 25 and 23 years-old, but they write with the wisdom and maturity that can only be gleaned from hours of studying Scripture and its application to life. They have an acute sense of cultural influences and address those influences with both wit and biblical truth. I especially appreciate their emphasis on cultivating the right attitudes and desires in our own hearts as a basis for maintaining appropriate and virtuous behavior toward the guys in our lives. Along with this is the essential truth that our hearts are deceitful and wicked, with no hope of righteousness apart from Jesus Christ. Even though the authors’ perspectives will resonate most with those who come from stable Christian families, I think any young woman will be encouraged and inspired toward godly relationships if she reads this book with an open mind and a teachable heart. Since I interact quite a bit with girls from non-Christian families and/or rough past relationships, I really appreciated this point:

“Some girls fear that they will have permanent scars from mistakes they have made. They fear that part of them is gone and they can never be made whole again. But the concept of inner purity deals more with the present state of the heart, the mind, and the affections than it does with the past. What we need to be doing is developing a state of heart and mind that is self-controlled and faithful to one man. It’s never too late to repent and do what’s right.”

Another helpful feature of “It’s Not That Complicated” is the candid commentary offered by various guys throughout the book. It’s encouraging to know that there are young men passionately serving the Lord and committed to pursuing young women who are doing likewise. I hope and pray that this book will serve as another excellent tool to inspire young people everywhere to keep their eyes on Jesus Christ, build strong friendships, and be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love
Milton Vincent

One of our Adventures In Character (AIC) staff members recommended this book to me after we discussed our mutual vision for make the Gospel our emphasis in next year’s program. It is a short, but rich and power-packed 97 pages. It is best summed up in the author’s own words in his introduction: “God did not give us His gospel just so we could embrace it and be converted. Actually, He offers it to us every day as a gift that keeps on giving to us everything we need for life and godliness.” This is something I am coming to realize and appreciate more fully every day!

Read A Year of Reading in Review from previous years: 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

For the past several years it’s been my practice to do a review at the end of the year of the books that I’ve read, along with a few personal thoughts. It gets harder every year to carve out time to read, but I sure do love doing it when I can!

Teaching Musicians – A Photographer’s View
By Diane Asseo Griliches
A beautiful “coffee table book” that gives the reader a glimpse into the lives and studios of some of the great music teachers of our day. The book is a compendium of quotes, photographs, and brief biographical sketches of 57 master teachers. It was a wonderful source of inspiration to me in my teaching! Read full review here.

What is a Family?
By Edith Schaeffer
I loved this book! Mrs. Schaeffer’s writing style is vivid and poignant. I was immediately drawn into the very scenes she described, watching their family dynamics unfold before me. She captures the essence of family life and the purpose of family in a way I’ve never contemplated before. Each chapter is full of the beautiful possibilities that exist in a family environment, without neglecting the realities of the effects of our sinful natures and the sinful influences of the world around us. The book is full of both inspiration and practical ideas that are relevant for any family.

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
By Jeremiah Burroughs
One of my friends encouraged me to read this book in preparation for a talk I was asked to give on the topic of contentment. She even let me borrow her copy so that I could read it! Mr. Burroughs first published the book in 1648, and it is loaded with wonderful insights, vivid analogies, helpful explanations, and practical applications. One of the most striking explanations that I gleaned from the book is that most Christians don’t handle affliction or loss with contentment because they don’t expect to encounter such adverse experiences. This is contrary to the teaching of Scripture and the example Paul sets for us of anticipating “bonds and affliction” in every city to which he traveled (Acts 20:22-23). Mr. Burroughs expounds on this and many other truths much more thoroughly than a brief review allows. I gleaned much from this book, especially in light of the personal experience God took me through to teach me the secret of contentment.

Let Me Be a Woman
By Elisabeth Elliot
This book of 49 short chapters is a collection of notes that Elisabeth Elliot wrote for her daughter on the meaning of womanhood. The notes were written in anticipation of her daughter’s impending marriage, so much of the advice centers on what makes a marriage successful, and the woman’s role in a marriage. This wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but I gleaned a variety of little nuggets of wisdom that are equally applicable in the life of an unmarried woman. Here is one such nugget: “Nothing that has ever been worth doing has been accomplished solely through feelings. It takes action. It takes putting one foot in front of the other, walking the path you have agreed together to walk.”

Another thing that resonated with me is Mrs. Elliot’s admission that, “When I was both a writer and a wife I was sorely tempted to do nothing but housework because I love housework and I especially love doing it in order to make a home for a husband, but there were times when I had to tear myself away from the kitchen and get down to the study to do the harder job first, to “eat my spinach before I could have my dessert.”

I honestly love doing most housework as well, but during this season of my life it is not my priority. God has called me to do other things and I must content myself with doing what I can to contribute to the household operations, but know that I can’t spend hours every day cleaning, or organizing, or ironing, or experimenting with new recipes, etc. In every stage of life, we must earnestly seek God and be led by Him to invest our time and energies in the things that He has given us to do, keeping in mind His overarching design and role for women.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t
By Jim Collins
A fascinating documentation of the findings of an extensive research project on what causes some companies to make the transition from being a “good” company to a “great” company, while others fail to make the same transition. Twenty people, in addition to the author, comprised the research team for this project. The book identifies, defines, and then develops eight key ideas: Level 5 Leadership, First Who…Then What…, Confront the Brutal Facts (Yet Never Lose Faith), The Hedgehog Concept (Simplicity Within the Three Circles), A Culture of Discipline, Technology Accelerators, The Flywheel and the Doom Loop, and From Good to Great to Built to Last. There are so many intriguing ideas and concepts discussed in this book that it would be impossible to highlight them all!

The book gave me much food for  thought and challenged me to evaluate various activities and organizations in which I am involved, examine how its principles line up with biblical principles, and consider to what extent I could or should implement the ideas in my own life, business, etc. In hindsight, I wish I would have read the appendixes before the rest of the book, because they provide an excellent overview of how the research was conducted and the criteria and objectives upon which it was based. Here is a sampling of some of the insights I found especially intriguing:

“We have an itch that what we just accomplished, no matter how great, is never going to be good enough to sustain us.” (pg. 72)

“The beauty of the Abbott system lay not just in its rigor, but in how it used rigor and discipline to enable creativity and entrepreneurship…[they] used financial discipline as a way to provide resources for the really creative work.” (pg. 123)

“No matter how dramatic the end result, the good-to-great transformations never happened in one fell swoop…Rather, it was a quiet, deliberate process of figuring out what needed to be done to create the best future results and then simply taking those steps…” (pg. 165, 169)

An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love
By Richard Carlson and Kristine Carlson
A very short book that includes a letter Richard wrote to his wife three years before his unexpected death. In his letter, he answers the question, “If you had one hour to live and one phone call to make, who would you call? And why are you waiting?” In the second half of the book, Kristine pays tribute to her husband in the wake of his death and the beginning of her grieving process. Here are two thoughts that I appreciated: “We teach best what we most need to learn.” and “What about the future? What future? All I have is right now.”

Hidden Art (Now The Hidden Art of Homemaking)
By Edith Schaeffer
From painting to music to food to recreation, Mrs. Schaeffer offers suggestions for how the ordinary responsibilities of a day in a Christian home can involve creativity and originality. While each chapter is full of personal illustrations and practical tips, she presents a persuasive case that “a Christian, above all people, should live artistically, aesthetically, and creatively. We are supposed to be representing the Creator who is there, and whom we acknowledge to be there.” I was challenged by her observation that “People so often look with longing into a daydream future, while ignoring the importance of the present.” Mrs. Schaeffer’s writing itself is beautiful, and the expression of her life is an inspiration to me! May I seek to infuse each day with the beauty of the Creator.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Dad and I are both Shakespeare fans, and love attending his plays whenever we have the chance. One of our local universities was doing a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, so Dad and I bought tickets for it. I always like to read the plays ahead of time, because it helps me keep track of the characters and the different story lines within the story. Shakespeare’s comedies are full of wit and humor, and I often chuckle to myself as I read them. In this one, Hermia and Lysander are in love, but Hermia’s father, Egeus, wants her to marry Demetrius. The case is presented to Theseus, Duke of Athens, who instructs Hermia to obey her father or be resigned to a life of singlehood. Thus follows the tale of an attempted escape through the woods, a love juice mistakenly applied to the wrong person, a tragic play, and a surprisingly happy ending.

The Sparrow’s Song
By Irma Stoll with Catharine Brandt
An autobiographical account of one girl’s experiences enduring the horrors of World War II. As a 15-year old German, Irma was taken captive by the Russian army and subjected to incomprehensible inhumanity. Even in the midst of this, though, Irma’s faith in God was unwavering. This was a short and easy read that reminded me of the horrific things that others throughout the world have endured.

The Life and Times of Archbishop James Ussher
By J.A. Carr
This biography was part of a package deal that included Ussher’s Annals of the World. I was curious to learn more about the man behind this incredible work, so I slowly worked my way through this account. If I had just been looking for a good story, I would have given up after the first couple of chapters, but I ploughed through, anxious to increase my understanding of this era in history. The style of writing did not capture my interest, and extensive use of footnotes rendered my attention constantly diverted between the main text and the supplemental information at the bottom of almost every page. Regardless, I plodded my way through, and find myself now in greater appreciation of Archbishop Ussher (1581-1656) and his tireless efforts and influence on behalf of the true Church in Ireland and England. His legacy as a learned and well-respected scholar is perhaps best summed up in a brief anecdote toward the end of the book, “On the first day of July 1643, the famous Assembly of Divines…met at Westminster…There had been some disputing as to whether the members should admit Ussher into the Assembly at all. ‘They had as good inquire,’ said Seldon, ‘whether they had best admit Inigo Jones, the King’s architect, to the company of mouse-trap makers.’”

Handoff
By Jeff Myers
Over the years, I have read several books by Jeff Myers and listened to him speak numerous times. His style is very personable, and he is full of both inspiration and practical application. This is one of those small-sized books that should not be read through quickly. One needs time to ponder and process the information presented, to answer the questions that are asked, and to utilize the wisdom gleaned from Dr. Myers’ years of experience to develop more effective strategies for reaching the next generation. This is a fabulous and much-needed book for anyone who works with families, children, or young adults. I love books like this that have me scribbling in the margins, asking questions, penning related thoughts, and writing ideas for personal application.

The Triumph of John and Betty Stam
By Mrs. Howard Taylor
This book is the reason why I love reading missionary biographies! Mrs. Taylor recounts the early lives of both John and Betty, sharing what God did in them individually before bringing them together in marriage. As single young people and later as a married couple, John and Betty were wholeheartedly dedicated to God. The influence they had on others and the fruit they bore in their ministry is clearly attributed to a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Even though this book offers just a glimpse into the lives of these two incredible people who literally offered their lives as a living sacrifice as a result of their missionary work in China, I found myself incredibly challenged and inspired. Truly, it is the faithful testimony of such men and women of God that reignites my own passion and spurs me on to expend my time and energy for the sake of my precious Savior.

The Treasure Principle
By Randy Alcorn
After reading, “Heaven” last year I was eager to get my hands on some other books by Randy Alcorn. I had heard good things about this book, and Mom picked up a copy for me in one of her thrift store excursions. The book introduces and explains the Treasure Principle (You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead), followed by six Treasure Principle Keys: 1. God owns everything. I’m His money manager. 2. My heart always goes where I put God’s money. 3. Heaven, not earth, is my home. 4. I should live not for the dot but for the line. 5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism. 6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

Marketing Strategies for Writers
By Michael Sedge
Although this book had a number of helpful and specific ideas, the primary thing that I took away from reading it was the realization that I have no desire whatsoever to establish a career as a writer. J He shares some of his own strategies for making connections with people, planning and preparing well in advance for opportunities that may arise in the future, and handling a freelance writing business professionally [though I would question the ethical nature of a few of the ideas…]. This is a great resource for those who are looking to build up a business as a freelance writer, and holds some helpful tips for those of us who just need all the help we can get when it comes to marketing.

The Princess Adelina – An Ancient Christian Tale of Beauty and Bravery
By Julie Sutter
Knowing that the Coghlan family, of the hilarious Life In a Shoe blog, were the ones who discovered, edited, and highly recommended this book, I was excited to purchase and read it. I saved it until Noelle and I made our trek out to Colorado in June for the CHEC homeschool conference. We read it aloud on the way out there and found ourselves captivated by the engaging story. It was an inspiring retelling of the how God used the faithful devotion of a young woman to shine forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Scotland.

Love in the House
By Chris and Wendy Jeub
The first day of the CHEC homeschool conference, I had the privilege of meeting Chris and Wendy Jeub, parents of 15 children. After talking for a while, Chris asked if I would be interested in trading books. So I gave them a copy of Pajama School in exchange for two of their books. This book was written primarily as a follow-up to a TLC series called, “Kids by the Dozen” that featured their family in addition to two others. The Jeub’s tackle some of the most popular arguments against letting God control your family size, and offer many nuggets of wisdom and practical advice that will benefit families of any size. I especially appreciated the chapter, “Bringing Order to the Chaos” in which they share how they train their children to have proper behavior. They state, “There is a role for discipline, but there is a bigger role for instruction,” and then share an innovative approach they have used to effectively instruct their children. Ultimately, Chris and Wendy share some of the heartache that they experienced that reminded them of the primary importance of love in a family.

Love in a Diet
By Wendy Jeub
This was the second book that Chris and Wendy included in our book swap. After giving birth to 15 children, one might expect Wendy to be overweight and out of shape, but in this quick read Wendy shares real-life strategies that she uses to stay healthy and maintain an attractive figure. Discipline really is the key (as with most things in life!), and this is a great book for someone who needs a little inspiration and help to get started on their own journey of weight loss and better health.

Walking Miracle
By Art Sanborn
Since we finished The Princess Adelina on the way out to Colorado, I did some scouting around at the conference to find another book to read on the way home. This one came highly recommended as I tried to decide between the many biographies offered at the YWAM booth. We were not disappointed! In fact, this is one of the most entertaining and inspiring stories I have ever read! After launching the first chapter with the harrowing experience of becoming a quadriplegic in a surfing accident, Mr. Sanborn goes back in time to recount their family’s preparation for and commencement as missionaries – at first in Thailand, but then elsewhere throughout the world as God led. Story after story of God’s amazing provision and answers to prayers fill the pages of this book. I was convicted of my own lack of faith and propensity to do things without taking the time to really seek God’s direction, and challenged to live a life more fully devoted to seeking God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around me.

Pathway to Freedom – How God’s Laws Guide Our Lives
By Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg begins by outlining the threefold use of the law: 1. The Civil or Political Function of the Law, 2. The Pedagogical Function of the Law, and 3. A Rule of Life for Believers. The following two poems encapsulate the essence of the law, not for justification, but as an expression of our lives once we have been justified:

When once the fiery Law of God
Has chas’d me to the Gospel Road;
Then back unto the holy law
Most kindly Gospel-grace will draw.

Not the labors of my hands
Could fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,

All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

The rest of the book is spent going through each of the Ten Commandments (one per chapter), discussing their relevance and application to our lives today as Christians.

Kept for the Master’s Use
By Frances Ridley Havergal
This is a little gem of a book! A friend recommended it to me multiple times, so I was finally able to track one down and order it. Author of the familiar hymn, “Take My Life and Let it Be,” Havergal discusses the importance of letting God not only take, but also keep, every aspect of our lives for His purpose. There are so many wonderfully inspiring and convicting insights in this heartfelt collection, but here are a few that were especially so:

“The life that fears to come to the light lest any deed should be reproved, can never know the blessedness and the privileges of walking in that light.”
“When we are aiming at generalities, we do not hit the practicalities. We forget that faithfulness to principle is only proved by faithfulness in detail.”

“If the hands are indeed moving at the impulse of His love, the simplest little duties and acts are transfigured into holy service to the Lord.”

“The more we sit at His feet and watch to see what He has to say to ourselves, the more we shall have to tell to others.”

I absolutely loved the chapter on “Our Intellects Kept for Jesus,” but of course I can’t relay it all here. It is rich! The whole book cannot help but draw the reader’s heart closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Made to Stick
By Chip Heath and Dan Heath
My friend Lydia and I borrowed this audio book from her brother Caleb to listen to it on our road trip at the end of summer. It was incredibly fascinating and could be applied to many different areas. The subtitle, “Why some ideas survive and others die” nicely encapsulates the main premise of the book. The Heath brothers have spent years observing and analyzing the components of a successful idea. Using the acronym SUCCES, they explore each of these components in depth, supplemented by helpful illustrations and examples. The six components are: Simplicity, Unexpectedness, Concreteness, Credibility, Emotion, and Stories. Full of practical ideas and thought-provoking insights that can be applied in any sphere of life, it assisted me in thinking through the strategies that I employ in teaching, speaking, writing, and developing creative initiatives.

An Eschatology of Victory
By J. Marcellus Kik
This book was referenced in another book that I read several years ago, and it’s been on my list to read ever since. One of my sisters gave it to me for Christmas last year, so I was excited to finally get to read it!  While I do take issue with some aspects of Kik’s interpretation, on a whole I found the book thought-provoking and inspiring. The book is split into two sections, with the first containing an overview of Matthew 24 and Revelation 20, and the second containing a more in depth study of these two chapters. This did result in some amount of repetition, which seemed a bit peculiar.

Kik definitely makes some key points that all Christians would do well to consider. Many unconsciously hold to a premillenial view of eschatology and think that that’s the way things will be just because they’ve never taken the time to study the Scriptures or explore these teachings for themselves. We have been trained to think of certain biblical passages in a futuristic way, rather than understanding them in their proper historical context. This, in turn, leads to all sorts of false claims and teachings that can have the effect of sabotaging the efforts of Christians who are seeking to advance God’s kingdom in every sphere of life. I highly recommend the intentional study of eschatology for all Christians because one’s views on this matter – whether conscious or unconscious – greatly affect many areas of life.

I Run to the Hills
By C. Maggie Woychik
After conducting an interview with me on her great, Encouraging Emerging Authors blog, Maggie generously sent me a copy of this book – hot off the press! I Run to the Hills is a collection of reflections on the Christian Journey. It’s a mixture of allegorical snippets, Scripture passages, and personal thoughts from Maggie. One can’t help but appreciate Maggie’s heart and love for the Lord, expressed in these reflections.

Against the Tide – The Valor of Margaret Wilson
By Hope Irvin Marston
This is part of a “Chosen Daughters” series that I saw advertised and on sale through Grace and Truth Books. After reading through the synopsis and a couple of the endorsements, I decided to order the series of four books to share with my sisters as an engaging way to learn more about the history of the true Church of Jesus Christ. This book is set in 17^th century Scotland and highlights the persecution the Covenanters faced because of their refusal to acquiesce to the demands of King Charles II. Written for younger girls, there were a few places where the literary license employed by the author seemed a bit contrived, and I took issue with a few negative character depictions that weren’t adequately addressed in my opinion, but it was still a quick, enjoyable read.

Wings Like a Dove – The Courage of Queen Jeanne D’Albret
By Christine Farenhorst
This book transported the reader back to 16^th century France, introducing Jeanne D’Albret when she was a little girl. Cameo appearances of Monsieur Jean Cauvin (now known as John Calvin), Monsieur Farel, and Theodore Beza give the book context in the bigger story of the Reformation. In particular, one gains a glimpse into the part the Huguenots played and some of the prominent royal figures throughout France and Navarre, with brief references to other of the European monarchs. The writing style of this book was colorful and engaging, and felt considerably more authentic than Against the Tide, in my opinion.

Inside the Kingdom – My Life in Saudi Arabia
By Carmen Bin Ladin
Written by the sister-in-law to Osama Bin Laden, this account gives an enlightening look into the oppressive culture of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Carmen is the wife (though now divorced) of Yeslam, one of the 54 children of the family patriarch, Sheikh Mohamed. His brother is the now infamous Osama Bin Laden, alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Bin Laden’s amassed their wealth through the formation of the Bin Laden Organization – a construction company that was employed to rebuild Mecca and Medini, thus making them revered throughout the country.

Carmen tells of her own childhood, meeting and marrying Yeslam, experiencing American and Middle Eastern cultures, and eventually leaving her husband and Saudi Arabia to provide an upbringing for her three daughters free of the oppressive Islamic religion. As I read this, I couldn’t help but feel that while the author is candid about some things, there were many things that were colored more favorably than reality would reveal, and there is much of the story that has been left untold.

Love Worth the Wait
By Sandy Weyeneth
The first person account of a young woman who faithfully served the Lord and waited for Him to bring her a godly man to be her husband – even though she had to wait 39 years for him to arrive! Some friends of the author gave me this book knowing that I might disagree with certain aspects (the man Sandy met and married was divorced), but thinking that I might enjoy it anyway. Much of the book was an up-close and personal look at the way the relationship transpired through e-mails and interwoven with narration. As an older unmarried person, I could certainly relate to some of the things that Sandy shared, but there were others that were outside my frame of reference (she had been involved in other romantic relationships prior to meeting Randy). I did very much appreciate the purity and integrity that is evident throughout this real-life story of two people who are earnestly seeking the Lord’s will in their lives and relationships.

Love Has a Price Tag
By Elisabeth Elliot
An eclectic compilation of vignettes culled from a column in the Christian Herald magazine, each chapter contains snippets of Elisabeth Elliot’s thoughts and life experiences. Having heard her speak on several occasions, I could almost hear her quiet, but authoritative, voice imparting Scriptural truths to her readers on a wide variety of topics. I love Mrs. Elliot’s way of addressing the reality of culture in a no-nonsense way, eschewing modern conventions of man in favor of solid biblical principles, yet always writing with color, life, and a deep love, undoubtedly forged while walking in the presence of the Lord through the “valley of the shadow of death.” From reflections on family life to the work of a writer to thoughts on animals to dedicated service to God, each short chapter is engaging and thoughtful.