In 2018, I read about fifteen books, cover to cover. Here are my four favorites.
Between Midnight and Dawn by Sarah Arthurpublication date: 2016
genre: prayer guide
description: A literary guide to prayer for the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Eastertide.
why I liked it: This is a book of beauty, filled to the brim with Scripture, poetry, and excerpts from classic literature all pointing to themes surrounding the death and resurrection of Christ. It touched me to my core. Pick it up now to read during Lent, through Easter, and beyond.
publication date: 2017
genre: historical fiction
description: This story follows four generations of an immigrant Korean family as they make their home in Japan.
why I liked it: I love an epic novel that settles me deep into another culture, another place, another time. This book did just that. It is not a light or easy read in any way, but it is well worth the effort. After reading it, I come away with a better understanding of Korea's history and culture. Also, the author is a Christian and she masterfully weaved Christian themes into the book without beating you over the head. Well done.
publication date: 2018
genre: memoir
description: This memoir on being a modern Black woman in majority-white America delves deep into race issues.
why I liked it: Austin Channing Brown does not hold back as she simply and eloquently puts into words her experience of being Black in white-dominated America. At various points her story made me sad or angry or uncomfortable. In the end the book stretched me and stayed with me. A must-read for white people seeking to listen and learn.
publication date: 2009
genre: non-fiction
description: This book shows how our best intentions to "help the poor" often actually cause much more harm than good AND offers great insights on how to address poverty in constructive ways.
why I liked it: I've done a lot of reading and thinking about the topic of effective poverty alleviation, so I let this book sit on the shelf for years thinking it would be a lot of review. I was wrong! I learned so much reading this book and I am still processing the implications for the ways I use my time, money, and law degree to help others. I wish the entire American church would read this book and heed its contents.
Honorable mentions:
"No Graven Image" by Elisabeth Elliot
"Seeking Allah Finding Jesus" by Nabeel Qureshi
"The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead
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Here are my favorite reads from 2017, 2016, and 2015.
