The fight to find time to read is the fight for one's life.
And that's why I've composed this list. Reading is important. Books are powerful. And good books are mighty weapons. So, without further ado, drum roll please ...
10. The Thunder by Douglas Bond - This is an historical novel, but it's unlike most other novels. It is on the life of John Knox, the Thundering Preacher, but besides a fantastic story weaved in, there are many pages of real sermons Knox himself preached. There is rich theology in this book. It doesn't just satisfy your need of a good story (though it is that!) but provides spiritual growth.
9. The True Woman: The Beauty and Strength of a Godly Woman by Susan Hunt - You can read my full review here, but here's a quote from it, encapsulating my thoughts on this book: "What makes this book different is its gospel-focus. A lot of women's books tend to lean too much toward our side of the equation. They slip into emotion-driven, me-centred, "what can I do better," while The True Woman is a Christ-driven, Christ centred, "this is what Christ has already done and so it should impact you" sort of book. That's what makes it excellent."
8. What's So Great About the Doctrines of Grace? by Richard D. Phillips - Debunking many misconceptions about Reformed theology, Phillips shows why it fuels great joy in a Christian's life. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson said this about it, "Rick Phillips has an unbounded love for the doctrines of grace and writes about them with an enviable simplicity and clarity. Here is persuasive exposition of biblical teaching that captures the thrill of knowing a sovereign God. ... This is a wonderful book to read, study, lend, and give away."
7. The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by Steven J. Lawson - In this book, Dr. Lawson examines the 70 Resolutions Jonathan Edwards crafted and their lasting impact on his life and the Christian life. These were resolutions like, "Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live" (6) and "Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump." (19) This is an excellent, convicting, encouraging, good book.
6. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - With the popularity of the new movies and my subsequent reading of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I was eager to read Tolkien's classic prequel, The Hobbit. I think it is a bit of a shame that Peter Jackson has chosen to depart from such a wonderful story, for that is what The Hobbit is - a wonderful, beautiful, fantastical story. (I still want to see the new movie though!)
5. What He Must Be ... If He Wants to Marry My Daughter by Voddie Baucham - This is one I read with Dad, and it sparked many a discussion, good discussion, on important topics like marriage, courtship, leadership, submission, and many other things. This is a perfect book for young women to read with their fathers. I highly recommend it.
4. Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue by R.C. Sproul - This was the first book I ever read on abortion and includes the best material I've ever seen on the subject, for I have seen much on the subject. Though this book was written primarily to pro-choice activists, it is a bolstering of belief for any pro-lifer. Read this book, but don't keep it only to yourself.
3. On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis by Louis Markos - Just as its subtitle suggests, this book examines the virtues present in Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. Though these books may grow older, the virtues they teach are needed just as much today - courage, valor, trust, friendship. Markos is an excellent writer and so this book is an excellent foray into the world of hobbits and magic.
2. Letters and Life: On Being a Writer, On Being a Christian by Brett Lott - This was quite a different read, but one I simply couldn't put down. I read it all in one night. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, because I doubt everyone would find it interesting. It's written for writers, with a compiled collection of five essays on writing and then his memoir - absolutely fantastic.
1. Name Above All Names by Alistair Begg and Sinclair B. Ferguson - I also reviewed this book here, but I can't say enough about its virtue. It really was the best I read in 2013. It made me grow. It challenged me. It encouraged me. It entertained me. It edified me thoroughly. I am a better person for reading it. These are the marks of a good book.