I’ve been reading through countless articles from fellow bloggers and book reviewers as to their top or favorite books from this year. Not necessarily ones that were published this year, but ones they read and loved. I didn’t start reviewing books until late summer, and by that point had already made my way through a significant chunk of my book pile for the year, so some of the titles listed may not have reviews yet.
Top Books of 2018
Stepping Heavenward by: Elizabeth Prentiss This one probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who regularly reads my blog. But I’m going to say it one more time: this is the best fiction work I have ever read. Planning to re-read it many times, and recommend it twice as much. You can read my full review here.
Made for More by: Hannah Anderson This book changed how I think about identity, creation, and heaven. Hannah’s writing is so beautiful and engaging. Her thoughts and heavy emphasis on Scripture is sure to leave you in awe of our Savior. Highly recommend this for any girls or women struggling to understand who they are now that they belong to Christ.
Through Gates of Splendor by: Elisabeth Elliot I’d read so many stories about the five missionaries that were speared to death for the sake of Christ, but I had yet to pick up the personal account by the widow of Jim Elliot. A moving book, that is sure to leave you inspired and in awe of God’s work. You can read full review here.
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by: John Piper I savored this book. And I don’t say that to be funny by using the same word. Savor is the only word adequate enough to describe how I felt when reading it. A beautiful book on who Jesus is and what He has done. Cannot recommend highly enough.
The Lamplighter by: Maria Cummins I still don’t understand what took me so long to pick up this book. A simple, yet intricate, story of love and contentment. Highly recommend for all ages. You can read full review here.
Joni: An Unforgettable Story by: Joni Eareckson Tada I read this one in a day. Such an inspiring true story that everyone needs to read. You can read my full review here.
The Screwtape Letters by: C.S. Lewis This one was one of my favorites, not because of the story, but because of the perspective it gave on spiritual warfare. Take it as fiction, not as fact, but allow yourself to consider how disturbingly applicable it may be to your own thought life. It will definitely change the way you look at temptation and sin. One of Lewis’ many masterpieces.
Many Sparrows by: Lori Benton This one was a breath of fresh air in the Christian Fiction department. Her novel had depth, and her characters were easy to empathize with. The over arching theme of trusting that God is good when our circumstances seem far from it was just what I needed. Here is my review and here is my interview with Lori.
How to Be a Perfect Christian by: The Babylon Bee If you don’t like satire, disregard this title. HOWEVER, if you can appreciate it and are in need of a good laugh, go find this book ASAP. Shout out to my Dad for recommending it to me.
Murder on the Orient Express by: Agatha Christie You may not have discovered this yet, but classic detective literature is my favorite light read. This one was fabulous. Movie did not do it justice, so if you haven’t seen it yet, read the book first. 100 times better.
Looking Ahead…
As to what’s ahead for the blog, this coming year I’m hoping to review and feature a larger variety of books. History, science, biographies, mysteries, historical fiction, classics, theology, and more. The goal: all 104 books on Tim Challies 2019 Reading Challenge, which you can find here. You can follow along (or even better: join in on the fun!) on Goodreads and Instagram.
I will be posting the final two reviews for The Wingfeather Saga this Friday (12/21), and next Friday (12/28). The holidays have messed with my schedule, so I appreciate your understanding! I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Christmas season!
The Corner Shelf 