I read 58 books in 2023, and once again, I slightly fell short of my goal of 60. Although I read many excellent books, I had a hard time picking ten books because my reading list was not as great as in previous years. So, I have narrowed down my favorite books to only nine books. They are listed in the order that I read them below. These are my all-star-five-star-will-read-again books of 2023!
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1. The Pursuit of Holiness – Jerry Bridges
Reading this book was delightful! It is easy to understand, biblical, and convicting. It helped me realize some ways I was carefree in my pursuit of holiness—particularly the chapters on guarding your heart and will. I got many valuable lessons from this book. For instance, the role of holiness in our reason and will, not making any provision for the flesh, and the relationship between habits and holiness.
2. Dating with Discernment – Sam Andreades
Andreades did a brilliant job with this book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I could not put it down. It is easy to read, fun, and thoroughly biblical. The questions are excellent, helpful, and a great starting point to help you make the second most significant decision of your life. This is the best book on dating I have ever read, and I highly, highly recommend it!
3. Not a Tame Lion – Terry Glaspey
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the life of C.S. Lewis. It was fascinating to discover his ideas on various topics. What a brilliant man! Glaspey did a fantastic job summarizing Lewis’s ideas and thoughts in this book. I am definitely going to read more of Lewis’s to go deeper into his thoughts.
4. Love Thy Body – Nancy Pearcey
This book is simply amazing! I learned so much from it! I was not familiar with personhood theory and once I understood it, a lot of things started making sense! I love that Pearcey brings everything back to the Bible. It is not enough to denounce these evil worldviews as just wrong. It is also critical to explain that they are wrong because they oppose God’s Word. And I love that this book is unashamedly Christian!
5. Elisabeth Elliot: A Life – Lucy Austen
When I read a biography of someone I deeply admire, I often wonder if I loved the book because it is good or because I love the subject. With this biography, I know with certainty that I don’t love it solely because it is about one of my heroes. It is a fantastic, fun, and well-written book! Austen sheds light on this towering figure and helps us see just the woman. It is a riveting and faithful portrayal of an inspiring, complex woman. I highly recommend reading this biography if you want a profound and honest look into Elisabeth Elliot’s life.
6. How Christianity Transformed the World – Sharon James
I highly recommend this book! Not only will you learn how Christian values shaped this world for the better, but you will be inspired to follow the steps of those who have gone before us.
7. The Toxic War on Masculinity – Nancy Pearcey
Toxic War on Masculinity is my second book from Nancy Pearcey. Once again, I am deeply impressed with her writing! Like Love Thy Body, Nancy Pearcey carefully researched and documented this book. It is informative, biblical, and delightful to read. It is a must-read book!
8. The Character of Christ – Jonathan Landry Cruse
I really enjoyed reading The Character of Christ and highly recommend it. It is not a book to read and do likewise. It is a book to help you grow in your knowledge of our wonderful savior and enjoy the wonders of His character.
9. The Practice of Godliness – Jerry Bridges
The Practice of Godliness was my fourth Jerry Bridges book and like the previous ones, it was excellent. I highly recommend it!
Honorable Mentions
I also quite enjoyed these three books, though I didn’t give them five stars: A Cover for Glory by Dale Partridge, Counterfeit Kingdom, by Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett, and The Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross by Arthur W. Pink
You can find the complete list of the books I read in 2023 here.
