Top 4 Book Recommendations from My 2022 Reading

Photo by Polina Zimmerman

Since 2019, I have made a reading goal at the beginning of the year to challenge myself for how many books I can read. In 2022, I read 39 books (sadly, just a couple books short of my goal!). Most of the books were theology and Christian books, so I thought I would share with you some of my favorites from what I read and why I would recommend them. I not only picked the books that I enjoyed from my list, but I also selected books that are easily accessible and helpful to Christians in any stage of life. So here are my top 4 recommended books (not necessarily in order)!

Gentle and Lowly: the Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund (2020)

Reading Level:

Very easy —- easy —- moderate —- challenging — very challenging

This is probably my favorite Christian book that I read all year. Ortlund provides a zoom-in through the scriptures of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, which is the focus of the book. It helped me to understand His grace and compassion in a whole new way. I would especially recommend this for Christians who are going through a difficult season, who are struggling with the concept of grace and forgiveness of their sins, and who are struggling with showing forgiveness and compassion to others (though honestly, I would recommend this book to any Christian regardless).

This book is not very long, and the chapters are short enough (1 chapter can be read in about 10-15 minutes depending on your reading speed) that I read a chapter as a devotional before doing my morning Bible reading. The language is very easy to understand, and Ortlund provides relatable and relevant examples to help us understand the information and how to apply it to our lives.

Perhaps you are one of the many people I have talked to who tried to read it but had a hard time getting into it. My advice is - try it again! And don’t try to read a lot in one sitting, but take your time with it and ponder the teaching. I personally almost put the book down after 2 chapters, but I am grateful I pushed through. After a few chapters, Ortlund gets into the meat of the book, and it becomes much harder to put down.

2. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom (1971)

Reading Level:

Very easy —- easy —- moderate —- challenging — very challenging

A thrilling and incredible story of Corrie ten Boom surviving persecution and Nazi imprisonment during WWII. To read about how her faith in God carried her through one of the darkest times in the 21st century was such an encouragement. Not to mention, ten Boom provides Christ-like insight into loving those who persecute us, caring for the weak and vulnerable even at the risk of our own life, and trusting God in all circumstances. While this book is a bit on the older side, it has not lost any of its relevance or beauty.

I had a very hard time putting this book down and read it within a matter of days. It is an easy read as well as an unforgettable one. If you are looking for a fast-paced yet Christian book, this one is for you!

3. 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke (2017)

Reading Level:

Very easy —- easy —- moderate —- challenging — very challenging

While there is nothing wrong with reading a self-help book about how to break a phone addiction or be aware of the consequences of our smartphones, Reinke takes it a step further by forming a Biblically-grounded theology on technology with which we can view our technology usage. In this book, Reinke explains ways that our phone is changing our relationships, our behaviors beyond the screen, and our relationship with God, for better and for worse. It does not take a genius to say that most of us spend too much time on our smartphones, but Reinke is not a “technology pessimist” by debating that we should get rid of screen technology altogether. Rather, by exposing our abuses of our smartphones and its consequences, Reinke then provides ways on how we can use our phones for the glory of God, the expansion of His kingdom, and good for our souls. This book will reveal parts of our smartphone-focused hearts that we did not want to see, but it provides practical and applicable wisdom. I would recommend this book to any Christian, whether in their teenage years or elderly. I have already written an expanded review on this book, which you can read here.

4. The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield (2018)

Reading Level:

Very easy —- easy —- moderate —- challenging — very challenging

Beautiful, inspiring, and convicting, Rosaria Butterfield explains the call to every Christian to show hospitality to our neighbor, not just in kind attitudes but in opening our homes. Through the scriptures, Butterfield shows how Jesus demonstrated the necessity and command of hospitality for outreach to the lost and encouragement to the saints. Likewise, most of the book is from Butterfield’s personal experience as a pastor’s wife in opening her home to beloved church members and intimidating neighbors. Her story shows the impact in the sacrifice and service of opening our homes to the people God has placed in our lives. In many ways, Butterfield explains that hospitality is a lot simpler and easier than we think. Likewise, there are ways in which hospitality requires us to face the risk of showing our faults and weakness in involving people in our daily lives.

But this call to hospitality is not reserved for the married couple, the established family, or the people directly in ministry. This is a call for every Christian, whether single or not, and can be demonstrated in many different ways. While this book will challenge your heart, it is not a challenging read. While it could certainly be read in your personal reading, this book is great to read with a friend, spouse, or a group, to bring discussion about how you might work towards practicing hospitality in your day-to-day life.