I read a lot of helpful Christian books this past year, but here are my seven favorites. Surprisingly, I read the first five before the end of January!

, by Mark Vroegop. The author first teaches how to lament and then moves on to explain what we can learn from lament. I needed this book and highly recommend it. my short review.

by Darby A. Strickland. Wise, informed, compassionate and biblically-rooted advice for women facing domestic abuse and those wanting to help them.

, by Carmen Joy Imes. On the importance of the Mosaic Law with special attention to the third commandment. (We each have an 鈥渋nvisible tattoo鈥 with God鈥檚 name on it鈥攁nd should live like it.) Readable biblical theology spanning the whole Bible.

by Charlie Trimm. A short book comparing various solutions to God鈥檚 command for the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites. Trimm summarizes various approaches. He leaves his own view(s) unstated.

, by Uche Anizor. The book鈥檚 title will tell you what it鈥檚 about. A few weeks ago this book was selected as Christianity Today鈥檚 鈥 and for good reason.

by Gary Witheral. A biography of the life and martyrdom of Bonnie Witherall 鈥 as told by her husband Gary. An example of full surrender to the Lord in life and death.

by Randy Alcorn. Thoughtful reflections on suffering and evil. He employs apt and powerful examples 鈥 especially the further you move through the book. Probably too long for most people to finish so feel free to skip ahead to chapters you think might be helpful.

As I reflect on this list, I am aware that my 鈥渇avorite鈥 books this past year address some rather heavy topics 鈥 heavier than my favorites from previous years. I suspect that in some measure this reflects the heaviness of our historical moment. Nevertheless, I found these books helpful, and hope that some of you will be helped by them as well.

is my list for 2021.

is my list for 2020.

is my list for 2019.

is my list for 2018.

and other resources are available at