As usual, I’ve been sticking my nose in a book much of the year. Here are a few of my favorites I’ve been reading:

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• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (novel) – I read her novel, Nightingale, last year, so I was excited to read Hannah’s latest release. It’s a story of love and fear and survival set in Alaska. It was hard to set this book down.
• Jayber Crow by Wendell Barry (novel) – This book was recommended by a friend, and it did not disappoint. It’s a unique novel exploring one man’s ordinary life. There were so many powerful quotes to stew on, though, so the ordinary tale felt deeply philosophical.
• Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan (novel) – Loosely based on an astounding true story, this book is set in Italy during World War II and follows one man’s journal to subversively fight the Nazi’s. It’s a remarkable story and a really good read.
• Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (novel) – If you don’t want to read anything controversial, this isn’t for you; but I greatly appreciated Picoult’s novel exploring race, privilege and justice.
• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (novel) – The characters in this book are rich and interesting. The book follows step brothers and sisters journeys through several decades, exploring family and secrets.
• Embodied Hope by Kelly Kapic (nonfiction, theology) – This is an incredibly thoughtful book exploring what it means to be a Christian and to suffer. Drawing on his wife’s chronic illness, he goes well beyond cliche Christian responses to discuss a theology of suffering.
• 7 Women by Eric Metaxas (nonfiction, biography) – Bonhoeffer by Metaxas is my all time favorite biography, so I had to read more of his work this year. This book gives seven brief biographies of influential Christian women from history. The stories are deeply inspiring and the writing makes it a quick, enjoyable read.
• Maine Stories by Lew Ellyn Hughes (nonfiction, regional) – If you’re looking for the perfect Maine camp book, this is it. Hughes shares short stories on all things Maine – the people and the places. Many stories will make you laugh and all of them will highlight what’s great about this state.
• The Map is not the Journey by Richard Dahlstrom (nonfiction, theology/travel) – This book made me miss hearing Dahlstrom preach every Sunday. He and his wife took a Sabbatical to hike through the Alps. This book is the result of that trip. It’s filled with interesting insights gleaned from the process of journeying and from the landscape of the European alps.
• Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt (nonfiction, Christian life) – Schmidt presents an appeal for radical hospitality, especially for those who follow Jesus. She also share practical tips and ideas. (Note: This book was given to me by the publisher.)
• Remember God by Annie F. Downs (nonfiction, memoir, Christian life) – I don’t think this book is for everyone. (I’m reviewing it after receiving a free copy from the publisher.) I think the topic (kindness of God even in our suffering) is well worth study, but I found the book too rooted in Downs’ individual life to be entirely relatable; however, the second half of the book was much better than the first. So if you’ve picked it up, it may be worth continuing on.

This year, I also read several books aloud to the boys. I think it’s safe to say Charlotte’s Web was their favorite.

What have you loved reading this year?