My Top 10 Books of 2023
As the year 2023 closed, I pulled up my reading list to add the books I had recently finished. I looked over my list on my Pages document. No, I do not use Goodreads or anything fancy to track my books. I’m old-school with many things in life, (for example, at Christmas my teenage nephew was trying to convince me to upgrade my phone because I still had an iPhone 7), so jotting the book titles down in a document that I started in 2010 works just fine for me.
I also am not a fan of e-books. Give me a real book to touch and smell and see in all its glory. Books tell stories, and the tangible pages in my hands do too. As I scroll through my document over the past years, I remember certain books I read at specific times of my life. The place I read it, the smudge on the page from the chocolate I was eating, the words and themes highlighted that spoke to me in the present struggle of my life, and even water stains from the tears I cried—books have been with me, made me, changed me.
The one and only downside is that I can’t ever seem to find my bookmark, lost in the blankets, the bed, or the couch. Brett laughs at me every time as I search for the bookmark before I lose my place. I don’t remember where I put it because I’m already lost in the words. If someone has a solution, please tell me.
If I never have one on earth, my mansion in Heaven will have a library like the Beast’s, where I will fly across the bookshelves on a ladder like Belle. Fortunately, I will have all eternity to read my never-ending books-to-read list.
As I reflected on all of this, I thought I would share my top ten favorite books I read in 2023 (not in any specific order). For those of you who are not readers, I won’t be offended if you tune out now. But maybe you’ll give a new book a chance. For those who are looking for new ideas for 2024, read on…
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers
Dane Ortlund
This book is now in my top five favorite, life-changing books. If you are a sinner and a sufferer, I encourage you to read it. (Umm…that’s everyone!) This has opened my eyes to the heart of Jesus Christ. I can’t even explain how much this book changed my relationship with Him and how the truths rescued me as I have walked through my own suffering and sin.
Then go read his other book, Deeper. I basically cried through both of these with an outpouring of worship.
Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?
Timothy Keller
I thought I knew what forgiveness was until I read this book. Last year, I studied the book of Hebrews and listened to Timothy Keller’s sermon series. In one of his sermons, he explained that there is no forgiveness without suffering. A friend recommended I read this book for further insight. Keller explains God’s forgiveness, and it brought me to my knees. I was overwhelmed and in awe of the forgiveness that God has given me, which then overflows into forgiving others who have sinned against me.
Spiritual Depression: It's Causes and Cures
D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
I read this book on my library app, but it is on my list of books to buy. Because I don’t have endless money to spend on books, I only buy ones that are the most meaningful to me or I need to come back to again and again. In a culture that is highly depressed and riddled with anxiety…it was humbling and sobering; Christ-followers should be the most joyful people on the planet. He gives hope for how to fight hopelessness and spiritual burnout and find joy through Jesus Christ. I’m sure I will be coming back to this book sooner rather than later.
Waymaker: Finding the Way to the Life You've Always Dreamed Of
Ann Voskamp
I have enjoyed Ann Voskamp’s books, and this is probably her best yet. I read this in a timely season when I needed reminded of God’s faithful love, which she describes as hesed-attachment love—He will never stop loving us, and we can never be detached from Him, no matter who we are, what we’ve done, or what’s happened to us. Through the story of her personal struggles, she reminds us that the Lord is always where we will find the Way through.
The Hidden Years of Nazareth
G. Campbell Morgan
This is actually a sermon published into a book by Lamplighter Publishing. I first read this in 2021, but my goal is to read it every year. The sermon is solely based on Jesus’ life from 12-30 years, and the specific verse, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) It’s so compelling! The Father was pleased with Jesus for all the years leading up to His ministry that were mundane, repetitive, not flashy, void of miracles or attention, yet filled with faithfulness and obedience in the day-to-day “little” things. This sermon has challenged my perspective and given me hope that the Lord can also be pleased with my faithfulness and obedience as a stay-at-home, homeschool mom that lives a non-flashy, unseen life full of mundane and repetitive responsibilities.
Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies
Hillary Morgan Ferrer
I recommend all parents (and grandparents!) read this book to educate you on the most prevalent worldviews and how to teach and defend biblical truth to our kids (and for ourselves!) It is informative, practical, and eye-opening. I’m thankful for these women who do all the hard apologetic research and give us resources to “ROAR” like a Mama Bear against the darkness and lies surrounding us.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Laura Hillenbrand
I first read this in 2012, and it became one of my favorite books. I was captivated by the incredible story of Louis Zamperini, a WW2 survivor, which wrecked me, inspired me, and humbled me. I laughed, I cried, and I was amazed at our God’s sovereignty, redemption, and healing. Just go read it. (Warning: some of the stories while he was in Japan as a POW are unspeakably brutal.)
Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside
L.M. Montgomery
Oh. My. Heart. I had started the Anne of Green Gables series in 2022, and finished the series in 2023. As I was reading, I couldn’t believe that I had never read these books before! I fell in love with the story and characters immediately. However, I believe that God is even sovereign over when we read certain books—sometimes we need to read them at different times and seasons of life. I don’t think I would have appreciated these books at an earlier time in my life, because they were more relatable now as a wife and mom.
The War Against Boys: How Misguided Policies Are Harming Our Young Men
Christina Hoff Sommers
Um...whoa. This book shocked me. Sommers explains how our culture’s feminism ideology and the result of policy reform in education has been a devastating disadvantage to our boys, and therefore, society as a whole. She does not come from a Christian worldview; however, I thought many of her arguments and the evidence lined up with biblical truth. (Which is what makes this even greater…when the secular proves biblical principles!) Some may not agree with her assessment and solutions, but if I’m being transparent, this book confirmed even more why we are currently homeschooling our three boys. (She was not advocating for homeschooling; rather solutions in education to benefit our boys…yet there has been mostly pushback).
While it’s controversial, I encourage you to give it a try, especially if you have boys. (She also explains how society has impacted girls, so it’s beneficial for parents of girls too. I have on my list this year to read her former book, Who Stole Feminism: How Women Have Betrayed Women.)
A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love
Milton Vincent
Have you ever heard the recommendation to “preach the gospel to yourself”? This book lays out short descriptions of gospel truths and how they should impact our daily lives. I read this a few years ago, but re-read it this year. In fact, I continue to read each day one reason to preach the gospel, to meditate on what Jesus Christ as done for me and pray that it changes me to further live like Him and for Him.
Don’t forget to check out my book— Living Hope: Giving Birth to Death Brought Life