Ryanne Molinari

I set a GoodReads goal of reading 60 books this year. Admittedly, I chose this number because I knew I could hit it and wanted that victory. Thanks to unexpectedly starting school again, I ended up reading 82 books (and counting).

My reading habits are eclectic, to say the least. From sci-fi to Christian living, psychological thrillers to Puritan sermons, Jane Austen to Flannery O’Connor, it’s a wild, wonderful ride. While I read and reread many excellent (and several disappointing) books this year, the following ten have quickly become my favorites. These are not ranked in any particular order, so don’t pay too much attention to the numbers. I hope you find one or two to add to your to-be-read pile!

1. Marmee: A Novel of Little Women by Sarah Miller

This was the first book I read this year, and it set the bar high. I am not usually a fan of books based on classic books, but this one was simply beautiful. Miller gifted her readers greater insight into the saintly Marmee of Alcott’s Little Women, rendering her at once more human and heroic. Best of all, this book is ON SALE! Treat yourself to the perfect cozy Christmas read here. (But probably don’t buy it for yourself until after Christmas…)

2. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I read this because The Book Pile Podcast recommended it. Trusting the podcast hosts’ judgment, I splurged and bought a brand new, full-priced copy—something I rarely do since thrifting books feels like a treasure hunt. I cannot contain my love for this book. This sci-fi adventure by the The Martian author was clever, endearing, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will jump up and down grinning eerily as I wait for you to go buy and read this book. (And, it’s also on sale!)

3. The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims by Rebecca McLaughlin

This book saved my midwinter workouts. McLaughlin is not only an excellent writer but a captivating reader. The audiobook was ideal for keeping my brain engaged while jogging on the treadmill, but I’m sure this would be a worthwhile read in any format. This could also be a good book for study/discussion groups as it is concise and easy to understand even as it is throughly researched.

4. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

My sixth-grade teacher referenced the short story “Flowers for Algernon,” and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Finally, I read the full novel, and it was as powerful as I feared it would be. A stunning, tragic book about what it means to be a person, this fictional story will leave you, to borrow Coleridge’s phrase, “a sadder and wiser man.” However, in an age that attempts to separate human life from personhood, this message of this book is perhaps more urgent than ever. Check it out here.

5. Sabbaths by Wendell Berry

Particularly when I am worn out socially, I am drawn to Berry’s poetry. Even if you are not a lover of verse, you will find lines to savor among his Sabbath poems—of which there are many. I spent some time analyzing a few of his poems and found refreshment in the practice. I should also add that I just finished reading his novel, Hannah Coulter, and it was equally lovely. My one complaint about Berry’s books is that they are difficult to track down in stores! Whenever I find one, it’s like stumbling upon a pearl in a field.

6. Practicing Affirmation: God-Centered Praise of Those Who Are Not God by Sam Crabtree

This short book makes a compelling case for encouraging one another intentionally, specifically, regularly, and genuinely. It challenged me to care for others in my speech and writing, building them up for their good and God’s glory. Read more or buy it here.

7. The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Favale

I was immediately interested in this book because Favale is also a St. Andrew’s alumnus. However, she studied feminist theory yet now is deconstructing those theories with surgical precision. This book made me shout, “Yes, exactly!” many times as it pointed out the ignored, ugly consequences of the feminist and sexual revolutions. While I (being Protestant) don’t always agree with Favale’s theology, there is no denying her intellectual acuity.

8. The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes by Nancy Pearcey

This book addresses the sharp division between the sexes and walks through history to show how we got into such a sorry state. More hopefully, Pearcey recommends ways that a genuine Christian ethic can restore harmony and healthy complementarity between the sexes. It is meticulously researched, carefully organized, and—marvelously—incredibly readable. Get it here.

9. Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I’m not sure how I’ve gone this long without reading Life Together, but I have not stopped referencing it since I read it in July. It’s short enough to read in an evening or two, and I earnestly believe all Christians need to read at least a little Bonhoeffer in their lifetimes. Get a copy ASAP and prepare to be challenged and encouraged. It’s on sale right now on Amazon, but there are likely a few copies at your local used bookstore.

10. Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey

This is another semi-classic that I somehow had never read before—and it was beautiful. I love exploring theological truths through analogy, and this is a poignant exploration of what it means to live as the Body of Christ as told by a doctor treating individual human bodies. This book could be read devotionally, but I could not keep from reading it all at once. The writing is wonderful and the stories will break your heart in the best way, cracking it open for Wounded Healer to put it back together. Also, it’s on sale.

Conclusion

There are so many other books I could have included here, and I’m sure I’m forgetting a book I will wish I included. I’ll likely do another “reading roundup” post when 2023 officially ends, but this will do for tonight.