Book Blast 2011
Grand total for 2011 was 241 books read, plus 1 complete audio book. This is an all-time high since I started counting, compared to 184 books in 2010 and 220 books in 2009.
Bible reading doesn’t count toward my total. In 2011 I read 2–8 chapters every day (no exceptions), but didn’t set any consumption records. Quantity is so NOT the point of reading the Bible. Jesus Christ IS.
Picking my favorite books from 2011 is HARD. Harder than last year. Really, really, really hard. How can I say … REALLY hard. There were so many books that I “happened to read” at just the right time to teach or encourage me.
But for our purposes here, I’ve selected 7 books that made a lasting favorable impression, meaning that I can still quote/relay a faith-building truth, an arresting fact, or a helpful scenario from the book.
I’ve already reviewed 2 such books, so I won’t repeat them over again redundantly here, but simply point you to my original posts:
- The House on Garibaldi Street, by Isser Harel
- Why Isn’t a Pretty Girl Like You Married?, by Nancy Wilson
Now for the rest …
Top Book Picks of 2011
Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye-Opening Journey across the Life Line, by Abby Johnson
I love this lady. She saw that she was wrong and did a complete 180. She made waves like you wouldn’t believe, and thoughtfully provided a lifeboat for anyone who might get swamped.
Hitler’s Cross, Erwin Lutzer
Wagner is now on my list of banned composers. Hitler loved Wagner’s music, and Wagner warped Hitler’s understanding of Jesus Christ, which Hitler used to justify his evil agenda toward the Jews. Don’t believe it? Read this book.
Aside: In 2011 I read almost two dozen books about WWII and the Jewish Holocaust. Hitler’s Cross was one of the most riveting. Other notable reads were the following 3 personal accounts (among many) of Jewish survivors:
- An Unbroken Chain: My Journey Through the Nazi Holocaust, Harry A. Oertelt
- The Iron Furnace: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story, George Topas
- The 23rd Psalm: A Holocaust Memoir, George Lucius Salton
The First Soprano (1912), Mary Hitchcock
My sweet friend Leah sent me this wonderful old book for my birthday. She knows what I like. The best part is the author’s ability to make her characters state a firm and logical Scriptural conclusion, then by degrees have their point of view corrected and grown through further Bible teaching. She also beautifully illustrates how true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ can exercise different Biblical convictions without being unfriendly toward one another. (Not like that subject would appeal to me in any way.)
Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy, by Donald Kraybill, Steven Nolt, and David Weaver-Zercher
Interesting commentary on the 2006 shooting in an Amish school. This book expounds the subtle difference between full Biblical forgiveness and absolute pardon. (A forgiven person may still require punishment.) I was also intrigued by the shared grief and support of the Amish community.
Saving Sammy: A Mother’s Fight to Cure Her Son’s OCD, by Beth Alison Maloney
There may be some bad language in this book; I don’t remember. What I do remember is the devastating effects of divorce on this family, and the surprising medical remedy for a supposed mental illness. Did you know strep could cause OCD? I’ve had strep throat. (gulp) I count steps and play all kinds of mind games with myself. (gulp, gulp) I also self-diagnose myself with every illness I read about.
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by Phillip Keller
I’ve read this book several times. Each time I come away with a deeper love and longing for the Good Shepherd Who gave His Life for His sheep. It is such a simple book, yet deeply profound. It’s one book I wish everybody would read. Have you read it?
Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches, by Russell D. Moore (I have the audio book read by the author.)
Where do I start? I appreciated the carefully drawn analogy between a father who adopts two orphans and Our Father in heaven Who adopts us as His own. One detail that has stuck with me is the significance of our being adopted as sons (not daughters) by God. (Romans 8:14; I John 3:1; Galatians 3:28). I tuned out toward the end, during the practical how-to-adopt section, but am still chewing on the rest.
What books did you read in 2011?
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(Disclosure: Book titles on my website are almost always affiliate links. I receive a tiny compensation from Amazon if you buy from them after clicking one of my links. It won’t make me a millionaire any time soon. If you don’t want to support an online affiliate program, don’t click my links. But do read the books.)