Here are some of my favorite books I read last year. (To get more lists of great books, you can check out Anne Bogel’s post where she shared her favorites and invited others to share theirs.) To be clear, these aren’t books released last year, simply ones I read and enjoyed. For perspective, I only read about 30 books total, so here are my top third in random order:
The Antelope in the Living Room
by Melanie Shankle
Melanie’s memoir about motherhood is on my Recommended Reads list and now this one about marriage is a new favorite as well. I don’t read many books that make me laugh which may be why I enjoy Melanie’s writing so very much.
The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways That Jesus Is the Way
by Eugene Peterson
I read this one carefully with a pen and a notebook beside me. Peterson leads the way on an in-depth look at all the ways Jesus is the way, challenging the ways of the modern American church. He explores the ways of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Mary; also Caiaphas, Josephus, and Herod, comparing and contrasting them with the kingdom way of Jesus. As I’ve studied and pondered leaning into my own smallness, this book was a key reference and encouragement for me.
The Year of Magical Thinking
by Joan Didion
This is the first book I read by Joan Didion. Her story has held on and won’t let go. She allows us to crawl inside her grief after her husband suddenly died in front of her. I knew it would be sad, but what I didn’t expect was how difficult it would be to put down. If I remember right, the ending left me feeling slightly empty, but the journey of the book made up for it. I plan to read a second title of hers this year.
The Seven Storey Mountain
by Thomas Merton
Full disclosure, this book took me over a year to finish with lots of stops and starts. It’s the thickest book I read this year (462 pages if you must know) but I read every word and took notes. Since I’m not Catholic, I most likely missed a lot of the important references. But I connected with Merton’s struggle with self, faith, and vocation and the relatable, honest way he shared it. Stunning writing, thoughtful perspective, surprisingly relevant.
Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts
by Ian Morgan Cron
In the fall I had to drive to Charlotte twice a week for a month (about 2 hours one way). I chose this audio book from the library for company to help me pass the time. It did so much more than that. I actually looked forward to waking up at 4 am for the drive so I could listen to Ian Morgan Cron (who’s voice sounds like the guy who narrates The Wonder Years) tell his story. While my curiosity about his dad being in the CIA was what initially hooked me, his ability to weave a story with threads of grace, memory, forgiveness, and humor is what left a lasting impression.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette
by Maria Semple
I read this one in a day or so over spring break and it came at just the right time for me. I was in a place where I wanted to say no to all the things, in desperate need of a break. Bernadette was kind, lighthearted company for me in that season. Perhaps it makes the list based more on my experience reading it than the actual content of the book, but really how can you separate the two?
Breathing Room: Letting Go So You Can Fully Live
by Leeana Tankersley
During a time when I really needed some breathing room, I read Leeana’s book. She speaks the kind of soul language I’m always looking for but rarely find, the kind that comes from thoughtful silence, faithful waiting, and long, dark nights. When life feels like an airplane emergency, she comes along and reminds us – put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. I needed that reminder. She is a writer who encourages us to be fully human as we turn to Christ.
The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life
by Marion Roach Smith
Not just for writing memoir, this book is for any writer who simply wants to practice their craft. Short, thoughtful, and motivating. I want to read this one every year and recommend it to every writer I know.
Learning to Walk in the Dark
by Barbara Brown Taylor
After becoming uncomfortable with the assumption that good things are associated with lightness and evil things are associated with darkness, Barbara Brown Taylor began to study darkness and all the ways God meets us there, when we are unsure and when things are unseen. I checked this one out at the library but after finishing it I promptly added it to my list of books I’d like to own.
Seasons of Your Heart: Prayers and Reflections
by Macrina Wiederkehr
My spiritual director introduced me to this book. It’s a book of prayers so I haven’t read it all the way through, but I was introduced to it this year and I keep it close by every morning. Her prayers are simple, thoughtful, and poetic.
I could have easily chosen more but since I narrowed it down to 10, I will include these as Honoroble Mentions:
- Girl at the End of the World by Elizabeth Esther
- Here and Now: Living in the Spirit
by Henri J.M. Nouwen
- What Alice Forgot
by Liane Moriarty
- A Fall of Marigolds
by Susan Meissner
It’s fun to talk about books, isn’t it? If you’d like to see the books I’m currently reading, I share them regularly on The Bench, my monthly newsletter. Sign up here to get the next one in your inbox.
What was your favorite book last year?
Devi says
January 8, 2015 at 9:05 AMI loved “The Year of Magical Thinking” – I found myself able to relate to Didion’s grief even though I haven’t experienced the death of someone close to me. The way she “went there” in the grief process gave me a guide in some ways in how to grieve different losses in my life. I read “Blue Nights” a few months ago; I love her style, so she’s always enjoyable to read, but it wasn’t as fantastic as Magical Thinking.. but that’s just me. Blue Nights has lots of true (and sad) writing on parenting though..
I might just have to check out your Memoir writing recommendation.. you had me at short :).
JoyLeanne says
January 8, 2015 at 10:22 AMSo excited to add some of these to my reading list this year.
Lucille Zimmerman says
January 8, 2015 at 10:51 AMI’ve read five of those. I think you might like, “The Rules of Inheritance” if you haven’t read it yet.
Kristin S says
January 8, 2015 at 11:00 AMA friend just gave Learning to Walk in the Dark to me at Christmas and I plan to spend a four hour plane ride reading it this weekend. And finish Daring Greatly. Whew, I may need some fluffy fiction at my destination.
Carol Wilsin says
January 8, 2015 at 1:23 PMThe Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. I usually give my novels away after reading them. I am hanging on to this one. It’s the story if a reclusive orchardist and his kindness and unusual sacrifices extended to two pregnant girls who show up on his property. They have escaped from the prison of a sick, abusive man. There are many poignant passages in this book.
Carol Wilson says
January 8, 2015 at 1:26 PMThe Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. I usually give my novels away after reading them. I am hanging on to this one. It’s the story of a reclusive orchardist and his kindness and unusual sacrifices extended to two pregnant girls who show up on his property. They have escaped from the prison of a sick, abusive man. There are many poignant passages in this book.
Sarah M says
January 8, 2015 at 2:36 PMI don’t know if I could choose a favorite, but I have a top 5, in no particular order:
*Call the Midwife (1st one, haven’t read the rest of the series)
*Small Victories by Anne Lamott
*Tattoos on the Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle
*all the Nora Ephron books I read (I think there were 3, I loved them all)
*The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene
And of all the novels I read to my kids, I loved The Tale of Despereux by Kate DiCamillo, and Because of Winn-Dixie (same author) the most. She is a fabulous writer for kids. Wow.
Sarah M
Lisa says
January 8, 2015 at 4:35 PMOh yea, we have similar tastes. The Memoir Project was enchanting. Marion Smith engages the reader with personal stories that are a pleasure to read; that together with practical suggestions for writing your own stories made this book an all time favorite with a permanent place on my bookshelves. And… I have just discovered Barbara Brown. I greatly enjoyed An Alter in the World and look forward to her Learning to Walk in the Dark next. But my top pick for 2014 would be The Invention of Wings. Could not put it down.
keely says
January 8, 2015 at 4:57 PMI’m excited to check out The Memoir Project! (Although at some point I have to stop reading about writing and actually start writing!)
My favorite book from last year was All the Light We Cannot See.
https://keelygsteger.wordpress.com/2014/12/28/twenty-six/
Elizabeth Marshall says
January 8, 2015 at 5:13 PMThank you thank you thank you. Rich and thorough. Youve whet my appetite for reading many of these.
Su says
January 8, 2015 at 6:07 PMso what is a spiritual director? never heard that term before?
my favorite book I read this year was Love Does by Bob Goff.
Erika says
January 8, 2015 at 6:14 PMOo, I am always looking for new reading material! I have been pondering that Learning to Walk in the Dark for awhile. It sounds exactly what I need in this season of my life. Thanks for reviewing it! 🙂
Sarah says
January 8, 2015 at 6:27 PMI absolutely loved the book Love Idol – so good for a people-pleasing, comparison seeking self (and great for someone with young daughters!) Definitely agree on Antelope, Year of Magical Thinking, Where’d You Go Bernadette, and the CIA book – love all of those! Love adding a few others to my list!
Lisa says
January 8, 2015 at 7:48 PMGreat list! I feel inspired. I need the book Breathing Room, I think…
Elizabeth says
January 8, 2015 at 9:37 PMFavorite book of last year was All the Light We Cannot See (and What Alice Forgot was a close second…didn’t expect to be thinking about that one for so long after I finished it!).
Great list…more to add to my ever-growing “to read” list!
RHome410 says
January 8, 2015 at 10:25 PMI am intrigued by your description of The Jesus Way. I see that it is 3rd in a series of 5. Did you read the previous 2, or just jump right into this one?
I admit to being a fan of British Chick Lit, and even though I collect plenty of good and serious books, I get so little time to read, I go for the guilty pleasure when given the chance… Something light and funny. But The Jesus Way sounds great and has a study guide, which might help me stick with it, and also help the information stick with me…
Meema says
January 9, 2015 at 8:58 AMMy top ten books this year: From most recently read –
I Am Not But I Know I Am – Welcome to the Story of God – by Louie Giglio
Grace for the Good Girl – by Emily P Freeman
How The Future Worked – Russia Through the Eyes of a Young Non-Person – by Alexander Boot
Spiritual Misfit – A Memoir of Uneasy Faith – by Michelle DeRusha
Let’s All Be Brave – Living Life With Everything You Have – by Annie F. Downs.
A Million Little Ways – Emily P Freeman
Mockingjay – by Suzanne Collins (read this to preview for my 13 yr old grandson – enjoyed it)
All three of the Call the Midwife series – by Jennifer Worth. I ordered these after watching the first three seasons on PBS. The books are even better than the show and some of the stories end differently. I found myself reading slower on the last page of the last book, as I did with Christy years ago, because I knew it was over and I didn’t want it to be.
k says
January 9, 2015 at 11:44 AMFinding Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Gray
You’re Already Amazing by Holley Gerth (and her other 2 also)
A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman
The Nesting Place by Myquillin Smith
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (teen lit., has cussing, about 2 misfit teens in the ’80’s. I just could really feel the story. )
Why Isn’t My Brain Working? by Datis Kharrazian (fascinating non-fiction book about nutrition and brain function-by a neuroscientist…pretty technical, but made me realize how GREAT God is. )
Samantha Livingston says
January 9, 2015 at 1:47 PMThanks for some good suggestions. Adding some of these to my T0-Read. Hands down, What Alice Forgot was my ’15 favorite. Loved the deeper message about marriage and how we easily get on diverging courses folded into a page-turning fiction read. Brilliant I thought. Don’t know if you’ve had a chance to read JoJo Moyes’ “Me Before You” but I think you would like it. That was probably my second. 🙂
Jordan says
January 9, 2015 at 8:14 PMReading Learning to Walk in the Dark right now. Love BBT! Read An Altar in the World for a class last year and fell in love with her writing style.
I had to read a LOT for classes in 2014 (english major probs), so I didn’t do as much reading for fun as normal. here are my favorites from the year:
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell: hated the ending, not in a “it’s badly written” way but more in a “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO MY HEART?!” kinda way. But the writing was great, loved the story, and the plot centers around the 80s. What could be better? Definitely picking up more of Rowell’s books this year.
Marta’s Legacy series (Her Mother’s Heart and Her Daughter’s Dream) by Francine Rivers: This was the 1st Rivers’ series I read (after reading Redeeming Love last year which broke my heart into a million pieces). I started it when I was sick in bed with pneumonia, and ended it a month later on a mission trip to Cozumel. I love how the story progresses over time, and it made my connections to my grandmother and mom clearer. It taught me a lot about mother-daughter relationships that I appreciated, and the end of this series made me bawl.
Paper Towns by John Green: I’ve read all of Green’s books now besides Will Grayson Will Grayson (which he co-wrote). This one wasn’t exactly my favorite, but I enjoyed it. It came at a time where I needed some adventure and goofiness, which this story brings. It’s very interesting and definitely Green’s quirky style shines through. This is also one of his books that doesn’t end sadly. (I bawled my way through The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska).
and lastly, my favorite of 2014 is: Let’s All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs! That book is a game changer for me. I love her writing style and sense of humor, and she reinvented what it means to be “brave” to me. My word of the year for 2015 is Brave because of this book! So good.
Kristen Lunceford says
February 11, 2015 at 9:46 PMI just finished reading A Fall of Marigolds after taking your recommendation from this post, so I just wanted to stop by and say thank you. What an exquisitely told story! Gosh, I loved it.