Reading is always enjoyable, but especially so in the summer. With the longer days, slower pace, and warmer weather, summer provides a refreshing occasion to enjoy good books. This year, I enjoyed reading various books that made me think, feel, learn, and relax. If you’re looking to refresh your reading list for the fall or even get back into reading, I hope this list from a few of my summer reads serves you well.
The Demon of Unrest, Erik Larson. The events surrounding Lincoln’s presidency seem like an evergreen subject. I am never tired of reading about it and always learning something new. In Erik Larson’s latest book, he considers the events leading up to the Civil War. Beginning at the time of Lincoln’s surprising election and subsequent secession of several states, Larson zeroes in on Fort Sumter. Like his other books, Larson focuses on individuals to tell the story of history in narrative form. With hindsight, readers can see how seemingly small decisions and errors can quickly compound and bring unexpected results. I learned a ton and couldn’t put it down.
The Hunter, Tana French. A well-written detective mystery set in Ireland? I’m in. But, add to that a main character with an interesting story and strong moral code, and I’m excited. Cal Hooper is a recently retired Chicago cop who, after his divorce, moved to rural Ireland to get away and try something new. He meets and befriends a young girl with lots of grit and family trouble. French is a terrific writer who can inject suspense into mundane scenes. Another page-turning book that makes you think and feel, I plowed through this one in short order. (Note: The Hunter is the sequel to The Searcher, which is also an outstanding addition to this genre).
Ordinary Grace, William Kent Krueger. Another mystery novel, this time set in 1950’s small-town Minnesota. The main character and narrator is Frank Drum, looking back in his old age to the events when he was 13. Reflecting on several tragic deaths in the summer (including his sister), he brings readers through the themes of forgiveness and grief. Readers are led to contemplate spirituality, purpose, and meaning through the lens of a powerful and gripping story. Frank’s father is a Methodist minister, providing attractive moral consistency and compassion–especially amid tragedy. Krueger has been an unexpected find this summer. I enjoy his writing quite a bit.
Dark State, Jack Slater. Sometimes, I want to recline into a good old-fashioned CIA anti-terrorism book. This one is as advertised. It never slows down from the opening pages and delivers on the typical 21st-century American hero genre with Jason Trapp. Typical of this style, there are some over-explaining, moments of cheesiness, and far-fetched scenes. But readers know what they are signing up for. Bonus: the audiobook has an entire cast with sound effects and cinematic production. It’s pretty good.
Lloyd-Jones on the Christian Life: Doctrine and Life as Fuel and Fire, Jason Meyer. I’ve enjoyed Crossway’s Christian Life series because it provides a brief biography and an introduction to the subject’s theological contributions. In this book, Jason Meyer provides a short biography of the well-known Dr and then takes readers on an in-depth tour of Lloyd-Jones teaching. The treasure here is the thoroughness of the citations and thoughtfulness of the interactions. If you want to be discipled by Lloyd-Jones, get this book. If you’re looking for help arranging lessons for classes at your church, ideas for sermon series, or want to grow, pick up this book. You’ll be encouraged.
The Confessing Baptist, Robert Gonzales. More and more people are discovering the rich confessional heritage in the church. As they interact with the documents and study the history around them, they are introduced to new confessions and stories. Curious readers then want to know how they relate and about the historical events surrounding them. This book explores Baptist confessions, including the First and Second London Confessions, Abstract of Principles, and the New Hampshire Confession of Faith. This resource helps readers become acquainted with these confessions’ documents, history, and utility.
How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers, Andrew Naselli. Presenting the tension between (seemingly) unlimited books and limited time, the author attempts to help Christians think about reading in light of Christ’s Lordship and provide some tools to steward their time to read more effectively. The book offers many practical tips from Naselli’s life, including what counts as reading a book, when to put the book down, and how to read well. If you want to start reading or develop a deeper joy when reading, I think this book will serve you well.
Last Summer’s List: here
Some Previous Recent Reads
