It’s the time of year many of us are making resolutions and lists to restructure our schedules, organize our homes, exercise and eat right, and spend time with the people who matter the most. We also regularly reassess spiritual growth at this time of year. I’ve been thinking a lot about reading habits and wanted to set some goals based on some of the books that have encouraged me in the past.
Here are eight categories of books I’m hoping to read in the coming year. I haven’t figured out what all of them will be yet—I’d welcome any additional ideas.
What to Read in 2017
1. The Bible
The most important plan I make at the beginning of each year is how I’m going to study the Bible for the upcoming year. Having a daily reading plan (whatever it may be) is vital for keeping our minds actively engaged in the Scriptures. For years I’ve switched between Bible-in-a-year plans and Bible studies. I find both helpful for different reasons. I shared last year about my new favorite Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan. If you’re looking for one to read this year, here’s the plan for 2017:
I’m working on a Bible study project this year, so I’m not planning on reading the whole Bible this year. I’m going to do the reading plan just for the New Testament, taking my time and being able to take time to dig a bit deeper as I read.
Whatever you plan to read this year, make your Bible reading plan your first goal to consider.
2. A Christian Book Written in a Different Century
There are so many books being published each year that it’s easy to spend all of our reading hours staying current. However, I found that some of my favorite books, the ones I underline page after page, are older books. Yes, they can take longer to read and sometimes they require more mental work. But the extra effort required is well worth the benefits gained. It’s a beautiful way to reap the wisdom of being part of the universal church that stretches over 2,000 years. We can still learn from those who have gone before us to glory—what a gift.
Last year I read Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, and I highly recommend it. If you want to start with a shorter, but excellent Purtain work, I recommend The Art of Divine Contentment. It’s only about 80 pages, but it’s packed with wisdom. This year, I’m planning to read The Bruised Reed. My friend recommended as her favorite, so I’m looking forward to digging in and gleaning much from this book.
3. Something Popular Outside Your Box
This past year I read two books that were outside my normal reading material: The Best Yes and Daring Greatly. The Best Yes is a book written for Christian women, while Daring Greatly is a secular sociological book based on Brene Brown’s research. Both topped the bestseller lists in their various genres. I walked away from these books with practical insights for myself and a greater understanding the world around me. It’s helpful to read what’s popular for two reasons—it gives us common ground for gospel-centered conversations as well as insight into our larger cultural values.
You probably won’t agree with everything you read in this category, but I find that helpful as well. As I listen to another author who might not share my perspective or writing style, I find that I’m forced to reconsider and understand my own views with greater clarity. I’m not sure what books I’ll read in this category this year. If you have any ideas, I’d welcome them.
4. Biography
I find biographies fascinating—it’s my favorite genre. Some authors write non-fiction that reads easier than fiction. This year I enjoyed The Wright Brothers, The Faith of Christopher Hitchens, The Boys in the Boat, Hillbilly Elegy, When Breath Becomes Air, The Astronaut Wives Club, and Born Survivors. I started Alexander Hamilton last week, and I’m wishing right now that I could go curl up on the couch and keep reading.
5. Christian Biography
One of the most encouraging means of growth for me as a believer has been reading biographies of Christians. The first one I ever read was Through the Gates of Splendor. Since then I’ve learned from the lives of Amy Carmichael, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Corrie Ten Boon, Hudson Taylor, Bethan Lloyd-Jones, Susannah Spurgeon, and John G. Paton. These heroes of the faith (most of whom died before I was born) have been part of that great cloud of witnesses, spurring me on in the faith. This year I’m planning on reading Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, but I’d love to hear of any other biographies that have affected your faith.
6. Classic Fiction
When I graduated from college, I began the habit of reading one classic work of fiction each year. Through the years I’ve enjoyed Dickens, Austen, Tolstoy, Wharton, Bronte, and James, but I don’t even feel like I’ve made a dent in all the books there are out there to read. I haven’t chosen a book in this category yet. I’m leaning towards The Brothers Karamazov, but would love any suggestions that might rescue me from having to work through all the variations of Russian names.
7. Modern Fiction
It’s wonderful to get lost in a book and fiction does that like nothing else. Some of the books I enjoyed this year: The Secret Keeper, The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See, Gilead, Jayber Crow, The Traitor’s Wife, and The Accidental Empress. My friend just recommended A Gentlemen in Moscow, so that’ll be my first fiction read for this year.
8. A Theological Stretch Book
Some people love scholastic theological reading, but these are always a discipline for me. Typically, when I have a difficult theological question, I ask my husband and enjoy the benefit of his years of reading everything under the sun in this category. It’s been my goal for the past couple of years to read one of his books (complete wife fail). And while I’d rather just sit and discuss the self-authenticating nature of canon with him, I know it stretches me to read about it. This past year I read The Whole Christ and A Peculiar Glory, both of which are popular level, but theologically rich and helpful. My goal for the year is The Question of Canon. Please hold me accountable.
Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
