Best Books of 2023
I get excited when people release their lists of favorite books from the past year. Here are some I’ve taken in:
- The Gospel Coalition
- For the Church
- Christianity Today
- Trevin Wax
- Tim Challies
- Aaron Armstrong
- Kevin Halloran
- Russell Moore
- David Kaywood
- Erik Raymond
- Sam Storms, parts one and two
- J.D. Greear
- Russell Moore
- Seth Lewis
- Acts 29 staff
- Justin Buzzard
I’m sure they’ll be more. Bob Kellemen has found a few. Here's a collected list of the best books put together by Tim Challies.
Lists of books can be useful for finding good reads, but comparing our reading habits to others can be risky. I find this particularly true in my life this year. I wanted to read some demanding books this year, but never quite got to them, and that’s okay. They are still patiently awaiting on my shelf. They’re more patient than I am.
Here is the list of the top ten books I did read this year:
Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen
This book is at the top of my list for 2023. I had no idea how many of the influences that have shaped me have been mediated by Tim Keller. I enjoyed observing God’s providence in the life of a preacher I admired. This book is not so much a biography of Keller as a bibliography of people who influenced him, and through him have probably influenced you too.
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The Unwavering Pastor: Leading the Church with Grace in Divisive Times by Jonathan Dodson
Every pastor should read this book. Jonathan Dodson writes as a pastor to pastors. He understands what ministry is like, and he writes with honesty and compassion.
I appreciate everything that Dodson writes, and this book makes the list of my top three must-reads for pastors.
I plan on releasing an interview with Dodson about this book early in the New Year.
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A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egan
In the 1920s, the KKK gained popularity and power in Indiana and beyond due to the leadership of a charismatic psychopath. This book is fascinating and disturbing. If you want to be disturbed by where sin and prejudice can take us, read this book.
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Edwin Alonzo Boyd: The Story of the Notorious Boyd Gang by Brian Vallee
In the 1950s, Edwin Boyd robbed 11 Toronto-area banks. He escaped prison twice, and frequented the same locations that I do today. This book is a fascinating look at Toronto history. It made me realize how much the city has changed even as parts of the city have remained the same.
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Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell
The ultimate bedtime reading. This is the memoir of a Scottish bookseller, full of quirky interactions with fascinating but ordinary people. It reminded me of pastoring. Not a demanding read, but a fun one.
I wrote more about this book earlier in the year.
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Faithfully Present: Embracing the Limits of Where and When God Has You by Adam Ramsey
It can be hard to embrace our limits. Adam Ramsey, a pastor and gifted writer, helps us embrace the limitations of our place and time. A lot’s been written on this topic, but I appreciate Ramsey’s skill in addressing the topic.
I interviewed Ramsey about this book earlier in the year.
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The Influential Mentor: How the Life and Legacy of Howard Hendricks Equipped and Inspired a Generation of Leaders by Maina Mwaura
I’ve long admired Howard Hendricks. It was fascinating to read a book about him — not quite a biography, but a reflection of the themes that showed up in his life. Hendricks is part of a disappearing generation, and we have lots to learn from people like him.
I interviewed Mwaura about this book earlier this year.
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How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told by Harrison Scott Key
I didn’t think it would be possible to write a heartbreaking, funny story about infidelity. I hated and loved this book. It was painful to read, but also contained moments of beauty, redemption, and insight. Recommended for anyone who wants to understand the costly nature of love.
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But He Said He Is a Christian: Journal Entries of a Young Christian Woman in an Abusive Relationship By Rebecca K. Tan
Another difficult read, but an important one. This book recounts a single woman’s experience with a man who claimed to be a Christina, but manipulated and mistreated her as their relationship developed. I wish a book like this didn’t need to be written, but it does.
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After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost its Soul by Tripp Mickle
It’s hard for a company like Apple to survive the death of a leader like Steve Jobs. Culture changes. This book provides an inside look at how the company’s developed since Jobs died with a special focus on Tim Cook and Jony Ive.
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Bonus Book: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks
I just started reading this book, and it looks excellent. It’s about developing “the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen — to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.” Always an important topic, and desperately needed today.
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