Book Reviews: Three books you’ll want to read this year

A book about orthodoxy may sound dry as Corn Flakes. Praying like a monk may conjure up images of Gregorian chants and brown robes. And a book about God’s sovereignty? It’s tempting to think that only bickering Reformers want to read something like that.

However, these are three books that cover those topics and will leave you with a lighter heart and surer step in your faith. All are “easy” reads – in that the authors write conversationally, and each of them paint a portrait that leaves you staring deeply at the various strokes and nuances of image portrayed of God.

Here are brief invitations to three distinctly readable and memorable books:

The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith
by Trevin Wax

A really excellent book which will get even the most skeptical of “progressive” perspectives excited about the beauty of revealed truth. Get ready to fall in love with tue adventure of doctrine.

hand in Hand: The Beauty of God’s Sovereignty and Meaningful Human
by Randy Alcorn

Alcorn always makes scriptural concepts accessible. This is a helpful book for the “What’s Calvinism/Arminianism” crowd. It explains both positions, is helpful and truly encouraging/nurturing. Aldrin reminds us to drink deeply at the well of our salvation in Christ and enjoy the scriptural teachings.

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer
by Tyler Staton

Inspiring and encouraging toward prayer. It is a bit silly in places – but I appreciate that. The author reveals a sense of humor that is self-deprecating. However, in a few places, it was distracting.

On the whole, this is a wonderful resource to fuel the flame of your prayer life. It is NOT a lecturing message of you “ought to,” but it is a beautiful invitation to intimacy with a loving God. Guaranteed to prompt your grateful prayer.