My Top Ten Books of 2020

For me, 2020 started with many hours by the pool at a resort in Cancun, and it ended with ten months of a global pandemic. In short, I had a lot of time to read. Even with over two months of a closed local library, dozens of books crossed my path this year (including eight that I read for a season of my podcast, Books My Friends Like).

The following books rose above the rest, and I very much enjoyed reading them. I hope you enjoy perusing this list of my ten favorite books of the year, in ascending order. Please remember: this is so, incredibly and entirely, subjective.

10. Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (2020)

This whole book reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV), which says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Ortlund reflects on the kindness and humility of Jesus from every possible angle, cherishing this good news for all its worth. In a way different from most Christian books, it comforted me, not primarily with new facts or theology, but by reminding me of the character and heart of Jesus.

9. The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby (2019)

In a year where social media was flooded with resources aimed at helping Americans see the often overlooked realities of race in America, this book was one that showed up early and often for me. After reading it, I understood why. Jemar Tisby presents the historical narrative of the Christian church in America and the ways we too often were an opponent in the fight for racial justice, rather than an ally. It was helpful for me to read such a clear account of the church’s history, and it has stuck with me since finishing it. (Tisby has a sort-of follow-up book releasing on January 5, 2021: How to Fight Racism).

8. The Grief We’re Given by William Bortz (2021)

William Bortz and I passed through some of the same circles a few years back, and I have enjoyed his poetry since then. He allowed me to read his new collection early in exchange for a brief promo blurb, which was easy because the poems were wonderful. He has an impressive ability to reflect upon the genuine, often harsh realities of life with profound writing that is equally candid and hopeful. In The Grief We’re Given, William dissects the many dimensions of grief and through his poems invites readers to do the same. The imagery is tangible; the metaphors are breathtaking. The depth of this collection makes it one worth reading again and again. You should keep this on your radar for 2021.

7. Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper (2017)

This book confronts the disillusionment we feel in modern times. Because we have so many answers and explanations in the 21st century for everything from human biology to the workings of outer space, we tend to doubt anything that can’t be understood and explained. Cosper argues that this is risky business for the Christian because so much of the work of God is unseen and beyond our understanding. I found Cosper’s argument so compelling and helpful. His discussion of the spiritual disciplines has shaped me, maybe more than any other resource.

6. In His Image by Jen Wilkin (2018)

This book was one of the first books I read this year, and it has remained one of the best. In it, Jen Wilkin simply unpacks ten characteristics of God, specifically characteristics that humanity is called to reflect, such as justice, holiness, patience. More than just pleading with readers to put on these characteristics, Wilkin compellingly displays the beauty of these things in God, casting a powerful vision for why these traits are good things to pursue. There is one section in particular where she writes of God’s justice seen in Genesis 19 that I have returned to multiple times, rereading it for myself or others. The book as a whole is one I will certainly read again soon.

5. Living Things by Anne Porter (2006)

This collection of poems from Anne Porter became one of my favorite poetry books of all time, if not my absolute favorite. Her poems are mostly simple, often short, but so, so profound. She reflects on her family, her religion, humanity, and ultimately ponders her existence within the scope of all living things. But, like I said, her language and contemplations are accessible and beautiful. Even for readers who don’t often enjoy poetry, these are poems that will make you think, cause you to laugh, and leave you speechless in meditation. Living Things is a collection that I will be rereading in 2021 without a doubt.

4. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (2014)

I know what you’re thinking. “You didn’t read this book until 2020?” I know, I know. After seeing it applauded and praised for years, I finally picked it up from the library in February, and I understood the hype. The true-story narrative of this book largely follows author Stevenson’s work with a man named Walter who is on death row for a murder he claims, and Stevenson believes, he didn’t commit. Intertwined with this story is a number of similar stories Stevenson has encountered in his work as a lawyer, and they all give powerful insight into the United States justice system, inviting readers to a kind of justice that includes mercy and compassion.

3. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)

I probably read this book in middle school, but I had no recollection of it. Reading it this year, I was captured by the story, the world Lowry created, and the dystopian twists that I probably should have remembered, but still made me audibly gasp at times. At the very least, The Giver is an interesting story, but even more, it makes you ask yourself important questions about life, the emotional highs and lows that make us human, and the value of truth. I didn’t love the ending honestly, but whatever! This book has become an easy recommendation for folks looking for quick reads that will draw them in fast and take them on a page-turning journey.

2. What Is a Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander (2019)

This feels like the kind of book that I could ramble about for a while, but in all reality, the best way for you to understand its value is to read it yourself. In the book, Denhollander recollects the abuse she experienced from Larry Nassar, the impact it had on her in the years following, and the dramatic events that led to his being exposed and brought to justice. Her powerful story gave me insight into the impact of abuse and the courage it takes to speak up, and ultimately, as the title suggests, it reminded me of the great value and dignity of human beings. I think this will prove to be an incredibly important book for many, as it has been for me.

1. The Worship Pastor by Zac Hicks (2016)

Surprise, the worship leader liked a book about worship leading! Certainly, I love books about church music, gatherings, and whatnot, but this one truly did rise above the rest. Right now, it’d probably be my first recommendation for a new church leader interested in building an understanding of all that goes into church gatherings. Where many worship books are filled with giving you answers, this one instead tries to get you to ask the right questions. Hicks isn’t interested in making every reader believe the same things, but helping them make their own thoughtful and Biblical conclusions. As I’m already reading it a second time, it is just as helpful as the first.

Technically Top Ten Re-reads:

• Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper

• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

• Jesus the King by Tim Keller

• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr