My year in books

At the end of last year, my regular annual post at TGCA was published - My Year in Books. I share it with you below - regular readers will note that I already reviewed these here over the year, but there are a few extras - notably the podcasts and the fiction. 

1. The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing (Jonathan Pennington)

Pennington’s theological commentary on the Sermon on the Mount was a highlight of my biblical study. Eminently readable yet scholarly, Pennington sets a vision for Matthew 5–7 as Jesus’ invitation to live a full and flourishing life in the Father’s kingdom. It broadened my understanding and appreciation for this well-known sermon and provided an overarching thematic structure to explore it in depth. As a speaker, I would have appreciated more movement from exegesis to application. However, as a Bible reader and believer, I was well-fed.

2. You Are Welcomed (Trish Donahue)

This 10-week devotional for women was an encouraging balm and a challenging prompt. Subtitled Devotions for When Life Is a Lot, it speaks directly to women in their busyness, overwhelm and struggles. Donahue emphasises the grace and rest offered to us in Christ, while pushing us toward a desire for godly growth. You Are Welcomed prompted me to reflect and pray, trusting in our good God who remains with us through life’s complicated seasons.

3. Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow (Nancy Guthrie)

While some books theoretically unpack grief and loss, this tender offering is about experiencing grief and loss and continuing to hold onto Jesus. Guthrie writes having lost two children in their infancy. Amid her grief, she recognised she could turn to Jesus, saying like Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). Guthrie explores different things Jesus said, some that are comforting and some that are harder to hear. Pastorally sensitive and biblically astute.

4. 7 Myths about Singleness (Sam Allberry)

This is a great book for single and married alike. We live in a church culture where marriage is held up as the model for Christians, and unfortunately, singleness can be viewed as deficient, lesser and a second prize. Allberry’s purpose is to show the inherent goodness and value of singleness. With warmth, pastoral care and honesty, he addresses myths about singleness like: it’s too hard or easy; and it means no family nor intimate relationships. Ultimately, marriage and singleness are upheld with honour, value and esteem.

5. Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus (Nancy Guthrie)

Yes, another one by Guthrie. She led a day conference in Adelaide this year and I was already a fan. Here she considers different people’s interactions with Jesus in the Gospels—those who came to love and serve him, and those who rejected him. She approaches each story through a biblical theology lens, drawing together threads I had not noticed from across the biblical accounts. Useful for established Christians, this book could also help seekers or new believers to gain a more rounded understanding of Jesus.

6. Fight Right (Julie and John Gottman)

Running a marriage ministry keeps me looking for new resources. The Gottmans have expanded their already impressive body of work with this book on conflict. They consider how couples get stuck in perpetual problems—why they fight, what they are fighting about and the patterns they fall into—and explore how to change these common mistakes into opportunities for connection and understanding. Those wanting a Christian framework will need to look elsewhere. However, the Gottmans use well-established research, are realistic and offer couples hope.

7. Podcast: The Heart of Mission (CMS SANT)

Produced by CMS SANT, this podcast primarily interviews gospel workers, covering both their personal experiences and wider theological discussion. I’ve been deeply encouraged to see the many ways that God is at work among the nations, and personally challenged to refocus my heart for mission.

8. Podcast: The Imperfects

This podcast features honest interviews with guests revealing their personal hardships, imperfections and vulnerabilities. Of particular note are episodes with in-house psychologist Dr Emily. She explores topics like anxiety and self-doubt, both educating and equipping the listener with tools for self-understanding and improved mental health. Other stand-out episodes included Maybe it’s Menopause and the searingly raw account of a new father’s postnatal depression (Jack Post-Natal Depression).

9. Various Fiction

Needing some lighter reading for refreshment, I dived into some long series (20 plus books each). I have enjoyed the self-appointed arbiter of justice— Lee Child’s Jack Reacher—and the various crime-solving characters of David Baldacci. I particularly enjoyed seeing the city of LA’s legal and law enforcement systems change from the 1980s to the present day through the exploits of a police investigator Harry Bosch and defence lawyer Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer) in Michael Connelly’s crime fiction. If you attempt any of these, read them chronologically to appreciate the meta-narratives.