- Tim Keller, On Death (How to Find God series) (Penguin). (This series also includes two companion books: On Birth and On Marriage.) I read the one on death and it’s an excellent resource for Christian and non-Christian alike.
- Ross Douthat, The Decadent Society: How We Became the Victims of Our Own Success (Avid Reader / Simon & Schuster). I read everything Douthat writes.
- Wendy Alsup, Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness (IVP). A perennial subject by someone in the throes of it.
- Sam Allberry, Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? (The Good Book Co. / RZIM). Sam’s ministry and life is a gift to the church, and he writes directly into our cultural moment.
- Yuval Levin, A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream (Basic). Not a glamorous topic, I know, but one that I think deserves more attention.
- Gavin Ortlund, Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage (Crossway / The Gospel Coalition). A timely book expanding and applying Al Mohler’s theological triage for today.
- John Starke, The Possibility of Prayer: Finding Stillness with God in a Restless World (IVP). Do we ever master prayer?
- Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Crossway). I’m currently reading this (pre-pub form) every night before bed. I can’t think of a more nourishing way to slumber—reflecting on the heart of Christ.
- Juan Sanchez, The Leadership Formula: Develop the Next Generation of Leaders in the Church (B&H). A proven leader and faithful shepherd on leadership. Yes.
- Jonathan Leeman, One Assembly: Rethinking the Multisite and Multiservice Church Models (Crossway / 9Marks). Leeman is my favorite kind of ecclesiological curmudgeon. I’m always challenged by his astute reflections on how and why we’re to do—or be—the church.
- G. K. Beale and Benjamin Gladd, The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament (IVP Academic). Sitting at the feet of masters.
- Matthew Barrett, Canon, Covenant and Christology: Rethinking Jesus And the Scriptures of Israel (New Studies in Biblical Theology) (Apollos / IVP Academic). Barrett is a prolific writer and a sure guide for thinking theologically.
- Peter Leithart, The Ten Commandments: A Guide to the Perfect Law of Liberty (Christian Essentials) (Lexham). Even when I don’t agree, Leithart makes me think afresh about the biblical text.
- Betsy Childs Howard (illustrated by Samara Hardy), Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up (Crossway / The Gospel Coalition). I have three kids three and under. We’ll be sure to make this a well-worn (tattered?) picture book. Hopefully the kids will get the point of the book.
- Erik Larson, The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz (Crown). Larson is always riveting.
- Courtney Reissig, Teach Me To Feel: Worshiping Through the Psalms in Every Season of Life (The Good Book Co.). One of my favorite writers working through the Psalms.
- Dave Harvey, I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger through Life’s Defining Moments (Baker). Always well worth investing in your marriage, keeping the tinders of love aflame.
- Brandon Sanderson, The Stormlight Archive #4 [untitled] (Tor). My favorite contemporary fantasy novel author. Each book in the series is 1k+ pages, but so worth it.
- Melissa Kruger, Growing Together: Taking Mentoring beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests (Crossway / The Gospel Coalition). While this is a book for women, I always learn and am challenged by my friend and colleague.
- Lore Wilbert, Handle with Care: How Jesus Redeems the Power of Touch in Life and Ministry (B&H). Not a book I thought would be written, but the summary got me immediately interested.
A Few More
Okay, I’m cheating now.
- I’m thrilled that IVP is re-releasing all of John Stott’s Bible studies. Few expositors match Stott’s insights on the biblical text.
- And IVP is also releasing an expanded edition of Richard Lovelace’s Dynamics of Spiritual Life.
- Crossway continues to impress with me with their consistent lineup of customized Bibles for different age groups and audiences, including young children.
- 9Marks, in partnership with Crossway, will launch their “Church Questions” series. Brief and accessible answers to questions like, “What if I don’t feel like going to church?” and “How can I love church members with different politics?” and “What if I don’t desire to pray?” Excellent resource for your church bookstore!
- When renowned presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and former managing editor of Newsweek Jon Meacham writes on the last words of Jesus from the cross, my interest is piqued.
- I loved Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven. Eager to read her new novel: The Glass Hotel.
- I wasn’t a fan of The Hunger Games, but I’ll probably read this prequel.
- Hilary Mantel concludes her Wolf Hall trilogy.
- I’m a sucker for political memoirs, even though they’re often underwhelming. John Bolton, former national security advisor, has a new one coming out (untitled).
- Two-kingdoms VanDrunen on politics.
