Category: Bible Reading
Youversion Bible Reading Plan
This was my year to read through the Bible. I did a 3-part plan that included OT, NT and a Psalm or Proverb. What I liked about this plan is that it was semi-chronological in the OT. The prophets were interspersed with the narratives, but not in the jarring way that many chronological plans do. I also liked the dispersion of the NT books. We started reading in Philippians, and the Gospels were included throughout the course of the year, rather than back-to-back. This is actually the best One Year Bible plan I have ever done. That is obviously a highly subjective statement, but I can't overemphasize how much I liked how they handled the chronological narratives and prophets.
Category: Spiritual Growth
Gentle and Lowly
by Dane Ortlund
Excellent read. I especially liked all the Puritan quotes, followed by the helpful explanations. It was such a blessing to my soul to sit in the verses that talk about Jesus and think about them more thoroughly.
Life Together
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This was a fascinating read. I have long been appreciative of Bonhoeffer’s life and ministry, having read his biography many years ago. This book has been on my TBR shelf for awhile. While I don’t agree with all the conclusions he reaches, I thought his thoughtful analysis of one’s personal spiritual life and how it affects the people around us was challenging and encouraging. I will probably re-read this again in a few years.
Category: Motherhood
Risen Motherhood the Expanded Edition
This edition was gifted to me by my lovely cousin, who is also named Melinda. I felt like the additional chapters were helpful and insightful. I have found myself going back and referencing different chapters during different seasons of my life. Standout chapters this year: Education, Anxiety and Income Earning Jobs.
Category: History/Classics
Xenophon’s Anabasis about the March of the 10,000
If you are the type of person who reads and enjoys books like The Odyssey, Beowulf or The Epic of Gilgamesh, then this is your type of book. Xenophon is writing a personal memoir of “that one time when I joined a Greek mercenary army to go assist in a coup for the Persian throne. Through a series of unfortunate events, we ended up stuck in the middle of a hostile empire with no clear way to get home, and all our leaders ended up dead.” (summary is mine) Their journey across the Persian Empire is shocking, entertaining and hilarious at times. This true story is now one of my favorite adventure stories of all times. And Xenophon is a boss.
Special interests: Greek history, Persian history
Themes I enjoyed: Xenophon’s personal analysis of each leader’s strengths and weaknesses, the progression of democracy through the duration of the escape, Xenophon’s position as a philosopher (he was a student of Socrates) and a general (a position he fell into as they all tried to survive), and when they come across the ruins of the ancient city of Nineveh.
Note: This book was paired with a Great Courses series on Ancient Persia by John Lee which gives a big, overall view of the Persian Empire. I found out about this book through that course.
Category: Fiction/Literature
Gaudy Night
by Dorothy Sayers
This was my first book by Dorothy Sayers. It was a nice mystery interspersed with big philosophical thoughts and characters with different perspectives. It was a lovely, character driven mystery novel, which is what I enjoy. This was paired with a podcast which could help analyze all the content. I recommend finding a friend to read this with, and I had some great conversations with my friend Celeste.
Category: Christian Fiction
Sunrise at Normandy Series
by Sarah Sundin
I was pleasantly surprised by this Christian Fiction author this year. I enjoyed her characters, plot and her history. Even though I’m totally burned out on WW2 stories, I found her books to be enjoyable. They had a lot more depth than the typical CF read.
Honorable Mentions:
Fiction:
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Imperium by Robert Harris (novel on Cicero)
Note: Not all of these are appropriate for all readers. Please read with discretion and discernment. Some include language and other adult situations.
Christian Fiction
Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar
History:
Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace, Mitch Weiss
Please feel free to send me any recommendations you might have!
-Melinda
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