Below I have listed my top ten books of 2010. Because I had trouble choosing my favorite, I have opted to not enumerate the list. I would be more than happy to recommend any of these books and to answer any questions you have regarding their content and my impressions of it.
- The Professor and The Madman, by Simon Winchester. This book traces the development of the Oxford English Dictionary throughout its storied history and reveals that one of its most prolific contributors was a clinically insane Civil War surgeon convicted of murder. A great read!
- Death By Love, by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. By far, one of the best books on the atonement that I have read because it is approachable by both clergy and laity.
- Christless Christianity, by Michael Horton. John Frame took Horton to task and wrote a rather scathing review of this book, but I think Frame missed the mark. I agree with Trevin Wax that this is a prophetic and important book worthy of your attention. I personally feel it to be one of the most important books I read this year.
- Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. I initially rejected this book because it was so popular, but after picking it up I was incredibly blessed and challenged by Chan.
- He is Not Silent, by Albert Mohler. Though I am a huge fan of Dr. Mohler, I didn’t have high expectations of this work based on his other books that have amounted merely to collections of essays and articles. He is Not Silent, however, was a surprise for me and for that reason makes the list.
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien. I know, I should have read this before now, but do I really have to explain why it made my list?
- Counterfeit Gods, by Tim Keller. Even though it has received a lot of attention, I am not convinced that this book has received the attention it deserves. I believe it may be the most important book for the church released in 2009. It is concise and approachable and idolatry is a sin that must be confronted in our society. I have recommended it widely.
- Christianity and Liberalism, by J. Gresham Machen. Read old books, they might even be the best books you’ll read this year. Machen’s classic is as important for the church today as when it was written nearly 90 years ago.
- The Big Picture Story Bible, by David Helm and Gail Schoonmaker. Because I am a pastor and a dad, I am concerned with teaching children the Word of God. The Big Picture Story Bible has enabled me to begin laying the groundwork for a solid biblical theological foundation in my children.
- Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word, by Douglas A. Sweeney. This is another book published this year that I have not heard much about, but It is a wonderful treatment of Edwards and his ministry. Though not exhaustive by any means, it is a great read and gave me tremendous insight into the greatest pastor-theologian if the North American church.
