My Top Ten Books of 2021

by Tim Hunter

Top book lists are a funny thing. I think we all come with different assumptions. Some may think: “Oh, ten books that he agreed with most!” or “top books that he learned the most from.” or “top ten most interesting books.” And these would all be valid ways to make a book list. 

But I think books are like people. People from all different backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life can have quite an influence on me. Thus it is with books. The following list is diverse. Each book made the list for a different reason. Some were incredibly soul-stirring, others quite informative, and still others were just fun. 

Each one left me changed. So if you are looking for some book suggestions to help you along the path of that resolution of reading more in 2022? You have come to the right place. 

Enjoy. 

10. “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek 

I have enjoyed Simon Sinek’s talks on leadership for quite some time. I find him to be an extremely sharp thinker. This was the first of his books that I read and I enjoyed it immensely. His basic thesis was that in business and life the difference between true, lasting success and just temporal success is having an “infinite mindset.” He makes an interesting case for what that is and how to go about doing that. Read the book to find out more. 

9. “Killing the S.S.” by Bill O’Reilly 

This was just a fun read. I have read about half a dozen of the “killing” series. They read quickly, tend to be informative, but are always just a flat-out page-turner. I learned a lot about the hunting down of the Nazi criminals post WW2 and genuinely enjoyed doing it. Give a read if you are looking for an entertaining journey into WW2 history. 

8. “The Contemplative Pastor” by Eugene Peterson 

I got into Eugene Peterson’s writings a bit in 2021 for the first time. I do not regret it - he was a tremendous writer. This book was a fascinating look at what it means to be a counter-culture pastor in a world driven by success. He makes the argument that a good pastor must be contemplative as opposed to reactive. My favorite chapter was one in which he claims that a pastor must do three things well: 1) preach 2) pray and 3) listen to people well. I thought that was pretty cool. 

7. “The Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster

This book was a great primer on spiritual formation. Foster spends a chapter each on a spiritual practice and shows how it forms the believer deeply into the image of Jesus. While I do not align completely with Foster theologically, I found this book to be both helpful from a spiritual formation standpoint and a joy to read because of the nature of Foster’s writing. 

6. “Delighting in the Trinity” by Michael Reeves 

I read a couple of books by Michael Reeves in the past year and he is something I would call a delightful theologian. He can break down complex theological concepts clearly and beautifully. His theology is written in a way not just to inform the mind but to stir the heart. This book was no exception. It left me understanding the Trinity better I hope. But more importantly - I think I grew to love the Triune God more as a result of this book. You should read it. 

5. “Prayer” by Tim Keller

This is the best book I have ever read on prayer. I have read many books on prayer and many of them were extremely good. This is my favorite. He balances the theology and practice of prayer very well. Keller does a good job balancing different approaches and theological understanding of what prayer does and how it works. You will close the book when you finish it with a greater desire to get on your knees and approach the throne of grace. Throw it in that Amazon cart. 

4. “A Burning in My Bones” by Winn Collier 

This was the authorized biography of the late Eugene Peterson. I do not know exactly why, but I just loved this book. Collier spent a lot of time showing the way that Peterson enjoyed the presence of God in some of the most ordinary parts of life. The book makes you want to go take a walk, look out your window, or eat a bowl of ice cream for the glory of God. I enjoyed it - you might too. 

3. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

I know I’m late to the game. Most of y'all read this in high school. But this was the best fiction I read last year. I found the writing and story-telling to be excellent and the message of the story stirring. If you just used cliff notes in high school for this book, do yourself a favor and go back and read it. 

2. “Live No Lies” by John Mark Comer 

I enjoy the thinking and writing of John Mark Comer. This book was no exception. He uses the ancient paradigm of “the world, the flesh, and the devil” as the follower of Jesus’ main enemies. He then carefully critiques the culture we live in compared to the vision of the world that a follower of Jesus adheres to from Scripture. His goal is to show how a disciple of Jesus can faithfully follow Jesus in a postmodern culture. Tremendous read. 

1.“ The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self” by Carl Trueman 

This was my favorite book of 2021. It truly changed the lens through which I see the culture that I live. Trueman shows how we got where we are at in regards to the sexual revolution and the radical individualism that we are facing in the west today. He carefully traces the ideology and philosophies that got us to where we are today. If you ever wondered why the radical sexual ethics that a large chunk of our society hold is accepted as normal - read this book. It is a dense and at times difficult read, but extremely informative and helpful. Take it ten pages at a time and you will be blessed.

Now go and read!