The 5th Year 5 Top 5s
The end of 2021 marks the end of 5 years of book-list keeping. The aim of keeping these lists in the first place was the hope that it would inspire me to read more. Each of the years I have kept this list I have ended up reading more books than the previous year, so I guess it has been successful! In fact, in 2021 I have read so many books that I think I'll have to reign myself back in a bit next year, slow down a bit (although I have said that before).
At the start of last year I decided to start reviewing the books I was reading (I had already been doing so with the Booker books before that). The aim of this element was to inspire me to write more, something I've been telling myself that I want to do since I was a child. And, although this has been a slower process than getting back into reading, I am also seeing growth in that area. Some day maybe I'll have something I can show for my efforts there too.
Anyway, with this fifth year of reading lists drawing to a close, it seemed an appropriate time to reflect on what I have been reading. As of the end of 2021 I have finished 237 books in the last five years. Picking the top 5 of that number seems a daunting task, so rather than do that, I'm going to instead do five lists with different flavours to highlight different works (so occasionally there will be a book that I really enjoyed that doesn't make a particular list simply because of theme-limitations, cough, Wolf Hall). This is entirely subjective, and its also likely that I will rethink it some time in the future. I'm also not going to rank the top 5 in each list, but just present them in the order I read them. Where I have reviewed them for the blog (basically anything I've read in the last three years plus the Booker books) I will link to that page. I also am aiming not to have any book turn up in more than one list or use the same author more than once... so its really more of a top 25. Anyway, without further ado...
Top 5 Unusual Books
These are not necessarily the best books I've read (although some are well written) but they are some of the most memorable, either in terms of subject or style of writing.
The first book on any of my reading lists was this biography about the eccentric 17th century scientist, the Swede Olof Rudbeck. At some point I'm going to reread this book and do a proper review on it, but the fact that it sticks out in my memory this long after I've read it speaks to its uniqueness. Rudbeck developed a theory about the history of Europe and the 'truth' beyond many mythologies (including that of Atlantis) that captured the imagination of that age, and was only 'discredited' as the 'true' age of the universe became more apparent... which, since that keeps being revised, kinda makes you wonder...
The first Booker book that I actually enjoyed as a whole, The Luminaries tells a story that - told straightforwardly - would likely be fairly depressing. In fact, this was the feel I got watching the first few episodes of the TV miniseries version. What makes The Luminaries book version that much more interesting than just the story it tells is the structure it uses to tell it. Each main character is given a planet or a constellation, and as the story progresses the influences these have on each other adjust according to the Zodiac calendar. The parts of the book also act like layers, going from long chapters with short descriptors at the start to short chapters with excessively long descriptors by the end. A fascinating structure that enhances the story it tells.
An autobiography about a woman who self-identified as a lesbian, then walked away from that life as she came to faith in Jesus. Controversial I am sure, but this is not why I have put it on this list. Rather, the reason for its inclusion here is the style used by the author as she writes. Jackie Hill Perry is a spoken word artist, and writes the book in a spoken word-esque style. It's like poetry. Flowing in and out of scenes, not telling things chronologically or straightforwardly. Not a style or a subject that I relate to all that well, and yet it is a truly memorable book.
A book where the three main characters are a priest, a communist leader, and God. Don Camillo is the priest of a small village that is being taken over by communism. He is quick-tempered, stubborn, and prone to using violence to solve his problems, yet also has a love for God and the people of his village. Although Peppone (the communist) is a definite rival, they also get along well enough most of the time (though neither of them would admit this). The character of God - more accurately, the 'Lord above the altar', which we take to be an icon of Jesus on the cross - intervenes when Don Camillo is getting too carried away, and tries to teach him morals when the priest is lacking in them. Very amusing.
A late addition to the list, and the only one I've listened to on audiobook out of any of these top 25 books. This children's story tells the adventures of four animals living alongside a river, and the adventures they get up to. Alternate chapters tell slow-paced and old-fashioned philosophical or adventure stories starring Mole and Rat, or else tell the on-going misadventures of the proud and self-centred Mr Toad. The oddness of the book is accentuated in the way the main animals are anthropomorphized - they dress in clothes, live in houses, and have pets of their own - and the way at one point the book delves into the supernatural with no warning or repeat.
Top 5 New Zealand Books
This could mean it is by a New Zealand author or is set at least partially in New Zealand - I love this area and call it my home. I also would definitely have placed The Luminaries on this list if I had not already placed it on the previous list.
This book, a debut novel, was actually written by a friend of mine who studied literature at Victoria University. Drawing on her experiences growing up in Papua New Guinea as the child of missionary parents, Etherington creates a fictional story about a family in similar circumstances. Although she stresses that the characters in the book at not based on her family, the way she has drawn on her own life has helped to flesh out a beautifully written story that I have in the past referred to as a "meditation on grief." Some day I will reread this book at review it here, but it has definitely stuck with me enough that I even chose this category as one of my top 5s mostly so I could include it.
The story of what happened at Parihaka is one that is starting to become more well known among New Zealanders, but is still far less well known than it should be. Historian Dick Scott writes an account of what happened when the Maori Chiefs Te Whiti and Tohu decided to employ passive resistance techniques to demonstrate their disgust at the land grabs that were at that time being sanctioned by the New Zealand Government. This culminated in 1600 troops being sent in to Parihaka to arrest the leaders of the resistance movement and destroy the village itself. An important story for Kiwis like myself to read.
Not only a well-known New Zealand novel but also a very well-written one. The story of little Kahu seeking to fulfil her destiny despite her grandfather's stubborn prejudice is told in a slightly more distant manner by taking the point of view of Kahu's uncle Rawiri, yet the themes of finding a true Maori identity are strengthened by taking in a broader scope than just Kahu's own struggles. The two versions of the book that exist also add to the conversation when studying it as a high-school text (which I have now done with my classes).
Not always well written. Not always an easy read. But very powerful. This autobiography tells the story thus far of Stan Walker, the New Zealand winner of Australian Idol who has gone on to become a very successful artist in Aotearoa - with far more staying power than many similar competition winners. Walker tells his life story openly - the good, the bad and the truly horrific. Some parts, particularly where he discusses the sexual abuse he suffered growing up, are not easy to read. But it is an incredible story of redemption, the love of God, and of hope in the face of suffering.
A new look at an era of New Zealand history where too often one 'side' gets demonized too harshly. Newman outlines the missionary era of New Zealand, looking at the pioneering men (mostly men) who came to this land seeking to share the love of Christ. He doesn't shy away from exposing the less-than-ideal personalities and actions of some individuals, but also highlights to the reader why particular courses of action were taken when the individual in question had done so for legitimate reasons. The book sometimes suffers from a structure that leads to a retelling of events and a jumbling of timelines, but it is a great resource for anyone interested in finding out more about the earliest foundations of the Christian faith in this nation.
Top 5 Biographies
Most of the biographies I have read over the last five years happen to have been about Christians, and so it is no surprise that this top five is also heavily populated with Christian biographies. In fact, until the second-to-last day of 2021 they were all Christian biographies... apologies to Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, which has only just missed the cut. Still check it out though!
The life story of Louis Zamperini, who begins as a teenage delinquent, but goes on to become an Olympic runner, a bombardier in World War 2, a castaway surviving 46 days adrift at sea, a prisoner in a Japanese POW camp, and eventually a Christian. This final event is hugely important to the narrative as it leads to Louis returning to Japan in order to speak forgiveness over the sadistic guards who abused him during the war. An incredible story, and far better than the 'ok' movie version made a few years ago.
This one is insane! Yun tells his life story, particularly of coming to faith in Communist China and his subsequent adventures while sharing the gospel. In the face of incredible persecution, Yun gives numerous examples of miraculous interventions and escapes that could only be ascribed to God - reminiscent at times of events in the book of Acts. He also is very quick to acknowledge the times that God allowed him to face suffering in order to share the gospel more effectively, or to help Yun face something in his own life. This is a book that truly needs to be read in order to fully understand it's impact.
This book tells the life story of Melody and her husband Keith, who both came to faith in the 1970s after experimenting with a number of spiritualities. Keith, a musician, went on to become a very successful Christian artist, with Melody - a musician and song-writer in her own right - supporting his journey. The main thrust of the book, however, is on Keith's faith journey, and this is very challenging. Keith was disgusted with any form of compromise in his faith, and sought to gain as close a walk with Jesus as possible, also seeking to stir other believers into a similar walk. Being told through Melody's eyes helps to 'temper' the book a little - Keith was rightfully passionate about his beliefs but Melody is a little more gradual in her journey, allowing the reader someone to identify with as they are challenged right along with her.
A book about a very 'ordinary' person. Sheikh isn't a 'superstar' evangelist or a singer or an Olympian. She is simply a high-born Muslim woman living in Pakistan who, through a series of dreams, begins to understand that there is more to God than she has realised, and eventually comes to know Jesus as her Saviour. The fact that Sheikh is a very ordinary woman is a huge part of the appeal of this book; in portraying how her faith has shaped her world and challenged her to adjust her lifestyle, the reader can be challenged in their own faith-journey. The fact that she chose to continue seeking God even at the cost of her social standing and safety is a good reminder that Christianity is not supposed to be just an 'add on', but has the power to transform a life and shape a world.
The last minute addition to this list that I couldn't not put on. This book tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German factory owner who manages to secure the survival of around 1200 Jews during World War 2 by labelling them as 'essential workers.' The lengths Schindler has to go to in order to save lives is incredible, and the horrific events faced by Jews in World War 2 every day are jaw-dropping in places. Keneally tells the story in a straightforward, yet somehow sensitive manner, by removing the reader and story-teller one step from the action. Everything is still horrific, but in directly commenting on the proceedings we are able to cope with what we witness better than if we were right there living it with them. It is a particular choice, and to me a very effective one. This book will sit with me for some time to come.
Top 5 Classics
I love reading the 'classics' - finding out why a book has become much-loved, or even if it lives up to the hype at all! 'Classics' is a fairly vague category, so I have defined it as a slightly older book that I have heard of before purchasing it - one that I have wanted to read before I owned. The exception is a particular book that I first read when I was young, and will come as no surprise to people who know me.
The hardest part of this section was picking a favourite Dickens work. In the end, the fact that I read The Old Curiosity Shop after starting my blog meant I could recall it slightly better than my other finalists (Bleak House or The Mystery of Edwin Drood), which at some point I will revisit. Dickens is a brilliant writer, and injects a much needed satirical humour into his works that often gets overlooked in cinematic adaptations. In this work the tragedy of Nell and her grandfather is offset by having the secondary plot follow Dick Swiveller, who starts as a fairly unimportant background character and ends up by becoming a fairly important protagonist in his own right.
Philosophy and theology masquerading as fiction. Technically the plot is about the titular brothers trying to solve the murder of their father, but the murder itself doesn't occur until halfway through the book. Really, the book is about debates on existence, good and evil, the character of God and if He even exists. Each brother comes from a different viewpoint, and none of them are 'straw-men.' This is the sort of book that could rock the faith of some people as it refuses to give 'easy' answers, but I appreciate that sort of questioning - it reminds me of the book of Job! A faith that cannot stand up under scrutiny is not worth anything, and this book is a real attempt by Dostoevsky to scrutinize his own faith.
I almost didn't include this here (to let some slightly less-known books shine) but really, how could I not?! I have loved Lord of the Rings since I was a kid. I could simply point out that this trilogy (yes, I'm picking the whole trilogy, but really, how could I separate it out) is one of the most influential fantasy novels of all time, but something that bears remembering is that its also a very well written story. Tolkien paints scenes with his words and crafts atmospheres. Yes, he wrote entire languages as well, but the technical aspect doesn't overshadow the story he is telling. If you've only ever seen the movies, do yourself a favour and check out the books.
Occasionally dated or even slightly offensive by today's standards, this is still a novel I quite enjoy. Allan Quartermain is hired to help locate the missing brother of Sir Henry Curtis, travelling with Curtis and some others into uncharted (by Europeans) African lands. In an adventure that directly influenced Indiana Jones (and it shows), our (white) heroes must defeat the evil witchdoctor, discover the treasure of Solomon's Mines, and make it home safely. It is a mildly pulpy, humorous, action adventure that still entertains, and is perhaps slightly less racist than many of its contemporaries, with Quartermain at least understanding that both races have their strengths.
Slightly 'old fashioned' now in style at times, but Treasure Island is still a fairly gripping and entertaining romp of a story. Considering that many of the novels of that time (and even some others that Stevenson himself wrote) meander all over the place, Treasure Island decides on its story and sticks to it well. It also contains some truly iconic characters, particularly Long John Silver. The story is so well-known that some plot points cannot help but already be known, but it is well worth checking out where all the adaptations got their inspiration from.
Top 5 Theology Books
In case it wasn't already apparent from some of the books I've listed here, or my blog in general, I am a Christian. I have the ongoing experience of a relationship with God through Jesus, and have seen Him shape my walk and life in numerous ways. Theology - the 'study of God' - looks at ways believers have tried to make sense of God, the Bible, or life in general, while acknowledging the spiritual world, and it is the main subject I studied in my Tertiary education. I enjoy stretching and challenging my faith, and these five books have been some of the most 'stirring' I have read during the five list years.
By recommending a book on this list I am not necessarily endorsing the theology of the writer as a whole. Much of what I enjoy about theology is wrestling with the ideas of those I read, even if I ultimately disagree with a particular argument. Even wrong ideas can be helpful for one's faith if engaged with authentically.
This is a little bit of a cheat as far as this list is concerned, as I find it hard to remember the specific details of this book, and really, that should be a requisite of making the 'top' list. However, this is mostly because this book (marking my first exposure to the work of Tom (NT) Wright), spoke to me enough that I quickly followed up by reading two of his other works in quick succession (How God Became King and Simply Christian), both of which had a level of overlap in theme. So really, Simply Jesus is on this list to show that Wright's books would earn a place on this list in some form or another. In terms of content, Simply Jesus looks at who Jesus was, stripping away some misconceptions we may have about Him, and arguing that the real Jesus is "larger" than we give Him credit for. I will eventually reread these books and give a more detailed review.
I do remember this one. One element of my own theology that I hold dear is that there are 'essentials' of the Christian faith (things that all believers need to agree on in order to be called Christ-followers) and that conversely there are 'non-essentials' (things that believers can legitimately disagree about without becoming 'heretics'). Olson agrees with that premise, and, with Mosaic, seeks to quantify some of the differences between the two. Each chapter looks at two elements of the Christian faith that on the surface could seem contradictory (such as God being three and one, or the difference between election and free will) and looks at the different ways those elements have been reconciled throughout church history. He also highlights the times that historical figures have pushed too far in any given direction and been denounced as heretics, allowing him to find the 'middle ground' where the majority of Christians can agree, or agree to disagree. Any project like this will be somewhat controversial, and I even found on occasion that I disagreed with some of his conclusions, but the book as a whole is a great resource and challenge.
Reading books from other cultures is always a challenge, and reading theology from other cultures (or times) can be more so. Stripping away the familiar cultural baggage that we all carry with us can be a good way of exposing the differences between our own walks and that of someone truly seeking to serve God. Nee was a pastor in China, and writes in a Chinese context about living for Jesus wholeheartedly. His book is very confronting, and took me quite a while to prayerfully read through, but is one I would wholly recommend to anyone seeking to stir up their faith out of complacency.
Another book that can work on the reader's faith, if they let it. More than any other book on this list, Why Revival Tarries doesn't have a structure/plot/unfolding throughline. Instead, it consists of numerous punchy statements - almost proverbs - that are supposed to stir and challenge the reader. I found that it definitely achieved that goal. It is also a book that Keith Green mentioned was a great influence on his walk, which shows as well that taking it prayerfully and seriously can be transformative.
The only commentary on this list, and the only commentary that I have ever read (thus far) to focus on such a small passage of Scripture. The strength in doing so is that Lloyd-Jones is able to dive extremely deeply into the particular themes he finds in this section, namely the doctrines of atonement and justification. This deep dive also means that Lloyd-Jones is able to draw out far more application and challenge from the text than a 'normal' commentary (which has to focus on a much larger portion of scripture) is able to. I enjoy commentaries as they do enable me to ponder on portions of Scripture with the aid of another pair of eyes, but Lloyd-Jones presents here a commentary that actually challenges the reader as well, and that is why it makes this list.
So, there you have it: my top 25 books from 5 years of reading.
But wait, there's more! For the past three years my wife Elise has been joining me on this reading quest, so I asked her to give me a list of her top 5 books from those we've read together. The fact that there is a lot of overlap between her 5 and my 25 is a sign of how powerful some of those books are.
Elise's Top 5 Books
Elise has given me her top 5, but because most of them overlap with mine, I'll only give brief comments about them.
Classic fantasy that both of us love. And well done Elise on picking even more Tolkien books for your one entry than I did!
An incredible, almost unbelievable true story of survival and, ultimately, forgiveness.
Another incredible life-story with echoes of Paul the Apostle and the Book of Acts.
The challenging faith story of Keith Green, and one book that Elise has already suggested we re-read.
Set in Ancient Rome, this novel tells the story of Hadassah, a young Jewish Christian slave-girl trying to live out her faith in the face of immense persecution and prejudice. It also follows Marcus, the arrogant son of a Roman businessman, and Atretes, a Germanic chieftain turned gladiator. A very moving at times, violent at others, and surprisingly romantic book, with a powerful ending.
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