Once upon a time, I reviewed books like it was going out of style (as in, 72 in one year). It has since actually gone out of style, but I’ve had a nice break and am resurrecting an old habit. In years past, I’ve done a kind of “books you should add to your Christmas list” series in December. I’ve also tended to do a “best books I read this year” post (see here, here, and here). This year, I’m actually going to do both.
Now that I’ve figured out a way forward, I just need to compile a list. I’ll probably do several larger volumes that I know I won’t have time to do an in-depth review on, as well as some book series you should know about. Looking at some of my drafts, here’s a partial table of contents to a Christmas list book recommendations series:
- Studies in Theology & The Arts (book series)
- Theologians on The Christian Life (book series)
- New Studies in Biblical Theology (book series)
- God & Soul Care (big volume, also author is coming to our church on the 16th)
- Theistic Evolution (big volume)
- Light in a Dark Place (newest volume in Foundations of Evangelical Theology)
- Kingdom Through Covenant 2nd Edition
- Philosophical Foundations of Christian Worldview 2nd Edition
- New commentaries, mainly Story of God Bible Commentary
- Essentials Collection from IVP
- Strategic Initiatives in Evangelical Theology (book series)
- New Studies in Dogmatics (book series)
- Lexham Press bundle (they’ve started sending me books)
Bear in mind that with a list like this, I’m previewing and recommending books. That is a bit different than offering critical reviews. I may offer some critical thoughts here and there, but I’m mainly trying to get the word out on books I think should be read more widely.
Along those lines, I might offer some “authors you should know” type posts. To qualify, I’d need to have a couple of titles by said author that I need to offer a review for. If so, here’s who I have in mind:
- Oliver Crisp
- Matthew Levering
- Vern Poythress
- John Frame
- John Goldingay
- Paul Tripp
- David Powlison
- David Benner
- ???
Hopefully I can keep up the pace. Tomorrow I’ll still offer a Women Writer Wednesday post. I might shift to working through my list here Thursday, but if I don’t, look for it to pick up next week and go through until Christmas!