The Six Best Books I Read in 2022

I have not read as many books this year as last year. That is disappointing, if I am being candid with you. However, I have read some excellent books this year, so I think it was time well spent. It is always hard to figure out the best book I have read during the year, so I cheat a little bit. In no particular order, I will share my six favorite books from the past year. All six of them were great, and I recommend them heartily. Perhaps you can finish this year with a great read or start 2023 on the right literary foot.

You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World by Alan Noble

I read this book early in the year, but it sticks with you. It is so tempting to make ourselves the center of our own universe. Even though we do not like to admit it, we think pretty highly of ourselves. This book is a powerful reminder that we actually belong to God and ought to find both joy and comfort in that.

The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith by Trevin Wax

I was lucky enough to be on the launch team for this book, and I knew I would love it from the minute I started it. Wax definitely channels Chesterton, as the title implies, and he reminds us that Christianity is an adventure. It is far more than just a dusty list of rules and regulations; it is a life of purpose. As we are grinding through our day-to-day lives, this reminder is critical.

Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others by David Zahl

Sometimes we assume that humanity is pretty great, but then we are disappointed when people fail to live up to our high expectations. This book reminds us that we should not define people by their absolute best; if we learn to accept other people at their worst, we will actually be more satisfied with our relationships. It is consistent with our faith to assume the fallenness of man, so our expectations should mirror that.

Protestant Social Teaching: An Introduction by Various Authors

I wrote my dissertation on distributism, an economic theory closely tied to Catholic social teaching. As a non-Catholic, I often wished that, as Protestants, we had a similarly straightforward presentation of our traditional positions on important social issues. This book seeks to do that and serves as a great reminder of our heritage as Protestants. Spoiler alert: it is rich.

How to Write Short: Word Craft for Fast Times by Roy Peter Clark

Have you ever found yourself writing many words but not really saying anything? This book is for you. It reminds us to get to the point and hit it hard. I know I need this reminder, and I figure some of you probably do as well. This book is not revolutionary, but it is well-written and, unsurprisingly, concise.

The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements

Christians must be hospitable. Hospitality looks different for different people, but it involves vulnerability. You need to be willing to invite people into your life. I have found this is uncomfortable for many people in New England, but perhaps that is how we, as Christians, can be countercultural and stand out. We might be amazed at how many of our neighbors actually welcome our hospitality.