My Reading List | January through March 2022
Hello again, friends!
We are back with the first post of the year sharing about the books I’ve been reading. I’m hoping to post these quarterly, so that the lists don’t get too too long for you. I include little blurbs on each book, but if you’re just looking for ideas, the pictures allow you to skim and just take a peek at what I’ve been working through.
Last year, 2021, I had a goal to read more books that I did in 2020 (which I think totaled 36)- and I met that goal. But I found that in doing that, I was reading through books so quickly that I didn’t retain as much from them as I would have liked to. So this year, while I want to continue reading consistently, I’m not setting a specific number of how many I want to try and complete. I want to read slower, for the enjoyment of it, and not rush just for the sake of competing with myself.
I have completed 10 books so far this year, which I’m sharing in this post. So while it doesn’t seem like my reading has slowed down when I count completed books up, two or three of these books were pretty short, and I also have to remember that I read through fiction much faster than I read through non-fiction. (Also, I don’t know why some of these pictures are getting cut off, but I can’t seem to fix it, so there’s that.)
Here we go…
Knowing God | J.I. Packer
This book is considered a classic among circles who hold to reformed Christian doctrines. I actually began reading it in December, but finished it in early January, which is why I’m including it here. I enjoyed my time going through it, as it is not overly academic or complex. It touches on various attributes of God, and how those things are to shape our understanding of Him as well as our habits, behaviors (toward each other, as well as God), and attitudes throughout our Christian walk. I am already wanting to read through it again, because even though I took it slow I still think the weightiness of some of it didn’t hit me like it was meant to. It would be easy to take this book and utilize it in a more devotional format if you wanted to. I’d say this would make a great primer for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the attributes of God, as it is not so comprehensive as to be overwhelming but provides sound explanations of those that are presented.
The Body Keeps the Score | Bessel Van Der Kolk
It’s crazy to consider how experiences that we have in real life, outside our bodies, can literally change the chemistry and behavior happening inside our bodies (especially in the brain, and the corresponding hormonal regulation). Trauma, with all of it’s variation, has different impacts and consequences depending upon its severity, longevity, and the opportunity for fight/flight (versus being helpless to prevent it).
This book provides an interesting look at the physiological impacts that trauma of all kinds have upon our physical bodies and brain function. I appreciate that the author discusses the areas where psychology/psychiatry fall short in treatment, in that they tend to try to resolve the expression of trauma (the troubles surrounding behavioral and emotional regulation) rather than the source of it; but he also walks through treatment methods that allow people to deal with the roots of their issues, rather than just supressing their expressions of those.
This one did get a bit academic at times, which I didn’t mind because it reminded me of being in school when I was studying psychology. But it you don’t like to nerd out on all the science, you’ll get just as much benefit from this book if you skim it.
A Brief Theology of Periods | Rachel Jones
A quick read, this little book does a nice job of exploring both the basic biology involved in menstruation (to provide a bit of context for the theology behind it) and the ways we can better view this experience in light of the Gospel and redemption of Christ. Jones encourages readers to use this experience (whether you experience it directly as a female, or indirectly as a male who knows menstruating females) to point them back to Christ, as their source of hope and strength.
Because I’ve always had a pretty easy go of it when it comes to my periods, I didn’t resonate quite as much with the chapters regarding pain or emotions (I do have pain and emotions, lol. They’re just minor in comparison). That’s not to say that I didn’t agree with those chapters, because many women struggle with very severe symptoms during their cycles, and so I’m glad it was included. Overall, I was impressed with how Jones took a topic avoided by many and found theology within it- because there really is a theology within everything (food/agriculture, fashion, hobbies…); everything can be used to point us back to God and the truth of the Gospel- including an experience that is painful, emotional, messy for more than half of the population of the world. God uses these hard symptoms to point us back to Himself and the redemption that He provides in and for us who are His children.
Disciplines of a Godly Woman | Barbara Hughes
This book walks through the various disciplines involved in being a woman who loves and follows Christ as Lord of her life. While these disciplines are ones that are essential for all Christians, they are explained and applied here specifically for women (because how women go about these things will often look different than men) based upon various texts of Scripture. Broken up into four sections- Soul, Character, Relationships, and Ministry- Hughes walks through various attitudes, behaviors, and characteristics we should strive to display in our lives as we train ourselves in righteousness and godliness. And “train” is the key word there- these practices don’t just happen, and remind steady and established, on their own. Hence the concept of “disciplines”.
While I didn’t encounter any new information or startling insights from this book, it was a sweet reminder of the responsibilities I hold as a Christian woman and in how I carry myself- privately and publicly. So I would recommend this book regardless of where your maturity stands when it comes to your walk with the Lord. And because it’s broken into many chapters, this one would also be good to do in a devotional format, if you were wanting to study and meditate on certain sections and Scripture. There is also a version for the men, called Disciplines of a Godly Man, if any of you are curious (I believe it’s written by this woman’s husband).
Last Light | Terri Blackstock
So I started this book and then I had to set it down for like a week, because the first few chapters gave me the heebie-jeebies (like, hardcore reinforced my desire to homestead and made me think, “I need to go get some money out of the bank.”).
But then when I picked it up again I couldn’t put it down. The basic premise is that the whole grid has gone down and nothing works- cars, electricity, wrist watches, everything- due to some atmospheric anomaly like an electromagnetic pulse (which is a real thing and could actually happen). The story follows a particular family as life as they know it is over, and they have to navigate the consequences. They come to understand what real need is, learning to do without and to help their neighbors, as well as trust God in His provision (this is a Christian fiction book, if you’re curious). There are a few surprises throughout in terms of plot and character development. If nothing else, this provides a great reminded to be prepared for emergencies and to not be so excessively dependent on the conveniences of modern life.
This is book one of four in Blackstock’s Restoration Series. I cover books two through four below- but I tried not to include any spoilers.
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead | Elle Cosimano
This book is the sequel to Finlay Donovan is Killing It (previously mentioned in this post). It was just as amusing, just as creative, but slightly less surprising because it’s continuing the story from the first book (so some of the storyline and character behavior isn’t as unexpected). There is a little bit of language, and some innuendo involving the main character and her two potential boyfriends, so if you’re sensitive to that just be aware. I enjoyed this book, and after waiting several months to read it, I was not disappointed. I do think the first one is better, but this one is good, too. And the ending definitely leaves room for another book.
Night Light | Terri Blackstock
Book two in this four book series, Night Light continues the story of the Branning family navigating life after the Pulses have knocked out any/every source or power/electricity. Right at the start of the book they encounter young thieves after their food supply, but not long after we find the family taking in four more people into their home. This takes them on an adventure involving theft, death, and kidnapping as people within their community are becoming even more desperate with time. Tensions are rising once money disbursements are being provided by the local government. But even within all this, neighbors are coming together for fellowship, comfort, support…and learning how to survive in need they’ve never known.
True Light | Terri Blackstock
Blackstock wastes no time continuing the drama of desperation in this third book of her Restoration series. Right from the start, an individual is shot for deer meat. An innocent person is accused, and hunted to pay for the crime. Readers encounter a jailbreak, and diminishing police force as money to cover paychecks continues to dwindle. And we find that sometimes those closest to us are the most dangerous. Trial and affliction reveal the true sinful nature of our hearts, with opportunities for greed and the drive to survive giving way for evil choices. “I would never do anything like that.” Wouldn’t you, if you were in that desperate of circumstances? It’s intriguing to think about.
Dawn’s Light | Terri Blackstock
The Pulses have stopped. But society is still waiting to catch up and working to get things back to how they used to be. Rebuilding takes time. The banks are redistributing percentages of people’s money each month, and greed and crime await those days. Two men are killed, and Beth Branning fears for her life after witnessing the event. It turns out her fears were justified. The investigation surrounding the murders brings some surprises, and we see the rest of the Branning family fighting for fresh hope as they navigate deep trial, trying to trust God amidst their weakness. Many twists and turns- some more unexpected than others- in this final book of Blackstock’s Restoration series keep you hooked to the very end. A funeral, a play, and a wedding tie things together sweetly, reminding readers of the redemption God works through our deepest sorrows.
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series. I wouldn’t quite call it a mystery or suspense series… but it has bits of those qualities throughout. It kept me interested all the way through, as the events are ones that could happen at any point in time- it’s not unrealistic to consider our power grid ever going down. I appreciated that it made me more thoughtful as to how I’d navigate such circumstances, and how to be prepared for an emergency like that. I also appreciated that the content as a whole was wholesome and clean- I never had to worry about stumbling across a questionable or inappropriate scene and trying to get past it without missing important plot points; that’s part of why I like books anyway- I’m limited by my own imagination. These four books are a quick read if you want them to be. The chapters are pretty short, which allows for plenty of places to pause if you can only read for a minute here and there. Highly recommend.
How to Eat Your Bible | Nate Pickowicz
Even though this is a relatively short book- I read it within about a day- there’s a lot of valuable information and insight offered. Whether you’re a brand new Christian, or have believed and followed Jesus for years, Nate Pickowicz does a nice job of really emphasizing the importance of Bible reading without coming off as condemning for your not already having a solid reading/study system in place- he was in the same boat once!
This book covers the basics of what the Bible is and why we should be reading it, what we will glean from it, and how to get real nourishment for our souls, before getting into the practical tips for setting up your own Bible reading plan. It’s often too easy to gloss over the basics because we think we already know that information- but it’s always good to be reminded, because a lot of times we don’t know what we don’t know. You’ll find information that’s simultaneously comprehensive and simple regarding the Bible, doctrine, and study methods- this would be a fantastic primer for anyone really starting from scratch in their study of Scripture.
I think the thing I appreciated most about this book is that he isn’t trying to sell you one hard-and-fast way of reading your Bible. Pickowicz encourages deep, meditative, long-term reading and study (as opposed to widespread, quick, obligatory daily readings) so that we can truly come to know God and love Him through His Word. In a world of instant gratification and quick results, we’re encouraged to remember that consistency is key. And we can do this in any format or plan.
If you’re hungry for God, but don’t know where to start, Pickowicz offers practical information, ideas, and resources for Bible study in this book.
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