This year’s Best Books list is a bit different. Because I wanted to better understand what life is like for men and women who are not white, I intentionally sought out authors who would teach and challenge me. I succeeded. Many of these books made me weep and feel deeply uncomfortable. As I see it, that’s not a bad thing. Perhaps if more of us were willing to be “comfortable being uncomfortable” (Mellody Hobson’s quote from her TED talk), we might actually make some progress with the issues that divide us. I am intentionally not listing books written by white men, not because I didn’t read any good ones but because I think too many Best Book lists lean toward white male authors. (Sorry to those of you who fit that category who wrote awesome books this year!)
#1. The book that most impacted me was Professor Soong-Chan Rah’s Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times. A must read for anyone who leads in the church, esp. if you are a white male. Truly prophetic. Utterly challenging. Desperately needed. Prepare to wince as you read.
“For American evangelicals riding the fumes of a previous generation’s assumptions, a triumphalistic theology of celebrations and privilege rooted in a praise only narrative is perpetuated by the absence of lament and the underlying narrative of suffering that informs lament.”
#2. Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy. This book should be read by every American high school student, every law enforcement officer, and every judge. Stevenson is a great story teller and writes with conviction and passion. Though I had some awareness of how unjust our justice system is, I really had no clue. I cried all the way through this book and had to put it down multiple times. Please prioritize reading this book, if for no other reason, to pray for Bryan and his organization and for those who have been unfairly imprisoned.
#3. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me. In a word, this book is excoriating. Not because he blames, but because he simply tells the truth. Reading Coates’ highly acclaimed work made me wonder just how many African American authors feel the need to soften their words so as to not offend or alienate white readers. Of course I have no idea if this is true, but it did not seem like Coates worried about that. And I am grateful. His work is raw, passionate, an oh so difficult to read as a Caucasian. But it’s important for anyone, particularly if you harbor doubts that racism still exists.
#4. Carolyn Custis James, Malestrom. In her new book, Carolyn Custis James demonstrates why she is one of the most compelling theologians of the twenty-first century. With the authority and unction of a true prophet, she not only identifies one of the major issues of our day—a fallen idea of maleness—but offers grounded insight for how this curse can be undone. (For more, please read my review over at Junia Project.) This was by no means a hard read. James also had me weeping, but this time for joy. If even 10% of Christian males read this book and took her words to heart, the face of evangelical Christianity would change for the better. It’s that compelling.
#5. Atul Gawande, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. I read this book out of necessity when my father was in his last days. It’s equal parts horrifying, depressing, and insightful. It chronicles our tendency to institutionalize the elderly and unknowingly strip away their dignity in the process. Gawande thinks we can do better and after helping my father spend his last days at home with hospice, I agree.Â
#6. Tara M. Owens, Embracing the Body: Finding God in Our Flesh and Bones. As a kinesthetic woman who has been part of Protestant churches (read non-kinesthetic and mostly non-tactile) for more than 30 years, I found myself sighing with relief as I read Owens’ book. We can no more leave behind the reality that we are body people than we can hold our breath for the length of the service. And yet, most church services and sermons either deny or downplay the importance of our flesh and blood, often casting it as inherently sinful and problematic (a la Augustine’s gnosticism?). Owens writes with tenderness and care, inviting us to consider anew how our bodies can reveal God and how God can speak to us through our bodies. Excellent read, grounded in Scripture.
#7. Micha Boyett, Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, & Everyday Prayer. What does it look like to reconfigure our faith when the situations of life change and shift? Can we sense God holding onto us even when we feel like we free falling? I deeply appreciated Boyett’s honesty and refusal to settle for easy answers. Found will inspire, encourage, and give you permission to admit that sometimes you feel lost too. (This was published in 2014 but I didn’t get to it until this year.)
#8. Patricia Raybon and Alana Raybon, Undivided. Undivided helped me to better understand why opposing ideologies routinely burrow in and refuse to engage with those who oppose their perspectives. I appreciate Patricia and Alana’s (mother and daughter) willingness to share the raw feelings, frustrations, and disappointments with their process of trying to find common ground.
I want to give away four gifts to four lucky readers: two books, one adult coloring book, and five of my original photo cards. To enter, leave a comment below, share this post (on Twitter or Facebook) and tag me, or subscribe to my site. The books include: David Platt’s A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture, Aubrey Sampson’s Overcomer (read my review of this wonderful book here), and Margaret’s Feinberg’s Coloring Book, Live Loved. Please let me know which book you would like in the comment section below. Each share or Tweet gets you another entry. One gift per household. 🙂
You can read more of my reviews at Goodreads. And next year this time, my first book will be available! More on this in the weeks to come.
I started this year with a month-long series featuring African American writers. You can read their words here and here. It’s my prayer that as a nation we move forward on owning the many ways that racism continues to impact far too many individuals. Please join me in praying, supporting our brothers and sisters, and working to change the broken system.
Peace be with you.
I so appreciated this list and your thoughtful intention in choosing the books you’ve read. Well done! Thank you for linking up your list at my site, too! Here’s to another great year of reading ahead — AND can’t wait for your book to be released in 2016! So exciting!
You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by and for being an encouragement to me along the road.
Some thought-provoking titles in your list. I want to start with “Just Mercy” in 2016, as it has been on my own list for so long! If I win the contest, I’d like the coloring book, please.
It’s a powerful read but very painful. I’d love to hear what you think of it when you are done.
Dorothy,
Thank you for this list! Your selections sound like what my soul is needing. I read this earlier in the week, but came back today because I’m putting together my 2016 reading list and wanted to be sure to include some of your recommendations.
I also enjoyed hearing how you were impacted by these books – it made me want to read them all the more.
Lara
Make sure you send me the link to your list! Blessings.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been wanting to be more intentional in reading authors with different perspectives than my own, and this will be a nice place to start.
I realize that I have quite a bit of reading to do in 2016!! I am grateful for you forging the way and reading these books and commenting on their contents. My hope is that 2016 will lend itself to reading, writing and reflection as we settle into our new home. I so enjoy your insights and articles. Thank you!
Thanks for dropping by Victoria. Do let me know which of the gifts you’d be interested in if you are chosen. Hope you enjoy your first Christmas in your new home.
Dorothy, I admire you and the way you have very intentionally sought out multiple perspectives on such crucial (and timely) issues; we can all take a lesson from your leadership! May God bless your understanding and voice in these types of conversations. Thank you for sharing this list and your reflections! Blessings on your holiday season!
I really don’t feel like it’s an option. If I want to call myself a follower of Jesus, I need to listen and learn. Please tell me which gift you’d want if you are chosen. Blessings for your holiday.
I agree about listening & learning; I know a lot of people who don’t *seek out* challenging books and conversations, though, and say that they’re listening whenever a stray conversation comes their way, which they might be…..but they’re not purposefully diving in, either. Kudos to you for leading by example. 🙂
Overcomer sounds incredible. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Dorothy!
Thank you for an alternative must read list. I have read all of Carolyn Custis James and agree that evangelicals would take this to heart we would see some welcome change! I have not read any of your other suggestions, but am drawn to your 1st choice.
Lori, Thanks for stopping by. If you get chosen for the gift, please let me know which of the options you prefer. Blessings.
I still need to read Malestrom! But Soong-Chan’s book was pretty powerful, one I had to digest in small chunks. Chapter 5 was my favorite. Any chance I could borrow Malestrom from you? I would love a shot at the coloring book. Better than the Game of Thrones one I just got in an office raffle!
I can share Malestrom with you once I send off my manuscript. Am quoting her liberally! Thanks again for introducing Prophetic Lament to me.
Thanks for what looks like some thoughtful books. I am a deaconess and on a justice committee at church. And although I have more than I can handle on my shelves, I will note down your suggestions.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Judi
Thanks for reading Judi. If you are chosen for a gift, do you have any preference? blessings for the holiday.
ah just noticed.. Overcomers.
thanks!!!