Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2023

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2023. For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021/22 selections.

You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title links.

1. Miracle at Tenwek: The Life of Dr Ernie Steury - It's always exciting to find a lesser known biography that's worth passing on to others. I loved this story from Kenya as Dr Steury combines medical work with mission and ensures the Gospel remains the priority.

2. A Rabbi looks at the Last Days: Surprising Insights on Israel, the End Times and Popular Misconceptions - This is a thorough and well researched presentation of the Zionist position based on Scripture. It is worth reading even if you don't agree with the author.

3. Surviving the Gunman - It's difficult to find Christian police officers these days and even more difficult to find those willing to write about their work in conjunction with their faith. This book was a gem but may be difficult to get hold of!

4. Out of the Deep: Devastated by Drugs, Delivered by God - This story of three brothers raised in a  Christian family who somehow end up addicted to heroin is tragic but the title offers hope. A motivator if ever there was one to never give up and keep praying for those who seem impossible to reach. 

5. The Visitation - Frank Peretti is a bit like Marmite in Christian circles; you either love him or you hate him, as a writer. I think understanding what he is trying to convey made this book more enjoyable and made me more conscious of the spiritual battle. That said, his books aren't for the faint hearted and some of them are terrible!

6. Julie - Coming of age drama with a back story about corporate greed. I loved this book for the story as it was unique and well crafted. 

7. Rebel with a Cause - I was curious about the son of the late Billy Graham. This book was a surprise as the author reveals a true evangelistic zeal underpinning both his life and the Samaritan's Purse organisation.

8. Seeing the Invisible - A compilation of short biographies about lesser known individuals who left their mark. I've not always found Faith Cook's books that enjoyable with a little too much emphasis on the facts over the story, but this book is an exception.

9. Song of Redemption - Fictionalised version of part of the biblical story of King Hezekiah. This was violent in places but really brings the story to life in a helpful and challenging way. This book is the second in the series.

10. Canopy of Darkness - Brilliant. Contemporary missionary biography dealing with the complexities of bringing the Gospel to tribal people in Papua New Guinea. This book needs a wider audience as it's full of amazing stories from the field.

I hope you can find something worth reading in 2024 as you look over my lists. 

Happy New Year!

Top 15 Christian Books Read in 2021/2022

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2021/2022. For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 selections.

You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. 

1. Forgive Me Natasha- For those who enjoy dramatic stories of conversion, this autobiography documents the life of a Communist Youth leader turned Christian in Russia. 

2. To The Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson- The life of this well-known missionary despite his many setbacks and trials is always an inspiration.

3. The Demon Gods of Thorny River- Superstition and ancestral worship run rampant in this short account dealing with the dangers of the Occult. Lessons can be learned and warnings adhered to.

 

4. Green Leaf in Drought- Probably the only Isobel Kuhn book that hasn't been a disappointment. This short account deals with a family trapped in China and expelled as "foreign devils" during the rebellion.

 

5. No Greater Love- Perhaps my most controversial choice but it provides a more balanced view on the doctrine of God's sovereignty vs man's responsibility.

 

6. The Guiding Hand- Another book dealing with persecution in China but this one is autobiographical.

 

7. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire- Definitely not what I was expecting. Slightly on the charismatic side but with a focus on prayer.

 

8. How To Win Souls and Influence People- Evangelistic experience and advice from someone I have a lot of time for, Ray Comfort.

 

9. The Least, The Last and The Lost- This book can come across as a rant if you don't first listen to, or read, the testimony of the author and understand that it's more born of frustration that the evangelical church isn't doing more to reach those living in deprived communities.

 

10. Look, No Hands!- Heart-breaking tale of Brian Gault born with deformities due to the Thalidomide drug. However, Brian gains a new perspective when he becomes a Christian.

11. Called To Go- The impossibilities of missionary work and one lady's attempts to hurdle them, in God's strength, in the jungles of the Amazon.

12. My Beloved Russia: A Story of God's Love for a Persecuted People- For the historians, this tale of growing up in Russia from the perspective of a Christian looking back is probably unique.

13. Out Of The Black Shadows- Best autobiographical account I've read for quite a while. Gang member Stephen Lungu is dramatically converted. His terrible childhood may upset some readers.

14. Fearless Pilgrim: The Life and Times of John Bunyan- This was a marathon but well worth reading. It will encourage you not to choose the broad path but to stay on the narrow that leads to life.

15. Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's Song- I'm aware these Trail Blazers books are for teens but I learned a lot about this famous poet and hymn writer. 

 

So, that's my list for 2021/2022. Hopefully, you find something on it worth looking at for 2023. Happy reading!