What I’m Adding to My Bookshelf in 2018

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Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. Since I was a child, I have spent nights trying to keep my sleepy eyes open to finish just one more chapter. It started with the American Girl historical-fiction books and has spiraled into a realm of classic novels, fantasy, and theology.

This last month was a month of books. My husband raided my Amazon wishlist and between Christmas and my birthday, I accumulated at least a week’s worth of reading.

I want to spend this year improving my mind. I want to read fiction that enlarges my heart and cultivates compassion for my fellow men. Books are one of the few ways I can understand the minds of those who have gone before me in the faith. Engaging with great thinkers of old and believers all around the world through literature is one of the great privileges gained by literacy. This year, I’m building a bookshelf that grows me as a person.

Here are a few of the books I’ve recently added to my bookshelf and am looking forward to reading in the coming year:

Ancient-Future Worship by Robert Webber

Webber’s book Ancient-Future Time is a favorite of mine. It was such a delightful introduction to the liturgical calendar and I am excited to see how this book overviews the roots of liturgical worship in Scripture.

Be the Gift by Ann Voskamp

Ann Voskamp’s books have been soul-food for my last few years. The Broken Way particularly touched my heart at a time when I felt broken and needed to see the redemption of the pain in my life. Be The Gift is a follow-up that provides practical ideas for living broken and poured out. It also has some beautiful places to journal about living your life as the hands and feet of Christ.

Desiring the Kingdom by James K.A. Smith

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Smith speak a few months back and was greatly inspired by his understanding of the wholeness of a person and rejection of the idea that we are simply brains functioning on knowledge. Desiring the Kingdom is the second book in his Cultural Liturgies series examining the way our habits form us as believers.

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Hygge was a fascination of mine in 2017. I’ve written about it before and pinned countless pins on Pinterest. I am so excited to read more about making my life more lovely and cozy this year and am particularly excited to apply it to my hospitality.

You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith

While Smith’s Cultural Liturgies series is written for a more academic audience, You Are What You Love is a layman’s exploration of the power of habits in forming our faith.

Living the Christian Year by Bobby Gross

This book was added to my list at the last minute based on the recommendation of Lacy Clark Ellman of A Sacred Journey. Her interview with Jenn Giles Kemper of Sacred Ordinary Days on the liturgical year was refreshing and informative (podcast friends, listen here). I am excited to read this overview of the year and seeing God’s work throughout the entirety of time.

What are you reading this year?

Are there any topics or ideas you’re digging into?

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