As I wrote in my reflections on 2023’s reading, a combination of some deliberate goals, and the (eventually healthy, if tiring!) birth of our son (And third child), meant I was holding my goals lightly for 2024. This is just as well – as some of my other goals (Around running, relationships, and writing) were definitely not attained.
- Read 150 books. Done, on the 31st of December!
- At least 20% by non-white authors. // Missed. 19/150 = 12.67%. That’s actually lower than last year!
- At least 30% by female authors. // Done. 44/150 = 29.33%. That’s better than last year, and close enough that I’m feeling fairly pleased!
- Write and publish, on blog or elsewhere, 55 reviews, of which at least 26 should be of books not written or edited by white men like me. // Missed. 20 reviews. 13 of which were of books written or edited by folk not like me. So an epic fail in terms of quantity (I could have written more), but not too bad in terms of quality (well, that’s debatable, but in terms of my goal, I was balancing it better!)
- Read more than 50,000 pages. // Done. According to Goodreads, 55,726 pages in total. Comfortably passed. With some very short and some very long books, I’m pleased about this.
- Read at least 15 books published before I was born. // Missed. 10. Good attempt, but not that close. One to work on in 2025! Also nothing that old – I will attempt to read a few things for 100+ years before I was born.
- Be more critical in my reviews/GoodReads ratings. // Done. 2023: 4.5 average rating. 2024: 4.1 average rating. I’m either rating things more harshly, or reading worse books, but I think I’m being more critical!
4/7. A solid pass, he chuckles to himself, reflecting on his own challenge. BUT more seriously, raising some real challenges for what I’m reading in 2025…
Overall, I can blame the writing reviews goal on external circumstances, but the diversity of reading (in age, gender and heritage) is something I can definitely be more deliberate about.
But you probably didn’t click on this post to hear those reflections – perhaps for another day. Please find below the 150 books I read in 2024 – and some brief comments on them all (with links to the reviews for the 20 I managed to do!).
19. Judges [Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament], by Mark J. Boda and Mary L. Conway. A bit of a slog but full of useful technical analysis and some excellent canonical-theological writing. I need to engage with more ZECOT volumes [I loved the NT equivalent on John’s gospel]. 3.5/5. I wrote a review here.
42. Making Things Right at Work: Increase Teamwork, Resolve Conflict, and Build Trust, Gary Chapman, Jennifer Thomas & Paul White. An interesting practical little book. Nothing groundbreaking but some useful exercises, checklists and examples. Could imagine using it in a team day setting. 3/5.
54. The Beast Arises: Volume 1, Dan Abnett/Rob Sanders/Gav Thorpe/David Annandale. A romp, but with some excellent sub plots. Enjoying revisiting this series. 5/5.
57. Ex Libris: 100+ books to read and reread, Michiko Kakutani. A book about books. Essentially 100 ish book recommendations. Some odd choices, some I’ve added to the tbr. Lovely physical book – nice images inside too – really nailing the brief. 4/5.
59. Proverbs [Commentaries for Christian Formation], John Goldingay. A somewhat mixed bag. Not convinced by his view of the book, though enjoyed the translation. Slim intro, but a helpful conclusion. Nice ‘book’ from E, but underwhelming overall. 3/5. I reviewed it here.
61. The Beast Arises: Volume 2, Guy Haley/David Guymer/David Annandale/Gav Thorpe. An anthology that has good and bad parts. Overall a good yarn. But the big reveal character is not as strong as he could be. 4/5.
63. The Hope in Our Scars: Finding the Bride of Christ in the Underground of Disillusionment, Aimee Byrd. A moving, well written and important book from Aimee. Some niggles and some annoying editorial/formatting choices, but deeply valuable. Personally clarifying, and genuinely engaging the whole way through. Hopeful and Christ-pointing. 4/5. I reviewed it for Premier here.
64. Henry Winstanley and the Eddystone Lighthouse, Adam Hart-Davis. This was an enjoyable if sobering read. Good intro to an eccentric but interesting man – and nicely wove in some wider context. Solid holiday read. 4/5.
65. After Hitler: The Last Days of the Second World War in Europe, Michael Jones. A genuinely interesting look at the closing days of the war in Europe. Occasionally dragged but broadly readable and included both big picture and some fascinating ‘zoom in’ moments. Sobering to see the division between Allies, and as ever the evils humans can do. 4/5.
66. The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls, Rich Villodas. A rare book, for me, n that even when I wouldn’t have phrased it that way, I found it deeply compelling and convicting, personally. There are many sermon on the mount books. This is superb. 5/5. I reviewed it for Premier here
67. You Are Still a Mother: Hope for Women Grieving a Stillbirth or Miscarriage, Jackie Gibson. A beautiful, powerful little book. I teared up on the tube – Jackie’s beautiful writing, heart-wrenching story, and deep biblical and theological pondering combine to make this very short book, very valuable. Highly recommended – robust and readable. 5/5. I reviewed it here.
68. The Scuttlebutt Letters: Words to a Wild Tongue, Natalie Brand. A superb little book for and to the heart. Well worth a read if, like me you speak a lot and have opinions. Convicting, often funny, and the twist works well. I was sceptical of ‘inspired by Screwtape’ but Natalie nails it. Nicely published by Christian Focus in a fun little hardback format. 5/5.
69. Isaiah[Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Prophetic Books], J. Gordon McConville. A solid modern commentary, definitely including me in places. Lacks the devotional warmth of Motyer, and also a tad wobbly in places. Not conservative enough for some. But a useful and theologically engaged book – helped me make sense of some tricky passages, and well written. Nice physical book too. 4/5. I reviewed it here.
70. KNOW The Theologians, Jennifer Powerll McNutt and David W. McNutt. Behind a rather dull cover and title hides a really good intro to church history, moving through for eras of theologians. The McNutts write well together, explain both ideas and people, and have done a great job with this little book. 4/5. I wrote a review here.
71. Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950 to 2000, by Iain H. Murray. A fascinating overview – from one perspective – of this interesting period. Ostensibly focused on British evangelicalism, it has lessons for the whole Anglosphere and beyond. Occasionally a bit polemic for a pure history, but worth reading. 4/5.
72. Heart Songs for Every Saint: Engaging with God Through Times of Darkness & Light, William J. Philip. This is a lovely little book on the Psalms. Meaty, pastorally sensitive, theologically robust and engaging with a couple of Psalms I’m less familiar with. I THINK the cover has to do with hills. Recommended for a more complex and biblical spirituality. 4/5.
73. The Book of Jeremiah [New International Commentary on the Old Testament], John Goldingay. Unexpectedly enjoyed this doorstop from Goldingay (having been disappointed by his Proverbs CCF volume, above, and also his Lamentations contribution to this series). I didn’t agree with it all, by any means, but he was extraordinarily readable, often fun, well read, and theologically engaging. A seriously impressive achievement. 5/5.
74. Jeremiah and Lamentations: A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching, [Kerux Commentaries], by Duane Garrett and Calvin F. Pearson. This is the best Kerux I’ve read so far. Excellent and practical on Jeremiah, good on Lamentations. Wanted indices! Definitely nails its brief for preachers though. Will annoy non-Reformed folks and not much for scholars – but readable and clear throughout. 4/5.
75. What I talk about when I talk about running, Haruki Murakami. A really nice little book about running, aging, travel, and being human. Recommended. 4/5 – a bit disjointed but charming in its own way.
76. The Character of Christ: The Fruit of the Spirit in the Life of Our Saviour, Jonathan Landry Cruse. A rich feast in one sitting. Will revisit. A good way to start a little holiday. The fruit of the spirit as a way to appreciate, behold and become like Christ. 5/5.
77. Ezekiel [Brazos/SCM Theological Commentary on the Bible], Robert W. Jenson. Classic Jenson – often infuriating, often genius, very readable. A good theological commentator for the complex book of Ezekiel! Helpful on themes content and shape. A good BTC! 4/5.
78. Holiness Here: Searching for God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life, Karen Stiller. An interesting book on a vital topic. Some beautiful writing, some haunting testimony, but overall didn’t quite land for me. I felt it needed some sharpening on holiness interpersonally, and felt more memoir than guide at times. 4/5.
79. The Message of Daniel, Dale Ralph Davis. It’s a modern classic for a reason. Readable, clear and hard hitting – this is a golden BST that ministered to me as I worked through it in my devotional time. 5/5.
80. The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle over the End Times Shaped a Nation, Daniel G. Hummel. A fascinating book that really filled a gap in my knowledge. Hummel writes well – after a slow first 1/3, the book picks up and is very engaging. Some quibbles and questions but overall a fascinating, comprehensive and even-handed bit of publishing from Eerdmans. 4/5.
81. Living to Please God: Life for a higher purpose and pleasure, Lee Gatiss. It was a privilege to work on this little book – published for Lent 2025, but really readable as a short devotional study at any time of year. I’m excited for more folk to read it! 5/5.
82. Hosea, Joel, and Amos [New Cambridge Bible Commentary], by Graham R. Hamborg. In my view a competent but over-clinical and critical commentary. Quite readable and some good notes/info (in grey boxes) but overall not a must-buy for preachers or detailed enough for the more scholarly reader. Glad I read it, but unlikely to return to other than AOTC editing! 3/5 – I wrote a fuller review here.
83. The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis. Having spent a lot of my publishing career asking authors to use fewer quotations from Lewis, so we don’t have to email Narnia, I noticed the complete chronicles on Kindle for 99p! And I can’t resist a nostalgic bargain. Still holds up. Delightful to read in order. Sobering to read the last battle as a father – a friend who was a great father loved it. Lewis was an impressive writer and weaver of worlds. 5/5.
84. Wildtrack: In Stormy Waters, Even Heroes Drown, Bernard Cornwell. As a Sharpe fan since my teenage years, I did not know Cornwell had written a family of sailing based thrillers. If this one is anything to go by, I’ll read them all! Great fun, well put together, and some good quirks and twists. 4/5.
85. Gipsy Moth Circles the World, Francis Chichester. This is a wonderful account of a solo circumnavigation. Chichester can be grumpy but I love this book. The physical edition I read through has lovely plates and the thickest paper and belonged to my grandfather. 4/5.
86. The Storied Ethics of the Thanksgiving Psalms [T&T Clark Library of Biblical Studies], Joshua T. James. his was a really interesting and surprisingly readable look at Psalms 116, 118, and 138. James shows how their shape offers some ethical direction in the midst of worship. A revised thesis, I wanted more application/conclusion. But v glad to have read. 4/5.
87. Peculiar Discipleship: An Autistic Liberation Theology, Claire Williams. A fascinating, moving and very readable book. Lots to chew on – and some bits to return to. But also lots of ‘huh’ and ‘?’ bits. I found the endnotes annoying. So I’m glad I read it but I’m not quite sure about it. 3/5 (3.5 – if goodreads allowed).
88. Habakkuk [Christian Standard Commentary], Susan Maxwell Booth. Does the world need (another) 400ish page commentary, on Habakkuk? Well this is a feast – Christological, missiological, canonically aware and very readable for something so well researched. A gem. Also very nicely physically produced. 5/5. I expanded this tweet into a review here.
89. A Commentary on the Book of the Twelve: The Minor Prophets [Kregel Exegetical Library], Michael B. Shepherd. Shepherd reads and comments on the Twelve *as a unity*. Whilst he’s often convincing and there are links, sometimes there’s too much assertion. Overall though a fascinating and fresh commentary – with good application that takes the text seriously. 4/5.
90. The Books of Haggai and Malachi [New International Commentary on the Old Testament], Mignon R. Jacobs. Jacobs contributes a solid volume to the NICOT. A couple of quibbles, and some missed links imo, but overall helpful. I felt the commentary on Malachi was the more engaging of the two. Possibly more slanted to scholar/student than pastor/preacher. 4/5.
91. The New Me: Ever wanted to be someone else for a day?, Elizabeth Neep. An enjoyable romcom read from my friend and former colleague. Would make a great easy watching film. Definitely worth more than the 99p I paid on kindle! Slightly proud I guessed a twist. 4/5.
92. Matthew [Interpretation Bible Commentary], Mark Allan Powell. A somewhat infuriating book! Well written, occasionally brilliant, but the commentary varies. Just odd in approach to some things, and engagement with the 2ndry literature is minimal WHILST not having the text in it. A genuinely mixed bag. Not sure who it is for… 3/5 [this volume kicks off a new series, apparently].
93. Matthew: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary [Asia Bible Commentary], Samson L. Uytanlet with Kiem-Kiok Kwa. A rather more well rounded, referenced and useful commentary. The AsiaBC from Langham Publishing is a fascinating series and this entry is packed with useful contextual learning, and solid evangelical exegesis. Not perfect, but really good. Nearly every excursus was 5* IMO. 4/5.
94. Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda, Megan Basham. A deeply flawed book by Basham, *but* she has an important point. Whether it will be meaningfully heard remains to be seen. I’ve been really underwhelmed by the uncritically polarised response to this book. 2/5 – I expanded in my lengthy online review for Premier here.
95. Mark: A New Covenant Commentary, Kim Huat Tan. A concise, well-written and readable short commentary on Mark. Kim Huat Tan does a great job in the small space. Let down by a proliferation of excurses – often helpful – that occasionally ruined the reading experience. 4/5.
96. Ecclesiastes [The Hodder Bible Commentary], Eric Ortlund. Eric continuing his role in my library as best Ortlund. A beautifully written commentary, with lots to chew on. Some niggles with format and a possible over-reliance on a couple of folk make it not quite 5. But highly recommended. 4/5 – review to come, I promise!
97. Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas: An Advent Adventure from Genesis to Revelation, by John Hayward. It was a privilege to work with John on this advent book for IVP. 5/5.
98. The Gospel of Luke [Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture], Pablo T. Gadenz. A fine commentary on Luke from Gadenz, published by Baker Academic (that an evangelical publisher is producing an explicitly and exclusively Roman Catholic commentary series does confuse me somewhat). Readable, calm, and only occasionally infuriatingly Roman. Useful for a different angle on familiar texts. I appreciated it in a lovely hardback edition. 4/5.
99. Humanity [Theology for the People of God], John S. Hammett & Katie J. McCoy. A wide ranging and mostly very useful primer on humanity through various theological lenses. Some good stuff here – some parts weaker than others. Overall it’s value is in its integrative approach and readable level. 4/5 – the first volume I’ve read in an interesting new series from B&H Academic.
100. Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption [Essential Studies in Biblical Theology], L. Michael Morales. A typically excellent book from Morales in the ESBT series from IVP USA’s Academic imprint. Slightly marred for me by a bit too much art/literature at the start – but once Morales got going it’s gold! Really good introductory biblical theology. 4.5/5.
101. John: Through Old Testament Eyes, Karen H. Jobes. Helpful angle on John – who is rich in OT. Not as much application as I hoped and endnotes rather than footnotes felt wrong here. Jobes writes well, illuminates the reader, and so this is a useful background commentary. 4/5.
102. God’s Provision, Humanity’s Need: The Gift of our dependence, Christa L. McKirland. A very readable, carefully theological, and theologically biblical book on humanity. Really helpful drawing on biblical theology, w/terminological clarity. Some quibbles on conclusions in a few spots – and some omissions from(in my view) dialogue partners – but overall very good. 4/5.
103. Acts [The Hodder Bible Commentary], Martin C. Salter. A solid workmanlike commentary on Acts from a careful pastor. I’d say a very good book, but a mixed commentary. However Salter is calm and careful and clear. Leans on Stott a fair bit but adds some depth and zest. HBC off to a good start. Reviews to come! 4/5.
104. Acts of the Apostles [Wisdom Commentary], Linda M. Maloney and Ivoni Richter Reimer. A very underwhelming commentary on Acts. Selective, full of assertion, sometimes made me quite literally laugh out loud which is unusual. Nicely produced physical book, but not one I would recommend and barely will point others two. Definitely a space for a good feminist* commentary here! 2/5.
105. Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel, Conrad Mbewe. An excellent little primer on unity. Theologically rooted. I think it could have done with being 20pp longer and clarifying issues like sexuality/baptism/leadership. But a useful little book to complement e.g. Lamb’s ‘Essentially One’. 4/5.
106. Paul’s Letter to the Romans [The Pillar New Testament Commentary], Colin G. Kruse. Kruse is a great devotional companion on Romans – warm and clear. The additional notes make it a valuable resource for the preacher, and occasional student. It’s not that much more comprehensive than Garlands recent TNTC (I imagine, once you strip the text of Romans out, they would be similar word counts). But like I say, warm and clear. 4/5.
107. Fastnet, Force 10: The Deadliest Storm in the History of Modern Sailing, John Rousmaniere. As gripping as the first time I read it. Sobering, yet essential reading. Black and white images are hauntingly and well used. 5/5.
108. Fatal Storm: The 54th Sydney to Hobart Race, Rob Mundle. Another sailing classic. Well crafted – and some of the most stunning/awesome-in-the-proper-sense images of the storm. 5/5.
109. London Under, Peter Ackroyd. Interesting but frustratingly referenced and sometimes brief Lots of white space around the text – book would have been 1/3 shorter if printed more conventionally. Wets the appetite. 3/5.
110. Adrift: Seventy-six days lost at sea, Steven Callahan. A stunning book. Some of the simple b+w images are brutal because of the words that build up to then. Callahan’s ordeal is superbly told, and even on the fourth reading it raises all sorts of feelings. I strongly recommend this book. 5/5.
111. Gustavo Gutiereez and the Liberative Sight of Christ, Luke Foster. Not my normal fare, but a fascinating, fair + thoughtful engagement with the theology of Gutierrez from someone who has really attempted to listen. An impressive debut book from a theologian worth watching. Imo could have explored eschatology more. 4/5 (why endnotes?!).
112. The First Epistle to the Corinthians [The New International Greek Testament Commentary], Anthony C. Thiselton. This was epic, in many ways. It is less readable than the shorter, but it is comprehensive, robust, and deeply theological. Linguistic too. A masterclass in commentary. I wish I had the HB! (Tho a 1.4k page pb is a feat of book engineering) 5/5. Most readers will find his shorter version sufficient – I rated it highly when I read it in 2023.
113. The Second Letter to the Corinthians [The Pillar New Testament Commentary], Mark A. Seifrid. This was delightful. An engaging, readable and warm read. A devotional and theological gem. Definitely a top pick for me on 2 Cor – and a contender for a top commentary spot generally. Seifried writes well and nails the PNTC pitch. 5/5.
114. In the Name of God: the role of religion in the modern world, Selina O’Grady. A glowing front cover endorsement from A. C. Grayling put me off, but this is a readable, mostly fair, and fascinating survey of some vital history. A bit rushed at the end, but the overall suggestion that tolerance is complex and religion is important I am on board with. Will mull and attempt to review. 4/5.
115. Galatians [Concordia Commentary], A. Andrew Das. An enormous but helpful commentary. “The Christian life always has a cruciform shape”. A powerful, readable and thorough exploration of Galatians. I didn’t always agree, but it’s an exceptionally comprehensive resource. 4/5.
116. The Epistle to the Ephesians, Karl Barth. This was underwhelming. I’m not a huge Karl Barth fan. Though I try to be Karl Barth aware! But this was (as the introduction said!) more an extended introducing to Eph. 1 and an outline of 2-6. Some nice lines but not what I hoped for. Nice introductory essays from Webster and Watson make it worthwhile for Barth fans, I think. 3/5.
117. Detransition Baby, Torrey Peters. A book I read as I got it for free. Totally non-controversial. A truly ‘queer’ book. Well written, but off putting and demanding emphathy/sympathy in equal measure. Comedically matter of fact book club questions. Certainly not a book I’d really recommend to anyone, but that didn’t *quite* stop me from finishing it. 2/5.
118. The Busy Narrow Sea: A Social History of the English Channel, Robin Laurence. This was a delightful little detour round a region/sea/area that has meant a lot to me. A nice intro, readable, but left me wanting more and didn’t have a huge amount of ‘go here next’. I want to read more Channel books! 4/5.
119. 1 and 2 Thessalonians [Tyndale New Testament Commentaries], Leon Morris. This remains a superb short commentary. Showing its age in some ways (having read some more recent ones) but retaining lots of good nuggets, and an exemplary modeling of fairly showing different options. The replacement volume has a tough act to follow! 5/5.
120. The Mission of God: and the witness of the church [Short Studies in Biblical Theology], Justin A. Schell. A helpful (if slanting explicitly to ‘proclamation primary’) primer on God’s mission. I would have liked more from Justin in a few places – and sometimes the canon felt like Genesis and the NT, but overall this is a solid short biblical theology. 4/5.
121. Intentional Leadership: The Big 8 Capabilities Setting Leaders Apart, Rose M. Patten. An interesting secular read on leadership. Could have been shorter – couple of articles worth of ideas. Some good practical stuff and was nice to be moderately affirmed! Average book, though, and annoying layout/endnotes/structure mean I won’t return to it soon. 3/5.
122. Our Island Stories: Country Walks through Colonial Britain, Corinne Fowler. A whimsical, practical, intriguing book. Beautifully packaged – linen-feeling jacket, lovely maps, lots of space (BUT ENDNOTES. WHY.). A recommended read – a marvellous balance of the history/complexity, and the simple reality of walking on land. 4/5.
123. Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, Akala. A difficult but important to read. I’m not qualified to comment on accuracy, but Akala writes well, and you cannot read this book and ignore it. Some profound personal stuff, some superbly unsettling national/international stuff, this is a book I will return to, even if I disagree with significant aspects. 4/5.
124. The Pastoral Epistles [International Critical Commentary], I. H. Marshall. A comprehensive, careful and balanced longer commentary. Marshall is well worth reading – and often really nails Paul as a theologian. Sometimes the careful laying out of options feels like overkill, but this is an impressive one stop shop. Reader definitely needs a grasp of greek. 4/5.
125. The Little Book of the Isle of Wight, Jan Toms. Not really a book and more a collection of facts. A fun read at the start of half a half term in Ryde, but a bit hollow. 3/5.
126. Able to Laugh: Finding Joy though the struggle is real, Jade and John Reynolds. An entertaining, moving, well written and raw memoir. The authors – two London School of Theology graduates – blend humour, honesty, and biblical clarity carefully and with lots of joy. Recommended. 5/5. Well worth reading if you are wondering about disability, neurodiversity, faith, tiktok, and how these get mashed together with parenting.
127. Colossians [Smith & Helwys Bible Commentary], Nijay K. Gupta. A fine commentary on one of my favourite Pauline epistles. Will certainly look out more S&H volumes as a result. Not totally conceived by layout – occasionally too cluttered, and endnotes are a pain – but definitely one to return to. 4/5.
128. Colossians and Philemon [Tyndale New Testament Commentaries], N. T. Wright. 40 years old now, nearly, but still holds up. The commentary on Philemon is particularly good. Interesting reading in terms of seeing N. T. Wright’s evangelical roots, and him doing exegesis in a constrained way. 4/5.
129. The Ancious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, Jonathan Haidt. An intriguing read – though it wanted a moral framework (rather than an irritating ‘various religions believe broadly similar things) and a more complex anthropology. Useful, as it suggests rather than just analyses. Will definitely be taking the age range on board! 3/5.
130. North to the Night: A Spiritual Odyssey in the Arctic, Alvah Simon. Wow. A second hand bookshop find – and a stunning read. A real page turner. Please read this book. 5/5, probably book of my year.
131. Hebrews [Commentaries for Christian Formation], Amy Peeler. A brilliantly readable commentary on Hebrews Not sure it is really formation – definitely a theological commentary in the best sense. I’d love to see how Peeler might handle a different text/series! Review to follow (toddler dependent) 4/5.
132. James: Revised Edition [Tyndale New Testament Commentaries], Douglas J. Moo. If you are looking for a commentary on/to James, this is a hard one to beat. Concise, clear, readable and with a remarkably comprehensive intro for the format. A TNTC gem. 5/5.
133. The Flourishing Family: A Jesus-Centred Guide to Parenting with Peace and Purpose, Dr. David and Amanda Erickson. This is superb. Need to reflect on it a bit more – and discuss with Amy – but an excellent middle way between ‘gentle parenting’ and ‘punitive’. Also excellent on parental formation to the image of Christ as fundamental. 5/5.
134. 1 Peter [Kerux Commentaries], Timothy E. Miller and Bryan Murawski. An interesting preachers commentary on 1 Peter. Workmanlike and strong on application/suggestions for communication. As a commentary it is weaker – relying heavily on Grudem’s 1998 TNTC, among others. 3/5.
135. War of the Wind, Victoria Williamson. A slightly underwhelming bit of Young Adult fiction. Good on deafness/disability/identity/community, weak on eco/science. Nice to read something somewhat off the wall and not like my normal fare! 3/5.
136. 2 Peter & Jude [The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary], Ruth Anne Reese. I do enjoy the THNTC when I read one – and this was good. Not 100%, but a heart-warming example of this take on a Theological Commentary, published by Eerdmans. A good aid to theologically thinking about preaching these two texts. 4/5.
137. Jesus the Eternal Son: Answering Adoptionist Christology, Michael F. Bird. A superb little book from – really tightly focused, clearly argued, and readable. Would be fun to see how this could apply to some charismatic heresy in this space (as a charismatic I think adoptionism is a big temptation for some). 5/5.
138. The Letters of John: Revised Edition [The Pillar New Testament Commentary], Colin G. Kruse. A superb commentary on the Johannine epistles. Really warm, helpful but not overwhelmed by excuses, this is a model Pillar, and a model commentary, in my view. 5/5.
139. The Book of the Revelation: A Commentary, Philip Edgcumbe Hughes. A hidden gem. Devotionally warm, theologically coherent, and canonically connected. Arguably not ‘scholarly’ enough to be a PNTC, but the result is a lovely exposition. 4/5.
140. Ephesians Verse by Verse [Osborne New Testament Commentaries], Grant R. Osborne. An interesting, readable and devotionally warm commentary on Ephesians. I think between BST (which is more practical) and TNTC (which is more engaged with scholarship) – so an interesting series level. A strong quiet time companion. 4/5.
141. Holier Than Thou: How God’s Holinesss Helps Us Trust Him, Jackie Hill Perry. A good book that could have been great. Come for the curiosity, stay for the systematic theology well used and explained. 4/5.
142. The Wierdest Nativity, Andew Sach & Jonathan Gemmell. A brilliant little book that could be a good giveaway – written with humour, biblical literacy, and a surprising amount of history for a book with a dragon on its cover. Recommended. 5/5.
143. The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections. Decided to just finish this this morning – the creation as treasure section ended an otherwise mixed colelction on a high note. Uneven but some gold. 3/5.
144. Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times, Katherine May. A stunning little book. Read in a very wintery few days – May writes well, stringing together the pain and beauty of being human with the reality of time and creation. Christ-haunted, and occasionally meandering, it isn’t perfect but it is very, very good. 4/5.
145. Thanksgiving: An investigation of a Pauline theme [New Studies in Biblical Theology], David W. Pao. This is a gem. Glad I read it in the run up to Christmas. 5/5.
146. The Complete Dawson Naval Adventures, Christopher Nicole. This was a good set of yarns, marred by over-sexualization and predictability. Finishable, probably not going to return to it. 3/4 (some bits 4/4.5).
147. Consider Him: Listening, Learning and Leaning on Jesus – 365 Daily Reflections, Catherine Campbell. A very pleasant devotional companion this year. Campbell helped me focus on Christ every day – this one-page-a-day format, focused on ‘just’ one topic, has been a boon in a strange and full year. 5/5.
[the titles below were in different places chronologically, but not in the Twitter thread – sorry!)
148. Invisible Woman: A Novel, Katia Lief. An engaging, haunting and bang-on-trend novel about power, influence, media and relationships. Well worth reading as it is unpredictable, but probably not one I’ll return to soon. 4/5.
149. 1 Peter: Revised Edition [Tyndale New Testament Commentaries], Wayne Grudem. This revised edition of Grudem’s commentary is a worthy update – integrating almost 30 more years of scholarship, and improving the original. Watching Grudem interact with Schnabel was like a free New Testament seminar! 5/5.
150. Lamentations: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary [Asia Bible Commentary], Federico Villaneuva. A very good commentary on Lamentations, which demonstrates the authors grasp of the text and relevant themes. A good entry in the ABC. 4/5.
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