What We're Reading: January

Happy New Year!! Find some inspiration for your 2022 TBR or library list with the ideas below.

Christine

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I’m finally reading Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women. Having seen several movies based on the book and reading an abridged version as a child, the story was quite familiar to me, like a neighbor you often greet but have never gotten to know personally. Within the first few paragraphs, I wondered why I hadn’t rendezvoused with this book sooner. Each chapter is its own story that builds upon all the others to tell the larger narrative of the March sisters. Alcott is a master at storytelling and bringing her characters to life, which is perhaps why this classic is so beloved; the real-life drama, comedy, trials, triumphs, and love shared by this family make it a timeless favorite cherished by generations. I look forward to continuing the story in the unabridged edition (but will probably be sad when it ends!).

To Read: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Bethany

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong

My read for this month is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong, a reference book that I’m using to research biblically accurate angels. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is a helpful study tool that offers Hebrew and Greek dictionaries, as well as an excellent numbering system for cross-referencing. I can’t wait to dig into the Bible, track where angels are mentioned, and organize my findings with Strong’s assistance!

To Read: Nave’s Topical Bible by Orville J. Nave

Isabella

Now That Faith Has Come by Beth Moore & Melissa Moore

I am nearing the tail-end of my journey through Galatians with Beth and Melissa Moore. It’s been a lovely study from start to finish. I’ve read through Galatians multiple times, but Beth and Melissa’s guided journey through the scriptures has been so fruitful. I think there’s no better endorsement for a Bible study than when you can see what you’ve learned is taking root and changing your day-to-day thoughts and actions. Between the historical context, wise questions, and poignant observations, this study is well worth your time.

To Read: Deeper by Dane C. Ortlund

Matt

No Mere Mortals: Marriage for People Who Will Live Forever by Toby Sumpter

Each time I want to start a book for me-reading, The Lord plops down (in a gracious, loving way) an opportunity for some more we-reading. Seems to be a trend for most of my “What We’re Reading” contributions. There’s a newlywed couple from our church that we befriended, and they wanted to see if there was a book we could read together and discuss.

This is what some research resulted in: No Mere Mortals.

The title alone sold me, and the content inside, has proved to be quite the mix of encouragement, challenge, and raised eyebrows. The author is pastoral, thorough, straightforward, Biblically-saturated, with some dashes of snark and tweetable one-liners. We’re half way through it, and my wife and I have enjoyed learning new things (or atleast fresh angles on lasting instruction), and being reminded of “first-things” and God’s good design.

To Read: Enemies & Allies by Joel Rosenberg