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Today I’ll be sharing my top three non-fiction books from last year. One biography, one spiritual memoir, and one Christian living book made it to the top of my list.
One of my goals last year was to read more non-fiction than I did the in 2020. That year I read nine books. This year I read eleven, and while I know two more isn’t a lot, I also read from a wider array of genres. From memoir, to biography, to education, to theology, I really enjoyed the non-fiction I read and I learned a lot too!
My numbering system reflects the Goodreads numbering system with five stars (*****) being excellent.
Best Non-Fiction Books of 2021
I already reviewed this book in great detail in a previous post so I’ll link it here for you. I’ve thought about it a lot, even since reading it and think it is a valuable and objective look at a woman who had a huge influence over Twentieth Century Christianity, especially in terms of womanhood. I appreciated how the biographer presented the material, making in credibly engaging and readable as well as offering us a glimpse into Elliot’s experiences and emotional response to the loss of Jim Elliot as well as her struggle with Rachel Saint.
| A much-needed book in the Christian community, This Beautiful Truth is a memoir about how Sarah Clarkson’s spiritual life was impacted by her struggle with OCD. Beautifully written, poignant, and thought-provoking, this book is for anyone who has struggled with the intersection of God’s goodness versus the fact he allows darkness in the world and how those two can co-exist. |
This book was thought-provoking, challenging, and at times surprising. It had me reading my Bible more closely, carefully checking out the notes section, and seeing how often current culture shapes how we interpret scripture. I appreciated Dr. Barr’s historical perspective and how she walked through church history, translating biases, and framed it all in her personal story. It fell short of answering all the questions I have, but it certainly answered a lot.
Other Non-Fiction Reads from 2021
Although I still hope to read even more non-fiction in 2022 and have some great titles picked out, I’m really happy with the ones I read last year. Take a look at some other titles I enjoyed:
In Pursuit of Love: One Woman’s Journey from Trafficked to Triumph by Rebecca Bender****
Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and Her Family’s Feuds by Lyndall Gordon**** (audiobook)
Night by Elie Wiesel*****(reread)
30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late) edited by David Kern*****
Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter by various*****
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell*** (audiobook)
In Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen Glass****
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile**** (audiobook)
What were your best non-fiction books of 2021? Let me know in the comments!
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