What I Read this Year: Non-Fiction

I read some fantastic non-fiction this year. Can’t wait to share so many of these titles with you!

Non-Fiction

Radical Womanhood – Carolyn McCulley****
An excellent and fascinating look at the history of feminism and the shape it’s taking currently.

Comforts from the Cross – Elyse Fitzpatrick****
I already highlighted this book on the blog, but want to say again what a wonderful book it is! It never failed to convict me while offering truth with fresh and engaging writing.

The Prodigal God – Timothy Keller****
I already reviewed this book here, but let me say again, read it.

Same Kind of Different as Me – Ron Hall & Denver Moore***
An interesting story about two men from completely different backgrounds who forge an unlikely friendship.

Daughters of Hope: Stories of Witness and Courage in the Face of Persecution – Kay Marshall and Michele Rickett****
A must-read for all Christian women, in my opinion. Stories from around the world about Christian women and how they deal with various forms of persecution. Each chapter includes prayer-points. Their example is one we women in America need for going through challenges and trials!

My Life in France – Julia Child****
I loved this memoir! I went into it knowing very little about Julia Child, other than what I’d been exposed to in Julie + Julia. That film caused me to be more interested in Child, and a friend recommended this title to me. Child’s personality really comes through and I loved reading about her fascinating life, the details for French food, and how her landmark cookbook was written.

The Excellent Wife – Martha Peace**
A really good book, although written more like a manual/curriculum.

A Praying Life – Paul Miller****
An excellent book about cultivating a life of prayer. But don’t think of this book as a “how to.” It’s more of the story of one man and his family and what prayer looks like for them. It was such an encouraging and challenging book. Never has prayer seemed so necessary and desirable!

Hints on Child Training – H. Clay Trumbull****
This book really impacted my parenting and discipline. I made some effective changes that benefited all of us. Written by Elisabeth Elliot’s grandfather in the late 1800’s, this book still came off as fresh and relevant. With titles like “Denying a Child Wisely,” “Training a Child to Self-Control,” “Allowing Play to a Child’s Imagination,” and “Good-Night Words” this book is inspiring. Trumbull is wise and sensitive in his writing. Definitely will be rereading certain chapters for many years to come.

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy– Nancy Leigh DeMoss***
A challenge to have a “gratitudal attitude” no matter what the circumstances may be.

Contending for Our All: Defending Truth and Treasuring Christ in the Lives of Athanasium, John Owen, and J. Gresham Machen – John Piper**
A look into the lives of three Christians who defended biblical truth in their age. I didn’t know much about any of these men, and love how Piper draws application to our lives today from the lives lived by others.

Tortured for Christ – Richard Wurmbrand***
A classic, not for its writing but it’s content. Wurmbrand endured indescribable cruelty at the hands of Communism. It can be hard to read because of this, although it’s worth it. Wurmbrand doesn’t center the book around excruciating details, although he gave enough to make me put the book down at times. But it’s a testament to what God can produce out of trauma and pain for the good of many others. Because of Wurmbrand’s experience, Voice of the Martyrs now exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide.

Naming the Child – Jenny Schroedel***
A hope-filled book on miscarriage and infant death. It brought tears to my eyes, but is an excellent book for both those who’ve have lost and child and those who’ve had friends who’ve lost a child.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – Edited by Nancy Guthrie****
Advent readings from classic writers like Augustine to current ones like J. I. Packer.

What was your favorite non-fiction book this year?