Top Books Read in 2014

Photo by: Serge Bertasius Photography

This year, I read a variety of books, as usual. Some were great, and others were . . . um, mediocre. I actually quit reading several because they weren't at all books I wanted to continue. I also found a few new gems.

Let me share my favorites with you, in no special order. All of them are reviewed in more detail under my tab “Book Reviews.” Look for 2014.

Non-fiction:

In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCloud, for its love of God and the Afghan people. This book is the story of a NGO worker who made bridges to the people around her. It is wonderfully written. For me, it was great to better understand Muslim culture and how to communicate the gospel with people from this religious background.

Tom and Me by Billie Sloan, for her candid sharing about missions and love and family. I know the author personally. She shares her heart in this book about her husband and their medical/church ministry in Mexico.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield, for its unique insights into the LGBT community and beliefs. This is the personal testimony of a lesbian feminist professor who finds Christ. Wonderful story!

Biking Across America by Paul Stutzman is the second of Stutzman’s books about his adventures (after Hiking Through, about the Appalachian Trail). I liked both books, but the biking adventure was more interesting to me, especially the author’s interactions with the people he met along the way. Loved it!

Fiction:

The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn is a departure from his usual adventure writing. It’s a sensitively told story of an elderly lady’s last wish. I loved this for its warmth, family values, and appeal. Beautifully written!

Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann was a great story that includes amnesia, trust, crime, and love, set mostly in Hawaii. It was a fun, romantic (not sappy) read.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is considered a classic for a reason. I loved the lessons Robinson learned along the way, the details of how he managed to survive and thrive on the island, and the spiritual applications throughout. It’s a great book for young people, especially boys.

I find it impossible to pick a standout favorite this year. I read other very good books. Make sure you check out my 2014 reviews, clicking on the tab.

Reading now: Under the Silk Hibiscus by Alice Wisler (historical fiction set in the U.S. Japanese camps during World War II) and Katie’s Kisses by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (non-fiction missionary testimony about Katie’s work with orphanages in Uganda). Both are terrific, and I can wholeheartedly recommend them. They’ll be reviewed when I’m done.

What were your favorite books of the year? Any standouts? Why did you like these books? (Feel free to share links to blog posts.)