Top Six Books of 2016 for Christian Women (and two to pass on)

Top Six Books for Christian Women (of 2016)

Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson.

Hannah Anderson caught my eye with her first book Made for More. My husband bought it for me unexpectedly and I devoured it in two days. It’s not that the book offered particularly new information, but a uniquely fresh perspective on the Imago Dei (image of God). Her second book, Humble Roots, did not disappoint. Humble roots is a beautiful combination of theology of the Incarnation and an invitation into Hannah’s current hometown in rural Virginia. She invites you to experience the dailiness and ordinariness of being human, and the humility that should accompany our humanity, all the while pointing us to the very One who embodied perfect humanity and humility. This was the most personally influential book I read this year. It formed and shaped me, and is an absolute must read!

None Like Him by Jen Wilkin.

“YES! This is the book we’ve been waiting for!”

I yelled it from the bedroom at no later than 5:15am on a Tuesday morning. My husband, sitting in the other room, just chuckled (he had already read it, and promised me I would like it as much as I did). Jen Wilkin writes a compelling, accessible, and relatable systematic theology for women on the Doctrine of God. Don’t let the gorgeous cover and introduction (which indicates that the book was written specifically for women) lead you to assume that this book will be theology-lite! Wilkins plumbs the depths of God’s character, and offers her reader rich, life-giving, systematic theology that will nourish your heart and enrich your mind. This is the book from 2016 that I wish every Christian women would read. I want to pass it out like candy. If you haven’t read it, pick it up today.

Seasons of Waiting by Betsy Howard Childs.

I finished Seasons of Waiting with a lump in my throat and a conviction to buy a copy for every single one of my friends. Childs looks at the theme of waiting and how it penetrates and reveals the heart. Any woman can pick this up and find herself in the pages.

Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman.

Amidst the slew of books put out each year for Christian women, there are often several books on motherhood. Unfortunately, a hefty portion of them are just not worth your time. Furman’s book Missional Motherhood, however, stands alone. This is the most articulate book on Gospel-centered parenting that I have read to date.

You are What you Love by James K.A. Smith.

James K.A. Smith wrote and excellent three-part series on cultural liturgies. This series has been hugely formative for me, and recently he released a summarization of his overall thesis in one short (200ish pages) book. Smith is a philosopher that is accessible and approachable, and I don’t think I have read a smoother, more enjoyable writer.

No Little Women by Aimee Byrd.

I started Byrd’s book and, three pages in, wanted to underline every other sentence. Byrd writes articulately and poignantly about the need for women within the local church to be equipped with sound theology and doctrine. For those following the broader conversation around the women’s ministry scene this past year, this is a book not to miss.

Books to skip

I don’t want to go into detail in this section, because I’m not here to drag any name through any kind of mud. But, in my humble opinion, these books were not my favorite reads of the year. For redundancy (not saying much) and for lacking quality and sound content (not speaking truth), if you’re thinking about picking up a copy, I would, instead, recommend one of the reads above.

Love Warrior by Glennon Melton Doyle

Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber