2021 Reading List

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BOOKS & STORIES I FINISHED READING IN 2021


88) How to Eat Your Bible: A Simple Approach to Learning and Loving the Word of God

~ by Nate Pickowicz

This was good to read right before the start of a new year! At the end of this book, the author describes the plan he used to "eat" the Bible: The Seven Year Bible Plan. I am over-simplifying his explanation, but basically he read each book of the Bible multiple times before moving on to the next one.  New Testament first, with 30 readings each; then Old Testament, with 15 readings each.

87) Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories

~ by Agatha Christie

There are 50 short stories featuring Hercule Poirot.  (If you count the introduction to The Labors of Hercules then there are 51.)  This volume includes all of the stories from four other collections: Poirot Investigates, Murder in the Mews, The Labors of Hercules, and The Under Dog and Other Stories. (See #84 below regarding that last one.) Oh, reading these was a lot of fun!

86) Manchester Christmas: A Novel

~ by John Gray

I try to read a Christmas-themed novel every year. This one is a bit sappy, with its own Christmas miracles, but it was enjoyable just the same. It would make a good Hallmark movie!

85) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

~ by Barbara Robinson

The "cover" of my Kindle version displays this book's title as The Worst Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  When the troublemaker Herdman family gets involved, the town does expect the worst! This is a delightful story. I mention it in my 12/18/21 blog post, Two Christmas Pageants.

84) The Submarine Plans

~ by Agatha Christie

This is a short story featuring detective Hercule Poirot. It is included in the collection The Under Dog and Other Stories. The complete collection of the Poirot short stories (which I am currently reading) includes an expanded version of this story with the title The Incredible Theft.

83) The Day I Met Jesus: The Revealing Diaries of Five Women from the Gospels

~ by Frank Viola and Mary Demuth

The "diary" part of each woman is a representation of what might have been — sort of like a historical novel. Then the actual Biblical text is presented, followed by commentary from the authors. A lovely book.

82) Crime & Punctuation

~ by Kaitlyn Dunnett

This is the first novel in the author's Deadly Edits series. Mikki, the main character, is a retired English teacher who starts an editing business. When one of her first clients dies, Mikki wonders if it's murder. Of course, she starts to investigate on her own! A fun, easy read.  If I didn't have so many other books on my "to read" list, I would definitely start book #2 right now.

81) Home, My Story of House and Personal Restoration: A Memoir

~ by M.G. Barlow

M.G. stands for Mary Gayle. The author takes an interesting approach in this memoir, using her house as a way of dealing with a tragic family loss that happened during her childhood. (I'm not sure I explained that right, but I am still thinking it through.) I like reading memoirs, and this is a good one.

80) Captain Jack

~ by Christopher Greyson

This is the "one to go" of the two books borrowed in #77 below. The adventures that Jack and Alice have are totally unrealistic — nobody could survive everything that happens to them — but they are lovable characters so I hope there are more novels in the series. I think there will be because the ending of Captain Jack sets up for sequel(s).

79) Breach of Honor

~ by Janice Cantore

I read about this novel in WORLD Magazine. When I looked it up on Amazon, I saw that it was available to read through Kindle Unlimited. (Hooray!) The story really held my interest — so much that I started it one evening and finished it the next day. Several Christian characters.

78) The Case of the Hot Car (The Adventures of Finn & Annie #11)

~ by Christopher Greyson

These short stories are fun! I hope that Finn and Annie have more adventures.

77) Jack of Diamonds

~ by Christopher Greyson

This is the 8th book in the author's Detective Jack Stratton series. (Although one could say the 9th, since there is a prequel.) I had read and enjoyed the previous novels, so I was excited to see there were two more books out that I hadn't read yet. I borrowed them both through Kindle Unlimited. One read, one to go!

76) The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness: How to Take Your Wokeness to the Next Level by Canceling Friends, Breaking Windows, and Burning It All to the Ground

~ by The Babylon Bee

I love the satire of The Babylon Bee! This book is hysterically funny. 😄

75) Peter Ibbetson

~ by George Du Maurier

This novel was referred to in A Severe Mercy (see #62 below), so I decided to read it. It was a slow read for me... a very "different" kind of story. Lots of references to literature, plays, music, art, etc... most of which I had no familiarity with! Still, I'm glad I finished what I will call a "stretch" read for me.

74) Time for Redemption

~ by Susan C. Muller

This is the second novel in the series mentioned in #73 below. The character of Fiona reminded me of the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (her skill set and her "salty" language). The author hinted that a third book in the series is scheduled, but I don't see that it's been published yet. When (if?) it comes out, I may read it.

73) Time to Run

~ by Susan C. Muller

This is the first novel in the author's There's Always Time for Murder series. The main character, Jax Duncan, is at the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes a suspect for a high-profile murder. She knows the mob is involved and that the police/FBI are compromised, so she decides to run. Although the plot is a familiar one, I still enjoyed this story. (There is a small amount of bad language.)

72) The Pursuit of God

~ by A.W. Tozer

A challenging and inspiring book. I love how plainly he writes. (Plainly = straightforward = clearly, etc.) See #59 below for more on how I started reading Tozer's writings.

69, 70, & 71) FRAMED! Crime-Fighting Collection

~ by James Ponti

I bought this trilogy for my grandsons, but I wanted to read it first. I'm so glad I did, because I loved it! The three books are titled FRAMED!, VANISHED!, and TRAPPED! Twelve-year-old Florian Bates and his best friend Margaret Campbell team up with FBI agent Marcus Rivers to help the FBI solve cases. They use what Florian has dubbed the TOAST method: Theory of All Small Things. Observing small details may lead to bigger discoveries. Very fun stories!

68) Katherine of Westbrook

~ by TJ Lampron

This novel, a family drama, takes place during World War II in Westbrook Maine. Katherine's oldest son, Donald, is deployed overseas. Her other two children live with her and their step-dad, Aaron (Katherine's third husband). Emily told me about this novel.

67) The Golden Ball and Other Stories
~ by Agatha Christie
This is an interesting collection of short stories. Some of the elements are romance and ghosts and mystery! I prefer her mystery novels, but these stories are fun.

66) The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands

~ by Lysa TerKeurst

I've enjoyed all of the books I've read by Lysa, but this one is my favorite so far!

65) Pro-Choice or Pro-Life? Examining 15 Pro-Choice Claims: What do facts & common sense tell us?

~ by Randy Alcorn, with Stephanie Anderson

Great, great book. I e-mailed a pro-choice state senator recommending she read this in order to understand the pro-life side of the abortion debate. There is currently a free PDF of the entire book on the Eternal Perspective Ministries website (EPM.org).

64) Empire of Lies

~ by Andrew Klavan

The story told in this 2008 novel intrigued me. The narrator of the story, Jason, faces his own past as he sorts out current events. Many of the concerns raised by the story (e.g., manipulative media) are even more pronounced today. A couple cautions regarding this book: it contains quite a bit of bad language as well as some very graphic descriptions of perverse behavior.

63) Twelve Angry Men

~ by Reginald Rose

This 1950s play is a legal drama. I remember watching the movie (the original 1957 version starring Henry Fonda, not the 1997 remake) and enjoying it. I may have to watch it again!

62) A Severe Mercy

~ by Sheldon Vanauken

I may have read this book several years ago, but I can't remember for sure. It's the story of the author and his wife, Davy, who passes away at an early age. They both become Christians during their marriage, with Davy being more devoted. Davy's death is a "severe mercy" — a term that C.S. Lewis uses in a letter to the author after her death. An inspirational story.

61) The Giver

~ by Lois Lowry

Yet another popular book for which I came "late to the party" (copyright is 1993). This is a thought-provoking story which brought to mind the movie Logan's Run and the story The Emperor's New Clothes. The concept of "sameness" describes the path down which our current government possibly could be going. Eerie.

60) My Life Behind the Brick Wall

~ by Angie Brennan

This book is "a humor novel" (it says so on the cover of the paperback I read!) and I thought it was a really fun read. It could have used a good proofreading, though, which is ironic since the main character of Vivian is an editor for a brick industry trade journal.

59) The Knowledge of the Holy

~ by A.W. Tozer

Emily wanted a "hard copy" of some of A.W. Tozer's books for her birthday, and through an interesting sequence of events I ended up with a copy of my own, too. I don't remember having read anything by this author before, although I had heard of him. This book was so, so, so good. I could only read a chapter a week because I needed time to digest it.

58) Died in the Wool

~ by Elizabeth Ludwig & Janelle Mowery

This is the 2nd book in the Massachusetts Mayhem Mystery series. Librarian Monah and her friend Casey attempt to solve not one, but two, murders in their small town. They had been instructed to leave the case in the hands of Detective Mike, who is Monah's boyfriend, but Monah and Casey don't listen to his advice. This was an easy read. I figured out some things before the characters did!

57) The Last Battle

~ by C.S. Lewis

This is the 7th and final book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. ("Final" for both publication and the story chronology.) I believe this is my favorite of all of them. Oh, the beauty of what God has in store for us! 😊

(Also see #s 44, 46, 47, 50, 51 and 54 below.)

56) The Theban Mysteries

~ by Amanda Cross

This is #4 in the author's Kate Fansler Mystery series. (The author's real name: Carolyn Gold Heilbrun.) This novel is from the Vietnam War era; the author made her opposition to this war very apparent throughout the story. She also clearly had an aversion to conservative politics and conservative thought in general. I had to look up quite a few words. I also read a synopsis of Sophocles' play, Antigone, in order to understand most of the dialog and plot of the story. I'm unsure where I came across this book (I had a paperback), but I will skip reading more of this series.

55) Brief Insights on Mastering the Bible: 80 Expert Insights, Explained in a Single Minute

~ by Michael S. Heiser

The last of the three books I planned to read by this author. (See #42 and #48 below.) Some interesting insights, and again, this book made me think. In the Introduction, titled "The Best Piece of Advice I Can Give You," he gives this advice:  Let the Bible be what it is.

54) The Magician's Nephew

~ by C.S. Lewis

Chronicles of Narnia; published 6th; chronologically first. The land of Narnia is created!

(Also see #s 44, 46, 47, 50 and 51 below.)

53) The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care

~ by Eliza Huie and Esther Smith

I decided to read through this entire book over a week or two to get some early encouragement and an overall sense for it. Now I will go through it over a 52-week span. (In the "Conclusion" the authors do suggest a re-read of the book, so I inadvertently had already planned to follow their final advice! 😊)

52) The Endling

~ by Deborah Maxey

I took a break from reading through the Narnia books in order to read this lovely novel. Faith, family, friends, heritage, perseverance, and more.... I really enjoyed this story.

51) The Horse and His Boy

~ by C.S. Lewis

Chronicles of Narnia; published 5th; chronologically third. These books are quick reads!

(Also see #s 44, 46, 47, and 50 below.)

50) The Silver Chair

~ by C. S. Lewis

Published fourth in the Chronicles of Narnia series, this is chronologically sixth in the story.

(Also see #s 44, 46, and 47 below.)

49) Dare to Hope: Living Intentionally in an Unstable World

~ by Melissa Spoelstra

I bought this book at one of the Aspire Women's Events a couple years ago. The author signed it for me: "Tracy — Daring to Hope Alongside — Melissa Spoelstra." She uses the book of Jeremiah as she encourages us to: surrender, reject counterfeits, listen, check your heart, take personal responsibility, and pursue intimacy with God.

48) Brief Insights on Mastering Bible Doctrine: 80 Expert Insights, Explained in a Single Minute

~ by Michael S. Heiser

This author does make me think. (See #42 below.) I do question some of his insights, which is encouraging me to search the Bible more deeply myself.  And that is a good thing.

47) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

~ by C. S. Lewis

Published third in the Chronicles of Narnia series, this is chronologically fifth in the story.

(Also see #s 44 and 46 below.)

46) Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia

~ by C. S. Lewis

See #44 below. Prince Caspian is the second in the series (publication date). As for the story chronology, it is the fourth. I didn't remember this story at all, but then again it's been 36 years since I read it.

45) Overcomng Bitterness: Moving from Life's Greatest Hurts to a Life Filled With Joy

~ by Stephen Viars

This is a helpful book. The author uses the stories of Esau and Naomi/Ruth as case studies. I may have to read this again at some point. It's not too long and the lessons are worth revisiting.

44) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

~ by C. S. Lewis

I read the Chronicles of Narnia series when I was a senior in college. I've been wanting to read the books again, and I'm finally doing it. A big decision was whether to read them in order of publication or in order of the chronological story. I decided on publication. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the first published and second in the story chronologically. It's a great book... but everybody already knows that! 🦁

43) The Great American Novel - -

~ by Clyde Brion Davis

I got this book at a yard sale. Its copyright is 1938. The main character in the book — Homer Zigler, who is the narrator via his journal — wants to write the great American novel, but he is always too busy at his newspaper job. He mentions a lot of historical events in his journal. Homer was quite anti-Republican, which I found amusing (as opposed to irritating). I'm glad I read this book and will put it in our next yard sale!

42) Brief Insights on Mastering Bible Study: 80 Expert Insights, Explained in a Single Minute

~ by Michael S. Heiser

Another author I follow on Facebook recommended these books. (I say "these" because there are two other books by Michael Heiser in the 60-Second Scholar Series.) I can't say I'm going to follow every recommendation in this book, but it was well worth the read. Made me think.

41) Fort Point

~ by Susan Page Davis

Book 2 in the Maine Justice series. (See #39 below.) Harvey and his division are investigating the drowning of a prominent Maine author. Was it really murder?  Harvey is so busy with the case that Jennifer often has to remind him to eat.  😋

40) Maria: A Novel

~ by Eugenia Price

This is the first novel in the Florida Trilogy. (From what I can tell, the other two novels are about different women.) Although considered historical fiction, this novel is based on the life of a real person, Maria Evans.  Maria lived in the mid-late 1700s during the American Revolution. Those who have heard of Eugenia Price would know there is a spiritual aspect to Maria's story. Good book!

39) The Priority Unit

~ by Susan Page Davis

This novel is Book 1 in the author's Maine Justice series. The Priority Unit is a division in the Portland, Maine police department (in the book at least; I'm not sure about real life). Harvey, a detective, is a member of this unit. While investigating a missing person's case, he meets (and flips over) Jennifer. They both want to figure out if God exists (He does!) and they want to stop having to check under their cars for bombs....

38) Breaking the Social Media Prism: How to Make Our Platforms Less Polarizing

~ by Chris Bail

This was an interesting book. Some of the author's conclusions (based on studies) were not what I expected. My "takeaway" concerns how I will proceed in my own social media interactions.

37) Water's Edge

~ by Robert Whitlow

A legal thriller, romance, and redemption story all in one. I read this book in a handful of sittings, the last one of which was quite long since I needed to know how it turned out! I enjoy this author's writing a lot.

36) Sawdust in His Shoes

~ by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

This children's book was first published in 1950. I bought it to give to Eli and Adam, but I wanted to read it first. It's about a boy named Joe who was born to circus parents. It was a sweet story and I loved it! (The edition I purchased has a two-page gloss glossary in the back — Talk of the "Big Top" — which was helpful in understanding the circus lingo. 🤡)

35) Don't Lie to Me: and Stop Trying to Steal Our Freedom

~ by Judge Jeanine Pirro

Lew's brother gave this book to me for Christmas 2020. I finally read it in July 2021. It was interesting to read this after knowing the outcome of the 2020 election, since Judge Jeanine wrote it before that.

34) Anxiety Elephants: A 31-Day Devotional to Help Stomp Out Your Anxiety

~ by Caris Snider

A nice devotional with great Scripture references. (Anxiety elephants come sit on your chest and weigh you down, and I don't know anyone who wants to live this way.)

33) Tired People Seeing America

~ by Claire Hopple

This is a collection of short stories that the author had previously published in various publications. In my opinion, the stories were very bizarre and some had no "plot" that I could tell. Still, I couldn't stop reading.

32) It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: finding unexpected strength when disappointments leave you shattered

~ by Lysa TerKeurst

This is the second book I've read by Lysa this year. (See #6 below.) I love her genuineness and willingness to share so much of her own story.

28, 29, 30, & 31) Here in Hart's Crossing: Four Charming Small Town Novellas

~ by Robin Lee Hatcher

Since I am counting short stories in this list, I figured it was okay to give myself credit for all four of the novellas in this one volume. (Why not, right?) Christian romances, somewhat sappy at times, but enjoyable nonetheless!  The four novellas have titles of their own: 1) Legacy Lane; 2) Veterans Way; 3) Diamond Place; and 4) Sweet Dreams Drive.

27) Breaking Dawn

~ by Stephenie Meyer

I did it! I finished reading the Twilight series! Except now I found out that she came out with another book more recently, told from Edward's point of view. So, have I finished reading the series?  I think so. Time to watch the Breaking Dawn movie... make that, movies... parts 1 & 2.

26) The Dentist: A DS Cross Crime Thriller

~ by Tim Sullivan

This novel is what I guess one might call a British police procedural. DS George Cross, diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, reminded me of the TV character Monk. DS Cross seems a little more abrasive, though. But I liked him.

25) Billy Graham: The Man I Knew

~ by Greg Laurie; with Marshall Terrill

Lew and I often watch Greg Laurie's sermons. His biography of Billy Graham was published recently, and I knew I had to read it. A wonderful book about a truly remarkable man. Highly recommend it!

24) Eclipse

~ by Stephenie Meyer

Book # 3 in the Twilight series. I've watched about 30 minutes of the movie, but haven't had a chance to finish it yet. Will do that before moving on to Book #4.

23) The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution

~ by Carl R. Trueman

Took me a while to get through this book because it was intense reading. So good, though. I learned a lot, but I'm glad I don't have to take a test on it!

22) New Moon

~ by Stephenie Meyer

Book #2 in the Twilight series. These books are so easy to read. Watched the movie afterward. Now on to Book #3!

21) Twilight

~ by Stephenie Meyer

I came late to the party on this one, too! (See #19 below.) This is the first of a series, as most people on the planet probably already know. I really enjoyed it and finished it much more quickly than anticipated. I even watched the movie afterward. I will be reading the rest of the series. I don't wish to become a vampire, however.

20) Life Interrupted: Navigating the Unexpected

~ by Priscilla Shirer

Using the Old Testament book of Jonah, the author shows that life interruptions can be divine interventions. I think it would be fun to sit down and gab with Priscilla Shirer!

19) The Secret Life of Bees

~ by Sue Monk Kidd

I came late to the party on this one! But I finally read it, and I enjoyed it more than I had anticipated I would. I finished reading it the day before Mother's Day, which was fitting since mothers are a major theme in the book. Bees are another theme, of course. Although the spiritual aspect of the book wasn't in line with my own beliefs, I liked the story. Will have to watch the movie!

18) Phantastes: A Faerie Romance

~ by George MacDonald

When I read book 16) below, I learned that Phantastes made a lasting impression on C.S. Lewis. Or maybe it was on Tolkien? Or on both? I can't remember on which one exactly, but I do remember that it was Phantastes. So, of course, I had to read it! It started off a little slow for me, but I was quite fascinated once I got into the story.

17) I'll Be Seeing You

~ by Elizabeth Berg

I believe this author writes mostly fiction, but I'll Be Seeing You is basically a journal of how her family coped as her parents aged. She shared their experience in order to encourage others going through the same thing. Many thanks to her for writing this book.

16) A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18 

~ by Joseph Loconte

Would there be a Lord of the Rings trilogy and Chronicles of Narnia series without the friendship of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis? Both were part of the Inklings, a group of friends that met twice a week in part to share their writings. Tolkien and Lewis were veterans of World War I, which greatly influenced their story-telling. After reading Loconte's book, I am planning to re-read the Narnia series. And although I'm glad I read Tolkien's trilogy (which I did about 35 years ago!), that's a one-time read for me.

15) The Queen's Gambit

~ by Walter Tevis

After finishing the first chapter, I realized I had already read this novel.... but I kept reading! Beth (the main character) has a passionate, gifted ability for the game of chess. I plan to watch the Netflix series based on the book.

14) At Bertram's Hotel

~ by Agatha Christie

This is a Miss Marple mystery. Or perhaps I should say mysteries. Something is strange about Bertram's Hotel. And what is the young Elvira Blake up to? Miss Marple and Chief-Inspector Davy are on the cases!

13) The Rise and Fall (and Rise?) of a Man

~ by Brian Sanborn

Brian and I went to the same college; he was a senior when I was a freshman. We were friends, and I was sad when he experienced some legal trouble (of his own making) a few years ago. According to this auto-biography, he is still suffering the consequences. Praying for him to find peace and joy.

12) Go Free or Die: A Story about Harriet Tubman

~ by Jeri Ferris; illustrated by Karen Ritz

I like reading biographies, and this short chapter-book for children was riveting. Harriet Tubman's story is inspirational and fascinating. She was a remarkable woman.

11) Noah Webster & His Words

~ by Jeri Chase Ferris; illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

This is a delightful children's book about Noah Webster. I happened to learn quite a bit from reading this. Example: It took Webster 20 years to write his dictionary. That's dedication! 😊

10) J-Curve: Dying & Rising With Jesus in Everyday Life

~ by Paul E. Miller

I took my time getting through this book. The chapters weren't very long, but they were packed. I did read the final 60 pages or so in one sitting. I believe I will never look at suffering in the same way. I'm going to find a spot on my "keep these books close by" shelf....

9) Trial and Error

~ by Robert Whitlow

Strong Christian themes run throughout this novel. Prayer is especially important to many of the characters. The story had many elements and it kept my interest. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I will probably read more.

8) The Escape Room: A Novel

~ by Megan Goldin

This was quite the tale and it really kept my interest. Once I got half-way through it, I kept reading until the end. (Fortunately I had the time to do it.) Warning: some salty language.

7) While My Sister Sleeps

~ by Barbara Delinsky

This novel is about a family coping with some major trials. Some very sad outcomes, but some great blessings, too. It was a good story.

6) Forgiving What You Can't Forget

~ by Lysa TerKeurst

It is a blessing when I read something at just the right time, and that was the case with this book. Most significant take-away: Forgive for specific details.... "And whatever my feelings don't yet allow for, the blood of Jesus will surely cover. Amen."

5) Murder by Midnight (A Miss Alice Murder Mystery Book 1)

~ by Blythe Baker

Borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited. It was mildly enjoyable, but I probably won't read any more of this series.

4) We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families: Stories From Rwanda

~ by Philip Gourevitch

I don't remember hearing much about the genocide in Rwanda in the mid 1990s, so this was a good history lesson for me. I read this over the course of several weeks, mostly in the morning while using the elliptical machine. I decided early on not to read this before bedtime....

3) Secrets of Productive People

~ by Mark Forster

This is similar to the other books I've read by him, but it's always good to have a refresher. Good ideas.

2) The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery

~ by Nancy Springer

A Facebook friend posted about this series. Being a Sherlock Holmes fan, I decided to read the first book. Enola is the younger sister of Mycroft and Sherlock. Yes, both brothers make an appearance in the story. I enjoyed it and may read more in the series.

1) The Library Book

~ by Susan Orlean

This was an interesting account of the 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Central Library. The author also tells the history of the library. I want to be a librarian now! (But without the fire.)