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Reading is one of life’s many pleasures. It transports us to places and times, and into the lives of people and cultures that we would never experience were it not for the talent and imagination of the writers we enjoy so much.
Over the last 12 months, we at TGBC have read—and listened to—dozens of books, and we’re here to share the ones that have left the biggest impression on us. Here are the books, both secular and Christian, that our team loved reading the most.
I chose this book — first published in 1980 — for a secular all-male book group I am part of — partly because I have a love of Science Fiction — and partly because it touches on contemporary questions about the use and influence of Artificial Intelligence.
Tevis, who also wrote the classic The Man who Fell to Earth, won the SciFi equivalent of a Book Prize for this — and it deserves it. He pictures a future in which humankind are in decline, as the management of everything is controlled by AI robots. People have lost the ability to read, and dull the pain of existence with drugs (sopors) that they down regularly because they are fearful of any relational interaction with others. The hero, Paul, is an academic who learns to read, and this sets him on a path of discover that slowly unravels his social programming to discover what real life should be about.
The dystopian future shares a lot in common with Brave New World but the AI/Robotic involvement has a much more visceral affinity with where we see technology heading today. But the futility isn’t just for humans. The central character is an advanced AI called Spofforth — who would love to kill himself, but is unable to because his programming will not allow it.
The book is bursting with ideas, pathos and humour — as when Paul comes across a Robot factory manufacturing toasters that don’t work in a futile exercise that cannot be stopped. The discussion it provoked in the group was fascinating as we explored the complexity of our relationship with technology, and the positive and negatives paths that an AI-saturated future might hold for us. There’s some talk about making a movie from the novel — but I heartily recommend this as a jumping off point for stimulating through and discussion about how we will live and work in a positive way with the mechanical minds that seem ever closer to us.
I’ve also particularly enjoyed the audiobook version of Pat Barker’s trilogy that novelises Homer’s Iliad — his description of the Trojan War — but seen through the eyes of the women caught up in it. The Silence of the Girls, The Women of Troy and The Voyage Home, are beautifully performed on Audio by Kristin Atherton. These books are not for the faint hearted — but they underline how women are so often the victims of warfare, and bear terrible consequences in both defeat and victory.
Tim Thornborough
I have always preferred reading to listening, but recent eye surgery has forced me into the world of audio books. I was recommended to pick something long, so I chose all eleven hours of The Martian by Andy Weir. It is a fictional story of an astronaut who is accidentally left behind on Mars when the rest of his crew make an emergency escape.
Most of the book is log entries from Mark Watney, the guy left on Mars. This worked well in an audiobook as I really could imagine hearing Mark record each entry. I have always loved science fiction, and the special joy of Andy Weir’s books is that the science is as accurate as possible. So I found it genuinely believable as Mark worked out how to solve each challenge that came his way. It is a gripping read/listen that has stayed in my mind.
Alison Mitchell
I loved this memoir from Ruth Reichl, former New York Times critic, for so many reasons. Firstly, the delicious food writing. Even though I expect that I don’t have the budget to eat at most of the restaurants mentioned, it didn’t stop my enjoyment in hearing of the chefs’ incredible concoctions and the author’s passion for cooking.
Secondly, what really intrigued me was the psychological impact on Ruth as she became a variety of characters to disguise her identity from restaurant proprietors. Seeing how these multiple identities affected both her own mood and the behaviour of those around her was fascinating. And thirdly, despite the exclusive nature of the job, the whole book has a warmth and introspection to it that felt like a treat to read. So far this year, it’s the only book that I’ve put down intentionally in order to savour it for a little bit longer!
Catherine Durant
My holiday read this past summer was Mike Gayle’s All the Lonely People. It centers on a lonely pensioner living in a London suburb who tries to keep the world at arm’s length. Much to his discomfort, a young single mother moves into the neighborhood and transforms his life, one friendship at a time. It is cliched at times but does avoid a neat ending, which is refreshing. The story acts as a reminder of how many people are seeking community and meaningful connections with others. Let’s hope our churches can be that lifeline for many such people.
A Christian book I’m valuing (note that it’s an uncomfortable read!) is a classic from yesteryear: Jerry Bridges’ Respectable Sins. It’s written in a humble, simple and thought-provoking way and will highlight many a sin that we as Christians may have become too complacent about. Well worth a read.
Caroline Napper
This book is dense. It's taking me a while to get through, but there's so much good stuff in it. There's a boatload of writing styles including an encyclopaedia entry on whales and a sermon on Jonah.
The range of vocabulary is astonishing—who's ever heard the word “scrimshander” before? I really like the way Melville, through the narrator, makes observations about life using what he observes in the whaling world as a metaphor. For example, his chapter on “fast fish and loose fish”. In it he explains the unwritten laws of the fishery. Some fish are fast: that is owned. Some are loose: that is fair game. He then says that this is a paradigm through which we can understand the majority of laws and even our very selves. We are both fast (owned) and loose (free) at the same time.
Mus Yousef
John Burke was interviewed by Justin Brierly at Premier Radio. Burke has done serious research over three decades and has talked to hundreds of people who have had a near-death experience.
I truly loved reading that people from different religious and cultural backgrounds saw Jesus during those moments. And what they saw of heaven really blew me away. Thinking of friends and relatives that have passed away recently, I was so hopeful and grateful to be reminded of the sheer love, forgiveness and mercy that Jesus wants to show to every human being.
I'm a big animal lover and there's a chapter on animals and pets! Needless to say, I was overjoyed to read about it.
Nelly Ortiz
I consider Enger one of our best living American storytellers; his novels are lyrical but concrete at the same time. This story is set in the near future, but it's near enough to our present day that I found it unsettling. The main character, Rainy, loves the Great Lakes. After he experiences a personal tragedy, Rainy sets out on a journey on the lakes. His path is interrupted by a young girl who is in need of help. Is it possible for a book to be both apocalyptic and hopeful? If so, this is it.
Kelly Keller
This book captivated me with its powerful, firsthand account of performing surgery in the most dangerous and challenging war zones. Nott's resilience, skill and compassion shine through as he navigates the chaos of conflict and saves lives under extreme pressure. His unwavering dedication reflects the deep belief that every person, made in God's image, is valuable and worthy of care and love, no matter the circumstances. I was particularly moved by his honest reflections on the emotional toll this work takes, both during and after the missions. The blend of medical drama and personal insight made the book not only informative but also deeply inspiring, reminding me of the profound dignity and worth of every human life, even in the darkest places.
Tom Beard
I really enjoyed reading Peace Over Perfection by Faith Chang. I can often be a bit of a perfectionist myself, so reading about Faith’s own personal struggle with this, and the way knowing Jesus has made a huge difference in her life, was incredibly refreshing. The way she writes is very conversational, and almost feels like having a chat with a friend, a friend who is kindly pointing you to Jesus, and reminding you of incredible biblical truths!
Hannah Irwin
The book I enjoyed most this year is by our very good friend Mr. Glen Scrivener (but sadly not published by us)—Long Story Short. It’s a wonderfully economical overview of Scripture from cover to cover and high to low. It’s accessible for anyone and edifying for everyone. The journey begins in Genesis and traces the thread of Jesus’ promised arrival all the way to the end of Revelation. I loved the journey - brevity and all.
Matt McIlrath
If you’re looking for a grippy page-turner for your vacation/holiday that will keep you up at night reading, this checks the box. The River by Peter Heller is about two friends on a canoe trip in the forest that goes badly wrong, thanks to an unhinged man with a shotgun and a rapidly-approaching forest fire. I enjoyed the portrayal of male friendship and the descriptive writing had me in awe at the beauty, size and power of nature—while vowing to never venture into it without a phone. I was thinking about the ending for ages after finishing it.
Rachel Jones
