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Since this blog just launched last month, I wanted to offer my ten favorite reads (or rereads in one case) of 2012:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pilgrim’s Progess<\/em> by John Bunyan.\u00a0 The older I get, the more I am rereading.\u00a0 Since Spurgeon read it 100 times, I ought to try at least ten!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are intimidated by older language, try this edition as your “gateway drug” to Bunyan:<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/080246520X\/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0800786092&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SYPQTZ8EX07HTGBE5JR<\/a><\/p>\n Booked<\/em> by Karen Swallow Prior.\u00a0 This is the kind of book which is sad to finish.\u00a0 Wonderful writing coupled with insightful truths about the human predicament. I will either be interviewing the author later this year or doing a larger review here. \u00a0Stay tuned.<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Booked-Literature-Karen-Swallow-Prior\/dp\/0692014543\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n On Conan Doyle<\/em>\u00a0by Michael Dirda. \u00a0One of our youngest son’s friends is Muslim and so has never experienced Christmas. \u00a0He wanted to do the whole exchanging of gifts, etc. \u00a0This is the book he got me. \u00a0A terrific book with fascinating background on how Conan Doyle developed his characters.<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/On-Conan-Doyle-Storytelling-Writers\/dp\/0691151350\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n Struggling with Scripture<\/em>\u00a0by Brueggemann, Placher, and Blount. \u00a0A short book which helped me clarify once again why the more liberal position on Scripture is problematic.<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Struggling-Scripture-Walter-Brueggemann\/dp\/0664224857\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n RetroChristianity<\/em> by Svigel. \u00a0I did a review of this terrific book over at Jesus Creed.<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jesuscreed\/2012\/05\/19\/saturday-book-review-2\/<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/RetroChristianity-Reclaiming-Forgotten-Michael-Svigel\/dp\/1433528487\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n Believing Again<\/em> by Lundin.\u00a0 I am very interested in 19th century America and Lundin is a master of that period.<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Believing-Again-Doubt-Faith-Secular\/dp\/0802830773\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n Bible in Pocket, Gun in Hand<\/em> by Phares. \u00a0An entertaining look at the toughness of nineteenth century ministers who preached the gospel on the wild frontier. Ministers who think they have it rough today might want to give this book a read. Non ministers will equally enjoy this lively and interesting book.<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Bible-Pocket-Gun-Hand-Frontier\/dp\/0803257252\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n Green Leaves for Later Years<\/em> by Griffin. \u00a0Poignant, insightful, and well-written reflections on the process of aging. Aging, as Chuck Swindoll famously said, is not for wimps. This book is a good arsenal in the battle so one will be wise and joyful.”<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Green-Leaves-Later-Years-Spiritual\/dp\/0830835652\/ref=cm_cr-mr-title<\/a><\/p>\n Our Triune God<\/em> by Ryken and LeFebvre. \u00a0The authors provide a concise, yet responsible overview. For those wanting a good primer on the trinity, this is a good place to start.<\/strong><\/p>\n