Top 10 Reads From 2020

What a wild year. I still distinctly remember the day the borders had closed for international travel. The fear and uncertainty was palpable. I remember the shock of empty spaces that were usually crowded. The unsettling stillness and the suspicious glances. We didn’t know anything about what we were facing with this virus. We had made plans, my husband had blessed me with time to myself to get a hotel room, rest, read and eat. Any other time in the world it would have been dream come true! But the collective anxiety was buzzing like live wires and I was on edge. It felt like I was trying to ignore a snarling animal that was always just outside of my periphery. I was using all of my quiet time to wrestle my thoughts. I couldn’t focus on the words on the page.  I went to bed uneasy, hardly slept between the nightmares and the tossing and woke just as the hotel began offering breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever packed a bag so quickly. When I went down to the dining room, it was bare with only myself and two elderly gentlemen. Our food was served to us because the usual buffet style was too risky. The kitchen staff couldn’t stop whispering about the quiet, I overheard the desk help commenting on the tidal wave of last minute cancelations. Everyone was afraid. The news was horrifying, the newspapers were no better and yet these two elderly gentlemen sat talking as if the newspaper looked the same as it had any other day. I couldn’t stop staring and listening, stealing glances while trying to look at my own plate to avoid obvious staring, and straining to listen as if I would hear the key to their blasé attitudes. 

I had come to read and rest but I was reading everything except my book; body language, facial expressions, the weight in the air, but not my book. I made it home before my family had woken, the sky was still a blue gray and the pavement was wet. We were safe. 

Here, I could read, and so I did. 

It seems trite to call these my “Top 10 Reads From 2020”

Maybe we can call them, “What Abbey Read While the World Was On Fire.” In no particular order-

1: “The Tech-Wise Family” by Andy Crouch

In the year that gave us “doom scrolling” and “The Social Dilemma” this book helped me set up some parameters for tech health in our home. Unlike most books I’ve read on managing tech, this book is not screen phobic. The author acknowledges that tech is here to stay, and is a valuable tool-with the emphasis being that it is treated as such. Highly recommended for every family with a screen as a great guide to handling tech well! 

2:“Mama Bear Apologetics” by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

When the world is on fire and every institution, belief and narrative seems to be shaken and challenged we need people who are bold and unrelenting for the Truth. This is one of those books you’ll revisit regularly. It’s jam packed with information, truth and encouragement in the matter of apologetics and teaching our children to ask hard questions and find solid answers. Quite honestly, this book really introduced me to what apologetics truly looks like and I’m hungry for more! 

3: “Know and Tell” by Karen Glass

Even amidst a global pandemic school carried on! While many became homeschoolers by force, we were in our fourth year of home education. I’m still very much learning to tailor our approach to our family, but we most heavily fit into the philosophies of Charlotte Mason, wild and free, eclectics with a dash of classical and a lot of practical. Regardless of your philosophy, if you want to level your children’s education and enable them to truly assimilate and connect with what they’re learning you need this book! No additional curriculum needed, do exactly as you do while implementing the art of narration. This will be revisited again in the new year! 

4: “None Like Him” by Jen Wilkins 

In a year wrought with change and uncertainty, how comforting to meditate on the one who is certain and unchanging. This book has us gazing at our Maker in a way that inspires awe, humility, reverence and worship; while illuminating who we are in light of who He is. This was one I immediately wanted to gift to family and friends after finishing. 

5: “Loving the Little Years” by Rachel Jankovic

A mercifully short read with bite-sized chapters; obviously written by a mother of littles for mother’s of littles. I’ve reread this one a few times when I’m struggling to really enjoy the demands and monotony of the little years. This book serves as a loving “shoulder-shaking” reminder to persist and see the blessings with fresh eyes.

6: “Man, Myth, Messiah” by Rice Broocks

This book delves into the historical proof and facts concerning the existence of Jesus and his divinity. A great starting place for those who are new to the faith and maybe wrestle with this question, or those who are struggling to accept Jesus as Messiah because of unanswered questions. It’s an easy read and certain to help bolster your faith and reignite reverence and praise! 

7: “Gay Girl, Good God” by Jackie Hill Perry

This poetic memoir was such an inspiring read. Jackie is a true wordsmith (if you’ve heard her spoken word this is no surprise!) I was gripped from the beginning. This book is best summarized in the tagline: “Who I was and who God has always been”. I’m completely inspired with her ability to share her testimony in a way that directs our gaze toward God and helps us see the truths we know with fresh eyes and soft hearts as if it were the first time. A great read. 

8: “Adorning the Dark” by Andrew Peterson

Gifted to me by a very thoughtful and precious friend at the very beginning of the year. I will say that before this I had never personally heard of Andrew Peterson. This book was my first exposure and it was such a joy. This was also my first time reading anything that stood in the intersection of faith and creativity. I’d definitely recommend this book as a companion for a Christian who feels a creative calling. (Which qualifies all Christians, really.)

9: “The Call of the Wild + Free” by Ainsley Arment

This year has thrust a lot of mothers into homeschooling or schooling at home. If you’re one of those with littles and have been curious about seriously pursuing home education this is a sweet primer on some of the general education philosophies. Ainsley shines a light on some of the beauty and gifts homeschooling brings. A great read for mothers of younger ones who are considering homeschooling for the long haul. 

10: “Mere Motherhood” by Cindy Rollins

This is a gem, and one I intend to read again. Cindy is a veteran homeschooling mother of 9 and shares that story in such a friendly and conversational way. This book is full of encouragement and perspective from a mother who’s “been there done that”. Finishing felt like leaving a visit with a long distance friend, I was sad it was over. I walked away so refreshed and encouraged in my own homeschooling journey. Definitely recommend. 

Now, onward to my ever-growing list of books for the year ahead. 

Have you read and loved any of the books on this list? 

I’d love to hear!