Here’s the 8 books I read in September. This brings my 2026 total to 67 books. I’ve provided Amazon affiliate links for each book. Happy reading!
(I must always clarify that I read many books with which I disagree. I learn the most by reading things that do not represent my position.)
A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr
A delightful, thin novel. Tom Birkin, a veteran of the Great War, lands in Yorkshire village of Oxgodby to restore a medieval mural in the local church. He lives in the bell tower and restores the painting but finds himself restored as well. You can’t beat a book about a church bell tower and art! This volume was unknown to me. I stumbled upon it through a book podcast and immediately order it. It considered a classic among some. I’ll place it on my bookshelf among lesser-known favorites.
Rich Wounds: The Countless Treasures of the Life, Death, and Triumph of Jesus by David Mathis
I read this book at the recommendation of a trusted friend. It did not disappoint. This will become my go-to recommendation for those looking for a devotional. It is a slow walk through the life and ministry of Jesus, broken into bite-size chapters. It is clear but theologically rich. It is concise but devotionally deep. It is comprised of four parts: His Life, His Death, His Triumph, and His Passion Week. Read of the beauty and power of Jesus to edify your soul.
Hollywood, Ending by John Green
This is not my typical genre. But I’m a big fan of John Green. I stumbled upon John Green in the early days of YouTube. Since those days, John and his brother Hank have become a steady part of my media consumption. They have provided me hundreds of hours of free entertainment through videos and podcasts. I attempt to show my gratitude by purchasing John’s books when they are released. This is his first attempt adult fiction. His previous books, to include Fault in our Stars, have been runway hits geared towards teenagers.
The novel follows Kai Laramie and Juniper Castillo on the set of Andy Warhol Gets Old. It is a behind-the-scenes Hollywood love story (Green has had numerous books adapted into film) told through dual points of view. Far too much cussing. But entertaining.
We Believe. Amen.: The Beauty at the Heart of Our Faith by Drew Dabbs
Drew, excuse me, Dr. Dabbs, was the graduate assistant for my very first seminary class. He had the unfortunate task of grading my Greek homework. God bless him. Dr. Dabbs is now the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Hamilton, Texas and a good friend. Guided by the Nicene Creed, Dr. Dabbs portrays the beauty of Jesus with pastoral insight and homespun wit. I recommend you read it slowly. Never more than a chapter at a time. Meditate upon the heart of the Christian faith. A great book for those looking for significant theology and practical application in just 149 pages.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: The Graphic Novel: The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1 by Andrew Peterson Illustrated by Alessia Trunfino
I’m a huge fan of Andrew Peterson. I will gladly purchase anything that supports is creative work. I read On the Edge of the Sea of Darkness to my kids. They did not love it. But I did. I was thrilled to see it show up in a graphic novel. Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby escape from the Fangs of Dang who seek the lost jewels of Anniera. You’ll encounter toothy cows of Skree on this adventure from the edge of the Sea of Darkness to the deadly Glipwood forest. I love to read graphic novels of books that I enjoy. It’s a creative combination of art and literature. Read the book first and then come back to the graphic novel.
The Message of Genesis by Ralph Elliott
This book was the spark to the fire that became the controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention known as the “conservative resurgence” by some and the “fundamentalist takeover” by others. I’ve searched for a copy for some time, but they were always too expensive. I finally found this volume for dirt cheap. Once I opened it, I realized why it was sold at such an affordable price. It is literally photocopied from a discarded library copy. At least the pages are straight. My copies always come out crooked. Is the book worthy of such controversy? Only if you’re offended by literary criticism. This volumes contains the basic material you’ll find in any academic commentary on Genesis.
Between Worlds: John A. Broadus, the Southern Baptist Seminary, and the Prospects of the New South by Eric Smith
I read this one in the early mornings on my September trip to Nicaragua. John Broadus was the highly influential Southern Baptist leader, preacher, scholar who cofounded the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His Matthew commentary is still frequently read and considered the gold standard by many. Aided by recent historical scholarship, Smith reevaluates Broadus’ legacy. He does not shy away from Broadus’ views on race, his involvement in slavery, and his service as a Confederate chaplain during the Civil War. Smith highlights Broadus’ role in the transition of the South after the Civil War and his advocacy for a progressive New South.
N.T. Wright, in Surprised by Hope, explained how early Christians drew on Scripture to speak of their ultimate future hope, not in terms of “heaven and hell,” but of new creation. In God’s Homecoming, Wright argues that the great story of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is about God’s purpose and promise to come and live with us. The Christian hope is not merely that we go to heaven when we die. Our ultimate hope is that heaven comes to earth in the new creation. Bravo.
