EN's top 5 books of 2023

Across the year, en have reviewed 102 of the latest Christian books. Here are our top 5 reccommended reads. 

1. Near to the Broken Hearted: The Comfort of Jesus in the Grief of Losing a Child. 

By Dan and Anna Martin, with Chris Mouring | Full review here. 

This book is full of practical advice on how to navigate loss. With moving tenderness, it is a grief observed, a careful reflection on Christian faith in the face of suffering, and a down-to-earth guide to the details of coping with everyday life after tragedy strikes. 

2. One: Being United to Christ Changes Everything

By Clive Bowsher | Full review here.

In eight brief chapters, this book explores how God connects with His people. God reaches out – relates – befriends – comes close – partners – makes alive – fathers and invites. In the epilogue, Clive concludes with the idea that God embraces us. 

3. Finding your Best Identity: A Short Christian Introduction to identity, sexuality, and gender.

By Andrew Bunt | Interview here and review here. 

This book asks not primarily ‘What is my identity?’ but ‘How do I discover what my identity is?’. It is a question Bunt has wrestled with in his own life.

4. Human: Made and Remade in the Image of God

By Ros Clarke | Full review here.

Ros Clarke does not dodge the difficult issues, but with a light and sensitive touch she faces what it means to be made in the image of God. The book helpfully addresses issues of gender, relationships (single and married), sexuality (heterosexual and same-sex attracted), identity politics and the sanctity of life.

5. A Mucky Business: Why Christians Should Get Involved in Politics

By Tim Farron | Full review here. 

Tim Farron tells his story in a compelling way and does not dodge the hard questions, including those about his response to the aggressive press questioning in the 2017 election campaign on whether gay sex is sin. This is a fascinating book which realistically explores the mucky nature of politics while warning people not to abandon the public square but instead to get involved, even if it means getting their hands dirty.

Check out our top 5 books for Christian leaders in 2023, here.