Tolle Lege

Take up and read

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Currently Reading

December 2025

The Greek New Testament / The Holy Spirit

The Works of Thomas Goodwin (Vol. 4) / Thomas Goodwin

Theoretical-Practical Theology (Vo. 5) / Petrus Van Mastricht

O Come, O Come Emmanuel / Jonathan Gibson

Creation: An Introduction / Tyler Wittman

The Heidelberg Catechism / R. Scott Clark

The Correspondent / Virginia Evans

The Son / Philipp Meyer

The Strength of the Few / James Islington

Breakout / Richard Stark

S. / Abrams & Dorst

Mozart: The Reign of Love / Jan Swafford

The Gales of November / John Bacon

The Second Four Books of Poems / W.S. Merwin

2025 Book Log

  1. The Apostolic Fathers in English / Trans. Rick Brannan / Better Every Time
  2. The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer / Andy Naselli / Helpful
  3. Short of Glory / Mitchell Chase / Outstanding
  4. God Without Passions / Sam Renihan / Superb
  5. Romans / Andy Naselli / Better Every Time
  6. Beartooth / Callan Wink / Okay
  7. The Name of the Rose / Umberto Eco / Better Every Time
  8. The Key to the Name the Rose / Haft, White, and White / Better Every Time
  9. Targeted: Beirut / Jack Carr / Illuminating
  10. Needful Things / Stephen King / Wild
  11. Prodigal Son / Gregg Hurwitz / Ripping
  12. Dark Horse / Gregg Hurwitz / Ripping
  13. The Cabinet of Curiosities / Preston & Child / Meh
  14. Deacons / Matt Smethurst / Better Every Time
  15. Deity and Decree / Sam Renihan / Better Every Time
  16. Simply God / Peter Sanlon / Splendid
  17. The Suffering of the Impassible God / Paul Gavrilyuk / Better Every Time
  18. His Love Endures Forever / Garry Williams / Better Every Time
  19. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell / Susanna Clarke / Better Every Time
  20. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone / J.K. Rowling / Better Every Time
  21. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets / J.K. Rowling / Better Every Time
  22. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban / J.K. Rowling / Better Every Time
  23. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire / J.K. Rowling / Better Every Time
  24. On the Unity of Christ / Cyril of Alexandria / Better Every Time
  25. Becoming C.S. Lewis / Hal Poe / Spectacular
  26. The Making of C.S. Lewis / Hal Poe / Spectacular
  27. The Completion of C.S. Lewis / Hal Poe / Spectacular
  28. The Snowman / Jo Nesbø / Still Ripping
  29. The Devil’s Star / Jo Nesbø / Still Semi-Ripping
  30. Timeline / Michael Crichton / Still Semi-Ripping
  31. The Magician’s Land / Lev Grossman / Better Every Time
  32. Leadership and Emotional Sabotage / Joe Rigney / Outstanding
  33. The Character of Christ / Jonathan Landry Cruse / Glorious
  34. Master of the Senate (Years of LBJ #3) / Robert Caro / Magisterial
  35. From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis / Alex Duke / Delightful
  36. Dragon Teeth / Michael Crichton / Okay
  37. Start With Why / Simon Sinek / Not Too Shabby
  38. The Big Short / Michael Lewis / Better Every Time
  39. The Christian Race / J.C. Ryle / Excellent
  40. The Advantage / Patrick Lencioni / Wonderful
  41. Wolf at the Table / Adam Rapp / Beautifully Bleak
  42. A Death in Vienna / Daniel Silva / Better Every Time
  43. The Passage of Power (Years of LBJ #4) / Robert Caro / Magisterial
  44. Extreme Ownership / Willink & Babin / Better Every Time
  45. Never Flinch / Stephen King / Never Again
  46. The Strategy of Denial / Bridge Colby / Superb
  47. Underland / Robert Macfarlane / Better Every Time
  48. Strange Pictures / Uketsu / Terrifying
  49. The Civil War (Vol. 2) / Shelby Foote / Spectacular
  50. A Heart Aflame for God / Matthew Bingham / Stupendous
  51. Jesus Ascended / Gerrit Scott Dawson / Glorious Every Time
  52. The Story of Grace / Horatius Bonar / Delicious
  53. Marble Hall Murders / Anthony Horowitz / Delightfully Cozy
  54. True Life: Poems / Adam Zagajewski / Heartbreaking
  55. Selected Poems  / Osip Mandelstam / Beautifully Brutal
  56. A Simple Plan / Scott Smith / Predictable
  57. Different Seasons / Stephen King / Better Every Time
  58. The Certainty of Faith / Herman Bavinck / Better Every Time
  59. All the Shah’s Men / Stephen Kinzer / Sadder Every Time
  60. Preaching / Michael Reeves / Phenomenal
  61. The Moon Before Morning / W.S. Merwin / Heartbreaking
  62. Beach Music / Pat Conroy / Better Every Time
  63. The Barn / Wright Thompson / Righteous
  64. Trinity, Revelation, and Reading / Scott Swain / Better Every Time
  65. What I Ate in One Year / Stanley Tucci / Delicious
  66. An Inside Job / Daniel Silva / Not Ripping
  67. The Order of Time / Carlo Rovelli / Mind-blowing
  68. Union with Christ / Sinclair Ferguson / Okay
  69. Cry Havoc / Jack Carr / Ripping
  70. The Civil War (Vol. 3) / Shelby Foote / Spectacular
  71. King of Kings / James Baird / Dynamite
  72. Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces / C.S. Lewis / Stupendous
  73. Everything is Never Enough / Bobby Jamieson / Wise
  74. English Pastoral: An Inheritance / James Rebanks / Lovely
  75. Daily Doctrine / Kevin DeYoung / Lucid Brevity
  76. The Hallmarked Man / Robert Galbraith / Okay
  77. The Baptist Confession of Faith / Various / Glorious
  78. An Immense World / Ed Yong / Mind-blowing
  79. The Proving Ground / Michael Connelly / Meh
  80. The Fellowship of the Ring / J.R.R. Tolkien / Better Every Time
  81. Orthodox Radicals / Matthew Bingham / Illuminating
  82. If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies / Yudkowsky & Soares / Yikes
  83. The Black Spider / Jeremias Gotthelf / Stupendous
  84. In Hazard / Richard Hughes / Frightening
  85. Is a River Alive? / Robert Macfarlane / Lovely
  86. The Will of the Many / James Islington / Ripping
  87. Union with Christ and the Life of Faith / Fred Sanders / Delectable
  88. Remember Heaven / Matt McCullough / Glorious
  89. The Mercy of Gods / James S. A. Corey / Fun
  90. Things Unseen / Sinclair Ferguson / Glorious
  91. The Rare Coin Score / Richard Stark / Ripping
  92. Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology / Beeke & Smalley / Superb
  93. Connecting Scripture New Testament (CSB) / Eds. Beale & Gladd / Helpful
  94. Theo of Golden / Allen Levi / Full of Grace
  95. A Philosophy of Walking / Frederic Gros / Meh
  96. Lucky Per / Henrik Pontoppidan / Heartbreaking
  97. Pastoral Cautions / Abraham Booth / Sobering
  98. The Widow / John Grisham / Pretty Good
  99. History of the Rain / Niall Williams / Tender-hearted
  100. Surprise, Kill, Vanish / Annie Jacobsen / Unputdownable
  101. The Art Thief / Michael Finkel / Hard to Believe

The Best Books I Read In:

Book Log:

42 responses to “Currently Reading”

  1. mindy sue

    nice!

    Reply
  2. Barry Wallace

    Great reading list. I wish I could be disciplined enough to read like that.

    Reply
  3. humanitasremedium

    looks like you have been busy.

    Reply
  4. Michael Meadows

    Have you ever read Thomas Sowell? Not a Christian author but I note you intermingle your reading with non-Christian works, and Sowell is one of the best on contemporary culture issues. One of his ‘must-reads’ is “Black Rednecks – White Liberals”.

    Reply
    1. tollelege

      Dear Michael,

      Yes, I’ve read a couple of Thomas Sowell’s books. I really enjoyed “A Conflict of Visions.” I’ll keep an eye out for the book you mentioned. Sounds interesting.

      Blessings to you,

      –Nick

      Reply
  5. pedro

    read “the god delusion” it may open your minds

    Reply
    1. Fearless Witness

      Hi Pedro,
      You’re right about The God Delusion, after reading it, I am more convinced than ever that Jesus Christ is the (only) Way, the Truth, and the Life.

      Reply
  6. kim

    Great list! I’m adding a few from your list to my own. We live abroad and it’s a bit difficult to find or get good books. Sigh.

    What do you mean by, “Drizzlingly drenched”–the words are fun to say and great as a description–I’m just curious about what you mean. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. tollelege

      Hello Kim,

      The description “drizzlingly drenched” pays tribute to a book I read in 2008 by Michael Ward entitled “Planet Narnia.” Ward makes a brilliant and convincing case that C.S. Lewis constructed the Chronicles of Narnia series out of the imagery of the seven heavens that was so integral to the Medieval worldview. You can read more about Ward’s book here: http://www.planetnarnia.com/frequently-asked-questions .

      Ward argues The Silver Chair embodies and expresses the qualities associated with Luna, that is, the Moon. Because of the Moon’s effect upon the tides of seas and rivers, Luna became linked with the idea of wateriness. After rereading The Silver Chair, I think Ward is right. That’s why I used the phrase “drizzlingly drenched.”

      If you can’t get a copy of his book (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Narnia-Seven-Heavens-Imagination/dp/019973870X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286372564&sr=8-1), I’d recommend listening to this lecture (http://sptc.htb.org.uk/files/sptc/michael-ward.mp3).

      This is probably way more than you wanted but I do hope this helps!

      –Nick

      Reply
      1. Jane Franks

        Thanks for this review. I’ve dug out Planet Narnia, in my library (and so far unread!), and plan to read it this year, and again re-read Silver Chair. I’ll think of “drizzlingly drenched” as I do!

  7. Paul

    Hello!!!!

    I was just wondering why you thought the book “Tribes” was heretical. Not that I read it or anything and thus disagree with you, but because I had the opportunity to buy it in a Christian conference sort-of-thing. Would you care to briefly explain why this book was so heretical to you? (I know I could just read the book myself to see why…) LOL

    thanks

    Reply
    1. tollelege

      Hi Paul,

      I was using the adjective “heretical” in the same way Godin uses it in his book. He uses “heretic” in the sense of anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle. These kind of “heretics,” according to Godin, create movements in the business world.

      He states: “By challenging the status quo, a cadre of heretics is discovering that one person, just one, can make a huge difference… Heretics are the new leaders. The ones who challenge the status quo, who get out in front of their tribes, who create movements.” (11-12).

      Hope this helps…

      –Nick

      Reply
  8. matttully

    Hey Nick,
    Great idea….so, I stole it. :) Hope you don’t mind. http://huiothesian.wordpress.com/book-list/

    – Matt

    Reply
  9. Saul

    Hello Nick, i just found your blog while searching for a quote, and i already added it to my bookmarks :D, great blog. Q. Have you read Francis Chan?

    Reply
    1. tollelege

      Hi Saul, thanks for the link! I read and enjoyed Crazy Love a few years ago but I have not read any of Chan’s latest stuff. Would you recommend it?

      –Nick

      Reply
      1. Saul

        Well, i don’t now about Erasing Hell, but Forgotten God is great, also i really recommend Tolstoi’s short story Father Sergius, and The Kingdom of God Is Within You. I really like Tolstoi and Dostoevsky. :D

        -Saul

  10. Saul

    I would like to clarify, “The kingdom of God is within you” is a great read even though, this book does not explores the concept of grace and redemption through Christ. I believe Tolstoi rejects some Christian tenets like the resurrection, miracles, the virgin birth, etc.. It is more about pacifism and social justice .

    -Saul

    Reply
  11. Chris

    Nick,

    Love the blog, love the quotes and your passion for God’s glory and reading to that end. Thank you!

    Would you mind explaining how you go about reading a book? I know that sounds simple, but I’d like to read and would like to be better at it (more comprehension, faster, remembering details longer, etc.). Any help in this direction would be greatly appreciated!

    Best regards,

    Chris

    Reply
    1. tollelege

      Hi Chris,

      Thanks for reading the blog! I just shot you an email with a few thoughts.

      Grace and peace,

      –nr

      Reply
      1. Zach Kennedy

        Nick,

        Could you send me a similar email? I too have been curious about how you manage to read so much each year and would like to learn what I can from you. By the way, I’m constantly blessed by your blog and it has been quite a handy resource for looking up quotes and whatnot. Thanks man.

        -Zach

      2. Matt McCoy

        I would also like an email with the aforementioned “few thoughts.” I need help in this area! thanks Man! I hope you and the family are doing well.

  12. Lauren L

    Hi, I’d love more information on the practical/purposeful side of your reading life: how you read, when you read, how you find time to read, and how you remember what you read. Do you take notes, highlight, write down quotes, etc.? Do you keep books, give them away, etc.? Just started reading more voraciously and would like to find ways to be moer disciplined about it. Also returning to reading lots of classics, and I find myself wishing I had a professor to help me with some of the works, especially those that use vocabulary or cite ideals that had a different meaning contextually that what they have now.

    Reply
    1. Lauren L

      And how you decided whether or not to keep reading a book that is “plodding” or “OK”!

      Reply
  13. Lauren L

    One other question! I came here today to find the name of the book on Hebrews that I thought I saw under your “currently reading” list. I don’t see it here now. Did you take it down, or am I mistaken? Would you mind telling me the name, unless you strongly disliked it? Thanks!

    Reply
  14. Laura Thompson

    Nick, the blog is WONDERFUL!! I was googling a Tozier quote and ended up on your blog… I was so excited to find this great resource and then all the more to see that it was your work :) Please say hello to Allison for us… hope all is well in DC!
    – Laura (and Jay) Thompson

    Reply
    1. Laura Thompson

      Tozer

      Reply
  15. Chris

    Thanks Nick for your work on this. I anticipate being a regular visitor.

    Reply
  16. Kai Tham

    Hi Nick,

    Very encouraged by your love for reading and your consistency in up-keeping the blog about your reading habits.

    Keep it up.

    Kai Tham

    Reply
  17. angie5804

    Of your 2014 reads, I’ve read Hatchet, some of the Heidelberg Catechism, the first 3 Harry Potter books, Pilgrim’s Progress. I have a long way to go – hope to read more this year!

    Reply
  18. I’mAllBooked

    I just discovered your site from Challies’ list of links for top books for 2015. I love the wide variety of books you seem to read, and enjoy the one-word descriptions you give for each one. My blog is dedicated to recommending and reviewing books I feel every Christian should read. Since I work a 40 hr/week job now, I unfortunately don’t have as much time to read and write as I did when I started blogging a few years ago. While you’re reading about two books per week, I’m currently closer to two per month; so I’m trying to focus on quality rather than quantity at this point! I look forward to following your recommendations and reviews in the future. God Bless!

    Reply
  19. Robert Davis

    Have you read Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman?
    It’s a good book. Confirmational and convicting all at once.
    I’m enjoying (and am challenged/encouraged) by your blog. I’ve only been here a couple of weeks but I have copied the link to my home screen right beside Chambers and Spurgeon. Thanks for your efforts.

    Reply
    1. I’mAllBooked

      I also appreciated Idelman’s Not a Fan and reviewed it on my blog a while back: https://imallbooked.com/2015/06/29/are-you-a-follower-or-just-a-fan/

      Reply
  20. Andrew

    Hi Nick

    I stumbled across your blog the other day & I’m really glad that I did. I love the breadth of reading material. There is a healthy balance of sound evangelical Theology with lots of other interesting stuff. You have presented me with loads of books I want to investigate.

    As a husband, father, & pastor how do you fit it all in? Could you provide a rough guide in terms of when you read & how much per week? I’ve just noticed that others have asked similar questions (Lauren L in particular) & you haven’t responded for several years. Oh well here’s to trying!

    Blessings

    Andrew

    Reply
    1. tollelege

      Hi Andrew,

      I just sent you an email.

      Cheers,

      Nick

      Reply
      1. Eric

        Nick, I have similar questions that Andrew has. I love this blog. Here are my questions:

        How do you fit it all in?
        How do you determine your reading list?

        Hope you are doing well and I look forward to your reply.

  21. rifleman

    you have to read “The Faith of Christopher Hitchens” by Taunton. Great book!!

    Reply
  22. Chris Keswick

    Thank you for all the wonderful and inspirational reading ideas! I too would love to hear more about how you go about choosing books and finding time to read. All the Light You Cannot See was a favorite for me this year, along with Jerry Bridges’ Pursuit of Holiness. Thank you!
    Chris in MN

    Reply
  23. Scott

    Hi Nick, it appears you are being “called” to give a short class entitled ” How I Do It”. I too am interested in learning what I can. Then again, it could be you just have that gift! ;-)

    Reply
  24. John Sherlock

    Hello Nick just discovered your blog and would love the email about your reading habits.

    Reply
  25. Diane Pedrosa

    Thank you for your reading list. I have read a few from the 2019 and appreciate you single comments.
    Happy reading 2020‼️

    Reply
  26. Diane Pedrosa

    Thank you for you reading list. I have enjoy a few and also appreciate your single comment review.
    Happy and blessed reading 2020

    Reply
  27. Bo

    I want to strongly recommend to you the outstanding book “Clinging to a Counterfeit Cross” by James P Shelly.

    BTW, so glad to see “Delighting in the Trinity” (my favorite book) over to the right as I type this.

    And thank you for all your time, effort and ministry to His body.

    Reply

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