Congrats to our winners and to all the wonderful books written and published for the glory of God! While I read many books throughout the year, I’m excited to highlight some standouts by Asian American authors!
Providence in the Story of Scripture: The Work of God Through Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation by Adamson Co (Review, Interview)
While Co describes his book as an introductory guide to providence, I found it to be a fresh and insightful study, particularly in how he uses the motif of creation to make God’s providence meaningful in the Christian life. At its core, this is an academic book, but Co makes the difficult doctrine of providence accessible and compelling.
In Your Light We See Light: A Reformed Theology of Divine Illumination by Paul C. Uyen (Review)
What happens when a person is brought from darkness to light? What is the process of this transformation? In In Your Light We See Light, Paul C. Uyen presents a Reformed theology of divine illumination. This is a magnificent book, enlightening the eyes to behold the glory of Christ.
Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders by Monica Kim and Danny Kwon (Review, Interview)
In my earlier years of serving in youth ministry, when a student had something to share, there wasn’t much that a trip to McDonald’s and a boba milk tea couldn’t fix. Looking back, I can see that might not always have been the best approach—I didn’t have the tools to know how to truly help. Times have changed. In Teenagers and Mental Health, Monica Kim and Danny Kwon provide a valuable handbook for parents, pastors, and youth leaders.
The Hodder Bible Commentary: James by Daniel K. Eng (Review)
What distinguishes this commentary is Eng’s experience as an Asian American. He notes that James was addressed to Jews in the diaspora who were facing marginalization. Whether refugees or immigrants, his audience were minorities. Eng brings his cultural insights to the forefront.
Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful: How Gratitude, Grief, and Grace Reflect the Christian Story by Drew Hyun (Interview)
I interviewed author Drew Hyun over email, and I got to see how his Korean-American background, family story, and ministry in New York City were brought forward with his book.
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer by Helen Lee, illustrated by Shin Maeng (Interview)
For our Author Interviews podcast, I spoke with author Helen Lee about the pieces of her life and heritage that have inspired her writing. We discussed her personal history, challenges and growth in praying, and teaching children through song.
Honorable mention: The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary edited by Esau McCaulley with Janette H. Ok, Osvaldo Padilla, and Amy L. B. Peeler (Review, Interview, Interview)
Reviewed in December 2024, this is a landmark work that offers invaluable insights from the entire body of Christ.
Honorable mention: Great to Good: How Following Jesus Reshapes Our Ambitions by Jae Hoon Lee (Review)
Reviewed in December 2024, this is a prophetic and profound book especially for Christian leaders.
Honorable mention: Wonders from Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology by Kevin Chen (2024) (Review, Interview)
Reviewed in December 2024, and I still consider it an excellent academic work!