The official topic is “Top Ten Books I Just HAD to Buy,” but I don’t buy too many books. However, I ask for them for Christmas and order them on Paperback Swap.

Since I rarely buy or ask for a fiction book (unless I have already read it an loved it), they’re all non-fiction. I prefer to mark up non-fiction books when I read them–treating

reading as a conversation–so that means it’s wise to own the books. Writing in library books is frowned upon, you know.

Here are the top 10 that I just had to have:

1. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

I got this for Christmas 2007 at which time I was really excited to read it. I still want to read it, but it doesn’t seem to be moving up my to-read list.

2. The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing by Leland Ryken

Okay, so this was one that I bought last summer. Hasn’t yet been picked when I go to grab a new book, so there it sits.

3. Prodigal God by Tim Keller

This was a Christmas gift this past Christmas. It is high on my mental to-read list, so hopefully soon!

4. Hipster Christianity by Brett McCracken

Another Christmas gift. I’m curious to see what he has to say, so it probably won’t be too long until I get it.

5. The Slave Next Door: Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today by Kevin Bales and Ron Soodalter

Same Christmas, different gift. This is a book that I simultaneously want and don’t want to read, if you understand what I mean. But I know I need to open my eyes to this issue.

6. Ancient-Future Faith by Robert Webber

Also a Christmas gift. At least it’s only been 2 months since Christmas, and Christmas gifts are to last all year, right?

7. World Hunger: Twelve Myths by Frances Moore Lappe, Joseph Collins, Peter Rosset, and Luis Esparza

I’m not sure when or how I got this book, but I know that it was in the last year. At one point it was next in line, but it’s since been bypassed. Soon, soon.

8. Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Christmas 2009. I actually have wanted to read any book by Elyse Fitzpatrick, but haven’t read a one.

9. In Christ Alone by Sinclair Ferguson

Also from Christmas 2009. It looks pretty, too. (And probably has some good things inside, but I wouldn’t know, would I?)

10. 10 Books That Screwed Up the World by Benjamin Wiker

I love the title and thought of this book. Still, it hasn’t been picked up since I got it over a year ago.

Have you read any of these books? Which one should I read next? Are there any you want me to review?

Seriously…my next non-fiction read will be whichever one the majority chooses off this list. Which will it be?