Our judging process began with 436 titles submitted by 67 publishers. CT editors selected finalists in each category, and then our panels of expert judges — one panel per category — sorted out the cream of the crop from 2008. Here are the 10 winners and 11 notables that best shed light on the people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission, with comments from our judges.
"This poignant follow-up to her Pulitzer Prizewinning Gilead resonates with sensory description, stark, unsentimental reflection on a bygone era, and a storyline that invites contemplation of prejudice, pride, aging, the church, and the biblical narrative of the prodigal son. It's also a profound reflection on the question: What does it mean to 'come home'? Another masterpiece."
Review: No Sweet 'Home' | Robinson's new novel deals with the harder side of life in Gilead. (November 17, 2008)
Books & Culture: Marilynne Robinson at Large Again | A sequel—or a companion—to Gilead, a very different book and just as astonishing. (September 8, 2008)
Review: Dostoyevsky, American Evangelical-Style | Rob Stennett's The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher doesn't need to ask, 'Could this happen?' (January 30, 2009)
The departures of Bill Hybels and James MacDonald leave churches waiting for new leadership and hoping to rebuild trust.
Sociologists explain the data behind the gender gap in STEM careers.
Our picks for the books most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture.
My journey from atheist dogma to Christian faith was paved with intellectual and spiritual surprises.
