Back in 2010 I had the opportunity to hear some recordings of a class taught by the author of this book. As I listened and searched out the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit strengthened my faith in Jesus, stirred greater eagerness for His return, revealed my deep sinfulness and exalted the mercy of the Cross.
I don't say this lightly, but if you only read one book this year, let The Gospel of Christ Crucified be the one you read.
This book gives a clear, systematic, holistic presentation of the Gospel similar to a biblical theology, but arranged thematically to communicate the timeline of redemptive history. Beginning in Genesis and concluding in Revelation, it outlines the worldview of Jewish apocalypticism and holistically integrates a theology of the cross and martyrdom.