welcome to book club!
2020 And 2021 have been the year of books, books, books, and I want to share my faves, hear your great reading Recs, and get conversations started on the best reads this year! Grab yourself a latte, find a cute spot, and let's do book club together!
Books I've been reading:
Click on the book for the link and let me know what you're reading in the comments section! Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What books do you suggest? Let me know, and let's read together!
2022 Reads
This book is by Janine Driver, an expert in lie detection. It's more of a fun and fascinating read to pick up on body language and pay attention to your surroundings.
|
Christian Non-Violence is a practice and ideology I've started to adopt and ask more questions about to fully understand better. Preston, as always, makes a solid scholarly argument for his ideas, comes at this issue with an open mind, and uses strong Biblical principles to build his case.
|
Here are some of my recent course studies. These aren't necessarily easy reads or listens, but they are very much worth your time. When you purchase a Great Courses Audiobook, you also get a PDF of the textbook if you prefer to read. Most take around 12-20 hours to read or listen to. But, if you download the textbooks and listen, you can get a more full learning experience that may take longer, but also give you more. The Great Courses audiobooks are taught in lecture form from a professor who is an expert in their field. Interestingly, most of the courses on Christianity or the Bible were taught by atheists. Many believers will have mixed opinions about this, but it was a great learning experience that genuinely strengthened my faith more as a believer and gave me wonderful understanding and empathy for those reading scripture without the proper theological understandings of it. Similarly, some believers feel strongly against even hearing about the ideas of secular psychology or the ideas of the ancient moralists. It's important to remember that we don't need to be afraid of information, education, history, or ideas we don't agree with. Our goal as believers is to meditate on scripture consistently and test everything to it; not to every idea we hear. Likewise, God has given us the gift of having our own minds, ideas, and opinions. Also, He's given us the ability to overcome ungodly temptations or thoughts through Him: the fear of instantaneous "back-sliding" isn't Biblical. We can learn and be educated, but we don't meditate on books or the thoughts of others. Rather, we meditate on the Word of God, spend time with Him, and build strong foundations in Him. Learning the basic ideas of psychology simply gave me insight into other "world-views" and perspectives. Learning the ideas of the Greco-Roman moralists greatly helped me understand the ideas that many people had in the ancient world during much of the time when the apostles were sharing the gospel and writing letters to churches. This is extremely helpful for a more full, cultural perspective of scripture.
Also by David T. Lamb, also phenomenal, and I love this for all of the same reasons as God Behaving Badly. This book addresses many of the romantic and or relationship oriented topics in scripture (although most OT marriage practices are not very romance oriented). David knocks it out of the park again addressing complex and complicated topics like polygamy, concubines, rape laws, and prostitution.
|
If you have hard to answer questions about the Old Testament, if you're questioning if God is cruel, sexist, or racist, this book is extraordinary. David T. Lamb leaves no question off the table and addresses what many feel are "tricky topics" head-on with a deep appreciation and love of scripture. Over and over David Reveals how God is the Same in the Old Testament, New Testament, and today. The Old Testament doesn't reveal a hateful, evil god but rather Yahweh: God the Father who is continually loving, good, and holy. This book doesn't give easy, move-on answers or leave anything hidden under the rug. 10/10 recommend to anyone.
|
If you want an engaging, intelligent, scholarly approach to faith and gender topics, this is absolutely the book to read. Preston Sprinkle doesn't only share his thoughts or ideas, but shares his journey approaching this issue, makes a legitimate scholarly argument for his case, and looks at the instruction regarding gender identity in its ancient culture, studying scripture's wisdom, gleaning from it, and applying it to our world today. It is loving, kind, and anything but cruel or hateful. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
|
N.T. Wright has so much wisdom and knowledge under his belt from many years of scholarly work, pastoring, and ministry. This is a wonderful and unique approach to the life of the apostle Paul as a biography. Tom paints a beautiful picture of Judaism and how it is not just connected to Christianity as we know it today, but a part of the structure and foundation of our modern beliefs.
|
Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend give wonderful, Biblical wisdom alongside their professional advice as licensed, Christian therapists. This book is practical, very helpful for a variety of life stages, and insightful.
|
This book is written beautifully and makes you feel like a guest at a friend's table. It gives great cultural understanding and insight surrounding Jesus's Jewish influences.
|
Sky Jethani is honest, real, and does a great job of telling us like it is. This is a good reminder of what having biblical faith looks like along with a truly biblical understanding of prayer.
|
This book is written by a Christian woman who was a contestant on the popular ABC dating show, The Bachelor. Madi details her experience and how her devotion to her convictions led her to the decision she made to leave the show. She also gives encouragement and advice on how to prepare yourself to be courageous in moments of hardship.
|
2021 reads
My pastor recommended this book to me and I am so glad he did! Whether you identify as a Complementarian or Egalitarian, I highly suggest reading Dr. Barr's extensive and deep summary of the history of the Church and how it's affected women. This book will give you a deeper understanding of how culture and tradition have affected what we consider to be true and practice now.
|
I can not recommend this book to you enough! It is FANTASTIC. It's a book that would be wonderful for teenagers, adults, those struggling with understanding the Bible's instructions for sex, and for anyone struggling with idolizing marriage. Sam Allberry is an excellent author and I can't wait to read more of his books.
|
This is a creative, beautifully written word about God's goodness, absolute holiness, and trustworthiness. Jackie Hill Perry is an incredibly gifted author, and has done it again with this book. Must read.
|
This is another Lysa Terkeurst book on forgiveness, healing, and trusting God that is also highly recommended. If you are going through a deep, real struggle, this is a great way to be guided into seeking godly comfort.
|
I like to read books by author's I know I might completely disagree with, because reading more about their perspectives often helps strengthen my own beliefs that differ. It also helps me understand empathy and how to share the gospel with that person better. That's what I find in Pope Francis's book. I don't recommend this book unless you're using to share a clearer gospel with a Catholic friend or relative, but I enjoyed stretching my perspective with this read.
|
This book is a wonderful, wonderful encouragement to learning godly and biblical forgiveness. It's so helpful and doesn't sugar-coat. Lysa explains how Biblical forgiveness is freeing to the forgiver, not taking a loss, and how God can make your life beautiful again.
|
This book is extremely needed, current, and encouraging. I love Jess's honesty and boldness. This is another book I recommend to women also struggling with insecurity.
|
Emma is a classic Jane Austen novel that's very funny, endearing, and sweet. I recommend the free
audiobook version available with an Audible subscription. It's performed by a full cast and is very cute and fun. |
I will be completely upfront in saying that I admire the author's pursuit of unveiling abuse and mending hurt caused by the Church, but I do not endorse or recommend this book. I recommend finding other resources and books to help the Church face the hurt we've caused and move forward together, with God's leading and direction, in a hopeful way to help others.
|
The story of Esther is fascinating to me, and this book gives helpful insight. This is an encouraging, hopeful book with a call to ministry and serving the Lord well.
|
This book is crazy informative! I changed our products and food to be as organic and non-toxic as possible, and this book was very helpful in understanding why clean and healthy eating is so important. I am not a full on bullet-proof dieter, but the info was very valuable nonetheless.
|
I will be totally honest: I am not a big fan of the author's work and I have many differing beliefs for many reasons, but that's why it was important to me that I read this: to get another perspective and understanding. "He who only knows his own side of the case knows little of that." - John Stuart Mill
|
This is a good read for leaders and anyone struggling with defeat or hopelessness. I love the proactive and head on approach to removing anything that hinders us from the race that lies ahead.
|
This is a wonderful resource for wives and engaged women to get a solid understanding of men, the way they think, and how we can better serve and love them in marriage while influencing them in a way that leads our marriages to be Christ centered. This is an excellent book!
|
Michael Franzese, former mob boss, shares his incredible story of turning away from a dangerous life of serious crime in an all-in-or-die cult, to a life of following Jesus and serving Him. This is an amazing account of God's transformative redemption and kindness.
|
Sarah Bessey is a very talented writer who dives into feminism in the Church and what it means, how it's shaped us, and how we can do better at being women for Jesus.
|
Rebecca Bender shares of her amazing story of being trafficked, abused, and exploited and how she found Jesus and escaped. I could not recommend this book enough to you. This is another wild story of God redeeming and transforming and using the broken for His glory.
|
So far, anything Chris Caine writes, I absolutely love. She is clear in how she teaches the gospel and God's Word. Christine shares of her struggles and insecurities, and tells an encouraging story of how God led her to overcome her fears and hurts to be a teacher of the Bible.
|
Jon Acuff is hilarious, insightful, and gives really practical ways to be more positive in this book. I really appreciate that this book isn't nonsensical and is very informative and shares the solid research behind the power of positive thinking. 10/10.
|
This is one of the most powerful books I've ever read about God's transformation and redemption. I've read this book twice and it is really that good. Esther was a radical Muslim ready to begin Jihad training to be a suicide bomber when Jesus transformed her life and she became a believer. This story is In.Cred.I.Ble.
|
Jackie writes about her past as a same sex attracted woman who knew of Jesus, but comes to find she needs to know Him. God's powerful story of transformation and grace lead her to leave her same sex attracted lifestyle and live for Christ.
|
This year, I've changed the way we eat, buy, and the products we use. This book had some great information on nutrition and a guide to elimination diets to see if you're sensitive to different foods or food groups.
|
Nancy Grace tackles major cases and crimes while providing information, safety tips, and education to keep you and your families from being the victims of crimes. This book tackles some very heavy subjects and cases that are difficult to listen to, so be cautious when reading. However, I find it so important to listen so we can arm ourselves with knowledge and make better decisions to keep our families safe.
|
This book is a companion to So Long, Insecurity and takes on different insecurities that women face and gives godly encouragement and hope.
|
This is such a solid, funny, stand up book that is truly needed in our age of thriving off of insecurities and focusing on ourselves. This would be an awesome book for women of any age, but especially teenagers and young adults in the thick of it.
|
2020 reads
This is a very helpful book and tool to help purposefully pray for your spouse [40 Prayers for My Wife is also available]. This is a book to read, pray, and write through and use again.
|
This is a FANTASTIC book and I recommend it if you're engaged, married, single: you need to read this book! This is extremely real, practical, helpful, honest, and biblical.
|
Christine Caine packs this book full of very insightful Biblical thoughts on the Church, working in ministry, working together for God's will with the believers around you, and not stopping, but completing the work God has called you to do.
This is an amazingly written novel by Beth Moore. The adjectives and descriptive words this woman writes will seriously knock your socks off. It's a truly intriguing and well-written mystery that you'll definitely enjoy. I finished this book in three days, love!
|
An incredible and inspiring book digging into the analogy Jesus uses in John 15 of Jesus being the Vine, God the Vine Dresser, and us the branches. This is a change your life, real deal book.
This is a short book that accompanies "The Undoing of Saint Silvanus". It's a good, quick companion that digs into the Biblical teachings in "The Undoing of Saint Slyvanus" and looks at ending cycles of sin in your life.
|
Gary Chapman is a real-life marriage counselor who famously wrote, "The 5 Love Languages". His books are clear, concise, helpful, and well-needed. I highly recommend this to engaged couples.
This is a great book for newly engaged and newly married women preparing for a healthy, godly marriage and married women as well! It's quirky, helpful, funny, and makes a conversation that many soon to be wed people cringe at easy to read.
|
So. Interesting. This book is written by Ronan Farrow who broke the story about Harvey Weinstein. Ronan writes about the real life spies, conspiracies, and the protection of predators in media, movies, and Hollywood. WARNING: This book has strong language and upsetting stories of sexual abuse. Please read with caution and care.
|
Surprise, I read another Beth Moore book! I highly recommend this book to people who are pursuing God's calling for their lives and is especially those starting ministries. Great encouragement!
|
The prequel to the Hunger Games, this is truly one of the most well written and best novels I have ever read. It is so thrilling and symbolic. I could not stop once I started!
|
If there's one thing I love, it's Christine Caine's fierceness and confidence for the Lord. Christine gives encouragement and wisdom through her personal trials and life experiences, and compels readers to live for God and fearlessly do what He calls us to do.
|
Jennie Allen brings a wonderful and unique perspective to being a woman in ministry with this book. I highly recommend this to anyone who feels burnt out, like they are trying for all the wrong reasons, or just doing ministry to prove something.
|
I read a lot of marriage related books after getting engaged and married, and this book is pretty straightforward! If you're looking for a more spiritual version of a book for newlyweds that discusses sex, I recommend the Intimacy You Crave or The Meaning of Marriage. For a Christian wife looking for straightforward, practical advice on intimacy, this is the one for you girl.
|
Top 3 Faves:
|
Honestly I have LOVED all of these books so far! It's only March, so we'll see what happens, but so far these are my favvvves:
|
  |