Christian Books For Summer Reading
As we near the end of the spring months, summer reading lists are beginning to pop up everywhere. There is nothing better than spending time in the long summer evenings sitting outside and reading a good book. My summer reading list tends to get ambitiously long, but I am always looking to add books that will make me think deeply long after I finish them. Since recommending books is one of my favorite things to do (I’m a middle school reading teacher so this is literally my day job!), I thought that I would share some of the Christian nonfiction books that have made an impact on my faith and daily life.
For the girls who feel overwhelmed with stress and busyness, try The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst.
It can be so easy to try to say yes to everyone in the spirit of trying to be a good Christian woman, but TerKeurst points out that if we aren’t allowing space to say yes to God, then we are missing the mark. Even several years after first reading this book, I am still using the insights that I gained on a regular basis when I evaluate possible choices and try to make the best decisions.
For girls who want to dive into exploring the nature of Christian faith, try Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
One of the best things about this book is the broad audience that Lewis addresses, so his work does not require too much prior knowledge to read. Lewis does not try to package Christianity into an overly simplistic idea and does not pretend to understand every deep question that might arise. I found this book to be a great starting point for thinking deeply about Christianity, as well as a good book to return to periodically.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
For girls who are in a period of uncertainty, try Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher.
Her previous book If You Find This Letter was an absolute gem, and this one is equally as thought-provoking, yet enjoyable. As Hannah tells her story of searching for “the next thing,” she ends up learning to trust God and stay focused on where she actually is. For me, this was the perfect book at the perfect time, so I hope it will be the same for you.
For girls who are looking for guidance on what it means to be a Christian woman, try Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge.
Before reading this book, please note that one of the most common things I’ve heard from others about it is that it is too “flowery.” This happens to be part of what appeals to me about the book, but I can see how it would not be for everyone. The book talks about how the desires that are common in women should not be considered silly for Christian women. Instead, women should live in the way that God made them.
Of course it goes without saying that the Bible is always a book that is worth reading, but we can find value in reading and interacting with ideas that other people present. Even when we might not agree with everything that an author says, simply reading about other people’s perspectives can help provide clarity and understanding within our own thoughts.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
What Christian books have had an impact on the way that you think?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth is an educator at heart. So far this has taken the form of a camp counselor, a museum assistant, and currently a middle school teacher. She loves to watch people grow and learn. You can read more of her writing at her blog Chronicles of a Southern Belle.