Good Books
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. For many years, I have been drawn to books that edify, teach, encourage, or inspire me — books that are hopeful and/or helpful. Now, I am sharing those books with you!
This “at-a-glance” format, with brief summaries below each book image, will help you quickly identify your next uplifting read. Books are divided by genre and are listed in no particular order within the broad categories.
For some of these selections, I have written full BOOK REVIEWS — these will have links to the review.
Please know that I don’t always agree with every statement in every book. But I do attempt to put everything I read through a Biblical filter with discernment; I hope you will do that also.
I’ll update my Good Book List regularly, so check back often for more great suggestions to help you grow, feel encouraged, or simply relax into a good story!
Good Book List
Jump to Category
Theology & Christian Living | Fiction & Historical Fiction | Parenting | Bible Studies | Memoirs & Biographies | Devotionals | Miscellaneous | For Writers
Theology & Christian Living
Wow! Now, I understand why this book is such a classic. Knowing God is a rich and rewarding read. J.I. Packer has gifted the world with a thorough and thought-provoking treatment of what it means to know God in "real life," not just as a theological exercise. I particularly enjoyed the way the author unpacked God's attributes. Packer emphasizes that the study of God is for one reason: to know and enjoy God, not to be puffed up or for intellectual pursuit. And the more we know him, the more we can respond out of growing love and obedience. I read this book one chapter at a time, slowly digesting, processing, and taking notes, and I recommend that method due to its rich density. A study guide is also available.
We become sanctified or “set apart as holy” when we receive the gift of salvation. In this short but powerful book, David Powlison helps us understand the other side of sanctification - the process of growing into our holiness throughout the rest of life after salvation. And although we are not puppets in that process, we tend to overcomplicate it. Powlison helpfully addresses overgeneralizations and other problems that confuse Christians as we seek to grow into who we already are in Christ.
“Professing Christians in staggering numbers don’t understand or ascribe to the most basic beliefs of the faith they claim to stake their lives on." (p. 4) Jen Wilkin & J.T. English have co-written this succinct yet meaty book to address that issue. They aim to help Christians understand that we are called to know God with our minds, with the goals of loving him more, proclaiming him faithfully, and living out the truths found in the Bible. Like a mini-theology course accessible to anyone, the authors cover major, core (essential) beliefs of the Christian faith. I regularly refer to this as I study the Bible and write.
“There is a gap between our love for the gospel and our love for godliness. This must change. It’s not pietism, legalism, or fundamentalism to take holiness seriously.” (p. 21) Kevin DeYoung offers grace- and truth-filled encouragement for living lives pleasing to God. Addressing issues such as motivation and obstacles, DeYoung guides readers through practical application and wisdom on how to live more fully into who we already are in Christ. His self-stated goal is not to make readers feel defeated, but instead “hopeful about holiness.” (p. 107) I think he achieved his objective.
This is a concise, no nonsense guide to help readers learn how to study the Bible. Reading and immersing ourselves regularly in the Bible leads to endless treasures, but the primary goal of God’s word is to know and love God more. As author Jen Wilkin says, “…the heart cannot love what the mind does not know.” (p. 31) However, Christians often struggle with approaching and understanding the Bible. Wilkin explains a simple and time-honored approach, “the inductive method,” and ends each chapter with reflection questions. A helpful guide to overcoming any intimidating feelings associated with reading the Bible in order to begin enjoying its benefits.
The time-tested “inductive Bible study method” is a way of letting the Bible speak for itself. It involves reading a passage, making observations and interpretations, and then applying what is learned. The authors of this book offer a step-by-step guide to the inductive method with diagrams and examples to help. Although Bible studies can be very valuable, there is no substitute to opening the Bible and reading it yourself. This is an excellent guide to get started.
Dane Ortlund strips down spiritual growth (or "sanctification") to its core in this beautifully written follow-up to his book Gentle & Lowly. In Deeper, he answers the question: "What must happen in the individual human heart to get traction and grow?" Ortlund articulates why Christ is the answer in such a relatable and engaging way that it just might change your view on spiritual growth. Read if you are experiencing stagnation or regression in your Christian walk or need a refreshing reminder of the gifts found in Christ (and why we should never stop going deeper).
Hansen engagingly lays out a compelling case that Biblical masculinity means showing up, taking responsibility, and protecting the vulnerable. It’s a good resource for men that would generate interesting group discussions. But I also recommend it for women who want to learn new ways to support the men in their lives.
MacDonald uses relatable stories and metaphors to help readers understand how change begins in the heart and why attending to one's inner world is a critical foundation for spiritual growth and maturity. Read if you feel angry, burned out, stagnant, overwhelmed, overworked, or disconnected from God. Or to reset your approach to spiritual life. (The book includes a helpful study guide).
Sometimes, even decades after becoming followers of Christ, we can find ourselves needing to remember what we already know. This profound yet easy-to-understand classic provides an excellent refresher on the foundations of the faith and a thorough examination of the person of Christ. It also reminds us how to live as followers of Christ. Study questions included.
The best way to explain the book's purpose might be to use the author’s own words: “…it is an attempt to make our mental image of who God is more accurate.” (127). It’s beautifully written and destined to become a classic in Christian literature.
As a self-proclaimed layman of the faith, Lewis humbly puts forth the explanations that helped him understand seemingly unfathomable spiritual mysteries. He does this in an engaging way that makes the book the enduring classic that it has become.
This tender book journals a father’s travels through a dark valley after the sudden death of his son. But it’s also a believer’s guide to mourning in light of the gospel. And whether the reader's loss is recent or long past, the insight Challies offers is valuable.
Keller takes a deep and helpful dive into the profound topic of prayer - our conversations with God. Even the disciples wondered how to pray, asking Jesus to teach them. With practical insights and tapping into the Bible and the works of great Christian thinkers, Keller helps readers learn how to go deeper. A well-researched and accessible book, it’s had a measurable impact on my prayer life.
Based on a lifetime of teaching, coaching, and experiencing overwhelm himself, Tommy Thompson has created a compassionate and practical guide for identifying and dealing with overload. Through personal examples and Biblical wisdom, he helps us breathe again. (Companion Bible study also available).
Reading this book by pastor, author, and counselor Nicole Unice felt like a much-needed relational and communication boot camp. She teaches readers how to lean in during pivotal moments of conflict to experience “miracle moments” of growth and healing. (Companion Bible study also available).
Lawyer and author Justin Earley offers practical guidance for re-framing the habits that fill our days and shape our hearts. With refreshing candor and a succinct writing style, Earley makes a compelling argument about the impact of our “automatic behaviors.” For anyone concerned about spiritual formation, technology’s soul impact, and the power of our choices, check it out.
By humbly and authentically sharing his personal experiences in life and prayer, Miller helps us to get real about our preconceptions, misconceptions, and even ignorance about our conversations with God. He skillfully shows us how to make prayer a vital and valuable part of everyday life - helping us see that the “work” of prayer isn’t work at all.
Eugene H. Peterson encourages readers to continue in the ancient and valuable tradition of "praying everything they lived and living everything they prayed over the long haul." Using the Psalms the Israelites sang on the ascent to Jerusalem for festivals as a guide, he walks us through critical areas of growth and formation on the Christian pilgrimage. Topics include work, happiness, obedience, perseverance, hope, and more.
Author & pastor Tim Keller penned this book during the early phases of the pandemic while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. His calm voice of faith, trust, and reason, particularly during such a difficult season, is incredibly inspiring. He points us to the Source of all hope - the resurrection of Christ - and explains how that hope permeates and changes everything, now and in the future.
Justin Earley takes the lessons of his book, The Common Rule, and applies them to parenting. In his words, “…by changing our knee-jerk reactions to ordinary situations, we uncover different ways of letting God’s grace guide our hearts - and our children’s hearts - into new patterns of life together.” (p. 8) Helpful for grandparents & couples as well.
Because emotions are such an integral part of our human design, it would seem logical that we should intuitively understand them. But, to the contrary, many factors influence our awareness and experience of emotions. Husband and wife Tristen & Jonathan Collins offer this helpful guide to help readers unpack feelings in a way that leads to emotional health and flourishing and a deeper connection to God.
Fiction & Historical Fiction
Although I knew C.S. Lewis married Joy Davidman late in life, I had never heard their unlikely love story. Author Patti Callahan brilliantly tells the tale in this historical fiction book, revealing how the relationship changed the famous author and his fascinating bride and shaped their faith. An intriguing read.
I laughed out loud throughout this ridiculous tale of the infamous valet, Jeeves, and his employer, Bertie Wooster. Who knew a story about a stolen cow creamer could have so many twists and turns - and be such a pleasure to read? Now I know firsthand why Wodehouse is legendary for his wordsmithing.
This is the first in a heartwarming series about a group of (mostly) lovable characters navigating the ups and downs of daily life and relationships. Each book is a delightful escape from the stresses of daily living. If you love Rosamund Pilcher, you’ll love Jan Karon’s endearing and enduring novels.
A unique and creative story about the fictional Theophilus, a Roman aristocrat who came up with the idea of releasing Barabbas instead of Jesus before the crucifixion. Devastated when it backfires, he has a chance at redemption years later when he must defend Paul (Saul) before Caesar. My teenage son loved this book as well!
Parenting
The best thing we can do for our children, even before birth, is to pray for them. But moving from fear-based prayers of what we want for them to scripture-based prayers of what they really need is an indispensable gift. Through engaging stories and practical teaching, Jodie Berndt shows us how.
Once kids enter their teenage years, a whole new set of parenting tools becomes necessary. The first one in any parent’s arsenal should be prayer. Guiding our children to greater independence and interdependence requires tremendous dependence on God. Another excellent guide by Jodie Berndt.
Who knew that parenting doesn’t end when kids become legal adults? If anything, parents may feel the strain of observing hard things in kids’ lives without the ability to help in a healthy way. Giving adult children the gift of daily prayers on their behalf is one of the best ways to show them love in this season.
This is one of my favorite books on parenting. Reading it when my four kids were teens challenged, convicted, and encouraged me. Rather than focusing on specific behaviors, Tripp cuts to the heart of what it means to raise kids with a God-centered focus. He helped me gain eternal perspective while I was in the daily trenches of parenting.
Bible Studies
After Jesus is resurrected, he appears to two men walking away from Jerusalem, sad about the events that unfolded. After questioning them, Jesus proceeds to explain everything written about himself in the Scriptures, explaining how he is the fulfillment of it all. Nancy Guthrie walks us back to the beginning - the book of Genesis, helping us see what we have missed about Jesus in this first book of the Bible. Engaging stories and thought-provoking questions and analysis.
In this New Testament study based on the story of Peter (a disciple of Christ) author Patricia Clarke seamlessly weaves together historical facts, personal observations, probing application questions, and Biblical truths. Her thoughtful guidance and well-crafted lessons make it easy to dive into Bible study for the 1st time, or the 15th.
This can be read as a standalone book, but I recommend the accompanying Bible study & video series. The author brings home what the Bible says about our words with grace, humor, and excellent ideas for practical application. I’ve studied this with two different groups; it was powerful for all.
Memoirs & Biographies
A beautifully-written, hope-filled, and honest memoir that seeks to reconcile the dissonance between what is and what is meant to be. With impressive creativity and deep insight, Stephanie Duncan Smith juxtaposes the story of human life, with its joys and losses, against the Christian liturgical calendar. In doing so, she reveals the mysterious way that God is with us in every space and season, the constant factor in our ever-changing world, and the source of hope.
Co-authors and spouses Jay & Katherine alternate sharing about their journey to healing following Katherine’s devastating, life-altering stroke at age 26. Through their life-altering experience, (in their words) God "disrupted the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.” Amen.
This is one of my all-time favorite stories. Louis Zamperini demonstrated a remarkable spirit of adventure, resilience, and grit throughout his wild ride of a life. But it’s when he came to the end of himself that his story became the most powerful and memorable. The movie didn’t do his story justice - read the book!
When committed atheist Carolyn Weber arrived at Oxford University, academic and intellectual pursuits were the only passions she had in mind. Instead, she was surprised by ideas that challenged her belief that faith in God was incompatible with reason. This lovely memoir also offers a fascinating glimpse into storied Oxford and a sweet love story.
It isn’t surprising that this book is both lyrical and descriptive since the author, Andrew Peterson, is a talented singer and songwriter. Peterson creatively weaves his passion for trees into tales from his past and present, encouraging readers to look for God’s comfort, provision, and power through His creation.
Well-known Bible study author and speaker Beth Moore vulnerably shares her life story in this highly-anticipated memoir. Sadly, her childhood involved tragic abuse by a close family member. When recent political events brought that pain to the surface, what followed was a season that rocked her ministry and her world.
Philip Yancey’s story begins in early childhood with the death of his father from polio. From there, he relays his painful story of growing up in poverty with a dysfunctional family deeply involved in churches that sometimes got Biblical theology very wrong. His story is one of grace and how God can overcome fear and brokenness to heal even the deepest wounds.
This detailed biography offers glimpses into the life and mind of famous German pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed for his role in a conspiracy to overthrow Hitler’s regime during WWII. Of equal interest to Bonhoeffer’s life story is the sobering history of the church’s decisions and divisions during the unconscionable rise of National Socialism and its accompanying evil.
Devotionals
I ordered this as soon as it came out and am eagerly anticipating working my way through it beginning January 1, 2025. I will report back at the end of the year with my thoughts. Tripp’s New Morning Mercies is one of my favorite devotionals, so I have high expectations.
Wisdom is valuable in all seasons of life, but aspects of our modern world make wise thinking more crucial than ever. This devotional book brought Proverbs to life for me, teaching me how to apply wisdom straight from God to my day-to-day thoughts and actions. Makes a great gift for people of all ages and situations.
Tripp’s direct but grace-filled style, marked by personal sharing and wrestling with profound truths, resonates with me. Every year I find myself re-reading this book. It’s accessible to Christians anywhere in their walk or to people seeking to learn more about Christianly thinking.
This is a classic devotional for anyone wishing to be challenged spiritually and intellectually. Written by a 19th-century Scottish pastor, the words are as wise and applicable today as when Chambers penned them. There is a reason it’s one of the most popular Christian devotionals ever published.
Kim’s devotions are as sweet and authentic as she was. The entries honestly and humorously relay how she witnessed God at work in her roles as a mom, wife, neighbor, patient, and friend before her death from cancer. She shares her faith with genuine humility and joy.
Miscellaneous
Guillen earned three PhDs, taught at Harvard, and is an Emmy award-winning science correspondent. He has the unique ability to take incredibly complex scientific concepts and make them understandable to anyone. He’s also a Christian who demonstrates how intelligence and Biblical faith are not at odds. Although I do not agree on all points, it is refreshing and helpful to hear his thoughts on faith and science. I also enjoy his podcast, Science + God.
For Writers
Every writer knows that the editing process is more challenging than the actual writing! Susan Bell’s insights and advice cast the essential work of editing in a lovely new light, making the process feel more like a craft than a chore.
A must-read for every non-fiction writer! Chock full of concrete writing and editing advice, encouragement from the trenches, and wise insight into the spiritual formation of writing. I re-read this every year.
Even though I read with several years of experience in online faith blogging, I gained valuable insights. The authors alternate sharing useful knowledge about the online publishing world and tried-and-true tips for navigating it in a practical and approachable way. Highly recommend it to Christian bloggers or those considering starting a blog.