Writers write, as they say. But writers also do a lot of reading. Without information in, we have nothing to give back. When I first began writing fiction, I read many different types of novels in a variety of genres. It would have done no good to read only biblical fiction, because that genre uses techniques from many other styles of writing. I’ve read and given away boxes and boxes of novels over the years. I suppose I learn a little bit by osmosis. I also read a lot of books on the craft of writing. Both things are absolutely necessary to the writer.
These past few years I’ve switched gears from reading novels to reading nonfiction. Part of this began as self-help reading because of trials in my own life. But it carried over into an insatiable desire to grow and learn how these writers did what they did so well. They carried a message of hope to their readers using the power of story and the mixture of personal application. And so I continue to learn from them as I attempt to see my first nonfiction come together.
Of course, this means I’ve been doing a ton of reading, and I thought I might give you a glimpse into what some of those books are that I have found especially well-written or supportive. Not in any specific order, here are a few of my favorites.
Your Powerful Prayers by Susie Larson (A super encouraging look at prayer.)
Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst (For those who have ever felt rejected in any place in life.)
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (A great look at cultivating gratitude.)
A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days by Jonathan Bernis (I’m still reading this one – but what an interesting perspective on Jesus’ return and the people of Israel.)
Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesusby Lois Tverberg (In my studies of Scripture I’ve learned a lot about the culture of each time period, but this book still taught me things I didn’t know. A great book to go back to and re-read as a Bible study tool.)
Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt by Jentezen Franklin (We are all hurt at some point in out lives. But what do we do with that hurt? How do we keep loving those who’ve hurt us? Wonderful message of hope. I think I underlined half of this book.)
Ellie and the Prince by J. M. Stengl (My escape from reality! More about J.M. Stengl’s fairy tales below.)
If You Will Ask by Oswald Chambers (Another insightful book on prayer.)
Seeking Allah Finding Jesusby Nabeel Qureshi (Spell-binding story of faith. This book also compares the differences between the Muslim and Christian faiths, which I found insightful and helpful.)
Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning (Trust is often an issue for me, so I love books that pull back the curtain of faith and help me to better understand this awesome God in whom I’ve placed my trust – and how to trust Him more.)
Gods at War by Kyle Idleman (Idols are not always made of wood or stone, and I think even Christians can set things up in their lives that can replace God. We can lose our first love. Well written and challenging book.)
When God Doesn’t Fix Itby Laura Story (The personal story of musician Laura Story and the heartbreaking reality she found herself in. Her struggles taught her about God’s faithfulness even when things could never be the same. Inspiring read.)
Grave Robber by Mark Batterson (How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible – a book about Jesus and some of the miracles He did when He walked the earth and is still doing today in our lives.)
Victory over the Darkness by Neil Anderson (This book opened my eyes to see who I am in Christ, something I wasn’t taught in church growing up. Beyond the truth of our salvation because of what Jesus did for us, this book leads us to live victorious lives because of who we are IN Christ. If we are His, we are so much more than we realize. Another book that I underlined or highlighted page after page.)
Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey (This book is for every person who wants to understand why we are where we are in our culture today. It explains the culture from scientific and biblical perspectives. Fascinating and important read.)
These seem like a lot but there are actually many more, not counting the books I’ve read for research on Esther. And J. M. Stengl’s The Siren and the Scholar and Cinder Eliie have been exactly what I needed when too much introspection and work-related reading began to overwhelm me. Water to the thirsty, you could say. We all need to read just for fun, yes? And who knew I would fall in love with my critique partner’s fairy tales? She just needs to write them faster. (I told her to hurry!)
I hope some of these books spark an interest in you to add to your reading list. Each one has taught me something, changed an attitude or perspective, given hope or encouragement, grown my faith, or just refreshed my soul. I hope you find the same true for you.
Be blessed.
#amreading #booklovers #myfavoritereads #onmybookshelf
