Reading books that challenge us help us learn and grow!
I didn’t set out to read books that would challenge me this summer. I thought my season of soul care would be all about light and easy books. God had other plans!
All In
I’ve read a few of Mark Batterson’s books, and they all show me something about who God is and who I am. This book has been on my shelf since the fall, but I felt compelled to read it now.
I loved this quote:
What’s in your hand?
You can hang on to it and see what you can do.
Or you can hand it over and see what God can do.
–Mark Batterson, All In
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse
This is an important book for people in the church as well as leaders in the church. Johnson & VanVonderen handle this delicate subject with compassion and grace, both for victims as well as perpetrators who may not fully understand the ramifications of their actions.
The Water Keeper
I have been a long time fan of Charles Martin’s fiction, and I was excited to get his latest release for my birthday. While he has always been one to dive deep into hard issues, this book looks at the modern-day slavery that occurs all around us. Martin manages to tackle this heartbreaking subject with honesty and tenderness.
This quote (which reads more like nonfiction) is woven beautifully into the story:
Whatever the cause and however it is answered, ad regardless of who answers it, we–as broken children–forever ask, “Whose am I?”
This is the cry of the human heart.
Charles Martin, The Water Keeper
Books that challenge us can help us grow.
What is the last book you read that challenged you?
Thank you, Rebecca, for these literary suggestions. I have not seen any of them but will definitely look into them, especially “The Water Keeper.” I attended a two evening workshop on false spiritual teachings…so interesting. I had attended new-age churches for about 10 years back in the 1980s. So much of what I heard at the workshop was being described as happening in Christian churches yet it was new-age beliefs. We truly need to know God’s Truth. Thank you.
These sound so good! The Lord led me to books that have also challenged me this spring and summer. I was finally able to finish “Relentless” by Michele Cushatt this summer, after hearing so many good things about it all year. I am so thankful for the amazing books that are available to us in this day and age. We need to look into God’s truth more than ever now. Blessings to you!
Thanks for sharing your reads!
I’ve never heard of any of these books! I love that you are taking the pictures outside. Hopefully you get time to read outside, too! I recently finished reading Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster. It was challenging to read because it was frustrating to see how often she gets passed over for promotions and other things for no good reason despite her work ethic and her intelligence. I also appreciated the author including her character flaws as well as her strengths. That’s good to remember to take all people as totals.
These do look challenging! I’ve read a couple of Charles Martin’s but not the other authors.
Thanks for the excellent recommendations. I am always looking for good books to read. All sound appealing but I think The Water Keeper might be my next read.
I haven’t read this Mark Batterson book, but I want to. I’ve read several of his other books and I always gain more out of them than I expect! I always appreciate a good book recommendation. Thanks, Rebecca!