Bethany

Stones of Remembrance: Healing Scriptures for Your Mind, Body, and Soul by Dr. Daniel G. Amen

I downloaded the eBook version of the book Stones of Remembrance when it was temporarily free earlier this year. While I haven’t really read other books of Dr. Amen’s genre and authorship, I’m especially enjoying his resource for its extremely helpful presentation and organization of key Bible verses to memorize. The timing is great too, as it’s been a personal goal of mine to commit more Scripture to memory. The ability to recite the Bible word-for-word rather than in generalizations brings substantial wisdom and authoritative truth into life circumstances and immediate decisions. Stones of Remembrance supports this endeavor by providing twelve verses each for various categories, such as for remembering when sick, afraid, lonely, tired, impatient, and more. All in all, Stones of Remembrance is a wonderful read of great practicality, and I am very grateful!

To-Read: Pawverbs: 100 Inspirations to Delight an Animal Lover’s Heart by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Matt

Follow Him by David Platt

This devotional got right to the point every day for the last month: Jesus is everything. A very readable, yet Biblically-sound and saturated booklet that focused my thoughts on The One I follow (and call to follow closer!) each day. Pastor David Platt made this devotional also very accessible, as each devotional was only two-pages long. One of the days that stood out was Day 27: Witness where David Platt argues that being a witness for Jesus has more to do with The Good News to speak, than good works to do. He says, “when you’re telling others about the wonder of the gospel, you’re carrying out the will of God…Whether in the courtroom or any other circumstance, the basic function of a witness is to speak” (p.89). Very convicting, and encouraged to pray for boldness, kindness, and humility, in the power of The Holy Spirit in me, to follow Jesus in this.

To-Read: A Personal Odyssey by Thomas Sowell

Christine

Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

When I first heard about this book I totally geeked out. I’m a bit of a nerd in that my favorite genre is books written by writers about writing, and I was elated to find one that also includes a Christian perspective (where’s the “buy” button?!). I’ve only begun to skim the surface of what promises to be a treasure trove of practical wisdom from an experienced writer, editor, author, and publishing industry professional Andrew T. Le Peau. With separate sections addressing writing as craft, art, and spiritual practice, Write Better will be a frequent reference for my own writing practice and permanent addition to my personal library.

To-Read:Your Story Matters by Leslie Leyland Fields

Isabella

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Where to even begin with this one? Scythe explores a futuristic world where humans have achieved immortality and are governed by an all-seeing artificial intelligence. In order to maintain population control, an order of people, known as Scythes, are the sole reapers of death. At any point (and in any way), a scythe can arrive and end someone’s eternal existence. This power is exclusive to their order and makes them both revered and feared in this fictional world. While Scythe fits into the YA-category, it avoids so many of the tropes that define young adult novels. For one, there are no angsty love triangles. Another win? The protagonist is far more than a pretty face. She’s characterized as wise, compassionate, and brave. Yet, the best part of this book is the wonderful questions it raises. It probes at the human condition, explores the consequences of immortality, and is artfully written to boot. Scythe is for all ages, so consider this your formal introduction to your new favorite trilogy.

To-Read: As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool

Charlotte

I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown

I’m Still Here is Austin Channing Brown’s memoir, focusing primarily on her experience of growing up in majority-white Christian communities in the Midwest, as Black woman. Her account shows the reader the overt and subtle words and actions that drive wedges of diverse and pain even further. She dives into all of the complexities of racism and our failures in racial justice, reminding us that there is much work to be done.  I think one online description of the book speaks to the effect of this book when it says, “[It is] inviting the reader to confront apathy, recognize God’s ongoing work in the world…” This book excellently communicated through personal narratives the ways that many of its non-Black readers should take time to evaluate the comforts of our lives that are not offered to our brothers and sisters and how our choices in life keep the wedges present. She offers that this kind of evaluation and work toward illumination is the holy work of the Spirit.

To-Read: How to Raise a Reader by Maria Russo and Pamela Paul

 Tell us, what are you currently reading? What’s on your To-Read Pile?