Tag: World Book Day

Books for Christian women this World Book Day

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Happy World Book Day! Over on the Woman Alive blog, myself and the Woman Alive book club members have put together a list of ‘10 books every Christian woman should add to her reading list this World Book Day’. I was inundated with brilliant suggestions, so decided to continue the celebration of books here. So please find another 10 books recommended by us!

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser (Zondervan)

I first came across this book when my mum died in 2020. It is an honest account of a horrific car accident in which Jerry’s wife, mother and daughter died. He describes how he wrestled with his own grief as well as caring for his children but found a new spiritual depth as he did so. I found it profoundly helpful as did Elayne: “I read many books dealing with bereavement after my husband died suddenly, leaving me a widow aged 40 with three teenagers and this was the one I found most helpful.”

All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols (Zondervan) 

Morgan is an artist, poet and musician, with a huge Instagram following. This collection of poetry and prose is beautifully presented. Amanda says the book is: “really helpful for anyone struggling with their mental health (or not), to only do what we can, to take one day at a time; to learn self-acceptance.”

Boundaries by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend (Zondervan)

This New York Times bestseller teaches how to say no (and yes) and protect healthy boundaries while still upholding biblical principles. Lorraine says: “Boundaries changed my life; it was the first time I got validation, coming from a narcissistic home.”

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero (Zondervan)

Peter asserts that you can’t be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. Having learned this the hard way as a pastor, he encourages us all to take note of our emotional health and to integrate it with our spiritual health by slowing down and learning principles such as letting go of power and control, and breathing by practising Sabbath and rest. Laura explains: “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is one of only a few books where I have sensed the Holy Spirit working within me as I read it. I was convicted of unhealthy areas of my mind / past and enabled to move forward in a closer relationship with Jesus.”

God Isn’t Finished With You Yet by Catherine Campbell (IVP)

In this book, Catherine retells biblical stories of those such as Abigail, John Mark and the Samaritan woman who had difficult lives and perhaps struggled to see God’s path for them. There are also ‘Life lessons’ sections, which provide key helpful biblical teaching around the theme of each story and reflection questions. Wendy comments that this helps us to “know God is here whatever our struggle”.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver (Waterbrook)

This book has sold over a million copies. It was one of the first books that I read with my physical book club and we all found its gentle approach about a life of intimacy with God opened up a lot of conversations about striving, needing to learn to rest in him and not worry about what others think of us. Laura says: “I first read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World when I was overwhelmed with juggling young children, work and ministries at church. It was very easy to read but very challenging in a gentle way and shepherded me back to a more intimate relationship with Jesus, offloading various burdens on the way.”

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan)

This book has sold more than one and a half million copies. It invites the reader on a journey of discovering God’s blessings in everyday life, of being present to God in all circumstances. Liza says: “One Thousand Gifts was given to me by a friend who said: ‘This could be life-changing.’ And she was right. It looks at how we can give thanks in the midst of suffering and open our eyes to all the ways God loves us. I was struggling in lots of areas and it made me see the goodness all around me.”

Reason for God by Tim Keller (Hodder & Stoughton)

Liz describes this book: “In 1 Peter 3:15 we are encouraged to be ready to give answers for the hope we have. In our culture today it’s more and more difficult to speak truth. The Reason for God by Tim Keller helps us to not only think about how we would form answers to difficult questions, but also speaks into the places where doubts linger in ourselves. It’s assuring, encouraging and motivating with rational arguments that address big questions like suffering, origins, the intersection of science and faith and how we can, as Christians, apply God-given reason to matters of faith. It’s also bursting with hope: this book doesn’t outline arguments in the dry and theoretical way of many theology tomes but helps readers connect good apologetics and the deep emotion of knowing and being known by the God who is the creator of the universe. It left me both more certain in my faith and thirsty for more of God.”

Surprised By Hope by NT Wright (SPCK)

Leading theologian Tom Wright outlines the present confusion about future hope in both the church and world, explains the bodily resurrection of Jesus and explores the biblical hope for the ‘new heavens and new earth’. He convincingly argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. Fiona says it “Gave me a reason to remain a Christian when I was tempted to walk away. Gave me hope” and Amy comments: “Tom Wright has deepened my faith so much.”

The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian (Harvest House Publishers)

Stormie has written a whole series of ‘The Power of a Praying…’ books, which have sold more than 28 million copies! This one is a bestseller, selling more than two million, and focuses on the fact that many of us can find it easier to pray for friends, family and church family but God wants us to talk about our own lives with him too. Stories, scriptures and prayers are included to encourage women of all ages to find hope and purpose in their everyday lives. Stormie’s books are a real provocation to turn to God in prayer in every situation and circumstance of life.

We know there are so many other books we could have included. Why don’t you let us know in the comments section below what would make it into your Top 10 for World Book Day? And if you’d like to join the Woman Alive book club please do – it is totally free to do so and we’d love to have you! You can get more information here.

World Book Day

As it is World Book Day, I wanted to finally get back to posting some book recommendations, based on what I have been reading recently. It has been far too long, and the list I’ve put here is just a tiny reflection of the books that have touched me in the last couple of years. Nevertheless, they are well worth a look.

Love, Interrupted by Simon Thomas

This was the book I was reading as I sat next to my mum while she took her ten-day journey to heaven. I read it at all hours of night and day, as we took it in turns to sit with, and care for, mum. Simon’s loss was unexpected, quick and heart breaking and he pulls no punches with his honesty about what life was like for him and his son in the first year after his wife died. The writing is raw, for which I am truly grateful – we need more books like this. 

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser

This is my current read, which I started while staying down with my dad just after mum died. It is a man’s honest experience of a freak car collision that caused the death of his wife, mother and daughter. He and their other children survived. Since then, he has wrestled with what happened, and with his faith, but has come to the conclusion that loss gives us a chance for our souls to grow. When I was looking for books about grief this was one that was recommended by many and I can see why. There is much to challenge and stretch, but it is also like having a companion for my grief journey.

The Promise is His Presence 
by Glenna Marshall

I read this book last year, but have just been putting together an interview with Glenna for Woman Alive (and with so much material there may be a blog too!) After facing infertility, chronic pain and huge hurt as her and her husband ministered to a new church, God took Glenna on a journey of discovering that, when it comes down to it, his presence truly is all that matters. Again, a really challenging, but equally life-changing book.

Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst

I am using this devotional each day. The entries are quite short and easy-to-read but, so far, most of them have really spoken to me, as Lysa shares honestly and openly about her own struggles. There are 100 devotions that cover all sorts of everyday issues, inviting us to see how God longs for an intimacy in our relationships with him – wanting to embrace us with his loving arms.

Isaiah’s Legacy by Mesu Andrews

I love Mesu’s writing and was eagerly anticipating receiving this book. I saved it for when I knew I’d have a few days when I could devour it – and was quickly drawn into the story. It actually deals with a lot of darkness and sin from an ugly time in the story of God’s people, so be warned. But there is grace and redemption too…

Celebrating World Book Day

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My kids have gone to school today armed with their favourite book to share with their class. It got me thinking about how I can celebrate World Book Day, so I want to share with you a few of the books that I have read recently, which I have enjoyed and been impacted by. The rest of the family have joined in too – while this is a fairly long blog post I hope there’s something in here for everyone to enjoy on World Book Day 🙂

The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst

This was written by the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Its full title is The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. As a busy working mother, pastor’s wife and worship leader my life can seem an unending ‘to do’ list. I think our culture perpetuates the myth that we always need to be doing (or at least be seen to be doing!). But God has been talking to me about that recently, nudging me gently to take stock, learn to prioritise and say no in order to spend time with Him – and find my ‘best yeses’. As soon as I opened this book it felt like it could have been written just for me – it resonated so deeply and the illustrations were of situations I could relate to directly.

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Lysa explains the idea behind the book: ‘In the Spring of 2013, I sat down with 100 women from across America ranging from early twenties to retirement. I asked them their deepest needs and desires, challenging them to name the real struggles they face in striving to live well and follow Jesus.

‘The answer that surfaced over and over: feeling overwhelmed and empty in not knowing how to make wise decisions in the midst of endless demands. As I listened to them I thought, “me too”. I knew this was the next issue I must tackle in my writing.’

There is a LOT of wisdom within the pages of this book about the reasons behind why we always feel the need to say yes, and why saying no is so important. I hope that I remember and implement as much of the advice as possible as I know it will do me – and those around me – good. I heartily recommend this book if you regularly feel overwhelmed by the pace of your life.

Forgetful Heart by Lucy Mills

A fellow member of the Association of Christian Writers, I had already come across Lucy’s writing in other forms so was intrigued to see what her first book would be like. The subject matter already had my interest as I know I have a forgetful heart (as well as mind!), and that it can be difficult to connect with God in our busy, distracted world.

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Here is Lucy on the inspiration behind the book: ‘There were three main threads that came together to inspire and form Forgetful Heart. One was a recognition of my own spiritual forgetfulness, a confession of my own weakness. Another was the result of exploration – reading through scriptures that called on the people of God to remember him, not to forget the One in whom they found their very identity. The third thread was a fascination with how our minds work, how we retain and retrieve information. Together, these wound themselves into an idea that would not let me go. The book had to be written, regardless of whether anyone else cared to read it. I needed to make that journey.’

I love the way that Lucy writes with real honesty but also allows the grace of God to shine through the book. Unpacking what our memories are, why they are important, what causes us to forget and how we can learn to remember God, she definitely takes us on a journey – through her own experiences and those of biblical people. Each chapter ends with a poem she has penned herself – a beautiful touch and a great way of helping us to make things personal too as so many read like psalms or prayers. She also provides the reader with questions to ponder. There is a real richness to this book, and I am convinced it is one that I will come back to time and time again.

And now for something completely different…

A Killer’s Countdown by Wendy Jones

Wendy is the webmaster of the Association of Christian Writers and also provides information for Christian ebook downloads on Facebook. I have gotten to know her via these forums over the past few years. When her debut novel came out towards the end of last year I was excited to read it, especially as I know it is the type of book that I enjoy but very rarely go out of my way to get hold of. For the majority of time, my reading consists of reading non-fiction Christian books ‘for a reason’ – to review, for research, to help me develop, to help me lead others, and so it was refreshing to read something purely for pleasure, which I knew I wasn’t supposed to be learning from! 😉 It is the first in a series of books about Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie. She is new to the job so has something to prove – which she does in admirable fashion.

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Wendy explains why she chose to write crime fiction: ‘I have been a lifelong reader of mysteries and also enjoy writing. So my writing a murder mystery was a natural progression from that. I wanted to write a crime book that could be read by anyone so avoided the swearing and sex which is in so many books these days. That doesn’t mean the book isn’t realistic as it is gritty and somewhat gruesome in places. Although I am a Christian the book isn’t overly Christian but written for a crossover market.’

Wendy paints a great picture of DI McKenzie’s life as a detective within the Scottish backdrop (she had obviously done her research into the subject), as well as building tension perfectly. Even once you know who the killer is, the cat and mouse game has you turning pages more and more quickly as the suspense grips you. If you like crime / detective stories I would recommend you get hold of this book, as I’m sure you’ll enjoy it immensely.

My family’s choices…

My son, age 6, loves The Book with No Pictures because it makes parents say silly stuff when they are reading it to their kids. The premise of the book is the explanation it gives of how books work: ‘Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say’. Such as: ‘my head is made of blueberry pizza’. Yes, this book brings lots of giggles to our house – thanks to their auntie who bought it for Christmas 🙂

topz secret diaries

My daughter, age 9, loves the whole Jane Blonde series. A young girl, she becomes an agent and, along with her friends and her family, try to stop her evil uncle Copernicus. The books are about her missions.

She also loves the Topz Secret Diaries. Topz is the daily Bible reading notes produced by CWR, which she also enjoys, and the books focus on particular characters – revealing their secret thoughts about friends and God as well as details of their everyday lives in diary form.

A recommendation from my husband: The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung. This is a well known classic, which he read again recently while preparing for our Father Heart of God preaching series. It really brought home how fundamental it is to be assured of, and secure in, the Father’s total love and acceptance.

A final word from me…

There is a wealth of reading material out there – and so much treasure to discover. For instance, drawing on books I read more than a few months ago: of the novels I love (actually I ‘devour’) CF Dunn’s ‘The Secret of the Journal’ series; I also found Sisters of Lazarus by Paula K. Parker a refreshing take on a familiar subject. I was challenged and undone by Krish and Miriam Kandiah’s book on adoption and fostering Home for Good, and spurred on and encouraged by Chine Mbubaegbu’s Am I Beautiful? (a book I edited a couple of years ago, but which is definitely staying on my shelf for my daughter to read in her tweens). I laughed and learned through Rob Parsons’ new book The Wisdom House, thoroughly agreed with Philip Yancey’s Vanishing Grace and have also gleaned so much from Jeff Lucas’ latest title, which I have had the privilege of editing recently (called There are No Ordinary People it is due out in May).

As someone who reviews books it gives me such joy to feast my eyes on the piles of books I have waiting for me to dive into – I’m thrilled to have received Cathy Madavan’s first book Digging for Diamonds this morning – I just know that’s going to be a good one 🙂 So, whether you are an avid reader or not, can I encourage you to pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read today and get stuck into it?!

Happy World Book Day x