This is a current, fluid list of our favorite books. New books are occasionally added, as we are introduced to them.
Books on Marriage and Raising Kids
Raising Your Children for Christ (Andrew Murray)
Each chapter uses a passage from the Bible to teach advice on how to shape your kids’ lives for Jesus Christ. It’s practical, radical, and–though written over 100 years ago–very applicable to raising kids in this day and age. I revisit this one often.
Shepherding A Child’s Heart (Tedd Tripp)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Bottom line in this book: Behavior is not the basic issue. All behavior is linked to an attitude of the heart, therefore, discipline must address attitudes of the heart.
This Momentary Marriage (John Piper)
Hands down, the best book I’ve read on marriage. Struggle with a critical attitude? Unmet expectations? “Indeed, the distance between what Christ expects of us and what we achieve is infinitely greater than the distance between what we expect of our spouse and what he or she achieves…Let the measure of God’s grace to you in the cross of Christ be the measure of your grace to your spouse.”
Books on Living a life in Christ
Desiring God (John Piper)
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” This book brings great perspective on who God is and who we are in light of Him. I highly recommend this one–it has helped shape and clarify a lot of my beliefs from scripture.
Humility (Andrew Murray)
This has helped me understand humility better–what it looks like, where it comes from. Pride–the opposite of humility–is the root of every sin, and Murray contends that humility is therefore the root of every virtue. Humility “is not something which we bring to God, or He bestows; it is simply the sense of entire nothingness, which comes when we see how truly God is all, and in which we make way for God to be all.” Lots of good nuggets in this book.
The Cost of Discipleship (Dietrich Bonhoffer)
Bonhoffer lived during Nazi Germany and endured much suffering during his lifetime. His writing reflects a fierce love for God and desire to magnify Jesus Christ. He attacks the kind of “Christian” teaching which says, since we are justified by grace alone, we may go on living like we always have. He calls that cheap grace. Rather, Christianity is all about costly grace. “It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner.”
Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis)
Jim’s favorite, along with countless other people who attribute this book to helping them understand what it really means to be a Christian. C.S. Lewis is the epitome of an intellectual, so this is not a book to read when you’re tired.
Abide in Christ (Andrew Murray)
An entire book written on the image of the vine and the branches from John 15. This helped me appreciate even more what Jesus did for me on the cross. Some really good word illustrations in here.
The Knowledge of the Holy (A.W. Tozer)
Tozer reflects on some of the attributes of God. Reading this book has challenged the way I’ve always thought about God. It’s definitely another deep-thinking book.
Biographies
A Chance to Die (Elisabeth Elliot)
While it took a while to really get into the writing style of the book, there is so much to learn from the life of Amy Carmichael. She is someone I wish I had read about when I was younger. Amazing faith and devotion to the Lord. I want to be like her when I grow up!
No Compromise (Melody Green)
I love Keith Green’s music! This biography is an honest account of his life and sudden death.
Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Janet & Geoff Benge)
Each book features the life of a missionary. The boys love these books because they are written with lots of action. They may be written for kids, but I enjoy them just as much as they do.
Fiction
Left Behind Series (Jerry Jenkins)
First fiction books Jake has gotten into. According to Jake, they are real page-turners. The author uses facts from the Bible about the last days and writes a fictional story as if it were to happen today.
Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
Derek’s favorite right now. He is really enjoying getting to know the characters.
Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne)
Contrary to what Disney has you believe, this book is not just for toddlers! We have used this book as a read-aloud, and we all roll on the floor in laughter. The author uses smart, witty language to paint the stories.
Miscellaneous
The Book of the Elements (Theodore Gray)
A book about a nerdy subject (the periodic table of the elements), but written with wit and humor that anyone would enjoy. Jake spent many late nights digesting this one.
Kids’ Books
Planes (Byron Barton)
Trains (Byron Barton)
These board books are simply written with simple pictures. And frankly, in this house you can’t go wrong with the subject matter. These are requested often during read-aloud time.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Currently Jeremy’s favorite. Some books you never get tired of, and this is one of them.
Mr. Men books–specifically, Mr. Bump, Mr. Strong, Mr. Tickle, Mr. Forgetful, Mr. Chatterbox, Mr. Tall and Mr. Muddle.
Besides bringing me back to my childhood, these are just plain silly books. Plus, the author is British, so we have increased our vocabulary by reading Mr. Men books. For instance, instead of “mailing” letters, they “post” letters.
Can You Choo-Choo?
Fun sounds and colorful pictures. Again, the vehicle subject matter is a guaranteed hit with our family.