RELATE READS
With social media, streaming platforms, and endless options for entertainment, it would seem that the days of the book are over, right?
Wrong.
According to BookNet, book sales in Canada increased throughout the first half of 2021. The year prior, the famed 2020, broke records with the number of books that were purchased. It seems the humble book isn’t gone, and bookworms everywhere are rejoicing.
This begs the question: What book should you add to your reading list? We talked to some of our staff to find out what books have impacted them. Read on to find out!
ANGELA DOELL, Lead Pastor, recommends The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves and The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty and Community by Curt Thompson. She says:
I recently read both of these books, one soon after the other. They gave me language for some of my own complexities and helped me better understand some of the beautiful and complicated people I love and serve. There were lots of aha moments over here! Dr Curt Thompson, the author, is a psychiatrist who explains our neurobiology in light of theology. I finished these books with an intense sense of awe for God and His creation. Our lives aren't problems to be fixed but full of potential to create truth, beauty and goodness.
BRANDON DONNERY, Youth and Young Adults Director, recommends Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He says:
This is the best book I have read on the value of community. While this book was written in 1939, the wisdom here is still so applicable to our lives together. His thoughts on burden-bearing community and the death of real community due to our over-sized expectations are stand out!
LILLIE BUNNETT, Reception and Administration Assistant, recommends Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. She says:
This is an ouch hallelujah read. It’s a Christian allegory that describes the bumpy road of life as we walk with Jesus--it’s messy, it’s trying and in many ways unsafe, yet the most beautiful and fulfilling journey. I felt so encouraged by this story that I’ve given this book to as many people I can!
SARAH ROBERTS, Accounting, recommends Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of Our Daily Choices by Julie Clawson. She says:
One book that I really enjoyed reading is called ‘Everyday Justice’ by Julie Clawson. This book talks about our everyday choices and how they can have a big impact even globally. Many different ethical issues are discussed and the best part is, Julie talks about how being informed about social justice in our society is also a way of loving God and our neighbours. Although there are big issues all around the world that seem too big for us to handle, our little decisions to make better choices and be informed can have a global impact.
DAN COMRIE, Valley Campus Pastor, recommends A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie. He says:
Learning to pray effectively and consistently is maybe the single most powerful thing we can do in this world, and this devotional book by theologian Dr. John Baillie is a great resource. The book offers a 31 days worth of daily prayers for the morning and the evening. If you’re looking to grow in the area of prayer, this one’s for you!
ALEXANDRA FULLER, Director of Counselling, recommends Suffering and the Heart of God by Diane Langberg. She says:
This is probably the best book I’ve read on suffering. It’s geared towards counsellors, pastors, and those in the helping profession, but I imagine most could get something profound out of it. Langberg, a trauma therapist, blends great theological insight and trauma theory with practical tools for caring. She’s real about sin and suffering, but hopeful too. It’s an incredible read.
MARV MCGEE, Executive Pastor, recommends Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright and Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor. He says:
If you want a “deep read” about the Apostle Paul and the start of the early church, then this book is for you. Reading this book gave me insight into the historical context of the church starting in parts of the world that were fully “secular” and how Paul had such an impact on the ancient world but also on the world of today. What was personally encouraging to me about this book is that although Paul faced great opposition, the power of the Gospel is always greater.
This has got to be the best creative writing I’ve ever experienced from a Christian author! The pictures that she paints with her words drew me into this book quickly. She points out that when we go through difficult or “dark” times, we often question where God is. This book helped reinforce that God walks with me in the dark times and to reflect on the things I’ve learnt during those times, that strengthen who I am as a Christ follower.
ROD DOELL, Pastor, recommends A Burning In My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson by Winn Collier, The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas, and Until Unity by Francis Chan. He says:
I have read more books over the last two years than the rest of all my years combined. Well, I actually love to listen to them while I am working in my garage. Don’t judge me. Audible has been a gift. Here are a few that have helped turn a bunch of my questions into footsteps on this crazy journey we are all in.
PS. We’re not judging you, Rod! We believe audiobooks count!
Alright, now it’s your turn! What books should we add to our reading list? Comment below. Happy reading, Relate fam!
