It's officially summer this week, although with most schools getting out and the temperature next to boiling, it's felt like summer for several weeks. Not that I'm complaining, I LOVE summer! One of my favorite things to do is sit outside (or poolside) with a good book to read. So I asked for help from the church staff, and together we put together a list of books we've read or are planning to read this summer. If you're looking for something to read this summer, give one of these a try!
Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien I fell in love with the movies in college and want to slow down my mind to enjoy the books. I’ve found myself being draw to know more about "Shire Life.’ - Kyle Maloney
Christless Christianity by Michael Horton I read this book a few years back, and more than most books, it sticks with me. It’s a critique of the church in America—but instead of feeling condemning and hopeless, it’s life-giving and inspiring. To use Horton’s words, we often claim the name of Christ, but practice a faith that is: "trivial, sentimental, affirming, and irrelevant." He proposes a return to the gospel of salvation, both personally and corporately. Well worth your time! - Ian Black
The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp I bought my daughter this book for Christmas (she loves it) and plan on reading it when she's done. The book talks about how to enter into our brokenness instead of trying to avoid it and learning from these experiences. It dives into the intricacies of living from a place of surrender and turning our struggles into a place to show God. She would recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing hardships and wants to find the goodness that can come from it. - Ruth Batson
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis This book is written specifically for women and explores 20 lies Rachel told herself. This book is making me look at some of the lies I tell myself that keep me from growing and becoming a better wife, mom, sister, friend, follow of Jesus, etc. One caution: this book is definitely geared towards married women, with one chapter in particular covering husband & wife things...if you get my drift. - Michelle Schrier
Everybody Always by Bob Goff If you feel like you are struggling to love freely and without hesitation, then this book is for you! I went into it knowing that my temperament to those who may annoy me personally, was not a temperament of grace and love. I hear the word “tribe” a lot, and those are wonderful to have, people who support and love you unconditionally—you know, the ones that are easy to be around. I appreciate a solid tribe, even Jesus had a tribe. This book made me consider reaching beyond my inner circle. To take actual time for people, even when it feels inconvenient. Bob Goff gives insight from his extraordinary personal experiences of loving people, all people. - Janna Langebartels
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley Inspiring true story about a young boy in India who boards the wrong train by himself and spends 25 years trying to get back to his family. - Eric Simpson
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns Set in 1906, this is a fun, sweet, endearing story and a quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it! - Julia Davis