A Growing List of Hopeful & Helpful Books
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. For many years, I have been drawn to books that edify, teach, encourage, or inspire me - books that are hopeful and/or helpful. Now, I am sharing those books with you!
This “at-a-glance” format, with brief summaries below each book image, will help you quickly identify your next uplifting read. Books are divided by genre and are listed in no particular order within the broad categories.
For some of these selections, I have written full BOOK REVIEWS - these will have links to the review, or you can click on the Book Review tab on the main menu to find them all.
Please know that I don’t always agree with every statement in every book. But I do attempt to put everything I read through a Biblical filter with discernment; I hope you will do that also.
I’ll update my Good Book List regularly, so check back often for more great suggestions to help you grow, feel encouraged, or simply relax into a good story!
Good Book List
Jump to Category
Theology & Christian Living | Fiction & Historical Fiction | Parenting | Bible Studies | Memoirs & Biographies | Devotionals | Miscellaneous | For Writers
Theology & Christian Living
The best way to explain the book's purpose might be to use the author’s own words: “…it is an attempt to make our mental image of who God is more accurate.” (127). It’s beautifully written and destined to become a classic in Christian literature.
As a self-proclaimed layman of the faith, Lewis humbly puts forth the explanations that helped him understand seemingly unfathomable spiritual mysteries. He does this in an engaging way that makes the book the enduring classic that it has become.
This tender book journals a father’s travels through a dark valley after the sudden death of his son. But it’s also a believer’s guide to mourning in light of the gospel. And whether the reader's loss is recent or long past, the insight Challies offers is valuable.
Hansen engagingly lays out a compelling case that Biblical masculinity means showing up, taking responsibility, and protecting the vulnerable. It’s a good resource for men that would generate interesting group discussions. But I also recommend it for women who want to learn new ways to support the men in their lives.
Based on a lifetime of teaching, coaching, and experiencing overwhelm himself, Tommy Thompson has created a compassionate and practical guide for identifying and dealing with overload. Through personal examples and Biblical wisdom, he helps us breathe again. (Companion Bible study also available).
Reading this book by pastor, author, and counselor Nicole Unice felt like a much-needed relational and communication boot camp. She teaches readers how to lean in during pivotal moments of conflict to experience “miracle moments” of growth and healing. (Companion Bible study also available).
Keller takes a deep and helpful dive into the profound topic of prayer - our conversations with God. Even the disciples wondered how to pray, asking Jesus to teach them. With practical insights and tapping into the Bible and the works of great Christian thinkers, Keller helps readers learn how to go deeper. A well-researched and accessible book, it’s had a measurable impact on my prayer life.
By humbly and authentically sharing his personal experiences in life and prayer, Miller helps us to get real about our preconceptions, misconceptions, and even ignorance about our conversations with God. He skillfully shows us how to make prayer a vital and valuable part of everyday life - helping us see that the “work” of prayer isn’t work at all.
Lawyer and author Justin Earley offers practical guidance for re-framing the habits that fill our days and shape our hearts. With refreshing candor and a succinct writing style, Earley makes a compelling argument about the impact of our “automatic behaviors.” For anyone concerned about spiritual formation, technology’s soul impact, and the power of our choices, check it out.
Justin Earley takes the lessons of his book, The Common Rule, and applies them to parenting. In his words, “…by changing our knee-jerk reactions to ordinary situations, we uncover different ways of letting God’s grace guide our hearts - and our children’s hearts - into new patterns of life together.” (p. 8) Helpful for grandparents & couples as well.
Because emotions are such an integral part of our human design, it would seem logical that we should intuitively understand them. But, to the contrary, many factors influence our awareness and experience of emotions. Husband and wife Tristen & Jonathan Collins offer this helpful guide to help readers unpack feelings in a way that leads to emotional health and flourishing and a deeper connection to God.
Author & pastor Tim Keller penned this book during the early phases of the pandemic while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. His calm voice of faith, trust, and reason, particularly during such a difficult season, is incredibly inspiring. He points us to the Source of all hope - the resurrection of Christ - and explains how that hope permeates and changes everything, now and in the future.
Fiction & Historical Fiction
Although I knew C.S. Lewis married Joy Davidman late in life, I had never heard their unlikely love story. Author Patti Callahan brilliantly tells the tale in this historical fiction book, revealing how the relationship changed the famous author and his fascinating bride and shaped their faith. An intriguing read.
I laughed out loud throughout this ridiculous tale of the infamous valet, Jeeves, and his employer, Bertie Wooster. Who knew a story about a stolen cow creamer could have so many twists and turns - and be such a pleasure to read? Now I know firsthand why Wodehouse is legendary for his wordsmithing.
This is the first in a heartwarming series about a group of (mostly) lovable characters navigating the ups and downs of daily life and relationships. Each book is a delightful escape from the stresses of daily living. If you love Rosamund Pilcher, you’ll love Jan Karon’s endearing and enduring novels.
A unique and creative story about the fictional Theophilus, a Roman aristocrat who came up with the idea of releasing Barabbas instead of Jesus before the crucifixion. Devastated when it backfires, he has a chance at redemption years later when he must defend Paul (Saul) before Caesar. My teenage son loved this book as well!
Parenting
The best thing we can do for our children, even before birth, is to pray for them. But moving from fear-based prayers of what we want for them to scripture-based prayers of what they really need is an indispensable gift. Through engaging stories and practical teaching, Jodie Berndt shows us how.
Once kids enter their teenage years, a whole new set of parenting tools becomes necessary. The first one in any parent’s arsenal should be prayer. Guiding our children to greater independence and interdependence requires tremendous dependence on God. Another excellent guide by Jodie Berndt.
Who knew that parenting doesn’t end when kids become legal adults? If anything, parents may feel the strain of observing hard things in kids’ lives without the ability to help in a healthy way. Giving adult children the gift of daily prayers on their behalf is one of the best ways to show them love in this season.
This is one of my favorite books on parenting. Reading it when my four kids were teens challenged, convicted, and encouraged me. Rather than focusing on specific behaviors, Tripp cuts to the heart of what it means to raise kids with a God-centered focus. He helped me gain eternal perspective while I was in the daily trenches of parenting.
Bible Studies
This can be read as a standalone book, but I recommend the accompanying Bible study & video series. The author brings home what the Bible says about our words with grace, humor, and excellent ideas for practical application. I’ve studied this with two different groups; it was powerful for all.
In this New Testament study based on the story of Peter (a disciple of Christ) author Patricia Clarke seamlessly weaves together historical facts, personal observations, probing application questions, and Biblical truths. Her thoughtful guidance and well-crafted lessons make it easy to dive into Bible study for the 1st time, or the 15th.
Memoirs & Biographies
Co-authors and spouses Jay & Katherine alternate sharing about their journey to healing following Katherine’s devastating, life-altering stroke at age 26. Through their life-altering experience, (in their words) God "disrupted the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.” Amen.
This is one of my all-time favorite stories. Louis Zamperini demonstrated a remarkable spirit of adventure, resilience, and grit throughout his wild ride of a life. But it’s when he came to the end of himself that his story became the most powerful and memorable. The movie didn’t do his story justice - read the book!
When committed atheist Carolyn Weber arrived at Oxford University, academic and intellectual pursuits were the only passions she had in mind. Instead, she was surprised by ideas that challenged her belief that faith in God was incompatible with reason. This lovely memoir also offers a fascinating glimpse into storied Oxford and a sweet love story.
It isn’t surprising that this book is both lyrical and descriptive since the author, Andrew Peterson, is a talented singer and songwriter. Peterson creatively weaves his passion for trees into tales from his past and present, encouraging readers to look for God’s comfort, provision, and power through His creation.
Well-known Bible study author and speaker Beth Moore vulnerably shares her life story in this highly-anticipated memoir. Sadly, her childhood involved tragic abuse by a close family member. When recent political events brought that pain to the surface, what followed was a season that rocked her ministry and her world.
Philip Yancey’s story begins in early childhood with the death of his father from polio. From there, he relays his painful story of growing up in poverty with a dysfunctional family deeply involved in churches that sometimes got Biblical theology very wrong. His story is one of grace and how God can overcome fear and brokenness to heal even the deepest wounds.
This detailed biography offers glimpses into the life and mind of famous German pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed for his role in a conspiracy to overthrow Hitler’s regime during WWII. Of equal interest to Bonhoeffer’s life story is the sobering history of the church’s decisions and divisions during the unconscionable rise of National Socialism and its accompanying evil.
Devotionals
Wisdom is valuable in all seasons of life, but aspects of our modern world make wise thinking more crucial than ever. This devotional book brought Proverbs to life for me, teaching me how to apply wisdom straight from God to my day-to-day thoughts and actions. Makes a great gift for people of all ages and situations.
Tripp’s direct but grace-filled style, marked by personal sharing and wrestling with profound truths, resonates with me. Every year I find myself re-reading this book. It’s accessible to Christians anywhere in their walk or to people seeking to learn more about Christianly thinking.
This is a classic devotional for anyone wishing to be challenged spiritually and intellectually. Written by a 19th-century Scottish pastor, the words are as wise and applicable today as when Chambers penned them. There is a reason it’s one of the most popular Christian devotionals ever published.
Kim’s devotions are as sweet and authentic as she was. The entries honestly and humorously relay how she witnessed God at work in her roles as a mom, wife, neighbor, patient, and friend before her death from cancer. She shares her faith with genuine humility and joy.
Miscellaneous
Guillen earned three PhDs, taught at Harvard, and is an Emmy award-winning science correspondent. He has the unique ability to take incredibly complex scientific concepts and make them understandable to anyone. He’s also a Christian who demonstrates how intelligence and Biblical faith aren’t at odds. It’s rare to find science presented so honestly, clearly, and Biblically. I also love his podcast
For Writers
Every writer knows that the editing process is more challenging than the actual writing! Susan Bell’s insights and advice cast the essential work of editing in a lovely new light, making the process feel more like a craft than a chore.
A must-read for every non-fiction writer! Chock full of concrete writing and editing advice, encouragement from the trenches, and wise insight into the spiritual formation of writing. I re-read this every year.
Even though I read with several years of experience in online faith blogging, I gained valuable insights. The authors alternate sharing useful knowledge about the online publishing world and tried-and-true tips for navigating it in a practical and approachable way. Highly recommend it to Christian bloggers or those considering starting a blog.