I’m working on my review of Gillian Marchenko’s Still Life (which you really should read!) and the NIrV Kids’ Devotional Bible (my latest BookLook Bloggers choice). In the meantime, check out some of the books on my to-read list.
Have you read any of them? What did you think? Have any new suggestions for me?
See something you want to check out? Maybe we could read together!
Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those who Suffer from Depression
Zack Eswine
I have a Kindle sample of this (I read Kindle books on my Android phone), which I need to finish.
For those struggling with depression and assuming they are confined to the sidelines because of their mental health, Spurgeon’s example should serve as a great encouragement. Spurgeon knew what to do when the lights were on. And after awhile he knew how to take time off in the midst of darkness. We’ve much to learn here.
Mike Leake, Amazon Editorial Review
…Spurgeon from early years to final days found dark distress ever hovering on the edges of his mind and sometimes launching an all out assault on his very being. How he managed all this, by the grace of God, both for himself and for others, drives both the gripping content and the riveting literary style of Zack Eswine in Spurgeon’s Sorrows.
Tom J. Nettles, Amazon Editorial Review
Soul Bare: Stories of Redemption
alternate subtitle: Reflections on Becoming Human
edited by Cara Sexton
I learned about this from Tammy Perlmutter, over at The Mudroom. Tammy is one of the contributors.
Honesty, authenticity and vulnerability. You want to be a person who reflects these qualities. But sometimes it’s just hard to reveal your deepest hardships and struggles. How are Christians supposed to have hope and experience wholeness amid personal challenges and failures? The women and men of Soul Bare not only intimately understand the risks of exposure, but they are also willing to share their most poignant and painful moments with you.
Amazon description
The hurting was years in the making, and the healing was years in the happening, but it did happen and it will continue.
Tammy Perlmutter
Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life
Beth Allen Slevcove
This and the following book, as well as Soul Bare, were recommendations in the back of Still Life (Have I mentioned you should read this? Yes, yes I have.)
The losses in our lives are both big and small, and cover a range of experiences…. All of these losses can build into questions and doubts about faith. We may experience depression or other mental health struggles. Where is God in the midst of our losses?
from the Amazon description
When Life Goes Dark: Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression
Richard Winter
Depression strikes millions, across all ages and demographic groups. Approximately one in eight will have a severe depressive episode at some point in their life…. And over fifty percent of people with serious depression do not get adequate help. What can be done? Psychiatrist and theologian Richard Winter explores the complex medical and psychological issues surrounding depression. He sorts through recent scientific research on its biochemical and genetic causes and examines social and cultural factors. Winter also dispels common Christian misunderstandings of depression and looks at how biblical characters experienced severe despair. Throughout he offers ways to help the suffering.
from Amazon description
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simple, More Soulful Way of Living
Shauna Neiquist
I’ve been hearing good things about this one. A friend is doing the study with ladies from her church this fall, and I’m looking forward to hearing what she has to say about it.
A few years ago, I found myself exhausted and isolated, my soul and body sick. I was tired of being tired, burned out on busy. And, it seemed almost everyone I talked with was in the same boat: longing for connection, meaning, depth, but settling for busy.
Shauna Neiquist, in the Amazon description
The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life
Ann Voskamp
Okay, this one isn’t yet available, but can be preordered.
After being punched in the stomach a few years ago (in a good way) by her One Thousand Gifts, I know The Broken Way will be a challenging, worthwhile read.
If you’ve never read One Thousand Gifts, don’t let the cover mislead or dissuade you. The pretty cover and the gushing over gift-listing rather turned me off, and I put off checking out what looked like a fluffy, superficial read. It was anything but, and I highly recommend it.
New York Times best-selling author Ann Voskamp sits at the edge of her life and all of her own unspoken brokenness and asks: What if you really want to live abundantly before it’s too late? What do you do if you really want to know abundant wholeness? This is the one begging question that’s behind every single aspect of our lives — and one that The Broken Way rises up to explore in the most unexpected ways.
Amazon description
How about you?
As I said earlier, I’d love to hear what you think about my choices. If you’ve read them, did you find them valuable? Do you have a recommendation for something I should add?
Would you like to read one with me?
Comment below!!
While you’re here… Check out some reviews of Books Worth Reading!
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