I don't know about you, but I love scrolling through social media and coming across someone sharing an image of the books they are currently reading. I enjoy reading book reviews and personal reactions to a book. Of course, this means my book wish list only continues to grow!
Periodically I share on here my own list of books I am currently reading. I often read multiple books at once. This helps me read more and to read widely.
So here's what's on my shelf right now. Many of these I am in the middle of reading:
Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications
: In my graduate program, I studied the DSM inside and out. I memorized much of it in preparation for licensure. It's been almost two decades since I started my Master's program and much has changed in our culture and in the church regarding how people view and understand mental illness. Often, in dicussions on mental illness there are varied opinions and beliefs. This book presents a balanced approach, helping the lay-person understand some of the basics of the DSM, psychotropic medications, and a Biblical response to both. The author put into words many of my thoughts on the subject from my experiences working with the mentally ill. If you work or serve in ministry or have had questions about this subject, I highly recommend this book.
: In my graduate program, I studied the DSM inside and out. I memorized much of it in preparation for licensure. It's been almost two decades since I started my Master's program and much has changed in our culture and in the church regarding how people view and understand mental illness. Often, in dicussions on mental illness there are varied opinions and beliefs. This book presents a balanced approach, helping the lay-person understand some of the basics of the DSM, psychotropic medications, and a Biblical response to both. The author put into words many of my thoughts on the subject from my experiences working with the mentally ill. If you work or serve in ministry or have had questions about this subject, I highly recommend this book.Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering
: Kelly Kapic is a professor and theologian at Covenant College, my alma mater. But this book isn't an academic treatise on the subject of suffering; rather, it is written by someone who knows suffering personally, particularly physical suffering. It's a book that doesn't try to explain God but rather shows us how to suffer with hope by pointing us to Christ, the one who suffered for us. It encourages honest lament both personally and in the context of community. "If we never lament, then it is legitimate to wonder if we have every truly loved. Biblically we discover that lament is a legitimate, even necessary, form of fellowship with God when we are in a place of pain. The Bible repeatedly affirms lament to be an honest and expected expression of our battle with the brokenness of ourselves and the rest of the world."
: Kelly Kapic is a professor and theologian at Covenant College, my alma mater. But this book isn't an academic treatise on the subject of suffering; rather, it is written by someone who knows suffering personally, particularly physical suffering. It's a book that doesn't try to explain God but rather shows us how to suffer with hope by pointing us to Christ, the one who suffered for us. It encourages honest lament both personally and in the context of community. "If we never lament, then it is legitimate to wonder if we have every truly loved. Biblically we discover that lament is a legitimate, even necessary, form of fellowship with God when we are in a place of pain. The Bible repeatedly affirms lament to be an honest and expected expression of our battle with the brokenness of ourselves and the rest of the world."Big Picture Parents: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
: This book is written by an Australian writer who I previously was not acquainted with but she reached out to me and sent me her book. I was intrigued by the title and concept. So many parenting books are based on the author's personal experience and advice on what parenting methods worked for their family, so obviously it will work for you too (insert sarcastic tone of voice). I appreciate Harriet's intention to develop a theology of parenting through God's word. She covers themes in Scripture that help parents see the Big Picture of parenting such as : how God created us and our children, the effect of the Fall both in us and our children, our mutual need for a Savior, God's moral commands, our need for community, etc. She uses these themes from Scripture to tie together a Big Picture for parents on what it looks like to raise our children for God's glory. The tone of the book seems to be for those who are newer to Christianity, but that doesn't mean a seasoned Christian wouldn't benefit from reading it.
: This book is written by an Australian writer who I previously was not acquainted with but she reached out to me and sent me her book. I was intrigued by the title and concept. So many parenting books are based on the author's personal experience and advice on what parenting methods worked for their family, so obviously it will work for you too (insert sarcastic tone of voice). I appreciate Harriet's intention to develop a theology of parenting through God's word. She covers themes in Scripture that help parents see the Big Picture of parenting such as : how God created us and our children, the effect of the Fall both in us and our children, our mutual need for a Savior, God's moral commands, our need for community, etc. She uses these themes from Scripture to tie together a Big Picture for parents on what it looks like to raise our children for God's glory. The tone of the book seems to be for those who are newer to Christianity, but that doesn't mean a seasoned Christian wouldn't benefit from reading it. The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World (Focus for Women)
: Envy of Eve is written by a friend of mine, Melissa Kruger. We are going through this book in our women's ministry at church. I don't think there is a single person who doesn't battle with the sin of envy and the subsequent result of such envy, discontentment. This book gets to the heart of the matter and challenges us to find our contentment in Christ.
: Envy of Eve is written by a friend of mine, Melissa Kruger. We are going through this book in our women's ministry at church. I don't think there is a single person who doesn't battle with the sin of envy and the subsequent result of such envy, discontentment. This book gets to the heart of the matter and challenges us to find our contentment in Christ.A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter
: This is a missionary biography on Lilias Trotter, missionary to the Arabic people. I had not heard of her until a friend of mine sent me this book as a gift. So far, it is a fascinating look at her life and ministry. Whenever I read a missionary biography, I am challenged in my faith. This book is no exception.
: This is a missionary biography on Lilias Trotter, missionary to the Arabic people. I had not heard of her until a friend of mine sent me this book as a gift. So far, it is a fascinating look at her life and ministry. Whenever I read a missionary biography, I am challenged in my faith. This book is no exception. C. S. Lewis and the Art of Writing: What the Essayist, Poet, Novelist, Literary Critic, Apologist, Memoirist, Theologian Teaches Us about the Life and Craft of Writing
: I love this book! In fact, it may just displace my other favorite writing books—it's that good. In fact, I'm savoring it, reading a little at a time so I don't finish it too soon! This book provides a peak into Lewis' writing life, his growth as a writer, his habits and practices in writing, his relationship with other writers, and even his reading habits. It also provides writing prompts based on the lessons learned. If you are a writer looking to grow in your writing, you'll love this book too.
: I love this book! In fact, it may just displace my other favorite writing books—it's that good. In fact, I'm savoring it, reading a little at a time so I don't finish it too soon! This book provides a peak into Lewis' writing life, his growth as a writer, his habits and practices in writing, his relationship with other writers, and even his reading habits. It also provides writing prompts based on the lessons learned. If you are a writer looking to grow in your writing, you'll love this book too.So, that's what's on my shelf these days. What are you reading?
Note: I am a member of the Amazon Affiliates program and links to books in this post are connected to my affiliates account with Amazon.com.
