Three Books Worth Reading Today

These three books are truly worth reading! Whether you like a hard copy book in your hand, or love to listen on the go, I really think you will find a lot of value in all three books that have just released in the last few months.

I used to feel guilty if I bought a book and didn’t finish it. I don’t feel that way any more. Some books are worth reading all the way to the last page, and some just aren’t. Most of us have a limited amount of time to read, or even worse, a limited attention span. So I’ve done the hard work for you! Here are my picks for February.

1. Five Lies of our Anti-Christian Age by Rosaria Butterfield

I typically start off listening to a book on Audible. If it’s really good, I’ll buy the book and read it. This is a book to buy! If you aren’t familiar with Rosaria, she has authored a few other books. One of my favorites is The Gospel Comes with a House Key.

Five Lies of our Anti-Christian Age speaks to all the things we are currently facing as Christians in 2024. Because Rosaria led a completely different life before becoming a Christian, (as a lesbian university professor) her understanding of the issues adds a lot to the conversation. She speaks plainly about the lies of homosexuality, unbiblical spirituality, feminism, transgenderism, and modesty.

Digging into the Word

One of the things I really love about the book is that she uses scripture to point us back to the truth that is being forgotten. Along with this, she offers wisdom is dealing with real life situations. The secular worldview our society is living affects all of us and we have to be armed and ready when we are faced with these lies.

But honesty, the best reason to read this book is that it offers hope. The book gives real life examples of people lost in their sin, but it also gives stories of courage and change, including Rosaria’s own story. Yes, we are living in a world of lies, but the Bible offers us a clear path to walk forward in Christ.

If you want to tune in to a good interview of Rosaria and learn a bit more about the book, check out this interview with Alisa Childers. I really enjoyed it. Also, the book would make a great read for you next book club selection.

2. Upon Waking: 60 Daily Reflections to Discover Ourselves and the God We Were Made For by Jackie Hill Perry

I had this book sitting in my Amazon cart for a bit. Keeping books in my cart is my way of keeping a list of what I want to read next. Yes, I know I can add it to my “wish list”, but this just seems to work better for me. LOL Anyway, I wound up receiving this as a gift from a close friend who also has an obsession for books! Needless to say, the book is WORTH READING!

Are you familiar with Jackie Hill Perry? If not, you need to get acquainted. Interestingly, this is another author who left a life as a lesbian when she found Christ. Don’t you find that so encouraging! The Holy Spirit is continually working in our lives and bringing hearts to God.

Jackie is probably best known for writing Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been. It’s also a great read. Jackie shares her story of coming to Christ.

Great Devotional Book

But I digress! Upon Waking is the first devotional book Jackie has written. I would rank it as one of the top devotional books I’ve read. It’s deep and it will make you think. Each devotional is based on a scripture and Jackie encourages you to let the book be the starting point, and then jump into your Bible. Rather than just reading her thoughts on the scripture, she wants you to dig deeper in the Word. This is a wonderful approach to a devotional book.

Jackie originally began writing as a poet, which makes her writing style really unique. She offers insights and perspectives that will help you grow as you study the text.

I know of at least one Ladies Bible class that is reading the book in their class, using the devotionals as jumping off points for more discussion. It offers a chance to draw closer as you share you thoughts on the passages. This might offer a nice change of pace for your study group too.

I want to add that this book is written for women, but men can glean from it too. I have found myself reading several of the devotionals out loud to my husband. They speak to everyone.

More Ways to Connect with the Author

Jackie and her husband have a podcast With the Perrys where they discuss relevant topics in todays culture. You sorta feel like you’re just hanging out on the couch with them.

You can also listen to the Bible in the ESV version with Jackie narrating. Crossway offers this as a podcast that began in January of 2024 as a one year reading plan. If you are reading the Bible in a year, this is a fun way to mix it up a bit. You can also visit my shop for more Bible in a Year resources.

3. The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success by Ed Mylett

This suggestion might surprise you! Although I talk a lot about steering away from self-help type books, Ed Mylett offers a different approach than most motivational speakers. It’s because he is a Christian. It makes this book worth reading because he has a unique approach to life. Wanting success and happiness aren’t bad goals in life when they don’t become idols.

The idea of the book is that you are just one intentional thought or action away from changing habits or conditions in your life. Coupled with his chapter on faith, this is a powerful combination that can lead to change at any stage in your life.

The idea for this approach to life came from a lifelong relationship between Ed and his dad. His father was an alcoholic for many years, then made a courageous decision to change when Ed was a teenager. It’s a compelling story that is woven into the chapters of the book.

A Book Worth Hearing on Audible

This is one book that I highly recommend the Audible version. Because Ed narrates the book himself, he brings it to life. Having a hard copy is also helpful for going back and making notes about ideas you want to implement in your own life.

As you listen or read the book, just remember to keep your faith in the forefront of your mind. Our end goal is to reflect Christ in all that we do. Your heart needs to be set on giving him the glory for every success instead of believing we can achieve our goals on our own. God is where the joy is.

Keep Reading, Keep Growing

If you haven’t picked up a book in a long time, can I encourage to try one of these? Maybe get the Kindle version so you can read it when you have bits of time on the go. Perhaps 30 minutes of reading instead of 30 minutes of scrolling the socials. Our short attention spans have made it difficult to read anything of length. This is a struggle for me as well. But, I find that the more intentional I am with making time to read, the easier it is to keep reading and learning.

As my husband used to tell our kids when they were younger, “Don’t let you mind go to mush!”

You are precious in his sight,