Alex and Brett’s Booklist
Welcome to our booklist. Last updated: 3/10/08
Here you will find a frequently-updated list of books we are reading, have read, or plan to read. Some of these books were written with a non-Christian worldview, but all of them contain elements we believe will benefit a mature Christian young person.
We don’t include most of the fiction we’ve read or are reading, unless its something we particularly recommend. Most young people are assigned to read great English and American literature in school – so this list is for extracurricular reading.
Use the comments section to suggest, discuss, and ask questions about books. Keep checking back for updates. Also, for more information on a specific book, click on the title link to be directed to Amazon.com or BooksChristian.com.
For us reading must precede writing. We can’t write if we haven’t been feeding, thinking, and challenging ourselves with the thoughts of others. In fact, reading is one of the best and easiest ways to grow in spirit and intellect — an essential part of the Rebelution.
For more thoughts on the subject of reading, click here.
God bless your reading!
Alex and Brett
+ Currently Reading +
———————————————————Tarek is a good friend and a great writer. This book is a powerful antidote to a culture’s pathetic lack of true manhood.
The Reason for God by Tim Keller
The book for modern skeptics or doubting Christians. An eloquent and powerful work in the tradition of Mere Christianity. Highly recommended.
Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen
John Owen has a twofold reputation: 1) His books are hard to read, and 2) reading them is more than worth it. This updated-language edition by Justin Taylor and Kelly Kapic is a great service to the saints.
The philosophy of 37Signals, the software company behind the great web apps Basecamp, Highrise, Backpack, and Writeboard. Warning: mild language.
+ Our Favorites +
———————————————————Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
This book is the message of the Rebelution — our hearts’ cry.
Bringing a biblical truth to bear on all of life, this book is a must-read for any and all rebelutionaries seeking a truly Christian worldview. Get it.
An insightful look at a new breed of conservatives whose politics are built on a holistic, Judeo-Christian religious worldview. We know a lot of crunchy cons.
The Enemy Within by Kris Lungaard
Every time we read this book we gain new insights. It brings the works of Owen to contemporary readers in a way that is easy to understand and apply.
This book is life-changing and hope-giving. Learn what it means to truly know God. To read how this book impacted Alex’s life, click here.
When I Don’t Desire God by John Piper
John Piper is one of our heroes and this book is one of his best. It is intensely practical. Learn to fight for joy — soul-satisfying, unquenchable joy.
Humility: True Greatness by CJ Mahaney
CJ Mahaney is another hero and a shining example of godly leadership. This book is written in the same spirit of humility it inspires in its readers.
Francis Schaeffer Trilogy by Francis Schaeffer
Francis Schaeffer was an incredible man. His influence on our approach to evangelism, apologetics, and worldview has been immense. This trilogy brings together three foundational works — and was life-changing for us at sixteen.
Written at fifteen, this book is Zach’s challenge to his generation to step up and take action. A rebelutionary, Zach is an inspiration and brother in arms.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
An in-depth and thought-provoking look at social epidemics, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to change their culture and their world.
Thoughts for Young Men by JC Ryle
A classic book for young men that has lost none of its applicability in the years since it was written. Highly recommended for both guy and girls.
The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman
Globalization is happening. This book does a great job of identifying the new challenges of the 21st century. To better understand the times in which you live, read this book.
Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Arguments by Randy Alcorn
It’s one thing to be pro-life, it’s another to know how to defend and articulate that conviction to those who are opposed. This is an encyclopedia of the defense of the pro-life position. Get this book.
The Ralph Moody Series by Ralph Moody
We must have read this series six or seven times as a family. Our all-time favorite read-aloud book. Full of incredible life lessons.
I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
We may be biased, but we think this is one of the best books out there for Christian teens. Highly recommended.
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Our constant theological reference work. A systematic theology that is at once weighty and understandable, firmly based in Scripture.
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
A book of particular significance to young adults and rebelutionaries. The title really does say it all. Don’t waste your life. Highly recommended.
+ On Our Reading List +
———————————————————Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This book tells the story of Abraham Lincoln — and weaves together the stories of his rivals for the Republican nomination, who later became his Presidential Cabinet.
Paul Johnson walks you through the great creators of history — from Disney, Picasso, Bach, and Shakespeare to Austen, Twain, and Eliot.
Letters of Francis A. Schaeffer by Francis Schaeffer (edited by Lane Dennis)
These letters give a more personal glimpse into the life and thought of Francis Schaeffer — his personal counsel to friends, family, and people with questions.
The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
Addressing the changing landscape of business and marketing, Chris Anderson argues that the future of business is selling less of more.
A look at technology and the question: How much is too much? MIT graduate Eric Brende and his wife spent eighteen months without electricity. This book is their story.
+ Completed Books +
———————————————————Generation Change by Zach Hunter
Due out on May 1 — this book by Zach is a mini-encyclopedia of causes worth giving your blood, sweat, and tears. A great resource for rebelutionaries.
Freakanomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
A counter-intuitive look at the field of economics. An interesting read.
Evangelical Feminism by Wayne Grudem
Grudem skillfully demonstrates how the popular arguments used by evangelical feminism are steps down the path toward theological liberalisms.
What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper
John Piper walks readers through the commands of Jesus. A powerful and illuminating book on what it means to be a follower of Christ.
The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden
It sometimes seems as if real boys (not to mention real men) are an endangered species. This book helps preserve the adventurous, heroic, and manly in modern boys.
A look at a rising generation of Christian youth from an alarmed author from the other side of the ideological spectrum. Her skewed view of Christians helped us recognize how we too tend to misinterpret and misunderstand people on the “other side.”
A Washington Post reporter embeds herself at Patrick Henry College and provides an outsider’s inside view of a school on the cutting edge of Christian cultural engagement.
The story of Francis and Edith Schaeffer’s incredible ministry. A story of God’s guidance, faithfulness, and provision — using a husband and wife to change countless lives.
Putting Your Passion Into Print by Arielle Eckstut and David Sterry
This book has been invaluable as we’ve navigated the publishing process. It walks you through agents and proposals, writing and editing, publishing and promotion, publicity and marketing, and everything in between. Highly recommend to aspiring authors.
Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
Written by two brothers, this book helps you understand why some ideas stick and other ideas die. A thought-provoking and competence-building book.
Emotional Purity by Heather Paulsen
A helpful examination of the emotional pitfalls of premature guy-girl relationships — even if you don’t “date” and you’re not “courting” yet. A needed book.
Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth by Wayne Grudem
An encyclopedia of responses to the arguments used by evangelical feminists — a scriptural, thorough, and eloquent defense of biblical manhood and womanhood.
Soul Searching by Christian Smith with Melinda Denton
A must-read book for anyone with a heart for this generation. Reporting the findings of the largest and most detailed study of teens and religion ever undertaken, this book gives a keen and insightful look at our generation.
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Purchased at the recommendation of Wayne Grudem, this book has had a big impact on the way we manage our many projects. It promises readers reduced stress and increased productivity — and it delivers.
Forbidden Fruit by Mark Regnerus
Based on national studies of youth and religion, this book examines the role of faith in the decisions young people make about sexual matters. It concludes that religious affiliation makes little difference — but religious practice and commitment makes a lot.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris
Reading biographies of great men and women is a must for rebelutionaries. Theodore Roosevelt is one such man. A powerful example of the principles of the Rebelution in action.
The Case Against Adolescence by Robert Epstein
This book critiques the modern concept of adolescence — like we do, but from a very different worldview.
A Return to Modesty by Wendy Shalit
Wendy Shalit gives a cogent and persuasive argument for the lost virtue of modesty.
Words That Work by Frank Luntz
An interesting analysis of the difference between what you say and what other people hear.
The Complete Father Brown by GK Chesterton
Chesteron has an masterful way with words. Our writing improves dramatically after reading his works — and Father Brown’s understanding of human nature puts him on par, perhaps above, the great Sherlock Holmes.
Booknotes: Stories from American History edited by Brian Lamb
The more time goes on, the greater appreciation and importance we place on the study of history. This books provides countless historians’ takes on events that shaped American history.
The New Faithful by Colleen Carroll
A great reference on the awakening of Christianity in our generation.
Unveiling Islam by Emir and Ergun Caner
Brett and I believe that for Christians to understand the world in which they live, they need to have a solid understanding of the Muslim religion. This book by two former Sunni Muslims greatly assisted us in reaching that goal.
With One Voice by Alex and Marni Chediak
This relatively short book packs a powerful bang for the buck, providing much biblical and practical advice for young men and women seeking to glorify God in relationships. And we must say, the first chapter on the redefinition of youth was excellent.
Reagan’s Children by Hans Zeiger
This book is full of hope for a rising generation. Our good friend and rebelutionary Hans Zeiger presents an exhaustively researched look at the future of our nation.
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
We demonstrate whether our priorities are earthly or eternal by how we spend our time and our money. This book addresses the latter subject and provides the key to unlock the joy of generous giving.
What’s The Difference? by John Piper
John Piper does an excellent job describing the beauty of biblical manhood and womanhood. Highly recommended for young men and women looking for a better understanding of the biblical roles.
The AP Guide to Newswriting by Rene J. Cappon
This book was incredibly helpful and is highly recommended for all writers, particularly bloggers and aspiring journalists.
The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn
An excellent and insightful book on the subject of purity. Great for reading along with your daily devotions.
Living the Cross-Centered Life by CJ Mahaney
It is easy to wrongly center our lives around certain people, things, hopes or dreams. In this book CJ Mahaney draws our focus back to where it should be, the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Universe Next Door by James Sire
Understanding the worldview of other religions is an important step in grasping your own. This book gives a helpful overview and critique of popular (and flawed) religious worldviews.
The Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll
Mark Driscoll is a controversial man. At the same time, he is one of the few men in our country engaging in true evangelism with unflinching loyalty to the Gospel of Christ.
When we first starting blogging, we read this book. An excellent introduction to the art and power of blogging. This was a great foundation.
The Joshua Generation by Michael Farris
Michael Farris is a man we greatly respect. This book is his call for a generation to rise to leadership. Guys especially, need to listen to that call.
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper
It’s easy to get a one-dimensional or simplistic view of Jesus’ life and death. This book smashes such thinking as Piper presents fifty reasons why He came and died for us.
It’s tempting to avoid reading “old” books and just read new ones. That’s a dangerous error. This book presents a timeless and helpful look at the pursuit and practice of holiness.
God’s Lesser Glory by Bruce Ware
A response to the destructive theological movement of open theism. Bruce Ware gives a lengthy and accurate overview of the false doctrine and its arguments, then powerfully and biblically refutes it.
Genesis in Space and Time by Francis Schaeffer
This book walks you through the book of Genesis, explaining the enigmas of secular philosophy with the truth of God’s word.
We were made for a person and a place. Jesus is that person, heaven is that place. This book paints a beautiful picture of our eternal home and refutes many common misconceptions about what the Bible says about heaven.
The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene
A highly thought-provoking book on quantum physics. The field of physics is fascinating and this book puts in terms that a non-math whiz can understand.
In what do we put our faith when things go wrong? Where do we find hope? Not just by looking back to the cross, but by look ahead to the future grace that Christ’s death has bought.
Learn what it means to be a “Christian hedonist” — fulfilling your created purpose to glorify God by loving and enjoying Him forever.
The Dangerous Duty of Delight by John Piper
A small and short book with a powerful message. The call of a Christian is one of danger, but it is also one of delight. This book shows you how to live a perilous life of Christ-centered joy. A small version of Desiring God.
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner
We include books like this on our list, not to make an argument or statement on our theological beliefs, but rather to encourage our readers (guys especially) in the intentional study of doctrine. You will not regret it.
Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris
Who knows if either of us have met “the girl” yet, but suffice to say, when that day comes, we’ll be guided by many of the principles found in this book.
We are made for one thing: To glorify God by enjoying Him forever. Sam Storms communicates this life-shaping truth in a clear and biblical way.
Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris
We have been blessed to benefit from the insight that God has given our older brother. This book is an example of that reality. Convicting, encouraging, biblical and practical, this is a “PG” book on lust for guys and girls.
Stop Dating the Church by Joshua Harris
Our brother stresses the importance of the local church to our growth as Christians and to the fulfillment of our purpose on earth. Learn to love God’s people.
Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett
A beautiful collection of Puritan prayers. Excellent supplement to devotions and church services.
January 29th, 2006 at 5:58 am
Wow. I’ll definitely need to check out some of those! I also highly recommend “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer. It’s a very powerful book!
January 29th, 2006 at 6:20 am
Thanks, Lindsey! It’s been added to the list. =)
January 29th, 2006 at 6:59 am
everything looks good in IE
. I know I will be referring to this list often. Would you guys be averse to making each book’s title/thumbnail a link to the book on amazon.com or another bookseller website? That way your readers would have quick, easy access to more information on the book as well as the option to purchase.
January 29th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Great suggestion, Adrielle. We’re hoping to implement that feature within the next week.
January 29th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Very good choices… I recognize quite a few of those titles as being on our shelves at home, and after I finish reading the numerous books I have going right now I will go dig them out.
January 29th, 2006 at 6:20 pm
Looks great in Firefox.
Thanks for the list!!
January 29th, 2006 at 7:38 pm
Wow…they all look like good books. I’m reading “The Pleasures of God” by John Piper (and no, he’s not the ONLY author I read
), and it’s really good. I’ll have to check out some of the books you mentioned, thanks!
January 29th, 2006 at 8:39 pm
Thanks for adding it! I noticed that you also have “The Cross-Centered Life” on the list. That was a wonderful book!! Hey, today at church my pastor mentioned a book called “So You Want To Be Like Christ”, by Chuck Swindall, I think. He said it was a wonderful book. (He was also the one who told me about “Knowing God”) Ever read it?
January 29th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for the info, Jerad.
Carley, you just reminded me to add another Piper book to our “plan on reading” list. It’s a more recent title, ‘God is the Gospel’.
Lindsey, we haven’t read Swindall’s book… If you read it, be sure to let us know what you think!
January 30th, 2006 at 12:20 am
Presentation looks good. I posted my list last night on my blog.
January 30th, 2006 at 2:51 am
Wow, that’s a great collection. “Money, Posessions & Eternity,” “Knowing God,” “Heaven,” and “Don’t Waste Your Life” (and others you’ve listed) are books that I’ve also benefited from. All of the books you listed which I have read I’ve found to be so good that now I want to read those I am unfamiliar with.
I’ve been reading the Father Brown Mysteries and I completely agree with you: reading the works of writers like Chesterton inspires me in my own writing.
One book I don’t remember seeing listed that I highly recommend: Chuck Colson & Nancy Pearcey’s “How Now Shall We Live?”
January 30th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
Thanks for this booklist, guys! I really want to pick up on my reading this year, so this is very helpful in giving me a look into good books on a variety of topics. One I have read just recently is “The Cross Centered Life” - excellent (I cried about the whole way through) and I’m glad to see it on your list.
I ditto Adrielle’s suggestion; I always look up book titles on Amazon just for more info and reviews.
Btw, thumbnails look fine in Firefox.
January 30th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
This is really great!! Is it possible for you guys to make a link to a printable version of this list so that I could maybe keep it by my computer or take it to the bookstore???
January 30th, 2006 at 9:03 pm
It looks like a great list! I’ve been making my own and I just thought of a few books you might enjoy. Because “End of the Spear” came out last weekend I read a book I just got called “Dayuma” by Ethel Emily Wallis. It is the story of the Waorani girl Dayuma as she told it to Rachel Saint. There is also “Through Gates of Splendour” by Elizabeth Elliot which gives a much more detailed account of the five men and what happened to them on the beach.
I love it that you are sharing this list, but when you update it you might want to put a star or something next to the new entries for the week or however long it is till you update again. This would be nice for those of us who have already seen it, and are looking for the new entries. Thanks for putting this list up! God Bless You!
January 30th, 2006 at 11:41 pm
Great suggestions, everybody! We’ll be working on implementing them over the next week or so.
January 31st, 2006 at 6:54 am
You guys haven’t each read all those books have you? Is that a combined book list?
January 31st, 2006 at 1:39 pm
yay!! good books!!
January 31st, 2006 at 7:29 pm
Anonymous: Most of them, but not all. It is a combined list.
February 1st, 2006 at 6:37 am
I’ve read many books about Eric Liddell and have to say I think “Pure Gold” was the best of all.
Also, I’ve read “When Character Was King” and it was excellent. Another good book on Ronal Reagn is “God and Ronal Reagan” by Paul Kengor. I will enjoy your book list as you update it as I love reading.
February 1st, 2006 at 6:45 am
Thanks Katie! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed both of those books our list. We will have to look into Kengor’s book on Reagan as well. God bless you!
February 2nd, 2006 at 4:51 am
Great list…..A good I book I read that I highly recommend is, Persecuted How Liberals Are Waging War Against Christianity by David Limbaugh. It is a very eye opening book about how God has been slowly taken out of our culture.
February 6th, 2006 at 2:49 am
I’m a fan of anything C.S. Lewis. Currently reading The Screwtape Letters–thoroughly enjoyable.
February 7th, 2006 at 8:33 pm
Interesting list. I’ll have to check some of these out.
You guys are really reading 4 or 5 books each? I can’t wrap my head around more then 3 (either that or one collects dust for a while).
I noticed Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll made the list. I’m a bit curious to hear your thoughts on it.
Sorry, if this has been discussed ad nasum else where, but the archives are a bit much to pour though, and I only found your site recently. I’m curious to hear yours and anyone elses thoughts on the “Emergent” (for lack of a better term) authors, such as Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Don Miller, Erwin Raphael McManus, Michael Frost, Alan Hirsch and Leonard Sweet. I’m sure I missed several, but I am curious to hear what people thing about them or if they’ve read them or are interested in reading them.
Also I noticed that C.S. Lewis is absent from your list, not big Lewis fans?
February 23rd, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I really like the list. I’ve read several of the books, but not nearly as many as I’d like. I hope to read some more of these as soon as possible. I also read some reviews on your brothers books. I’d like to read those, too. They all look interesting.
Thanks,
Kristen
February 23rd, 2006 at 11:16 pm
Have you read “The Screwtape Letters,” by C.S.Lewis? It was a really good book!!
Another book I really enjoy is “How Shall We Then Live,” by Francis Shaffer (sp?).
March 7th, 2006 at 4:32 am
Alex and Brett,
You guys amaze me with your list!!! And I thought I read a lot!
But in all seriousness, I was stunned by the amount of good, quality books you all have taken in, and by how many of them are about our walk with God and becoming a better Christian. That in and of itself is an amazing testimony!
I’ll definately be looking into reading a lot of these, but I’ll also say that you’ll LOVE ALbert Marrin’s stuff, esp. The Yanks are Coming. It was really an eye-opener, and an enjoyable read to boot. And of course it’s hard to go wrong with Piper, he’s amazing!
But anyway, I just wanted to tell you guys that you’re very inspiring with the Christian walk, and I want to encourage you both to keep your lights bright. I can’t wait to read more of your posts!
Your sister in Christ,
Veronika
March 9th, 2006 at 11:19 pm
Come on guys! i mean, i know these books are great, but read some fiction. I don’t know what you guys think, but you should try the Harry Potter books. I find nothing wrong with them, and the Christians who do have a problem with them have probably never read any good fiction.
March 10th, 2006 at 8:23 am
Nathaniel: Thanks for the reminder! We do love C.S. Lewis, but we haven’t read anything of his recently, so they didn’t get on the list. We’ll most likely be adding several of his works in the near future.
Stuart: Actually, we do read a lot of fiction! In fact, up until we were about 12-14 years old, we hardly read anything else. Also, you’ll notice that G.K. Chesterton’s complete set of Father Brown is included on the list.
March 24th, 2006 at 12:50 am
Thanks for the reminder about the father brown books. I haven’t read those in a while. Have you read Darwins Origin of Species? I know some people would be against reading that, but it allows you to play devils advocate and argue alot better against evolutionists, since it lets you in a little on how they think. Also a great book is Michael J. Behe’s “Darwins Black Box”. It’s a very good book, if a little complex to understand sometimes, though he makes it easier than most people could.
March 25th, 2006 at 3:34 am
Hey guys,
I was just wondering how you set up your booklist. Did you find a certain site that hosts lists? Or did you just post it and set into your sidebar?
Thanks!
June 22nd, 2006 at 9:33 pm
Veronika: We just posted it and set it into our sidebar. =) Thanks for asking.
June 22nd, 2006 at 11:51 pm
everything’s updated and lookin’ spiffy! you know, i’ve taken many of these recommendations and have greatly enjoyed them-thanks!
June 27th, 2006 at 1:26 am
I would recommend _A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God_ by Jonathan Edwards. It is an early account of a revival that started among complacent Christian young people. I read half of it several weeks ago.
July 7th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
I know you guys are pretty good experts on worldviews and culture, but we can always learn more, right? LOL
Anyway, a book that I would highly, highly, highly recommend, is David Noebel’s “Understanding the Times.” Though considered a reference book, it contains invaluable descriptions and breakdown of the four main worldviews circulating the country: Christianity, Marxism/Leninism, Cosmic Humanism, and Social Humanism.
Though written from a Chrsitian perspective, Noebel breaks down each worldview in the ten major points that worldviews form an opinion on, and explains how they think (and how to identify them). It’s helped me see a lot of cultural thinking in a different light, and provides very good discussion topics.
Personally, I think it’s a must-read for everyone. (Warning: Get the abridged version…the original is about 900 pgs.!
)
July 11th, 2006 at 2:31 am
Hey guys, just checking in. I Know of a very well written book by Leif Enger, called “PEace Like A River”. My mom is an english major and she said it was one of the most well written books she has ever read! You guys should check it out.
July 16th, 2006 at 4:30 am
Edited by Siteowner: Dear CftHR, I’m sorry but your comment has been removed for violating The Rebelution’s commenting rules and for straying from the purpose of the comments section on this post.
Please understand that disagreement and argumentation is allowed on our blog, however, insults are not arguments. Furthermore, this thread is expressly for the discussion of particular books. If you would like to critique a specifics book which you have read, please do so. Otherwise, please refrain. Thanks for understanding!
August 3rd, 2006 at 2:36 am
I heard about you guys in the old school house magazine, and am pleased to find a pretty chunky booklist in your website. I have a condsiderable amount of reading material to chew on now. (and thats a good thing.)
One thing that suprised me though, as I scrolled down your literary menu, was that I didn’t find a particular book. One that I am recomend to fiction adicts, blog-lovers, and any one left floating in-between. One that had me-a stoic, almost sixteen year old-sobbing with emotion. It isn’t depressing, its convicting. While I cried I was filled with joy, the joy that we have a heavenly father watching and waitig for us. jesus freaks, Vol ll; stories of revolutionaries who changed their world; fearing God, not man/ DC talk and the voice of the martyrs.
It’s encouraging and uplifting, as well as sobering. About people who gave their all…not their some. I can’t say anything about the first one, I havn’t read it yet. But I bet it rocks just as much as the second!
It is very nice to find two young christians who are not luke warm about faith. Praying for you always.
August 3rd, 2006 at 6:33 pm
Lucy: Thanks so much reminding us of the Jesus Freaks / Voice of Martyrs volumes. Those are excellent books, that unfortunately, we overlooked when we put together this list. Having read both the first and the second, let me assure you that they are both wonderful. Actually, we share a story from one of them in this post.
August 8th, 2006 at 6:44 am
I love to read so this list is a great blessing to read and get closer to God at the same time.I saw that you guys had a few missionary biographies or stories.End of the Spear by Steve Saint is a really good one.It is written by the son of Nate Saint,one of the five missionaries to be killed by indians in the 50s in the jungels of Ecuador.Another good missionary book is Bruchko by Bruce Olson.I know that God has called me to be a missionary so I am really interested in books dealing with missions.
I also have two other great books for evangelism.One Thing You Can Do In Heaven and One Heartbeat Away by Mark Cahill are excellent books.They really prepare you to go out there and bring the massage of Truth to a world in darkeness…well this comment has been longe enought…lol
August 8th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Cristina: Thanks for your recommendations! We actually have read Bruchko, and have read several biographies of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, etc. but not “End of the Spear” (though we did see the movie).
August 22nd, 2006 at 1:21 am
Wow! I ‘ve never heard of most of those. I love to read stuff that will make me think, so I can’t wait to read your suggestions.
What are your views on reading classic fiction? Like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, etc…
Also, a wonderful book about holiness (especially for girls) is “Stepping Heavenward” by Elizabeth Prentiss.
August 22nd, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Amy: We love classic fiction! We do not currently read as much of it as we did when we were younger, regarding it as a special treat rather than the main course, but we do enjoy it. Thank you also for reminding us about Stepping Heavenward. We have read that book as a family and greatly enjoyed it. God bless you!
August 25th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Very encouraging…to see high schoolers this much into theology, etc,…..
August 28th, 2006 at 4:15 am
Hey guys,
After looking over the list and noticing, not the absence, but a bit of a lack of fictional works, I thought I just plug in here one work of fiction which has been for me (and surprisingly at that) more important than much of the non-fiction works that I’ve read in helping to shape my views of true Christianity. The book? “King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table” by Roger Lancelyn Green.
I was given the book as a kind of joke from a friend a few years ago on account of my (still going) fascination with medieval times, knighthood and the concept of chivalry. I honestly expected it to just be like a kid’s storybook, but I was amazed by its depth. Actually, I was in the middle of a long study of the book of James at the time, and I found myself drawing parallels from the book such that it became, if not a commentary, at least a bit of an illustration of many of the principles I was learning from the Bible. A few months later I re-read the book while I was studying Ecclesiastes, and found this was true for it as well. The biblical principles and the concept of true manhood are thick in it, and being well-written and enjoyable fiction, they’re extremely easy to digest (so long as you’re not the sort who is put-off by “fairy-tales”, that is).
August 31st, 2006 at 2:58 pm
What kind of fiction do you guys read besides Father Brown? I read him last year for school and now my mom hopes I’ll start writing better:)
September 21st, 2006 at 7:43 am
Have you guys read Martin Luther’s ‘Bondage of the will’. It is a great book and I found it helpful with debating philosophies and logic.
September 22nd, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Hey guys, I just recently discovered your website and I am very impressed! Thanks for this great book list. I recognized many titles and will definitely look into reading others. I am currently reading The Universe Next Door in one of my classes. Thanks again!
September 24th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
This is INCREDIBLE. Not only the amount you guys have read, but the amount of comments on those books. I have read all of GK Chesterton’s Father Brown Mysteries and I could not put them down. My dad and I are big Chesterton fans. Have you read The Everlasting Man? Now that book is fun and thought-provoking:)
One of my favorites is The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson. It’s not PG rated, but it is very moving. Also, for historical fiction for all younger siblings, read any GA Henty novel.
Blessings on you both!
September 24th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
I also recently discovered your sight. I enjoy books, so this should be a great help. Thanks! Have you guys ever read any of Randy Alcorn’s fictional books? Also, do you have any suggestions for books to write book reports on? I can never find good ones to write on, and my mom has challenged me to find better books.
September 25th, 2006 at 11:38 am
hey! i absolutly LOVE reading. my friends think its crazy when i get grounded from reading! i have read a couple of the books on your list and really enjoyed them. do you guys know of any good daily devotionals that i could do? i just finished my utmost for his highest by oswald chambers and am now looking for a new devotional.
September 25th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Do you think there is only one version of the Bible to read?
Because some say “verses missing” while other have it and the ones that don’t have the verses take out really good ones.
And why is there so many versions?
Wasn’t the KJV AV 1611 good enough?
If our english is going down hill why should the Bible change every time there’s a “newer” word to replace the old word?
Some people say easier to understand but i don’t think that’s true.
I know of a preacher who didn’t know how to read (didn’t go past the 4th grad either) and he learned how to from the KJV Bible.
How can we prove the Bible is true if we aren’t sure about which one to read????
September 26th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Hey Guys,
It was VERY encouraging to read your blogs and fun to compare booklists. I am currently reading Mark Driscoll’s Radical Reformission and have been very challenged by his love and committment for reaching Seattle (and beyond) with the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Have you checked out much of A.W. Tozer yet?…And there must be something wierd about Hannahs.
In Him,
Hannah
September 27th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
This is a great list. The only thing I would recommend to add is Eric and Leslie Ludy’s “When God Writes Your Love Story” this one I really liked.
September 28th, 2006 at 8:16 am
I can’t believe you have the Ralph Moody books on there!!! I love those books. Also, a hearty second to adding “When God Writes Your Love Story.” It is definitely an amazing book. G.K. Chesterton is also an amazing author.
October 3rd, 2006 at 2:06 pm
And I thought I was well read…
October 4th, 2006 at 10:39 am
I’ve always loved to read, so looking through your booklist was interesting. Thanks for posting it. I will be looking into several of those books in the near future. I have read all of the Sherlock Holmes stories and most, if not all, of the Father Brown ones. I unreservedly agree that Chesterton’s are better than Doyle’s. Have you read “The Man who was Thursday” by G.K. Chesterton? I have read it several times and am still puzzling over it. By the way, what do you guys think of Shakespeare?
October 12th, 2006 at 5:48 am
Hey guys,
October 12th, 2006 at 5:59 am
Whoops, I hit enter key twice and I guess it actually posted it the 2nd time^^- sorry about that. {= } I just wanted to tell you guys that I recently read the article about your rebelution blog in the WORLD magazine, thus, I decided to check it out for myself. = ] I must say, I have been greatly encouraged and challenged by what I’ve read so far! I will definitely be reading at least some of the books from your (somewhat overwhelming) list above. = ] I also wanted to ask you: have you read “Wild at Heart” and “Captivating” by John and Stasi Eldredge? I know that some of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have a dim view of them and was wondering what you guys thought of them. Well, that’s all for now… God Bless!!
October 13th, 2006 at 8:38 am
I don’t know if it is a problem with my computer or Amazon.com, but over half of the Amazon links were broken. Just thought I’d let you know.
October 28th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
One really great book is by Sinclair Ferguson called _The Christian Life_. This book is non pareil in connecting doctrine with practice, and showing why it is that doctrine is important. I highly recommend it, especially as a first book for new believers.
November 4th, 2006 at 10:04 am
Hello Alex and Brett!
I have been reading your blog for over a month now (I found out about it from the article in World magazine), but I’ve never commented before. I am a major bookworm, and I read a lot of Christian fiction. I read the Father Brown stories and thought they were great. One of my favorite authors is Ted Dekker. He is a Christian fiction writer who is absolutely amazing. His Circle trilogy is great. The three books are Black, Red, and White. They have a great message (although you might not quite know what it is until the end of the first one), and they are really exciting and “adrenaline-pumping.” I definitely recommend them. Thanks for all of the work you have poured into this blog- it shows. Sincerely, Alexandra.
November 7th, 2006 at 1:54 am
Wow! What a list! I’m a prolific reader myself, but only recognised a few of the titles in your list. Maybe the bookstores in Australia are stocked differently to America. I’m definitely going to take up some of your recommendations there.
I’ll second Cristina’s mention of Bruchko - I read it three months ago and was BLOWN AWAY! I’m presently reading “The Reformed Pastor” by Richard Baxter, and seriously, I’ve read dozens of non-fiction books in my time, but second only to the Bible, methinks The Reformed Pastor is vying for best book I’ve ever read! (OK, his theology isn’t perfect but 98% of the content is sheer brilliance.) Stimulating, challenging, refreshing, as well as being delightful prose.
Thanks Alex and Brett. You guys are an encouragement to me and clearly to hundreds (if not thousands or tens of thousands) more. Keep up the good work!
November 15th, 2006 at 8:00 am
I didn’t read all the comments, so some of these books may have already been suggested:
Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot (AWESOME)
Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton
The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom
C.S. Lewis books…every one is amazing.
The Holiness of God by RC Sproul (this is excellent even if you aren’t a Calvinist…I’m not and I love it.)
My All for Him by Basilea Schlink (This book is directed more towards girls but it is the single most challenging book I’ve ever read.)
Adventures In Prayer by Catherine Marshall
That’s all I can think of for now. I think this list is a cool idea.
November 16th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
I really appreciate this list. I know I will be referring to it often
I know tons of people have suggested books, but here are a few that have really been a challenge to me.
When People Are Big and God Is Small by Edward T. Welch
Brokenness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
Thanks for your website. It’s exciting to see your commitment and excitement for Christ
Thanks for the encouragement!!!
November 30th, 2006 at 9:25 am
Love the list! I’m definitely going to be reading a lot of these… they sound great.
Have you guys read “My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers - that is literally the best devotional I have ever read and I’ve been going through it for like two years now and even though I’ve read everything over and over there is always so much more to learn from Chamber’s insight…. It VERY good… Also, “Hinds Feet on High Places” is really good and is about conquering your fear and following God through the mountains and valleys in life to reach the place where you belong with Him, in the form of a novel. It’s also highly recommended.
Also - thanks for this website - I love it. I come here almost every time that I’m online - it’s so encouraging to me and I love hearing from people our age about life and our relationship with God. Thanks for the awesome site Alex and Brett - it is MUCH appreciated.
May God bless you and keep you in His love and care…
- Carissa
November 30th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
It would be an understatement to say that I am impressed by your booklist. I thought I was the only teenager in the nation who read Francis Schaeffer!! You don’t know what it means to me to find out that there are actually other kids my age on this planet who take their faith seriously and who have a genuine concern for this generation. You will both be in my prayers!
By the way, to all you teens out there, the books you see on this list by Joshua Harris are must-reads!!
December 2nd, 2006 at 9:14 am
Hi! These books look great. I would like to recommend all of Eric and Leslie Ludy’s books, as well as CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and GA Henty. I have also read some of Josh Harris’ books, and they are good too. I will be searching my church library’s shelves for some of these books that you listed, as well as my parents bookshelves. Keep up the good work.
In Christ,
Anna
December 2nd, 2006 at 9:21 am
Back again. I would also like to recommend the Elsie Dinsmore series by Martha Finley for girls, and The Crown and Covenant series by Douglas Bond for guys and girls. Thanks.
In Christ,
Anna
December 11th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
To the ladies I would highly recommend “Just for Women” by Shaunti Feldhem. This book is based on surveys taken from around the U.S. and it is a definite eye opener that each young lady should read. It definitly helped me in how I relate to my brothers and my guy friends.
There is also a book, “Just for Men” by the same author.
Thanks so much.
~Carissa
December 18th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Great book list… but I’m wondering about the absence of C. S. Lewis. He’s one of my favorites, but recently some of my friends mentioned that they don’t like Lewis because of his doctrine. Do you know what they’re talking about?
~Annie
January 8th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
I would like to make another recommendation. I recently finished re-reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. It is an excellent book, especially for anyone struggling with trusting God. It’s very sad, but uplifting at the same time (not the sappy romance novel kind of sad - the deep personal loss kind of sad). It’s very moving. I never cry over books or movies, but I came really close to crying over this one!
January 8th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Do you guys ever read anything just for fun???? I would like to recommend a novel by Francena H. Arnold called “Not My Will.” The book is filled with treasures of wisdom concealed behind an intriguing plot….Also Harold Bell Wright is an amazing author whose work has caused me to reevaluate and more firmly believe many of my beliefs and principles.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Thanks for your recommendations, they certainly give a lot to chew on, or perhaps to digest would be better.
I just finished reading Ben-Hur again, and highly recommend it. The version I have is from Focus on the Family’s “Classic Collection” and provides discussion questions for each chapter, along with a small biography of the author, Lew Wallace. I appreciated the background, and the comments given by the editor Joseph L. Wheeler.
I recommend it both for personal reading, and for reading as a family. It is quite large, and can prove to be difficult to get into, but once you dig deeper than the first section, you cannot put the book down. The chapter questions encourage family reading and discussion.
Basically, its just a really solid read, engaging, thought provoking, and a terrific story.
January 10th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
I see you like books. I do too. You should try some books by the author G.A. Henty. They are historical fiction and all show the hand of God.
January 13th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Oh! You should read Blue like Jazz by Don Miller. It’s one of my fav. at least.
January 13th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Janie: I’ve read a fair number of chapters from Blue Like Jazz. Actually, Donald Miller is an old friend of our family’s. He even worked for my dad for a while. =)
January 15th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
No way, you know Donald Miller?!? Ok, you just earned major cool points. You win.
January 17th, 2007 at 5:45 am
This is a very good and commendable list. Once again another great effort in promoting godliness in teens around the world.
Like Annie, I am quite surprised at the absence of C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite authors. His Anglican beliefs may show more in works such as “The Great Divorce,” but the Narnia books and “The Screwtape Letters” are not-to-be-missed books.
Have you heard of the book “When People Are Big and God Is Small”? I have found it to be one of the most helpful books in my Christian walk
Lastly, your comment on not being sure about having found “the girl” for you to meet will feed more young dreams and girlish hopes than you think
You are two amazing young men sent by God 
Keep up the good work! 
January 17th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
I love to think “deep”, but I have lately felt inadequate. Perhaps I will search out some of these books sometime.
January 18th, 2007 at 8:25 am
ok, one question and then I’ll leave you alone. My cousin is going to Iraq for 7 months come February and I was wondering if you knew of any books or music that could help me get through that time? Sorry, I know you’re really busy, but you two were the only ones I thought to ask…
January 21st, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Gracie Allen…
iPod culture is pretty much an organ of the music scene, just like…
January 22nd, 2007 at 10:03 am
Great list you guys! i know you don’t have novels on this list, but i highly recommend Ted Deker’s books, Red, Black, White, Blessed Child, & A Man Called Blessed. These are awesome books that make you want to laugh and cry over God’s amazing power.
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:00 pm
These are great books. I recommend the “Dragons In Our Midst” They are really good for teens who love a fantasy and Christianint mix.
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Bridgette-
).
I love Ted Dekker!!!!!! If you liked those books, you would probably like some of his other ones. “Thr3e”(recently made into a movie-I didn’t get to see it yet) is great. So are “Showdown” and “Saint.” He also co-wrote an awsome book called “House” with Frank Peretti, another great author. They are all so good! Just so you know, if you read those, they will make more sense if you read The Circle (Black, Red, White), then Showdown, then House, then Saint. Thr3e is separate, but those other ones kind of work together, and they make more sense if you read them in that order(I’m assuming you didn’t read them yet-if you did, then, umm…cool
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 am
Alexandra-
Ya, i read thr3e, & i don’t like it quite as good as the others. I read Showdown after The Circle, and that one was awesome! I haven’t read House or Saint, but they look great! Another cool book of his is Blink, don’t know if u read that or not. Thanks 4 the heads up though!
January 23rd, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Y’all might enjoy Francis Collins’s The Language of God. Collins was converted from atheism partly by C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, and was head of the Human Genome Project until 2000. As a scientist, he accepts evolution and therefore his ideas on how he found God’s presence in scientific theories rejected by many Christians (evolution, the Big Bang) may be useful to you in understanding positions less fundamentalist than your own.
January 24th, 2007 at 12:06 am
Administrator Note: Thanks, Kaitlyn. We understood that your recommendation was in jest, but other users may not pick up on that.
January 25th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Bridgette,
Also, thanks for recommending Blink. I never read that one.
You’re welcome
January 29th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
i LOVE all of the books that you guys have reccomended! i am a very avid reader, and have read many of the books you have mentioned. i just finished reading “PASSION AND PURITY” by ELIZABETH ELLIOT. what an amazing book!! ya’lls brothers books have also greatly encouraged me in staying faithful to my future husband, whoever he may be! thanks for all that you do…ya’ll are two of my role models!
January 30th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
I would like to start reading some of those. One book that realy challenged me was
TO THE MAFIA WITH LOVE. It is a really powerful book. It tells of a ladys story of being in the Colombian drug cartel to witnessing to the hard core! It is amazing. I really recomened thos book.
February 2nd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Ouch! My pride just took a whack. Thanks for the book list and the whack!
February 7th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Hi guys, just wanted to say thanks for the list you’ve made. I love reading so i’m sure it will be of great help to me. I’ve just finished reading Boy Meets Girl. It was an excellent book and has helped me to understand that God’s way is best. Thanx again!!
February 9th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Thanks for this list, I will be looking it over a lot. I really appreciate everything you guys are trying to do. I hope to read a lot of these books in the future, thanks!.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I enjoyed the Father Brown mysteries. Thanks for the recommendation. Have you ever read anything by Francena Arnold? I think she is one of the best Christian fiction writers of the 20th century. I highly recommend Not My Will. I read it the first time of many when I was about your age. It is a powerful work of fiction. In addition, I would recommend The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers. I had already read it and then my husband had to read it for a seminary ethics class. Although he admits he will never be ever able to understand, he really appreciated the way it made him more sensitive to the pain a woman may have after rape.
February 12th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Awesome book list! I can’t wait to see your guy’s film adaption of the Ralph Moody books! Along with Laura Wilder’s series, Laddie(by Gene Stratton-Porter), and Chronicles of Narnia, Ralph Moody’s series will always bring back some of my favorite memories of our family. We live on a farm, so winter is always our favorite time of year, when we can really relax and read aloud our favorite books while doing puzzles!! Thanks for your book list I have been looking for some new ideas. Another good book to add would be “Gold Cord” by Amy Carmicheal. Beautifully written, it is one of my favorite books to read!!
February 15th, 2007 at 8:07 am
I heard your brother on Focus on the Family -and recommend his books. You might check out Dating with Integrity by JOhn HOlzmann. I see it validated your brothers’ book as well as vice versa. Wow. To see Teenagers reading these books on theology is amazing. In my church growing up -the teenagers weren’t encourage to seek to live for God like this. I wish they had been…
Thank you again for the list and sharing it.
Dont forget to check out MacArthur, Swindoll, books which are the only ones that come to mind right now-they are lifechanging and challenging. On the Christian psychology side like Townsend-dont forget to check those out even though they aren’t necessarily theology, etc.
I am 39. live in KS.
Judith S
Jer 29:11
February 15th, 2007 at 10:49 am
“Loving God” by Charles Colson is a great book.
~Kelsey
February 18th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I was blessed by your list guys, I am brand spanking new to this Rebelution but I am seriously enjoying everything I am coming across and being encouraged greatly.
Thank you for spurring me on.
February 21st, 2007 at 12:12 am
I am so glad that Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview is on your book list. Despite its length, it is definitely a must-read (or a must-skim
) for any Christian going to a secular university (particularly a nerdy university).
February 26th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Wonderful book list! For girls I would like to recommend Noel Piper’s Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God and for guys interested in becoming missionaries/pilots I would recommend Jungle Pilot about Nate Saint who was martyed in Ecuador along with Jim Elliot(Elisabeth Elliot’s husband).
Lauren
February 28th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Good list. Read some, busy reading others, will try to read more! What a world of truth reading opens up for us!
I was wondering if either of you had read any of Brennan Manning’s books: Ragamuffin Gospel, Ruthless Trust, and others. They’ve had a huge impact on my life. I know you’re busy, but check them out some time and see if they’re list-worthy.
Phil 4:8
March 10th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
I just thought I would say that looks like a great list! There are some books I have already read, some that I will read in the future (even have some to be read when I get a chance), and thought I would offer a suggestion: The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink. It’s an excellent book! It focuses exactly on what its title is, and gave me many new insights.
March 10th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Wow! What a great list of books! I’m so glad to know that there are a lot of young people out there who are filling their minds with something that will really help them. Could I reccomend 2 more that have really been a blessing to me? I so enjoyed the biography of Desmond T. Doss in The Unlikeliest Hero by Booton Herndon. That is such an amazing story! Also Messages to Young People by Ellen G. White is a really good book. I haven’t finished it yet, (it was also written quite a while ago) but it has so much good counsel for teens today. Thanks again for posting the list!
March 22nd, 2007 at 4:15 am
As a homeschooling mom of 4 daughters, I just want to say how wonderful it is to know that there are young men that are being raised to counter the culture and return to God’s ways of doing things! I pray that these kinds of young men will be used by God to be Godly husbands to my daughters and countless others who are seeking like-minded spouses.
Looks like you’ve been doing some good reading!
Keep up the good work!
In Christ,
Mrs. Wade
April 9th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Great list. I’m currently reading “Red Moon Rising”. A great book about the vision Pete Greig has concerning teens and the 24-7 prayer movement.
April 9th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Hudson Taylor: The Growth of a Soul” is one of the best books I have ever read. I’m eager to start volume 2 soon. So much in my life has been challenged by the example of Hudson Taylor. These volumes are filled with his correspondence and journal entries too, so one really gets see ‘behind’ the scenes of his life. If you get a chance at these books, I heartily recommend them.
April 9th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Ah, an unexplained ‘a’ tag messed up my comment. Feel free to fix and then delete this comment.
Thanks guys!
April 13th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Another WONDERFUL book which puts GRACE on the front burner where it belogs is “Holiness By Grace” by Dr. Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Theological Seminary.
This year HBG has been studied by a group of 12 seminary wives whose husbands attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. One woman in our group was Jodi Ware, wife of Dr. Bruce Ware. (You included Dr. Ware’s book “God’s Lesser Glory” in your booklist - good choice!) I know she greatly enjoyed this Chapell book, and it is on my personal, and rather short, “all-time favorites” list!
Take a look, and thanks for your great reading recommendations!
May 10th, 2007 at 6:05 am
Most of these books i’ve never seen, but they look good. My favorites, and I have many, are by Ellen Gould White. She wrote several books, Great Controversy, Steps To Christ, Christian Education, and much more. You can find out about her books from Adventist Book Store.
I really appreciated reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye.
May 24th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Francine Dee Video…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….
May 28th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Need Payday Loans…
…
May 30th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Alex and Brett,
Thank you SO much for the way you use your blog to further the Gospel and encourage teens like me who are so easily influenced by the culture to seek God.
Let me just say reading John Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life impacted me and made me aware of how much I was wasting my time and not using my time for His glory. God has been at work in my life and He used this book to draw me closer to Himself.
I’d encourage EVERYONE to read Don’t Waste Your Life. For those of you that have read it check out the Don’t Waste Your Life Podcast here: http://www.desiringgod.org/DWYL/
June 1st, 2007 at 4:49 pm
I our youth group we just finished or are closed to finishing Don’t Waste Your Life. It is a very good book. But there is a quetion that comes up a lot in my mind:
How can you live your life as proof that God is more recious to you than life?
This is a hard question I have dealt with. I ma trying to stand up for my faith buy it is hard.
~Stephen Field
June 1st, 2007 at 8:15 pm
This is an excellent list, Brett and Alex! I will certainly add many of these books to my own reading list. One book that I didn’t see on the list that has left a deep impression in me is a book called ‘Courage’. It is written by Edwin Louis Cole for young men. It is a quick and relatively easy read, but very convicting and eye-opening. Cole’s tone is authoritative and convincing, while encouraging and urging us to have courage. I humbly recommend it to you and everyone else who might see this note.
Grace, peace, and courage to you from God our Father in Christ Jesus!
June 18th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
You support the reading of doctrinal works “to encourage our readers (guys especially) in the intentional study of doctrine.” Is this a reference to your support of male-only clergy and leaders in the Church? Not that I disagree with having only men as church leaders, but it seems equally important that both guys AND girls gain doctrinal knowledge equally as much because this doctrinal knowledge is what we should be able to discuss when asked, “What do you believe?”, a question posed to both men and women alike. Please discuss further what you mean by the aforementioned excerpt from your book list.
Thank you.
(And I realize that it is easier for me to criticize than to make a book list myself.)
June 19th, 2007 at 7:47 am
I see that C.S. Lewis has been mentioned a few times already and I would completely agree. He has written some of the most amazing books. Among my favorites -
Mere Christianity
The Four Loves
The Screwtape Letters (I did a journaling assignment with this book, writting an
entry for every letter, and I got so much out of this book.
It’s basically letters from one demon to another detailing how to
derail a Christian in his spiritual walk.)
The Chronicles of Narnia (I’ve read them all at least eight times over since I was six
and, as I’ve matured, I get more and more out of them everytime.)
Till We have Faces (Fictional. The last book the Lewis wrote if I remember right. It’s
not as well known as his other books, but it is by far my favorite.
There are some awesome spiritual truths in it.)
He wrote several other books as well and they are all amazing, these are just a few of my favorites.
Francine Rivers is another supurb Christian fiction author. Girls especially enjoy her writings, but I know of quite a few guys who’ve confessed to liking them too. (Redeeming Love and The Mark of the Lion trilogy are my favorites).
A few interesting (and contestable) books that I’ve recently read/enjoyed are Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell, and The Irresistable Revolution, by Shane Claiborne (sp?).
Just be sure that whatever you read, use discernment and compare everything to the Scriptures (remembers the Bereans in Acts). Even those books by famous Christian authors might not be 100% acurate. Plus, in your endeavor to become more well-read, don’t neglect the most instructive book of all, the Bible. That’s something I’ve done before myself and I definitely slid a bit in my walk. No “Christian book” in the world can compare, believe me.
Great list by the way. Guess I’d better hit the books.
June 19th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Stephen: Saying “especially guys” isn’t putting down the need for girls to study doctrine (notice the “all our readers” part, immediately prior), but rather elevating the exhortation for guys to do so.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Just wanted to add a comment about the book Unveiling Islam. It is very good. My mom bought it and I`ll be reading it pretty soon. I just think it`s so important to know about the culture and religion the people you want to witness to. In the mission field a lot of missionaries are needed in Muslim countries. Not to mention the need here in the US.
August 16th, 2007 at 2:01 am
I have read and enjoyed many of these books. Another amazing book is One Nation Under Gods by Richard Abnes. It is about America’s homegrown religion which is Mormonism.
August 20th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
WOW! that is a lot of books. I love Lee Strobel’s series The Case for Christ. they are great books and are powerfull.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
I’m SO glad that you like G.K. Chesterton. He is so much fun to read. If you like him, you might also like a few of P.G. Wodehouse’s books, they’re great. I’d recommend, “Pigs have Wings”, “Cocktail Time”, and “Heavy Weather”.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I really like C.S. Lewis as well. One of my favourites of his is “The Greta Divorce”
August 28th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Sorry, *Great Divorce
August 30th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I would like to suggest “Ishmael” by E.D.E.N. Southworth. If Ishmael Worth was a real person in today’s time, he woud be a rebelutionary! Even the hard circumstances of his birth don’t stop him from serving God and becoming a prominent (and young) lawyer. Even though this is fiction it still has wonderful truths you can apply to your own life like perserverance. Give it a try! It is availble from Lamplighter Publishing.
September 13th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Alex, Brett,
Hey a really good book I’ve just recently read was ‘Do You Want to Go to The Mountain” by Thomas Young. Really good.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
I will definitely second “The Cross and The Switchblade”. It’s a true story about the man who started Teen Challenge, a ministry that reaches out to troubled youth in New York City. Very intense, but true. It’s what inspired me to go into counseling/youth ministry.
“Run Baby Run” is the story of Nicky Cruz, one of the gang members that was reached by Teen Challenge. Again, it’s intense, but incredibly powerful.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:50 am
Hey!!! I just wanted to say that I enjoyed going to the conference in Indy. God changed my life, and I can’t wait for next year!!! Thanks for everything, and keep living for our great Savior!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
This is a great list of authors and titles! As a librarian, I encourage anyone to check these out from your local public library. Most libraries have interlibrary loan services that borrow titles from other states and within their own state. Ask your librarian to help you. In that way, we can impact the system to be true to it’s own acknowledged principle - represent viewpoints from all sides of an issue.
Also, if your local library does not own these titles, most will place patron’s suggestions on a recommended purchase list. If your library needs to have titles reviewed by a qualified review source, Publisher’s Weekly does operate this service. And you can always ask that the title be borrowed from another source for you. That works even if your local library does not purchase.
May I also recommend Robin Hardy’s Streiker series. Great allegory.
September 30th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Have you read “La’bri”, by Edith Schaeffer? (I’m not sure if that’s spelled right) It’s an EXCELLENT book that is basically an overview of the La’bri mission in Switzerland. It’s also a powerful encouragement if one’s prayer life is struggling. My daddy has an awesome history, and at one point in the 70s, he actually stayed there for a few months, when he was searching for meaning in life.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Hey Bookreader!
I just wanted to say hi and second everything you said about libraries. I also work at a library, so I was excited to see your comment.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:26 am
One of my favorite books is “Humility” by C.J. Mahaney. We SGM people love him!
October 8th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Most of these books sound really good. I can’t say I’ll be reading all of them any time soon, but I will be working my way through.
Also, a REALLY, REALLY good author for girls especially is Melody Carlson. My favorite is the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. It helped me a lot. Also, another good speaker and writer is Ron Luce. He’s all about reaching to our generation too. Thanks!!!
October 9th, 2007 at 4:36 am
Oh, yeah - one more must read: Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness is amazing. A lot of his books are good, but this one gives an awesome insight into the battles that angels and demons are fighting constantly.
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Elisabeth: I just finished reading “Humility” but C.J. Mahoney today, and I loved it too!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Those are wondeful…I will definitely check them out. Mom said I needed some good books to read this year and here they are. Thanks!
In Christ, Miss Elizabeth
October 28th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Alex and Bret:
Thanks so much for this book list, it has been realy helpful. I didn’t have time to read everybodys comments so some of these books might be repeats. I would highly recomend God’s outlaw by Brian Edwards. It is a very insightful book on the life of William Tyndale. The other book I would stromgly recomend is growing your faith by Jerry Bridges. I highly recomend this book it is easy to understand and has been very helpful to me.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Great list guys. I did find it interesting that you link to Desiring God ministries and their blog, but you do not have Desiring God on your list. Hopefully, it is an oversight, because it is one of the most important Christian works written in our lifetimes.
November 7th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Bridgette and Alexandra, if you like Ted Dekker you MUST check out Frank Peretti. All of his books are great but the best ones are: The Visitation, This Present Darkness, and Piercing the Darkness.
Alex and Brett,
The Ralph Moody series is one of our favorites! My little brothers especially love it them.
Also, just wondering why there isn’t any C. S. Lewis on the list? You should add The Chronicles of Narnia
November 10th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Greetings from the Caribbean, your site has traveled that far and I’ve been deeply blessed by this site and so many others as well. I’m looking forward to read the books on culture and our approach to it as Christians, thanks a lot for the list. I truly believe that as Christians we need to understand our world and other cultures in order to preach the Word of God to other societies. I pray that God enables us to be instruments in his hands for doing hard things for His sole glory.
November 18th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I saw Total Truth on there. Excellent book. It describes a comprehensive Christian worldview, takes apart false worldviews, adds a historic perspective, addresses the unique problems facing the church today, and has a whole section on personal application.
I must echo the Harrises in saying it is a must read for rebelutionaries.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:29 pm
You’ve got some great books on here!
I would definitely second bookwormans recommendation of “Ishmael”–and the sequel, “Self-Raised”. Also, I’m sure someone else has mentioned this, but “Hind’s Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard is a must-read!
November 22nd, 2007 at 7:42 am
I second those who said that this list is awesome!! I can’t wait to search the library for the books mentioned. God Bless you all!
December 4th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Have you guys read the book “Concise Theology” by J.I.Packer? My church is going through that book right now for our adults Sunday school class. It’s challenging but the the same time, easy to understand.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Rachel Joy,
Thanks for the reccomendation! I do like Frank Perretti, although I must say that after reading The Cooper Kids Adventure Series and the Veritas Project books, I was kind of dissapointed with his adult books! Have you read House, the one Ted and Frank coauthored? It’s SO GOOD! -Alexandra
January 1st, 2008 at 5:07 am
Guys when are you going to update your book list? It says at the top of this page that it was to be updated frequently…
January 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
My brother checked out the book Don’t Waste Your Life, as it was recommended by our pastor. Since I am always looking for something to read, I also read it. A very good book with great guidelines. I have also read I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which is also a great book.
January 16th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
If I may humbly speak, I highly recommend, “Unshakable Foundations: Contemporary Answers to Crucial Questions about the Christian Faith,” a book by Norman Geisler and Peter Bocchino. I’m reading this for a Foundation For Christian Worldviews course at school, and it has helped me immensely in discovering answers to questions such as, “Why is there pain in the world?” and other things. Just a suggestion.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:36 am
i think you should add C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia i know other people have said this! with the second movie coming out ya’ll it would be cool!
February 12th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Good book list! i just finished reading “don’t waste your life” and that was a great book!! Have you guys ever read, “The Gate Seldom Found” by Raymond A. Reid? It’s a neat book about one of the “first” churches in Canada and ties a lot of stuff in with Acts… Anyways, it was a neat book
Thanks again for your booklist 
March 5th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I don’t know if you plan to update this page but I would heartily recommend John Piper’s “don’t waste your life” I think it reaffirms everything you promote, anyways thanks for the book list (it doubled as my Christmas wish list as well
)
March 5th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
oops, I just realized you updated it and its on there, a really big oops,
March 6th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Alex and Brett,
).
Thanks so much for updating your list! I thought you had forgotten about us bookworms (although I guess writing a book of your own can hardly be considered neglecting bookworms
March 7th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Hey y’all thanks for the list I’ll have to try to read some of them they all sound great. I have a couple of suggestions …
So you don’t want to go to church anymore by Jake Colsen
Sister freaks, stories of women who gave up everything for God by Rebecca St. James
The Shack by William P. Young, I highly recommend This book. My family is reading it together for the second time. the Shack starts out heart wrenchingly sad but keep reading it gets AWESOME!
One thing you can’t do in Heaven by Mark Cahill
True volumes 1 and 2 By Irene Dunlap
And some great