More Transforming Reads—5

So it’s been awhile since I’ve added any books to Transforming Reads.  The past few months have been full, including extensive travel.  Which means time to read.  So here are quite a number of new books for you.

Strengthening My Soul

A Praying Life:  Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller—a call to a childlike living out of a relationship and conversation with GodThe Grace of God  by Andy Stanley—a beautiful unfolding of God’s grace through stories and people, first in the Old Testament, then in the new.  Really helpful.What’s So Amazing about Grace? by Philip Yancey-Phil’s usual in-depth research, truthful consideration of hard stuff—and amazing insights into the grace of GodAll Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir  by Brennan Manning—a powerful  (probably) last book in which Brennan tells the story of his ongoing battle with alcohol and God’s ongoing grace to him

Making Me Think

Junia Is Not Alone  by Scot McKnight--a look at Junia and other women Paul worked with and commended, especially in Romans 16How I Changed My Mind About Women in Leadership: Compelling Stories from Prominent Evangelicals by Alan F. Johnson, General Editor—Numerous Christian leaders recount their journey to believing God is delighted to have women lead in His church.

Making Me Laugh and Think

Imaginary Jesus:  A not-quite-true story by Matt Mikalatos –A funny and profound uncovering of our imaginary versions of Jesus in search of the real JesusNight of the Living Dead Christian: One Man's Ferociously Funny Quest to Discover What It Means to Be Truly Transformed  by Matt Mikalatos—Are you really alive as a Christian?  Matt again applies his really weird humor, along with zombies, werewolves, vampires and a mad scientist to expose the reality of too many living dead Christians.Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me:  A Memoir…of sorts  by Ian Morgan Cron—a sad and funny story of a difficult life and finding GodShe's Got Issues: Seriously Good News for Stressed-Out, Secretly Scared Control Freaks Like Us by Nicole Unice—an open and honest look at issues we all might have—control, insecurity, comparisons, fear, anger—with practical helps for working on them

Fiction

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson—this novel is a beautifully written reflection on life and meaning by an old minister for his young son.The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey—magical realism set in Alaska—filled with beauty, mystery, joy and sadnessReinventing Rachel by Alison Strobel –Rachel is a good Christian young woman—and then life falls apart and God seems to have abandoned her.  So she abandons him.

My New Books

Secrets of Success: Letters to My ChildrenPractical realities for succeeding in life: 30 minutes to read, a lifetime to liveLoving a Prodigal: Learning to Restliving with prodigals, or difficult people or circumstances, can be exhausting.  God repeatedly promises rest. This is a FREE E-Book.What about you?  What have you been reading lately?