Summer is finally here! Well, technically summer officially starts on June 21st in the states. But it’s sunny outside, I’m not in class (yet), and the pool is open. So it’s summer time to me. Which means, of course, it’s time to gather some good books to read. Which ones are you reading this summer?
Allow me to give you a few recommendations. In no particular order, here’s 10 books to consider reading this summer.
2017 Summer Reading List for Christians
1. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by
Tim Keller
The fastest way to ruin your summer is through self-absorption which, it turns out, is the product of thinking of yourself too much. Keller is right when he says that “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” Read this book. You can read it in less than two hours.
2. A Praying Life by
Paul Miller
Don’t forget to communicate with God this summer. More free time shouldn’t mean less time with God. The BBQ, pool, vacation, and other fun activities are great, but it’s foolish to think you can have a great summer without truly seeking the Lord through prayer. Miller’s book is my favorite on the subject.
3.Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
Summers aren’t meant to be busy. But maybe yours will be. While by no means DeYoung’s best book, Crazy Busy is filled with practical wisdom for busy Christians. At the very least, it can help prepare you for when your next busy season does arrive.
4. Happiness by Randy Alcorn
Did you know that God wants you to be happy? This is a truth that often slips the minds of Christians for whatever reason. There’s so many helpful quotes, illustrations, and personal applications on happiness in this book.
5. Not by Sight by Jon Bloom
I love this book. It’s one of the rare books that I give time to read and re-read. Filled with short stories that are packed with biblical truth, it’s the sort of book you can read devotionally. It’s probably best to take your time with this one and read it slowly.
6. Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Old books are often the best. Every Christian needs to see the value of the church community. Bonhoeffer’s classic will give you a deeper appreciation for your church community and Christian friends.
7. God Took Me by the Hand by Jerry Bridges
Jerry Bridges was a remarkable writer and in this book, he tells his remarkable story. I read this book last summer on vacation and couldn’t put it down.
8. Son of Hamas by Mosab Yousef
The subtitle is right when it describes this book as a “Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices.” Yousef became a Christian from a Muslim family, and as often the case, that comes with much hostility.
9. 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke
Are you reading this article on your phone? Then you should probably read this book.
10. Reset by David Murray
This book is written for men. If you’re a guy and you feel like you’re on the brink of burnout, this book may help.
Bonus Books: As a bonus, you may also like: Reading the Bible Supernaturally (John Piper), Chasing Contentment (Erik Raymond)
, The Imperfect Disciple
(Jared C. Wilson), None Like Him (Jen Wilkin)
, and Still Waiting
(Anne Swindell).
Summer is great for many things, one being the extra time to catch up on books you didn’t have time to read all year. I’ll be studying Hebrew intensely this summer but will also make time for extra books. The ones on this list are well worth your time. Resolve to enjoy your friends, family, vacation this summer. But don’t forget to use some of the extra time to read good books. You won’t regret it.
You may also like:
- The Top Ten Best Books on Christian Apologetics
- 15 Books That Have Formed Be As A Christian
- 11 Books Every Christian in College Should Read
- The Christian Reader’s Resource Guide
- Books Recommendations for Christians