In a recent Facebook post, United Methodist Communications asked our followers, “Outside of the Bible, what book is inspiring you right now?” Since most of us are always looking for a great book to add to our to-be-read list, here are some of the suggestions we received:
The Pilgrim’s Progress
By John Bunyan
Recommended by Brian Swirbel
“The story chronicles the epic adventure of a man named Christian who leaves his home in the City of Destruction and begins a life-long quest to the Celestial City. Set against the backdrop of a hazardous journey, this powerful drama unfolds as Christian’s adventures lead him into fascinating lands and encounters with interesting people who either help or hinder his progress along a narrow way.
“With a gallery of memorable characters and visits to colorful places, Bunyan’s allegorical narrative describes one man's extraordinary adventure on his journey to faith,” summarizes Amazon.
The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics
By Curtis Chang and Nancy French
Recommended by Valerie Biundo
“For the exhausted, the hurting, and the faithful, The After Party helps reframe our political identity away from the ‘what’ of political positions and toward the ‘how’ of being centered on Jesus. This paradigm-shifting book complements The After Party Project – a six-part, video-based, highly interactive curriculum that provides churches, small groups, and individuals with an on-the-ground, biblically based approach to a very complex topic.
“[The book] helps readers who feel despair about political divisiveness engage with others across political differences, learn specific steps to reframe political identity outside of partisan divides, and focus on how we relate to one another as Jesus teaches before moving to the what of political topics,” explains Amazon.
The Little Prince
By Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
Recommended by Betty Spelman
“A tender tale of friendship, love and loss in which a pilot strands in the desert and meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid. The story is philosophical and includes social criticism, commenting on the strangeness of the adult world. While it looks like a children's book, it targets adult relationships with deep thoughts on how adults perceive life with each other. The book will take its readers on a trip to see the world differently and learn what is really substantial,” shares Amazon.
The Grace Message: Is the Gospel Really This Good?
By Andrew Farley
Recommended by Jason Schafer
“Grace. It’s a word we’ve heard since the very first step in our faith journey—but do we really believe in God’s grace? Grace raises eyebrows. It begs questions. Grace turns everything upside down. The Grace Message invites you to discover the best flavor of Christianity and celebrate the good news of the Gospel to the fullest. Here, you’ll learn how to abandon rule-based living and stop trying to measure up, why your new identity in Jesus matters more than you can imagine, and how you can now enjoy God’s New Covenant way of grace,” describes Amazon.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
By Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Recommended by Louise A. Rynd
“Two weeks after losing her husband, Sheryl was preparing for a father-child activity. ‘I want Dave,’ she cried. Her friend replied, ‘Option A is not available,’ and then promised to help her make the most of Option B.
“Resilience comes from deep within us and from support outside us. Even after the most devastating events, it is possible to grow by finding deeper meaning and gaining greater appreciation in our lives. Option B illuminates how to help others in crisis, develop compassion for ourselves, raise strong children, and create resilient families, communities and workplaces. Many of these lessons can be applied to everyday struggles, allowing us to brave whatever lies ahead,” details Amazon.
Laura Buchanan works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact her by email.
This story was published on September 9, 2024.
