WHAT ARE YOU READING?
That's the question we will be asking COF contributors and you, our readers, each month. Is there a book that you just can't seem to put down, that's teaching you a profound spiritual lesson, or making you laugh amid your struggles? We want to hear about it!
JOIN US!
- Tell us in the comments what you are reading.
- Take a picture of what you are reading and post it to yourInstagram, Facebook, or Twitter using the hashtag #FFBF
- LinkUp a book review blog post about a favorite book you've read.
BTW, you don't have to wait for the first Friday of every month to see what our contributors are reading, you can follow them on Goodreads!
Kristin Taylor
Wherever the River Runs: How a Forgotten People Renewed My Hope in the Gospel by Kelly Minter
Kelly Minter tells of how spending some time in the Amazon with its people changed her faith and perspective. The way she tells these stories is really more like taking me there with beautiful word pictures. Scattered throughout the descriptions of life in the Amazon are nuggets of truth that flow naturally and make me think.
Follow Kristin on Goodreads.
Denise Trio
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
I heard about this book at a Worship Leading Conference I went to in May, in a workshop about coaching and loving your job. When I asked how to coach a team as an introvert, the instructor suggested watching Susan Cain, the author, speak at a TED conference about the power of introverts. I watched the video and was immediately enamored. While she is not an outright Christian author and though I’ve just begun to read the book, Cain quickly points out the truth - that we were each made uniquely and should embrace the natural tendencies of our personalities. She is brilliant (keep a dictionary on hand) and inspiring and empathetically explains the value of introverts in our society through stories and research.
Follow Denise on Goodreads.
Noelle Rhodes
When We Were On Fire by Addie Zierman
This is a great memoir for anyone who grew up "churched" during the 90s. I laughed. I cried. I cringed at the parts that reminded me of my own "churched" teenagehood. All in all, it is a great read that exposes what happens when transforming faith and conforming religious traditions duke it out.
Susanne Ciancio
The Roar: God's Sound in a Raging World by Bob Hazlett
The Roar is one of those rare books that I didn't ever want to end. Although very understandable, the author is writing about the deepest principles of how much God desires to speak to each of us. The key point is that God will always speak to a believer about potential and destiny and gifting. The Roar will amp up your desire for intimacy with God and give some direction as to how God likes to help with that! He also starts every chapter with a quote from A. W. Tozer who happens to be one of my lifetime favorite authors. This book is easy enough to read at the beach, yet contains many nuggets you will want to return to over and over again. Get out your Flair pens and highlighters...it's one of those.
Kimberly Amici
Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist
I received this book last year while attending the Allume bloggers’ conference. I lent it to several friends, who raved about it, before I actually picked it up to read. Shauna shares stories of fun, fellowship, grief, and heartache as well as recipes and the role food has played in those experiences. She relates her commitment to hospitality and how she shows love to others by feeding them. Her voice is lyrical and vivid. Her description of the foods she loves made my mouth water and her authenticity in storytelling stirred my longing for community.
Follow Kimberly on Goodreads
Elise Daly Parker
Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream: 40 Days of Encouragement for Your Heart by Holley Gerth
I love this little book! While it’s an excellent companion to the original book, You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You by Holley (excerpt here), it also stands alone as an inspiring, encouraging devotional to guide you on your dream journey. Covering everything from exploring what your God-sized dream is to overcoming fear and a sense of unworthiness about your dream to persevering when you’re ready to give up, each chapter offers a message that keeps us dreamers traveling forward. Narratives are laced with scripture, prayer, and applicable actions we can take. The words always seem to be just what I need when I need them. You could move quickly through the book in 40 days, however, I’m savoring each chapter by spreading out my reading and applying over several weeks.
Susan Panzica
The Moses Conspiracy by Susan J. Reinhardt
I’m reading a thriller by my author friend Susan. The Moses Conspiracy is a fast-paced Christian page-turner set in the near future. A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA, set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian community. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy. Throughout the story, relationships are explored, tragic events are unearthed, and God's hand continues to guide the family.
Click HERE for an interview with the author.
Thanks to Shelton Interactive, we are giving away a copy of Notes From a Blue Bike, The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider
Tell us in the comments what you are reading or LinkUp a blog post below to be entered to win. For a review of this book, check out Kimberly's post over at Living in the Sweet Spot.
On linking up...
Please mention Circles of Faith First Friday Book Faves in your post, and link back to today's post. You can grab a button while you are here!