What We're Reading: May

Summer is just around the corner! Find some inspiration for your TBR or library list with the ideas below.

Christine

Unbound: A Practical Guide to Deliverance by Neal Lozano

I’m reading Unbound as part of a class on prayer and discernment, but recently I had the opportunity to go to a conference based on the book. Having grown up in the church, I was familiar with many of the principles outlined in the book: the need to repent of sin, forgive others, renounce lies about ourselves, and believe the truths of Scripture (especially what God says about us as his beloved children). However, it’s easy to overlook the need to practice these principles in our everyday lives to experience the freedom and deliverance Christ offers us. Reading this book has helped me to recognize and name my own sins as well as the sins and hurts I need to forgive others for. If you struggle with sin, brokenness, past wounds, unforgiveness, bitterness, self-hatred, resentment—basically, if you’re human—read this book! You’ll be glad you did.

To Read: All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Bethany

Adventures in Odyssey #72: The Long Road Home by AIO

This month I’m “reading” (okay, okay—I’m listening to) Adventures in Odyssey Album #72 The Long Road Home. Like many kids, I grew up listening to these fun audio dramas and making friends with fictional characters in the town of Odyssey. Chris, Connie, and Eugene were all among the beloved voices of my childhood to the point that I still sometimes tune into AIO if just to listen to them talk (not to mention, to hear a goofy remark from the infamous Jay Smouse, but he’s a newer addition). This history is also why I feel so saddened by the passing of actor Will Ryan, who was the voice of Eugene for 35 years, as well as “Petrie from The Land Before Time, Willie the Giant in Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and Rabbit in several Winnie the Pooh cartoons.” I’m honestly not sure what direction this latest album will be going (it’s still wrapped on my desk), but I know I’d like to hear Will Ryan’s voice one last time on the album that is dedicated to his memory.

To Read: The Complete Jewish Study Bible: Illuminating the Jewishness of God’s Word by Rabbi Barry Rubin

Charlotte

Quiet by Naomi Vacaro

I had my first child about three years ago and since then my devotional time with the Lord has gone through seasons of non-existence to minimalism. When I saw this book was coming out, I was really excited about a resource that would help me figure out to daily meet with the Lord again. In Quiet, Vacaro explores how to approach quiet times with grace, how to get out of ruts, and moving past the feeling of failure into freedom. I’m excited to learn how to think more creatively about my daily time of prayer and to remember that God is not confined to an hour in the morning, in a special chair with coffee.

To Read: Taste by Stanley Tucci