I love recommending books (clearly, since I seem to do it a lot). The books we read shape so much of who we are, and so we ought to think carefully about what we read. Recently, I was encouraged to share a list of books every Christian woman should read. I loved the idea… but I also realized pretty quickly that me making recommendations for ladies might not be the best idea. At least, not if I’m doing it alone. In light of that, I’ve called in some help in the form of my friends, Kim Shay and Staci Eastin. So, here are our recommendations:
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung (recommended by Aaron)
Although it wasn’t one of my all-time favorites by DeYoung, there’s a lot of wisdom in the book that all of us would do well to heed (especially busy stay-at-home-homeschooling moms). While not all busyness is bad (after all, God made us to work), we need to be careful in learning how to rest well, even as we strive to work well.
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
The God Who is There by D.A. Carson (recommended by Kim)
Kim says, “I think this should be read because it gives a good overview of the biblical narrative and redemptive history. I have found that having a big picture understanding of Christianity has helped me approach the more specific areas with more thought.”
In this basic introduction to faith, D. A. Carson takes seekers, new Christians, and small groups through the big story of Scripture. He helps readers to know what they believe and why they believe it. The companion leader’s guide helps evangelistic study groups, small groups, and Sunday school classes make the best use of this book in group settings.
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Alsup (recommended by Staci)
In Practical Theology for Women, Alsup uses the power of theology to address practical issues in women’s lives. Her book opens with a general discussion of theology and addresses the most fundamental and practical issue of theology: faith. Then sheexplores the attributes of God the Father, Son, and Spirit fromScripture, concluding with a look at our means of communicating with God-prayer and the Word.Throughout the book Alsup exhorts women to apply what they believe about God in their everyday lives. As they do this, their husbands, homes, and churches will benefit.
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
God’s Good Design by Claire Smith (recommended by Aaron)
Feminism is part of “the cultural air we breathe”—it’s so ingrained into our society that it’s just a given. It’s the status quo, and no longer something to be questioned. But Claire Smith wants us to see that, despite arguments to the contrary, men and women really are different—and that’s exactly the way God intended it. In God’s Good Design, Smith examines the critical texts surrounding gender roles, offering valuable insights into the debate over the responsibilities of men and women within the church and home.
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
Bound Together by Chris Brauns (recommended by Kim)
Kim says, “As women, we balance a lot of ‘stuff,’ like motherhood, work, marriage, family, church, and sometimes, we don’t see how our actions affect others. We can get caught up in ‘life’ and act more in reaction than decisively, not realizing how something now could affect someone a couple of years down the road. It left me thinking for a long time after.”
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
Made for More by Hannah Anderson (recommended by Staci)
Is your identity based on a role? Is it linked to a relationship? Do your achievements influence how you view yourself? What does your family say about you? Who are you as a woman?
Honestly, these are not the right questions. The real question is, who are you as a person created in God’s image? Until we see our identity in His, we’re settling for seconds. And we were made for so much more…
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
Pleasing People by Lou Priolo (recommended by Staci)
Staci says, “Everybody struggles with fear of man and anxiety, but I do think they are particular stumbling blocks for women.”
Full of Scripture and challenging to the reader, Pleasing People takes aim at a problem common in all of us: the desire to be liked by others. But the book also wisely delineates when pleasing people is biblical. The penetrating exercises throughout the text will help readers see how this sin manifests itself in their lives. Pleasing People will be useful for both personal reading and group study.
Buy it at: Westminster Books | Amazon
Anything you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments!
Staci’s book, of course! The Organized Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Conquering Chaos
I would add Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. It gives practical help for how to study the Bible and the importance of it being part of our lives.
I second that, Aaron. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but it is at the top of my “to read” list. It has gotten some outstanding reviews.
Yes, we just took a group of women in our church through this book and it was a wonderful resource for equipping us with how women ought to approach the study of God’s Word. Excellent recommendation!