More Great Books for Christian Young Women
Hey friends! Today I’m excited to share with you some more books that have blessed me. You may recall a post I did last year about “Great Books for Christian Young Women.” That certainly wasn’t a comprehensive list, so I decided to do a follow-up post with some more favorites. These are all books that I’ve enjoyed a least a portion of at some time, that have encouraged and challenged me in my Christian life, or informed me in some area of interest.
In case you’re wondering, yes, I do read fiction sometimes (especially since I love writing it). In my experience, it’s a little harder to find good, well-written fiction that I can fully recommend (there are things I recommend to someone in person with a disclaimer, that I don’t feel comfortable recommending on here). That’s why the majority of what I list is non-fiction, but I have absolutely nothing against fiction and I enjoy reading it! Anyway, hopefully you’ll find a title here that catches your eye too!
As always, just because I recommend a book doesn’t mean that I agree with everything in it or all of the author’s views. Read with discernment, and compare everything with the word of God. And if you’re a reader in your early or pre-teens, it might be a good idea to go through this list with your mom.
Biography/Memoir
House Calls and Hitching Posts by Dorcas Hoover. This fascinating memoir tells the story of Dr. Elton Lehman, who spent his practice working mostly among the Amish. I was riveted by this book—it will make you laugh, cry, and think, offering insights into the world of medicine and Amish culture. You’ll be inspired by Dr. Lehman’s compassion, ingenuity, and selflessness. Because of some of the content, I would recommend this book for 16 and up.
In Harm’s Way by Nancy D. Sheppard. “A View from the Epicenter of Liberia’s Ebola Crisis.” After reading Called for Life about the Ebola crisis in Liberia and one missionary couple’s response, I was interested in reading further. This book contains more of the heart-wrenching but inspiring story. The response of these missionaries was similar to that of the early church. Instead of avoiding danger, they stepped in to be the hands and feet of Christ at great risk to themselves. Their stories will truly challenge you!
Susie by Ray Rhodes Jr. “The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, Wife of Charles H. Spurgeon.” Most of us are familiar with Charles Spurgeon’s writings and story, but here’s the story of the woman who stood with him. Susie was a wonderful example of what it truly means to be a helpmeet and her marriage with C.H. Spurgeon was exemplary of what a Christian marriage should be. Through years of ministry and struggles with health problems, their love for each other only strengthened with time. Enjoy this look into a lesser-known side of Spurgeon’s life.
How I Know God Answers Prayer by Rosalind Goforth. This little book is the true account of how God answered prayer throughout one missionary wife’s lifetime. In things little and big, He showed His care and love, and He’ll do the same for you!
Goforths of China: Through Deep Waters to Higher Ground by Lois Neely. This is the love story of Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth. It’s a story that stretched over two continents, through 49 years, enduring harrowing dangers, the loss of beloved children, intense ministry and long separations. This book will challenge you to give your all for Christ.
Captured! by Carolyn Paine Miller. Here is the true story of American missionaries captured during the Vietnam war and held for eight long months by the Vietcong. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, and give you a realistic look at history through the eyes of some who lived it. 16 and up.
The KGB’s Most Wanted by Joseph Bondarenko. In a life that mirrored the biblical Joseph’s, this Soviet pastor spent most of his twenties in prison for preaching the Gospel. I really can’t recommend this book enough—it will make you examine your own heart and love for Christ. Plus, it’s the riveting story of a believer who suffered for Christ in the Russian gulags.
I am N by the Voice of the Martyrs. “Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists.” This book is so good! God is truly at work in Islamic countries, drawing many to Himself. However, when these believers answer Jesus’ call, they face persecution beyond what we can imagine. These are some of their stories—of faith under fire, of God’s grace in impossible circumstances, and of courage and love in the face of anger and hatred. 16 and up.
Old Christian Classics
The Story of Our Hymns by Ernest Edwin Ryden. The stories of our Christian hymns are the stories of God at work in history and in the lives of individuals. This book is available for free on kindle, and if you love hymns and enjoy history, I’d highly recommend it.
Kept for the Master’s Use by Frances Ridley Havergal. The keynote of this book is surrender and trust. The author of “Take My Life and Let It Be” takes you through each phrase of the hymn. She delves deep into how we can apply the hymn practically in our lives. Full of rich Bible truth and a call to trust Jesus with your all, this book has been a real blessing to me in my Christian walk. Our Savior is indeed faithful to keep what we commit to Him!
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. A few of my favorite quotes from this book: “A Christian comes to this contentment not by making up the wants of his circumstances, but by the performance of the work of his circumstances.” “A gracious heart is contented by the melting of his will and desires into God’s will and desires.” “The exercising of faith on what Christ endured is the way to get contentment in the midst of our pains.” I strongly recommend this one!
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks. Biblical answers to many struggles that Christians face. “Satan’s Devices to Draw the Soul to Sin,” “Satan’s Devices to Keep Souls from Holy Duties,” “Satan’s Devices to Keep Saints in a Sad, Doubting, Questioning and Uncomfortable Condition” (ever been there?), are just some of the topics covered. This book has been a real help to me! Although it was written in the 17th century, the struggles we deal with are still the same and the answers are still the same.
The Holy War by John Bunyan. Here’s the story of your soul and mine—of how Christ wooed and won those He died to redeem, and of the ensuing war within. This is another book I can’t recommend highly enough. You’ll see yourself throughout and be drawn anew to the One Who died to win the war for your soul. If you aren’t into the old English, then Ethel Barrett’s retelling, Chronicles of Mansoul, is just as good and impactful (and a bit more readable).
Poetry
He Giveth More Grace: One Hundred Poems by Annie Johnson Flint. A book of beautiful and richly biblical poetry, coming from the heart of a bedridden invalid. Some of my favorites are “His Grace is Sufficient for Me,” “Better Than My Best,” “The Red Sea Place,” and “I Have Set the Lord.”
Mountain Breezes by Amy Carmichael. An extensive collection of Amy Carmichael’s poetry. From the book description: “There are times when the heart seems to struggle for words rich enough to give adequate praise, deep enough to touch pain and personal weakness, or broad enough to include all of life’s experiences. Amy Carmichael’s poetry is pure gift to us because God gave her such words. Jesus was present to her, through her body was in a ‘confining pit’, her soul soared.”
What have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear some of your favorites in the comments below! Happy reading, friends!
