Round the Sphere Again: Books

Two on Dying Well
Nancy Guthrie has edited a new book of collected essays, this one on facing death, something we all would rather not think about. But, says Guthrie,

I’m convinced that there is a real freedom, and even joy, in thinking it through, and that exploring death in light of the Scriptures can actually soothe our fears and infuse our thoughts about death with hope and peace.

You can read the preface and first chapter (an essay by J. I. Packer titled Only When You Know How to Die Can You Know How to Live) of O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God, or listen to Justin Taylor interview Nancy Guthrie about this book.

I’ve just ordered this one for the church library because while we have lots and lots of books on the Christian way to do just about every other life task, we have nothing at all on dying well.

While looking for books on dying, I also found a newly released book from Crossway: Finishing Well to the Glory of God: Strategies from a Christian Physician by John Dunlop, MD.  You can read an excerpt at the Crossway Blog. I’m interested in this one, too, but I think I’ll wait until I see a few reviews before deciding whether to order it or not.

One on Living in an Affluent Society
Jen (Like Snow in May) reviews Unfettered Hope by Marva Dawn and recommends it, although she does disagree fairly strongly with Dawn’s views on some things.

A Few for Kids and Youth
Now I’m looking for your recommendations. The children and youth section of the church library needs serious updating. (We have a complete set of Danny Orlis books. Need I say more?) I have some funds. What Christian books have your children enjoyed? Your teenagers? What would you recommend?

Comments

[Kim in ON]

When my kids were 8-11 years old, they enjoyed the Trailblazer books, written by Dave and Neta Jackson. They are historical fiction. All three of my kids loved the Space Trilogy by Lewis, but definitely for teens, I would say. There are also a series of church history series by Mindy and Brandon Withrow which my youngest read.

[Jen]

All of Douglas Bond's books are just excellent - accurate, Bible-steeped historical fiction. (bondbooks.net) Also, Piet Prins's are really good, particularly the Scout series (Inheritance Publications). My son is eight, but both sets are geared to age 12 and up. I just ordered the Christian Heritage series' (one for boys, one of girls, one on character). They are from the 19 C - really solid, good stuff. Grace and Truth books in the states is the only place I could find them. My children are really liking them.

[rebecca]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm putting an order together right now.