The top Outlook book recommendations of 2025
Discover the titles that most engaged Presbyterian Outlook readers, from theology and memoir to devotionals and cultural commentary.
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All is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays
In "All is Calmish," Feliciano offers gentle, practical wisdom to ease holiday stress and help families find small miracles in the season, writes Amy Pagliarella.
The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage
In "The Tears of Things," Richard Rohr calls readers to transform their anger into compassionate action through true prophecy, writes Amy Pagliarella.
Reading God’s love: Three new children’s books for growing faith
Discover three new children’s books that nurture faith, justice, and belonging.
We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals From the Freedom Church of the Poor
"We Pray Freedom," edited by Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar, curates liturgies and prayers rooted in justice, healing, and community. — Amy Pagliarella
Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice
Isaac Samuel Villegas’s “Migrant God” frames agape as solidarity and portrays God as a migrant, writes Amy Pagliarella.
For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional
Hanna Reichel’s "For Such a Time as This" offers brief, rich reflections and concrete practices to sustain faith, courage, and community in crisis, writes Amy Pagliarella.
The Secret Despair of the Secular Left
Ana Levy-Lyons explores disconnection, loss of tradition, and spiritual longing in "The Secret Despair of the Secular Left." Amy Pagliarella offers a review.
Abundance
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s "Abundance" offers a hopeful, critical look at policy, politics and possibility, writes Amy Pagliarella.
Summer reads: Faith, formation, and spiritual growth
Amy Pagliarella recommends a list of books that explore theological insight, spiritual practices, or faith-in-action in personal and communal life.
Summer reading: Public life, justice and the common good
Amy Pagliarella recommends a list of books reflecting on societal structures, history and collective responsibility.
Summer reading: Grief, healing, and the search for meaning
Amy Pagliarella offers a list of memoirs and novels that grapple with suffering, memory, and personal transformation.
Big truths for little readers
Three new children’s books explore big faith questions with beauty, joy, and hope — from Miriam’s dancing to a magical lunchbox and what the Bible really is.
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
"One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" calls preachers and other church leaders to pay attention, show up, and work toward a renewed moral compass in our country and culture. — Amy Pagliarella
Authentic Christian Freedom: Deconstructing the American Gospel of Liberty
In "Authentic Christian Freedom," Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty critiques America’s culture wars and reclaims Christian freedom as non-partisan love.
Pathways to Belonging
"Pathways to Belonging" is for those interested in the importance of belonging, and the power of choosing to belong to God, writes Amy Pagliarella.
The spiritual art of staying
Amy Pagliarella recommends two memoirs on rootedness and renewal.
Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation
"Church Camp" is both the memoir of theologian Cara Meredith and a well-researched assessment of the Christian camping industry. — Amy Pagliarella
Appreciate These Things: Eight Ways of Cultivating Compassion
How can we preserve our tender hearts yet be vulnerable enough to engage with the “other” in this current climate? Amy Pagliarella reviews Jill Duffield's new book.
Disciples of White Jesus
Angela Denker explores the radicalization of young White men in America and the role of right-wing Christianity, while also highlighting those who promote a more compassionate path. — Amy Pagliarella
Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand
Journalist and pastor Jeff Chu reflects on the lessons he learned at Princeton Seminary's Farminary.
Seeing Things
A poignant poetry collection on memory, loss, and healing, "Seeing Things" explores trauma, family, and resilience. Amy Pagliarella offers a review.
Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry
"Becoming the Pastor’s Wife" is a must-read for those who enjoy church history, cultural commentary, or a really good mystery, writes Amy Pagliarella.
Making Time: A New Vision for Crafting a Life Beyond Productivity
Maria Bowler’s "Making Time" offers a fresh, creative approach to time, moving beyond productivity to embrace presence, curiosity, and the joy of making. — Amy Pagliarella
Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis
Norman Wirzba offers a theology of hope in “a time of crisis.” Amy Pagliarella reviews Wirzba's latest book.