Devotional recommendations for Lent 2025
Whether you value biblical interpretation, social justice, or bodily movement, Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella has a Lent devotional recommendation for you.
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Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church
"Circle of Hope" is the true story of a church reckoning with love, power and justice, and it’s a wild ride, writes Amy Pagliarella.
Swimming with the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue World
America’s political divisiveness might have inspired Haberer to write this book, but "Swimming with the Sharks" will resonate beyond this election season as a reminder that our passions must be rooted in Jesus’ passions.
Resources for grief and loss
Amy Pagliarella suggests the resources for grief pastors, caregivers, and loved ones will want on hand, to reference or offer to others in need.
High Hawk
What are the boundaries of complicity? To whom does the church “confess” its sins? How does it atone for harm inflicted? Author Amy Frykholm explores these questions in her new book of fiction.
Magic Enuff
"The arc of Magic Enuff bends toward hope, however, offering readers a benediction in a slim volume of poetry that reveals deeper truths upon each re-reading." — Amy Pagliarella
How to Hit the Ground Running: A Quick-Start Guide for Congregations With New Leadership
What should a pastor in a new call do first? What’s the best way to engage the staff or structure meetings with the church’s governing body? Neal Mitchell addresses these and similar practical questions in his updated edition of his popular book.
2024 Advent devotional recommendations
Wade through the overwhelming number of Advent resources with Amy Pagliarella's help.
The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith and Refounding Democracy
Wallis writes with urgency and passion, and his straightforward and anecdote-packed book is an accessible choice to inspire discussion (and activism) for such a time as this. — Amy Pagliarella
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder
Salman Rushdie writes about surviving an attempt on his life 30 years after the fatwa that was ordered against him.
2025 Advent devotional recommendations
Discover the best Advent devotionals for 2025. From contemplative guides to churchwide studies, Amy Pagliarella offers resources for faith, reflection, and growth.
A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy
“A Well-Trained Wife” shows that Tia Levings is more than her trauma; her story is one of self-actualization as she realizes “Maybe it was up to me to save me.” — Amy Pagliarella
Books you should know
Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella offers a list of books to add to your "must-read" list.
The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church
Sarah McCammon is a compassionate companion as well as a reliable teacher for pastors, therapists and friends wondering how to better understand and support exvangelicals on the journey. — Amy Pagliarella
Disillusioned
Using research and personal stories, Benjamin Herold posits that the portrait of suburban America as a place of upward mobility for all is an illusion. — Amy Pagliarella
Embracing Queer Family: Learning to Live Authentically in Our Families and Communities
Read this book if the transgender community is unfamiliar, and you are seeking understanding. Read it if you want to be a better friend to the trans community. And add it your library of resources for church members who may be wrestling with this reality. — Amy Pagliarella
Your summer reading guide — bonus content
Outlook Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn and Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella offer a deeper look into the minds that curate our reading lists. Plus: all the books you should read this summer.
The Mother Artist: Portraits of Ambition, Limitation, and Creativity
"The Mother Artist" by Catherine Ricketts is a compelling exploration of motherhood’s ability to both limit and stimulate art. — Amy Pagliarella
Trash: A Poor White Journey
"'Trash' makes the case that poverty and racism are part of the plan, not unintended by-products of the American experiment. This can be tough to hear, which is, perhaps, why it is often dismissed as misguided 'wokeness' rather than respectfully debated." — Amy Pagliarella
Somehow: Thoughts on Love
In "Somehow," Anne Lamott gives us reason to trust in the God whose love is the greatest of all.
Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure
Maggie Jackson’s celebration of uncertainty can free church leaders from defensiveness, inviting us to ponder and question — Amy Pagliarella
Being Here: Prayers for Curiosity, Justice, and Love
"'Being Here' would be a welcome addition to a small group’s gathering and closing time or stand on its own as the foundation of a daily or weekly prayer service," writes Amy Pagliarella of Pádraig Ó Tuama's latest book.
Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith
"In 'Field Notes for the Wilderness,' Bessey writes to fellow 'wanderers' who seek a way to follow Jesus that honors their doubts and questions." — Amy Pagliarella
Children’s books to celebrate Black History
For intentional caregivers who desire to instill values like diversity, courage, self-worth and compassion, books can open the door to important discussions and questions.
Grieving Room: Making Space for all the Hard Things After Death and Loss
Leanne Friesen is a “wounded healer,” writing from personal experience with enough distance to share both theological reflections and practical suggestions. — Amy Pagliarella