NPR reporter Sarah McCammon's memoir of growing up evangelical is both timely and superb.
"'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.
"Anyone who desires to rediscover the beauty, complexity, humanity, and revelation within the words of Genesis would do well to allow [Marilyn] Robinson to be their guide," writes Darin Nettleton.
"It’s an excellent resource for individuals or groups who may have been wounded by a religious community, or for wandering, wondering folk who may know nothing about Christian faith…" — Lucy Forster-Smith
"An urgent and passionate commentator, [John Pavlovitz] lives in the tension between despair and hope." — Alfred Walker
"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
"The authors ... beautifully model opening their lives to what God’s Spirit might be doing next, reminding us that God is never finished with us, with the church, nor with this yearning creation." — Patti Snyder
(Bohannon’s) strength is also in the sheer compilation of the useful and the puzzling drawn from paleontology, medicine, evolutionary biology, history and anthropology. — Rebecca Davis
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.
Leanne Friesen is a “wounded healer,” writing from personal experience with enough distance to share both theological reflections and practical suggestions. — Amy Pagliarella
For anyone feeling hollowed out by the litany of grief that envelops our news cycles, family systems and church communities, there is plenty of grace to be gained from her bodily prayers ... invitations to contemplation ... and calls to an undivided life. — Emily McGinley
"I appreciate [Gilbert] Rendle’s emphasis on discovery rather than prescription. We do not need another program for renewal and evangelism; ... We need to discover what God is already doing in the world," writes Phil Reed.
"This book may help congregations that are far, far away from the sale of their church property avoid this seemingly inevitable fate." — Beth Guzman
Myisha Cherry argues that it is more fruitful to view forgiveness as a journey, not a single decision, writes Paul Dornan.
Greg Garrett agrees with Baldwin on the questions that lead from bad faith to one based on wisdom and truth: “Who is God, who am I, what is sacred community, how are we supposed to live, why exercise faith?”
"While the reflection questions and content could be tailored to suit a small group, this is a particularly rich choice for individual reading for Lent this year," writes Amy Pagliarella.
Luther E. Smith Jr. proclaims that Hope is Here! as he invites us to practice and pursue justice in our churches and communities.
"While Daniel Reinhardt is one of many voices in the police-reform conversation, his personal experiences, combined with a calm yet passionate tone, provide a welcome addition to a complex topic," writes Amy Pagliarella.
Kara Root’s message is this: Receive what is. Receive what is difficult. Receive what God is doing. Receive what God has already done. Receive what will be. Receive it all. — Philip J. Reed
Here's a short list of books appropriate for that quiet reading time after Christmas. Enjoy!
Carey Wallace and Khoa Le create a book that is a gift for early elementary-age children and adults alike, writes Amy Pagliarella.
"All this leads McCaulley to ask: If there is a God, why has racism persisted for so long?" — Colin Farmer
David Brooks pens "a deeply engaging book that reads like a guide to pastoral care, yet is equally applicable to professionals and caregivers, helping all of us bring more curiosity and compassion to our conversations," writes Amy Pagliarella.
“Women have been fruitful matriarchs for millennia, including those of us who never gave birth,” Elizabeth Felicetti writes in her new book reviewed by Elizabeth B. Dickey.
In Anna Carter Florence's book, "Prophets become petulant and loving. Certain women, perhaps considered sassy or labeled as illicit, become exemplars of faith ...," writes Jo Forrest.
© Copyright 2026 The Presbyterian Outlook. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement. Website by Web Publisher PRO
