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Books are one of the best gifts you can give someone. When you give someone a book you are not just giving them paper and ink, but adventure, knowledge, information and even experience. There is so much we can learn from other people's thoughts and experiences. If you want to give someone a valuable gift, give them a book!!
With that being said, as much as I love books, I am kind of picky with them. A book needs to inspire. It needs to leave you with more wisdom than you had before. And it needs to be easy to read - over and over again! So I have compiled a list of gift-worthy books for everyone on your list, along with a short review on each. They are not all "Christian" but they are all wonderful reads. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in and enjoy browsing through lots of wonderful books! 
For Adults
{Most of these are perfect for teens too!}
This is the story of a Chinese Christian and his reunion with his college roommate after many years. It is riveting and eye opening!
Gene Edwards does a wonderful job at bring the early church, and the Apostle Paul in particular, to life. With a very interesting story line and great personable characters, this book, and the rest in the series are great gifts for teens and adults! This was one of my Dad's favorite books when I was growing up.
With real life stories and practical, yet radical application, this book is a must read for anyone serious about living their life all out for Jesus. I was given this book when I was a teenager and it was life changing for me!
There is a reason this book is really popular right now! Katie Davis's honest and personal writing style and stories will speak right to your heart. If you haven't read it yet, you are missing out!
This is a great novel about a young man who overcame great odds to become a leader in his community. It is also a picture of what the church is called to be. It's hard to put down and would be a great gift for pretty much anyone! Ronald Reagan is quoted to say that this story shaped his life as young man.
This is a Kindle book you buy for yourself as a gift to any adoptive family friends you have. Being parents of kids that have gone through emotional trauma can be a hard and lonely road - reading this book can help you understand and support the adoptive families in your life. It's written in an interesting and even humorous way that makes it really easy to read.
This book was actually written by a family friend - and it is amazing. A friend gave it to me for my birthday and I consider it one of the top 5 gifts I've ever received! Dorcas gives you the tools you need to live a life of trust in Jesus and your husband. If you are a woman, you need this book. For real!
Written as the journal of a young girl, this book chronicles the life of Katie from 16 through her marriage and raising her family. Every woman will be able to identify with Katie as she struggles to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It is honest, heartrending, humorous and triumphant. I think any woman will love this book!
This is another great book by Gene Edwards. It follows the lives of King Saul, King David and Absolom. Learn why David was a man after God's own heart, and the hidden blessings of brokenness.
Love, grit, joy, sorrow and adventure - this book has it all! It is the true story of a 16 year old girl from Boston who marries a Canadian Mounty and moves back into the wilderness with him. Virgil and I read this book together soon after we were married and we finished it in record time because we could not put it down!
The War for Mansoul
An allegory by John Bunyan, rewritten by Ethel Barret. Everyone will love this story of loss and redemption that can be directly applied to your own spiritual journey. Ethel Barret makes it easy to read and adds a bit of humor. This is a timeless classic you do not want to miss!
Books for Teens
Knights, swords, action!! This series is amazing. And really, it's not just for teens. Sir Kendrick is a good place to start, but you will want the whole series! A set of allegories set in medieval times about a Kingdom, hanging in the balance while a war rages between the evil Dark Knight and his Shadow Warriors and the noble King and his Silent Warriors along with a few brave citizens of the land who have sworn allegiance to the King alone. You don't want to miss these - they are the ultimate book gift for any teen in your life. I actually prefer the audio dramatized version. In fact I just listened to one the other day while I was on a 5 hour road trip. :)
Follow the story of Franz and his family as they live out their Christian faith in Germany during WW2. They hide Jews, defy Hitler's top men, break army rules and survive violent bombing. This is a wonderful story of God's faithfulness, full of history and suspense.
This is just what it says it is - the ultimate guide to Guy/Girl relationships. I loved this book as a teen. It is so full of practical advice for navigating an exciting and yet hard time of life. Any other book by Eric and Leslie Ludy is good too. I especially like God's Gift To Women {or my husband does;) } and Authentic Beauty.
For Kids
A charming vintage story that your littles will love! Sal goes blueberry picking with her Mother and they get all mixed up with a Mother bear and her cub. It's full of adorable pictures and is written in such a child friendly way. You won't mind reading it over and over again!
Heartwarming and fun Christmas short stories by Louisa May Alcott. This is a great book for your kids and preteens. Alcott's writing style is timeless, her stories are enriching. Everybody will love this book!
Four orphan children hear that the King is coming to their little village - to adopt them! Driven by excitement and the desire to please they each start practicing their own particular talents so they can impress the King. But will their efforts be enough? Kids of all ages will love this simple allegory of God's love for His children.
The illustrations alone are enough to make this book a beautiful gift. The story inside is even more wonderful! Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he never smiles. But when a widow and her son move to the valley and place a special order a miracle slowly unfolds.
While this is not exclusively a Christmas gift list of books, I could not leave this book out. It was a childhood favorite and your kids will love it to! Travel to a little western town where the children's dreams come true - a candy store opens up just before Christmas! But the mysterious stranger that opens the store has a new candy to introduce and a story to tell.
My Dad read this story to us when we were all kids one winter. I love the adult version, but those childhood memories endeared this version to my heart so much. This makes a great gift for your whole family. Journey with Much-Afraid to the High Places where she receives a new name and a new identity. The way is not easy, and she is pursued by her evil Fearing relatives but the great Shepherd is by her side all the way.
Going from the smothering love of 2 maiden aunts in the city to the quiet love of relatives in the country is a shock for Betsy. She is suddenly expected to do things, not just for herself, but around the farm. Journey back to Betsy's time as she discovers what love really looks like. My Mom read this book to us growing up and it was one of our very favorites!
So there you go - 21 of my favorite books! I hope this list will help make your gift shopping easier. :)
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2 Comments
11/28/2015 08:36:09 am
Wow! This is a great list! Just added several to my "must read" list! Leave a Reply. |
I am on a journey to know Jesus better, and be the wife, mommy and friend that God created me to be, all within the walls of my own little home. <3
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