In response to my amazingly talented author friend, Nadine, I am sharing what six books or series (because who really could just choose six) have changed the way I think.
My first two are on her list as well because she is the one who recommended them to me.
Blood of Kings Trilogy by Jill Williamson
All three books are filled with adventures and twists. I was so glad I couldn't predict what was going to happen next. These books are Christian but it's not in your face. When one of the main characters comes to hear the truth I was able to understand what the darkness is in this world that I need help overcoming.
The Lunar Chronicles by Marrisa Meyer
There are three books of four out so far. I confess I have only read the first two, Cinder and Scarlet. I was a skeptic. I don't read a lot/any Sci-fi and I know the story of Cinderella, but I always listen to Nadine when it comes to books. I was telling another friend about Cinder and in the story instead of her shoe falling off her foot does instead. My friend gave me the weirdest look and I realized I forgot to tell her that Cinder was half cyborg. After I explained this she went to the library and checked it out herself.
The Circle Series by Ted Dekker
Also his Showdown series and every other series that connects these characters. It's genius. A lot happens in these books going back and forth between two worlds, but the thing that had the most impact on me was Dekker's description of God's love and his pursuit of us. How easy it is to be deceived and how many times God forgives.
Blessed Child by Ted Dekker
This "blessed child", Caleb, can see the Kingdom of God! Not in the future, on earth, right now. When I finished with this book I was filled with joy. God is real and he is doing stuff all around us all the time. Sometimes we need books like this to remind us to open our eyes.
Through Painted Desserts by Donald Miller
This isn't one of his popular books but I was challenged through it. The book is about his road trip with a friend from Texas to Oregon. In the beginning he writes about how everyone must leave home. I go back to that when I am making decisions about my future. Home is safe and comfortable but, taking a phrase from another one of his books, every good story has an inciting incident. For you that may be at home. But for me, my good story is made when I say yes even without all the details of how said adventure will end up.
A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes
It is not like any other book because; Parvin is the hero because she is afraid of things, and she doesn't come out of everything unharmed, and she is learning just like the rest of us what God intended for this world. I am excited to re-read this book after the edits are complete and it is published. I am excited to tell everyone I know about it and I can't wait for the next two!
