Book Buffet: Four Reads to Savor

​Welcome to my “book buffet”—a sampling of reads that have encouraged and challenged me in different ways. Each one offers something unique, from rich storytelling to practical biblical wisdom. Here’s a taste of four books I’ve enjoyed recently.

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Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
This book surprised me. Although it isn’t marketed as Christian fiction, it carries a redemptive thread throughout. It blends all the ingredients of a savory read—drama, romance, mystery, and even touches of humor. The story weaves together the lives of the people in the town of Golden, centering on a stranger who quietly leaves a lasting impact.
Most of the time, when I read fiction, I move steadily from page to page without stopping to admire the “scenery,” so to speak. But with this book, I found myself pausing—sometimes rereading entire paragraphs—just to savor the beauty of the author’s language and imagery.

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Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung
This book comes with quite the subtitle: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time.
The subtitle may be long, but the book itself is a quick read. Don’t let its size fool you—it offers plenty of substance to digest. With equal measures of encouragement and biblical conviction, DeYoung serves up a helpful perspective on pursuing godly living in a balanced and practical way. As we grow in spiritual disciplines, he reminds us that we don’t have to carry the burden of perfection.

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Time Out: The Gift of God of Youth Sport by John Perritt
This book takes a thoughtful look at sports and stewardship. How can we use involvement in sports to wisely steward our time, resources, character, and bodies? How should parents evaluate their children’s participation in these activities?
Perritt gives parents, coaches, and teens plenty to chew on as he serves up a balanced plate of both the redemptive aspects and the potential dangers of sports and physical activities. He brings an honest and nuanced perspective to this topic—something I found especially refreshing.

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The Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce Longenecker
This is one I had to keep reminding myself was fiction. Longenecker skillfully blends historical and archaeological detail with imagined correspondence between two New Testament figures.
As we read fragments of letters written by Luke and Antipas, we gain insight into the culture and structure of the Roman Empire in the first century. It’s a rich and immersive read that kept me engaged from beginning to end, even as I anticipated the bittersweet outcome.

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If you sample one of these “book buffet” selections, I’d love to hear what you think!
See also: How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament, Literarily by Kristie Anyabwile