On July 5th, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune published a list of “beach reading with a purpose… what’s hot at religious bookstores.”  Take a gander and let me know if you’ve read any yet!  I’ll start with their fiction picks…

For Adults:

The Shack by William P. Young  A man returns to the abandoned cabin where his daughter was murderered.  “It’s really not a Christian book… just a book that is based on an interesting theological premise,” according to Tim Franklin the manager of Northwestern Bookstore in Edina, MN.

Dead Heat by Joel C. Rosenberg  A political thriller and the fifth book in a series based on events in the not-so-distant future.

For Kids:

The Door Within trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson  A youngster visits a magical kingdom ruled by a benevolent king.

DragonSpell by Donita K. Paul  A fantasy in which a 14-year-old girl encounters adventures.

 And now for the nonfiction picks…

Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy   The coach of the Indianapolis Colts reflects on his Super Bowl-winning team as well as the suicide of his son.

Finding the Monk Within by Edward C. Sellner   This book examines how centuries-old monastic values can be applied to modern life.

Thin Places by Mary Treacy O’Keefe   O’Keefe reflects on the death of her parents which were separated by only three months.

How to Raise a Jewish Dog by Ellis Weiner   The former National Lampoon editor has shaped a series of doggie “inner monologues.”

“unChristian” by David Kinnaman and Gaby Lyons   What a new generation really thinks about Christianity… and why it matters.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller   A minister addresses the most common causes of religious doubt.

The Faith by Charles Colson  Stories about courageous Christians throughout history are combined with accounts from author’s ministry.

Take the Risk by Ben Carson   A physician explores how taking risks can lead to a higher calling.

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs  This marriage advice book originally was published in 2004, but has only recently become a bestseller.

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris  These twins challenge fellow twins to refute low expectations and hound their generation.

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light   A collection of letters written over her 66-year career.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper   A true story of a man who was pronounced dead at the scene of a car crash, only to return to life an hour and a half later.

Welcome back!