Over the course of the World Race, I have read 25 books. I thought I would share the books I’ve read that have helped me grow or added to my Race somehow. Fellow bookworms, enjoy!
Christian Nonfiction
The Drop Box by Brian Ivie
You may have watched the documentary The Drop Box, about a pastor in South Korea who installed a baby drop box in his home to rescue unwanted babies. The young director of the documentary, Brian Ivie, became a Christian while working on the film. This is his personal story. Brian opens our eyes to what it means to be children of God, not orphans.
Love Does by Bob Goff
Bob Goff is a crazy guy who does all kinds of crazy things because he loves Jesus. In his book, he tells you about some of those crazy things…which may include encouraging his children to write to world leaders, and then taking them to meet all of them and giving each one a key to the Goff home. And that’s just one of the 31 chapters in this amazing memoir!
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Don Miller
Don Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, writes about his experience in helping to make a movie out of his book. While doing so, he explores the idea that our lives are stories, and makes some important changes in his own life so that he’s living a better story.
Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge
Each chapter of this book gives you new ideas and insights into meeting Jesus in “the secret place.” Chapters include “The Secret of Listening,” “The Secret of Rapid Repentance,” and “The Secret of Praying the Scriptures.” There are 52 chapters. You can use this book as a daily devotional or read chapter one per week to make the book last a whole year!
The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge
This poetic book explores what it means to have a romance with Jesus, the Lover of our souls. Honestly, it was beautiful but kind of slow. I had to take breaks from it every so often, but I also learned a lot. It’s worth the read!
The Lipstick Gospel by Stephanie May Wilson
Stephanie tells her story of empty-sorority-girl turned on-fire-for-Jesus missionary.
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Excellent daily devotional! Each entry is written as though Jesus is speaking to you. Scripture verses back up the author’s insights into the heart of Jesus and what he wants for us.
Christian Fiction
The Circle Series by Ted Dekker (Black, Red, White, and Green)
These books were probably my favorites that I read on the Race. Thomas Hunter falls asleep in Detroit and awakens in another world – a world in which the spiritual becomes physical. I learned a lot from these books about what a romantic relationship with Jesus can look like…and the story kept me engaged through all four books of the series.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
This novel parallels the story of Hosea and Gomer in the Old Testament. It’s the 1850s, and righteous Michael Hosea marries Angel, a prostitute, but that’s only the beginning of the story. It’s one of those can’t-put-it-down books.
Tales of the Kingdom, Tales of the Resistance, and Tales of the Restoration by David and Karen Mains
These beautiful allegories are the books from my childhood that first spoke to my heart about the Kingdom of God. Follow Scarboy as he becomes Hero and delve deeper into spiritual realities through these whimsical stories.
Country/Region Specific Books
Tip for future Racers: search the Kindle store for the names of the countries you are going to plus missions or country plus memoir (ie Nicaragua missions, Nepal memoir). This proved to be a good way to find stories of missionaries and other humanitarians who did awesome things in those countries. It was a great way to learn more about the countries while also reading engaging stories. Here’s what I read:
Ethiopia – There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene
This book tells the story of Haregewoin Teferra, an Ethiopian woman who opened her home to children in Addis Ababa who had been orphaned by the AIDS crisis. Although the book focuses on Teferra and her story, you will also learn a lot about the history of Ethiopia.
India – Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo
This book is written like a novel – I didn’t realize that it was a true story until the end. The story takes place in Annawadi, a slum outside the Mumbai airport, and follows the residents as they live their lives.
Nepal – Little Princes by Conor Grennan
Conor Grennan, a young 20-something, finds his passion in reconnecting trafficked children with their families in the mountains of Nepal. GREAT BOOK!
Cambodia – First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung
Lougn Ung was five years old when Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge army stormed Phnom Penh, forcing her family to flee for their lives. From her own perspective as a young child, we follow Ung in the years that follow as she is separated from her family and forced to train as a child soldier. Her story is heart-breaking, but gives you a real understanding of what Cambodia went through during that dark time.
Any Muslim country – Dreams and Visions by Tom Doyle and Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef
Dreams and Visions shows how God is reaching Muslims in the most restrictive areas of the world by sending them dreams and visions of Jesus. As I read story after story, I found myself AMAZED at my God and the lengths that He will go to to reach people.
Son of Hamas is a memoir written by a man whose father is one of the leaders of the Hamas terrorist organization. It is the story of his life and his journey to faith in Jesus, as well as an insider look at the conflicts in the Middle East.
Any country where persecution against Christians is common – The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places by Nik Ripken
The book is “a bold challenge to global discipleship.” Ripken draws on his experiences as a missionary in Somalia as well as hundreds of interviews with believers in persecution around the world to educate us on our call to take Jesus across the street and the ocean in order that all may hear the Good News. I’m also currently reading The Insanity of God by the same author, which is more of his life story.
Other Recommendations
102 ESL Games and Activities for New and Prospective Teachers by Miles Jaworski
ESL = English as a Second Language. Chances are slim that you will make it through the entire World Race without having to teach English! This is a super cheap book and definitely worth having on your Kindle as a reference (because you won’t always have access to Google!)
The Holy Bible
Of course you should have a Bible on your Kindle! I have an NIV and also purchased The Message (the Bible in contemporary language.)
And remember…there’s no shame in reading/re-reading all the Harry Potters! 🙂
Of course, buying all these books can get expensive. If you need help to afford the books you want, I recommend looking for a sponsor who is passionate about reading who would be willing to give you some cash specifically for buying books!
Happy reading!
