Summer 2020 Reading Suggestions

Here are some books I recommend, if you’re looking for something to read during a slower than normal schedule this summer. I know that , typically, summer reads means easy, fun and relaxing read, the kind that encourages escapism.

I don’t often follow this and am not a big fan of that genre, so some of these books may not be what you’re looking for. I do encourage you to just check them out and perhaps you will find them as entertaining as, and more enlightening than, the latest bestseller beach read. You can go to my Goodreads Read Shelf for detailed reviews of these books. (Note that I have included affiliate links to Amazon)

History/Biography

1. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson - the historical account of the the Blitzkrieg in London and how the Brits coped with it.
2. Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard - this is about the assassination attempt of President Garfield that covers history, biography and science.
3. The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone - the fascinating story of Elizabeth Friedman, one of the first code breakers, and the beginning of cryptography.
4. For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton - the amazing missionary life of Eric Liddell post-Olympics.

Culture Study/Current Events:

1. Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson - the best book I’ve read to help me better understand the ordeals of African Americans, with a gospel-centered message.
2. The Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray - written by an atheist gay author, this book calls out the inconsistencies and recounts the histories of the current trends of victimhood; very enlightening. (Warning: some profanities as quotes, some sexual descriptions)
3. I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong - in light of the Coronavirus, this is an informative book to read that highlights the good germs in our bodies.
4. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell - using underdog stories, Gladwell skillfully defends his thesis that privilege or abundance does not always mean advantage.

Christian/Bible

1. Closer Than a Sister by Christina Fox - great prep book about pursuing relationships, to read before the busy ministry season begins, as churches start to open and reconvene their pre-quarantine schedules.
2. Faith Among the Faithless by Mike Cosper - a study on the Book of Esther, this is so relevant for our times.
3. The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Taunton - expounds on the value of friendships with those unlike us.
4. Dispatches from the Front by Tim Keessee - a collection of encouraging stories, that include our pastor’s in Croatia, of Christians in hard places.

Just for fun:

1. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton - this may sound confusing in the beginning, but it is a fun read, unlike anything I’ve read before.
2. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - the book that confirmed I’m a science fiction fan, not just any kind of sci-fi, but the type that encourages introspection and asks philosophical questions that have haunted mankind for generations. (Warning: some profanities)
3. Anything by Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien or Jane Austen.