It has been said that when a person is ready, the right book will appear. That has certainly proved true for me. Often friends have given me a book that has been helpful or enjoyable to them. Sometimes I pick them up right away and devour them, experiencing all that my friends did. Other times I read a page or two and put them down until years later when I feel an urge to pick the book up again and only then find its blessings.

Some books are to be read just for the fun and escape they offer. Others can be read for the beauty of language and the insight into the human experience. Still others, while read for both of those reasons, can also be read in the hope of receiving spiritual insight or wisdom. This insight can be gained from fiction and secular non-fiction in addition to specifically Christian or spiritual writings.

All of life is shot through with the presence and tenderness of God. Each human life, whether intentionally or not, unfolds around the great Biblical themes of creation, love, sin and redemption.

One way to read a book for its spiritual support is to look for those great themes. The following questions might be helpful.

The books suggested on this site have been recommended by Eugenia or by members of our Encouraging Words team because they have brought joy, insight, encouragement and sometimes challenge to us. We all hope that you are blessed by them. Links are included to help you purchase the books and have them mailed to your home. Many may be available in your public library or in audio or large print editions. We receive no financial benefit from authors, publishers or dealers for these recommendations. These books have blessed us and we just want to pass them along.