by Christine Ellis

Summer has always felt like a liminal space - that transitional time between the "what was" and the "next." It has the uncanny ability to fly by and languish on forever at the same time; where every day can almost feel the same, and yet by the end of it, you feel like a completely different person. And if there were one thing that completely embodied that feeling for me, it would be this: the summer reading list.

Or at least the lists we were assigned at the end of every school year. I love reading, always have, but I couldn't seem to appreciate the classics my teachers had picked out. I would skim and speed read through each book as quickly as possible, completely missing any lesson contained in those chapters. But like with any liminal space, it is the times where we learn to wait and let it form us that are the most transformational.

I recently finished a book that teaches this very lesson. A summer reading list in its own right, "On Reading Well" by K.S. Prior takes readers on a guided tour through works of great literature both ancient and modern, exploring twelve virtues that philosophers and theologians throughout history have identified as most essential for good character and the good life. Prior explores some of the most compelling universal themes found in the pages of classic books, helping readers learn to love life, literature, and God through their encounters with great writing. In examining works by these authors and more, Prior shows why virtues such as prudence, temperance, humility, and patience are still necessary for human flourishing and civil society.

While you wouldn't find any of the books we've recommended on any teacher's list, our Summer Reading List is a compilation of books, podcasts, and RightNow Media content that has engaged, entertained, and enlightened us. I'll leave you with the same advice that Prior opens her book with; read a book like you would enjoy a delicious, expensive meal. Take your time and savor it. Linger in one part of it for a little while and re-read parts that speak to you. And over time, let it transform you.

The Time is Now

A Call to Uncommon Courage

Book by Joan Chittister

Beloved nun and social activist Joan Chittister offers a soul-stirring and inspiring guide that speaks to all who feel disillusioned and dissatisfied with the power-hungry institutions and systems of this world. 

Joan Chittister has been a passionate voice for women's rights for over 50 years. Called "one of the most well-known and trusted contemporary spiritual authors" by Publishers Weekly, this rabble-rousing force of nature for social justice and fervent proponent of personal faith and spiritual fulfillment draws on the wisdom of prophets--both ancient and modern--to help us confront the societal forces that oppress and silence the sacred voices among us. 

Pairing scriptural insights with stirring narratives of the truth-tellers that came before us, Sister Joan offers a compelling vision for readers to combat complacency and to propel ourselves toward creating a world of justice, freedom, peace, and empowerment.

For the weary, the cranky, and the fearful, Sister Joan's energizing message invites us to participate in a vision for a world greater than the one we find ourselves in today. This is spirituality in action, this is practical and powerful activism for our times.

Leading from the Second Chair

Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

Book by Mike Bonem & Roger Patterson

"Leading From the Second Chair" will raise awareness of the need for strong leaders in secondary positions. It will describe the value they can bring to their organization and to primary leaders when they are serving at their full potential. It will reshape the way they view their role, with an emphasis on their own responsibility as leaders. It recognizes the unique challenges and frustrations of serving in a subordinate position and equips these leaders with the attitudes and skills that they will need to survive and thrive in this new paradigm. Because of the scarcity of resources for second chair leaders, particularly those in the church, this book will offer a practical way to improve the performance of any organization. 

ThoughtFull, GraceFull, & ColorFull

Books by Dorena Williamson

This series was birthed out of the joy I experience in God's diverse kingdom. Each book focuses on relationships as the avenue for teachable conversation on relevant issues. My hope is that readers see God's intentional design in our skin color, appreciate the value in our unique gifts and abilities, and gracefully care for our neighbors of varied socioeconomic status.

ColorFull has this message: Be fully aware of the colors God made! Plants, animals, and especially people – all are created intentionally with color. See it. Celebrate it. Why be colorblind when we can be ColorFull instead!

ThoughtFull is an encouraging story that shows how life changes when we learn to value those who are differently abled and to champion the power of thoughtfulness.

GraceFull is a touching story that opens a dialogue on the tough subject of homelessness, showing young readers how God showers grace that is meant to be share - so we can all be Gracefull! 

Love Lives Here

Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want

Book by Maria Goff

There are a lot of second-best options, but we weren't made to live a second-best life. Finding what we actually need is different than what we are often offered. There are many books full of opinions, steps, and programs. This isn't one of them. This is about craving the things that matter. Things that don't just work, but last. In a life that may seem to be all fun and games with an endless supply of balloons, author Maria Goff shows how this life is also lived with intentionality, passionate purpose, and a little planning—all of which make a life rich in legacy. But she had to figure out the help she needed first in order to live the beautiful life God wanted for her and wants for us. Love Lives Here is a collection of stories that include the ways Maria and her husband, Bob, navigated family their way, without clear instructions or a road map. It's about what they learned to make their lives meaningful and whimsical and how they created a space for their family to grow together while they reached outward.