Between busy summer adventures, classes, and commitments during the year—and everything else that comes with being a college student—it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of daily life. One of the best ways to relax and quiet your mind is by reading a book. But sometimes finding the perfect book can be a stressful task all its own. That’s why we decided to do the hard work and create the perfect list of books for you.
1. Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose
Figuring out God’s calling for your life can seem scary and stressful, especially during your time at college. Jeffrey Leininger gives encouragement and practical wisdom to help you understand that God is calling you in numerous ways, all according to His plan. Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose is an engaging book that includes prayers, Bible verses, and reflection questions, perfect for college students.
2. 10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell
Satan attacks you because he knows you have faith in Jesus. 10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell is a guidebook for breaking away from Satan’s lies and living in the freedom of Christ. Through this book, you will take comfort in God’s promises and learn to defend against Satan’s attacks using the Word of God.
3. Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace
There is something beautiful in the ordinary. This book by Martha Van Buskirk shows how you can make a difference and glorify God through seemingly “small” actions. You can impact others everywhere you go—in your dorm room, lecture hall, neighborhood, and beyond!
4. Captivating Conversations
College life is full of conversations! Brian Davies shows how Jesus is the perfect model for being a good listener, and his practical teachings encourage you to really connect with others. Captivating Conversations is an impactful book for anyone wanting to understand the lost art of listening.
5. God's Encouraging Word
Self-help phrases like “Just be positive!” or “God only gives you what you can handle” often make things feel worse, not better. God's Encouraging Word looks at eight self-help phrases that don’t really help, and it turns your focus to real encouragement in the Bible. You’ll find comfort for times of trouble and learn how to share the hope of God with others. This book is perfect for personal reading and passing along to friends.
6. LadyLike: Living Biblically
Written by two sisters, LadyLike will challenge everything modern society tells women it needs to be. Going back to the basics and to the Bible, this book brings a refreshing perspective on what a godly woman should look like. This book is perfect for any woman—single, married, in a relationship, or whatever your status might be!
7. Man Up!: The Quest for Masculinity
Being a man isn’t about taking down feminism or reclaiming your God-given roles, or even about having the biggest muscles. In Jeff Hemmer’s Man Up! it is revealed that it’s sacrifice that makes a real man. Being a man is taking care of your family and giving yourself up for the well-being of others. Through this book you will learn that being a real man is to live like Jesus, who is God made man.
8. Hope When Your Heart Breaks
As college students, we often go through some pretty big changes and challenges. Often those challenges come with some form of heartbreak. Whether you don't get that dream job, or you and your significant other call it quits, or even when you lose a friend, it seems like heartbreak and sadness consume your life. But thankfully God is there to help us get through it all. As you read this book you will, hopefully, gain new hope through Christ and can rejoice again in the joy found in Him.
9. Last Summer at Eden
If you are looking for a light and breezy summer read, this is the book for you. With friendships, romance, and mystery, this book has it all. It’s perfect for taking along on a hike through the woods or to read relaxing in a hammock. Last Summer at Eden will bring you back to your childhood and summers at camp.
10. The Messengers Series
This incredibly popular Christian Fiction series is the perfect trilogy to keep you entertained and engaged. Follow 15-year-old Simon and his family as they do anything it takes to protect the Message. Full of suspense and excitement, The Messengers Series is sure to catch your attention.
11. Grace Alone
This is a fictional story that mirrors real life. Although this book might not scream college to some, being about a divorced mother of four, the message behind Grace Alone relates well with the struggles of college life. Grace Alone is about making mistakes, but also about the forgiveness and hope God brings afterward.
12. The Story People
Inherited bookstores, scheming customers, and romance sprinkled throughout make The Story People a great read. Publishers Weekly calls it, “[A] winsome main narrative . . . full of misunderstandings, high jinks, and lonely people who find one another despite the many obstacles that stand in the way.”
13. A Flame in the Dark
If you like Historical Christian Fiction then this is the perfect novel for you. Following one of Martin Luther’s students during the time of the Reformation, A Flame in the Dark reveals how normal lives were changed during that tumultuous time. Full of excitement, this novel will be sure to keep you interested and wanting more.
14. Faith That Sees Through the Culture
Being a Christian means living in dualities. We are all sinners and saints, Jesus is true God and true man, and the Gospel is inclusive and exclusive. But sometimes these dualities can get confusing and seem like they are contradictory. In Faith That Sees Through the Culture, Alfonso Espinosa will guide you through understanding these.
15. Digitized
In today’s day and age we are surrounded by technology. With our laptops, smart watches, cell phones, and gaming systems, we never are far from having everything we need just a click or tap away. In our tech-centered world, it is easy to become distracted by the latest device or updates. As Christians, we need to learn how to keep the use of technology intentional and approach it from a biblical perspective.
