Reading is a great activity all year round, but especially in the summer! With school out, the sun setting later in the evening, and the days lasting longer, summer is a great time to head to the library or online bookstore to stock up on summer reads. Whether you set a specific summer reading goal or want to start reading together as a family, there’s always a great new book for you to dive into.
Why You Should Read This Summer
Grow Your Faith
Perhaps the greatest reason you should read this summer is so you can engage with faith-centered books! Reading Christian books is a great spiritual discipline that can help you mature and grow in your faith.
Increase Your Attention Span
You’ve probably read multiple articles about how looking at screens has shortened our attention spans. But reading physical books can help increase your attention span. In addition, spending time not looking at a screen can decrease headaches and improve your sleep.
Rest and Relax
Reading is a great way to savor your free time or unwind after a busy day. Christian books can also help you feel spiritually refreshed! Take a book outside and soak up some sunshine for extra enjoyment.
Summer Reading Suggestions
For the little ones in your family:
The Nicene Creed: Illustrated for Families makes Christian doctrine accessible and understandable for children. Beautiful illustrations and simple summary statements help families explore the Nicene Creed and what it means. Reading this book will help create a foundation of faith in your youngest family members.
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For the grown-ups in your family:
Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace: God's Purpose in Your Every Day will help
you glorify God in all that you do—this summer and beyond! Author Martha Van Buskirk knows that little actions can have a big impact on those around you. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you have going on, you will learn how the Holy Spirit is leading you to make a difference.
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For devotional study:
Come, Follow Me: A Year of Devotions on the Life of Jesus will get you started with
daily study of the Gospels this summer. Each week explores a different event in Jesus’ life, with perspectives such as historical context, biblical connections, Jesus’ message, and more. You will make studying Jesus' life an intentional part of your routine even when summertime is over.
You may also like:
- Exploring God's Promises
- Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Women
- Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men
For a closer look at the Bible:
Strong and Courageous: Studying God’s Promises in Joshua is an eight-session Bible
study for encouragement that God is always with you. Author Donna Snow offers a verse-by-verse look at Joshua’s life as he faced God’s important but intimidating plan for him. This Bible study will help you see how you can be strong and courageous when faced with any challenge, just like Joshua!
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For the history lover:
Because Jesus Taught It: Christianity Through the Eyes of the Church Fathers takes
an engaging look at the history of the church. Grammy-nominated Christian rapper FLAME explores the early Church Fathers in a conversational way and highlights the importance of Scripture and the Sacraments. You will see for yourself why the scriptural teachings of these early Christians are important to study—and live out—today.
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Explore books for all ages and interests on cph.org!
