12 Must-Read Christian Books That Actually Matter
(plus: yes, these are trendy and not boring, I promise)
Sometimes, I think people forget Christians read actual books. Like real, beautiful, soul-pricking, heart-shaking books. Not just commentaries and prayer journals (though we love those too). This post was born out of a conversation I’ve had with a few friends recently, all of us low-key frustrated, saying, “There are so many Christian books out there, but why do I always end up rereading the same ones or wasting time on something dry and textbooky?”
So I did what any opinionated Christian girl with a Wi-Fi connection would do. I compiled a list. Not just any list. A list of 12 modern, impactful, not-boring books written by people who actually live like they know Jesus. These books are current. They’re trending. They’re being underlined with real pens and posted in Instagram stories with crying emojis and quiet captions like “ouch but yes.”
A few of these made me laugh, a few made me want to delete all my idols, and some just reminded me that God is more beautiful than I give Him credit for. If you're ready to fall back in love with faith-filled reading or just looking for that one book that finally doesn’t feel like a chore, you’re in the right place.
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. It’s basically a tiny digital thank-you for helping you find a good book.
Anyway, let’s go. Because some of these books changed how I see God. And also… they’re sitting pretty on my shelf right now.
1. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
I didn’t know a book could personally attack my addiction to busyness until this one. Comer writes like a wise friend who’s painfully honest and deeply pastoral. He doesn’t just talk about rest; he lives it. If you’ve ever muttered “I’m so tired” three times in a row while scrolling Instagram, this is your next read. This book low-key made me want to cancel everything and live like a monk (but with oat lattes).
2. Live No Lies by John Mark Comer
Yes, Comer again. No, I’m not sorry. This one reads like spiritual warfare 101, but way more readable and relevant. He basically exposes how our thoughts, the world, and the devil lie to us constantly and how to stop falling for it. It felt like getting a theological slap in the face… in the best way.
3. Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
If I could physically hug a book, it would be this one. It’s not a hype book. It’s not even fast-paced. It’s a slow, tender gaze into the heart of Christ. And if you think Jesus is always slightly disappointed in you, please read this immediately. Then cry, and then read it again.
4. Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
Ever brushed your teeth and thought “this moment could be sacred”? Me neither, until this book. Warren somehow makes scrambled eggs and email routines feel holy. It reminded me that God doesn’t just show up in mountaintop moments. He’s in the mundane, right there in your burnt toast and tired Monday morning.
5. You’re Not Enough (And That’s Okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey
Title already spicy, I know. But this book is a solid smack in the face for self-help culture. Stuckey says all the things you’re not supposed to say on Instagram, like “you actually can’t save yourself.” And I loved it for that. It’s not depressing, it’s freeing. Jesus is enough, and she’ll show you why that’s way better than “girl boss” vibes.
6. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero
This one cracked my soul open like a coconut. Scazzero blends emotional health and spiritual maturity like no one else. It helped me realize that ignoring your past doesn’t make you godlier, it just makes you more anxious in church small group. Don’t skip this one.
7. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
Okay, confession: I didn’t just read this book. I went there. The Corrie ten Boom house in Haarlem, Netherlands, is a tiny, humble place that holds an enormous story: one of quiet rebellion, fierce faith, and impossible forgiveness. I visited the museum where the secret room still stands. Where people once hid. Where prayer and fear lived in the same space. It’s where I first truly understood that faith isn't soft. It’s dangerous. It costs something.
And that’s exactly what The Hiding Place shows. Corrie and her family hid Jews during WWII, an act that landed them in a Nazi concentration camp. Her sister Betsie, who was more angel than human, kept praising God for fleas in their barracks because it meant the guards wouldn’t come near. I know that sounds insane until you read the story and realize: they were free even when imprisoned.
This book doesn’t glorify suffering, it just refuses to waste it. It invites you to believe that God is present in horror. That forgiveness isn’t weakness. That love is the most powerful resistance. Reading it after visiting the actual house made the story almost too real to finish. But I’m glad I did. It wrecked me and made me want to love like Jesus, even when it’s illogical and unfair and costs everything.
If you want a book that will simultaneously convict, soften, and inspire you, read this. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s true.
8. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Okay fine, this one’s not “trendy”, but it should be. Bonhoeffer doesn’t write soft. He writes like he’s bleeding. This book will make you rethink cheap grace and casual Christianity. It's not a beach read. It’s a slow, bold dismantling of our comfort. And I think we all need it at least once.
9. With by Skye Jethani
This one explores the different ways Christians try to relate to God, usually by using Him, working for Him, or living under Him. But the best part? Jethani shows what it looks like to live with God. That small preposition changes everything. I finished this and wanted to reintroduce myself to Jesus, like, “Hi… I think I misunderstood you.”
10. Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart
Even if you’re married or allergic to dating books, please read this. Stuart combines biblical wisdom with hilarious real-life awkwardness, and I found myself quoting this book without realizing it. It’s not just about romance, it’s about becoming whole in whatever season you’re in. And it’s not cringey. Huge win.
11. God Has a Name by John Mark Comer (yes again)
Okay okay LAST Comer book on this list (probably). But this one? It unpacked Exodus 34 in such a way I couldn’t shut up about it. It’s all about who God says He is, not who we think He is. And spoiler: He’s more patient than you think. And more real than your theology textbook made Him out to be.
12. Honest Advent by Scott Erickson
This one surprised me. It’s technically an Advent devotional, but I read it like a book. Erickson takes the nativity story and makes it raw, human, gritty, emotional and actually relatable. It’s for people who need hope but are tired of cheesy Christmas vibes. The art inside? Stunning. The words? Even more so.
So. There you have it. A full shelf’s worth of books I’ve either cried over, quoted, or annoyed my friends about. Some are warm hugs. Others are spiritual gym sessions. But they all do something vital: they make you want more of Jesus!
And isn’t that what Christian reading should do?
You don’t need to read them all at once. But pick one. Just one. Let it wreck you in the best way. Let God show up between the pages like He always does. Quietly, faithfully, and unexpectedly.
More You’ll Love:
- What If Your Calling Feels… Meh?
- Why Some Christians Secretly Feel Disappointed in God
- How to Hear God’s Voice (Without Overthinking)
- Why Do Christian Girls Keep Catching Feelings for Emotionally Unavailable Guys?
So now I want to hear from you (yes, you).
What’s the one Christian book that wrecked you in the best way? Drop it below. I’m always looking to ugly cry in public over good theology.
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