Step into the world of books embraced by our vibrant community at Broad Street Presbyterian Church. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, explore an extensive list of books recommended by attendees of last Sunday’s adult education class. Each selection offers a unique perspective, inviting you on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

 

Fiction Recommendations:

 

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Join the adventures of the spirited and independent Pippi as she navigates life with humor and bravery.

 

Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Follow young Mary Lennox as she discovers the magic of friendship and nature in a hidden garden.

 

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Dive into this powerful narrative tackling themes of racial injustice and identity through the eyes of Starr Carter.

 

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Morrison’s haunting tale explores the legacy of slavery and the complexities of motherhood in post-Civil War America.

 

The Gentleman From Moscow by Amor Towles

Immerse yourself in the captivating story of Count Alexander Rostov, sentenced to house arrest in a luxurious hotel in Moscow.

 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Experience the joy and chaos of Christmas through the eyes of the unconventional Herdman family.

 

Jonathan Living Seagull by Richard Bach

Journey with Jonathan, a seagull who dares to defy the limitations of his flock and seeks higher truths.

 

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Delve into Dostoevsky’s masterpiece exploring themes of faith, morality, and the human condition.

 

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

Explore the concepts of heaven, hell, and redemption in this allegorical tale by the renowned author.

 

Blindness by José Saramago

Witness society’s descent into chaos as a sudden epidemic of blindness sweeps through a city.

 

The Wager by David Grann

Discover the gripping story about shipwreck and mutiny of a British expedition in the mid-1700s.

 

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Immerse yourself in the multi-generational saga of a Korean family in Japan, spanning decades of love, loss, and resilience.

 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Experience the timeless tale of unconditional love and selflessness between a boy and his favorite tree.

 

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Contemplate the controversial themes of obsession and desire in Nabokov’s classic novel.

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Explore themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South through the eyes of young Scout Finch.

 

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Enter a world where memories can be bought and sold, exploring the complexities of identity and love.

 

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Follow the descendants of two half-sisters through centuries of history, from Ghana to America.

 

 

Non-Fiction Recommendations:

 

Your Child’s Self Esteem by Dorothy Briggs

Discover insightful strategies for nurturing your child’s confidence and emotional well-being.

 

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & How to Listen so Children Will Talk by Adele Faber and Eliane Mazlish

Gain practical communication techniques to foster deeper connections with your children.

 

Man’s Search For Himself by Rollo May

Explore existential psychology and the search for meaning in this thought-provoking work.

 

Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin

Embark on a journey of empathy and understanding as Griffin recounts his experiences living as a black man in the segregated South.

 

None Dare Call It Treason by John Stormer

Contemplate the political landscape and challenges to democracy in this provocative examination.

 

You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amanda Ruffin and Lacey Lamar

Engage with poignant and sometimes humorous anecdotes shedding light on the realities of racism.

 

Good To Great by Jim C. Collins

Uncover the principles behind transforming good organizations into truly great ones through meticulous research and analysis.

 

Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Join Goodwin on a nostalgic journey through her childhood and the intertwining of baseball and American history.

 

Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton

Challenge conventional approaches to charity and explore sustainable solutions for addressing poverty.

 

The Good Book by Peter J. Gomes

Delve into the significance and interpretation of the Bible through the lens of a renowned theologian.

 

The History of Childhood by Lloyd deMause

Explore the evolution of childhood and parenting practices throughout history.

 

How the Other Half Eats by Pirya Fielding-Singh

Investigate the intersection of food, culture, and socioeconomic status in America.

 

The Epistle to the Romans by Karl Barth

Delve into Barth’s theological insights and interpretations of the Apostle Paul’s letter.

 

The Little Devil In America by Hanif Abdurraqib

Reflect on the cultural significance of Black performance and its impact on American society.

 

A Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

Explore the collision of cultures and medical ethics in the case of a Hmong child with epilepsy.

 

Jesus and John Wayne by K. Du Mez

Examine the intersection of evangelical Christianity and masculinity in American culture.

 

All the Young Men by Ruth Coker Burks

Experience the moving true story of one woman’s compassion and activism during the AIDS crisis.

 

No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Dive into Goodwin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning exploration of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt’s leadership during World War II.

 

The Pioneers by David McCullough

Follow the pioneers who settled the Northwest Territory in the late 18th century, shaping the American frontier.

 

The Milk Lady of Bangalore by Shoba Narayan

Discover the heartwarming tale of the author’s friendship with a milk lady in Bangalore, India, and the cultural insights gained.

 

Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

Explore the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer, who dedicated his life to providing healthcare to the impoverished.

 

The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory by Tim Alberta and David Brooks

Embark on a revealing exploration of the modern American evangelical movement, uncovering its political entanglements, cultural fractures, and moral dilemmas, while questioning its true purpose in contemporary society.

 

 

Our Sunday Education Class has curated an extensive list of recommended reads that reflect the diverse interests and perspectives within our community. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, knowledge, or simply a captivating story, these books offer something for everyone. As you embark on your literary journey, may these selections enrich your mind and spirit. Happy reading!

 

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3 Comments

  1. Lisa Bruun-Seibold March 20, 2024 at 2:12 pm - Reply

    Love how so many of the fiction books listed are old friends. I still remember a summer that I spent my leisure time plodding through Russian classics.

  2. Jennifer Dzwonczyk March 20, 2024 at 4:59 pm - Reply

    Love this! So many books, too little time.

  3. Martha Campbell March 22, 2024 at 4:53 pm - Reply

    Only 38 books? I was hoping for something to keep me busy?

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