Great Books for God Girls!

10 Books That can Change a Chick's Life!

In this day and age, the media throws a lot of messages in our faces (as I've mentioned before) in the form of TV, movies, and also in the form of print. I cannot count how many girls I know who are bookworms! I am somewhat of a bookworm myself. So often, we're looking for just the right book to read - but end up settling on something that might be less than wholesome because it has good reviews, accolades, is popular or has a "good story despite all that 'other stuff.'"

Well, have no fear! There are lots of great books out there for Christian gals like you and me. I've compiled a list of a few great books that have personally impacted my life, and they will no doubt impact yours as well! You can simply Google most of these or look them up on Amazon if you're interested in buying it. Some of them are fiction, and others are non-fiction; in any case, if you're looking for a good read or a great gift for a bookworm-friend - take a look at this list!

#10. Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Body, Mind and Spirit by Rebecca St. James

 

This devotional is utterly packed with relevant and deep heart-stirring devotions that will inspire you to dedicate your life to God and wait for your future husband. Of course, I'm not exactly a "devoted," devotional-reader (I almost always find it near impossible to keep up reading the same devotional every day at the exact same time for more than three days.) But, I still read through the devotions in a more all-at-once sense. Either way you choose to go with it, this book amazing!

As a lot of you probably know, artist Rebecca St. James dedicated much of her young life and career to promoting purity. Her ministry as a young adult caused many young girls to be inspired and turn their hearts and minds to Christ. Now she is happily married, and a true testament to what a wonderful gift it is to save our hearts for the right person by waiting! This book reflects that passionate attitude no less!

#9. Email from God for Teens by Claire and Curt Cloninger

This was one of the first books that I read as a Christian, and it truly allowed me to see my worth in the eyes of God. It's not exactly a devotional, but if you want to make it a part of a devotion time the short passages make great ones. If you're looking for something uplifting that will remind you of God's plan for your life and his love for you as HIS prized possession and child - this is a wonderful read. It's like reading a novel full of love notes from God with scripture to go along with it!

#8. The Carter House Girls Series by Melody Carlson

See? I'm not just talking about apologetics books and devotional diaries here. The Carter House Girls Series is a great read for any teen girl who is looking for a dramatic series that they can get into that doesn't have the garbage that a lot of other YA fiction has. The main character DJ is a sporty, down-to-earth teenager struggling to find herself after her mother's death. As a newly orphaned teenager she finds herself living with her rich, supermodel grandmother in Connecticut who opens up her home as a boarding house to five girls who vary in personality.  DJ must learn to live alongside Taylor, Kriti, and Eliza - three girls whose wealthy pasts make them strikingly similar to her grandmother herself; and Casey and Rhiannon, the two girls who come form less-than wealthy families and are staying as her grandmother's "charity cases."

If you've been looking for a Christian alternative to books like The Clique or Gossip Girl, you're in luck. These books have the same level of drama as a show on The CW, but through masterful storytelling these characters each embark on a journey of faith towards Christ. It does touch on heavy topics as the main message of faith is told in the series through characters that come from broken home lives. Due to the heavy nature of some of the topics touched on I would recommend that girls read these books who are 13+.

#7. Brio Girls (Focus on the Family)

This one isn't actually a YA novel, but I'm including it for any younger readers who are looking for something to satisfy their "tween" appetite. Anyone remember the Brio Girls books or magazine? If you do, you're awesome! The magazine is no longer in publication, but when I was a younger preteen (now they call them "tweens" I suppose) they impacted me in a huge way. A long time ago, there was a series of books that came out aimed at preteens with a God message at their heart. They're by several different authors and about several different characters, but all in the same series and were published under Focus on the Family. If you want a good description about what they're specifically about, I honestly can't give you that detailed of an explanation because all of the books are about a different character. Think of it as the Christian Babysitter's Club. Only, there's no babysitting. At least, I'm pretty sure that there's not ;)

Seeing that these are more geared towards preteens, I'm not recommending it for people who are above and beyond the "tween" age. If you are or know a younger tween who is looking for a great read, by all means let them know about this series! I can assure that they are written with God's word in mind and will leave a lasting mark on their hearts.

#6. Diary of a Teenage Girl by Melody Carlson

This is one that I'm guessing you've probably heard of. If not, that's okay! I know I've included another series by Melody Carlson, but these books here have touched many lives and I just had to include them. I've actually not read the whole series, but I remember reading at least 3/4ths of the first book a very long time ago before getting distracted and moving on to something else. (Yes, I do have attention-span issues.) I've heard so many people rave about how good these books are, and I do have to agree that Melody Carlson is a great author. Diary of a Teenage girl basically is what the title says it is. And, it certainly doesn't lack depth. The series Caitlin O'Connor  through her High School years and through her life all the way up until she gets married. As we read through Caitlin's struggles and her journey of faith, girls can identify with her as a person and see her struggles and triumphs reflected in our own walks of faith. Definitely something worth checking out!

#5. The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn or pretty much anything by Robin Jones Gunn.

My word, if there's any series that every young girl should read it is this one. It was one of the things in my early walk with Christ that influenced me the very most to make the decision to remain pure and it really ignited my flame for Christ. Sure, I guess some people could call it just "another cheesy Christian novel," but I don't think so; and neither do several thousand other young women all over the Internet who say the same thing. If you are between the ages of 12-112, read it! Honestly, I think the best time to start them is around 13-15, but just about any age in the preteens-teens will do. The first novels hit on all of the issues that a High School girl might face in her family, friends, and school as a Christian.

As Christy walks with Christ in the series, she learns lessons about her family, faith and purity. And as cheesy as it sounds; when reading it as a teenager you'll be able to relate to the main character as she goes through similar trials and triumphs that you are right now. If you come across a difficulty in your first job, have a bickering family member, or are beginning to tackle your fear of driving - Christy will tackle those fears with you. And as for the romance aspect - there's a lot of it. From book one to the very last, you will fall in love with the same character that she does ;)

In the first books of the series, Christy goes through all of the typical adolescent drama - but in later novels (such as those in the College Years) heavier topics such as the romance in her young adult life are explored. More than anything else though, these books are a wonderful Christian love story.

Let me put it this way: if you read it, you'll be praying for your "Todd" in no time ;)

Also: If you fall in love with these books, you'll certainly enjoy other spin-offs in the series such as The Sierra Jensen Series and the Katie Weldon books. She also writes some great fiction for older adults and even some wonderful nonfiction such as Praying for your Future Husband (a book that I've personally been looking forward to reading for a long time!)

#4. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Alright, I admit that most of you were half-expecting that this one would show up on the list. Even though, it's not a fluffy chick novel it's definitely something that every Christian should read at one point in their life or another. Personally, it gave me historical basis for the story of Christ and reaffirmed my belief in my faith. This is a great read if you're looking to witness to someone, if you're a logically minded person looking for answer, or if you're just someone wanting to reaffirm what they believe.

 Also: If you want another great apologetics book by Lee Strobel that will give reason to not only believe in the historical Christ but also give evidence as to why Christianity would the the legitimate answer to the question of faith, you may enjoy The Case for Faith.

#3. Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus by DC Talk & Voice of the Martyrs

Jesus Freaks has to be one of the most influential books in my testimony apart from the Bible itself. I know I've raved about all of these a million times, but this book is awesome. Man or woman, girl or guy - every Christian who wants to know the true meaning of being a Christian in a hostile world needs to read this book. It is sad, but riveting and awe-inspiring. It is one of those books that makes you want to stand up and well...do something.

One of the very special things that this book has been in my walk was a means for the girls in our youth group to come together the first time. Right after my friend Katie took me to her youth group for the very first time (check out the first blog for my testimony) we were talking about the sacrifices that a Christian has to make in their walks with Christ. I mentioned that I had checked out Jesus Freaks from the library and talked about one of the stories I had read about a Christian who had died for their faith.

Our middle school obsession was of course the song "Jesus Freak;" to which we would always crank up the volume on our stereo and head bang for 4 and a half minutes.

So, upon hearing this, her response was literally:

"There's a book?!?!?! We have to start a bible study and read it together!"

So we did, and almost every girl from our youth group came. It was the first time we all came together, and one of our friends that had been coming to church with us was impacted in a great way and eventually became a Christian as a result.

This book is literally heartbreaking, but it is a book that compels you to act on your faith and stand strong whatever the consequence.

#2. Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman by Leslie Ludy

This book is probably one of the top ones I will always recommend that teen girls read before they go into High School. When I read it, I made the decision to not only remain abstinent for my future husband but to live my life in a pure way. All of the stories in the book point towards Jesus becoming that Prince Charming in our lives that every girl has always wanted. It teaches girls to seek the Lord earnestly and follow his plan and uphold his standards for their lives so that they may be the beautiful, royal women that they were created to be. The words are a true inspiration and motivation to be a girl of God! It's a wonderful read for all girl bible studies, for your own devotional time, or just something to read in your personal time.

Personally, I think it's a great read for girls before they enter into High School. I read it the summer before my 8th grade year, and it equipped me with tools I could use to stay strong in Christ through that year and on through High School. There are some heavier topics, so it might not be appropriate for gals who haven't yet been exposed to the pressures of being a teenager or entering into High School.

IF YOU ARE FEMALE, READ THIS BOOK!

Also: Take the time to visit the official website of the ministry the author has for young women. There's an online magazine specifically for you! www.setapartgirl.com


And now...for the one you've all been waiting for....

#1. The Holy Bible

Let the cheesiness of me making the Bible #1 on this list ensue. Just kidding, I'm not ashamed! And neither should you be! Let's face it, of all the books in the world there will never be anything like cracking open God's word. It is the guide to our lives and the tool for our survival in this crazy world as Christians. So, curl up with a nice cup of tea or lemonade, open up the Word and soak it in like a sponge! Always remember to let your life be led by the words of this book above all others so that your lives can be beacons of Christ's wonderful light!


 

When choosing things that you read, watch, and listen to; always keep this in mind:


"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8