Written by Andrea Nwabuike

Lemony Snicket said it best, “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” If you find yourself unsure of what book to pick up next, take a look at these reads:

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

This is without a doubt the best book I read in 2018! The book is brimming with eloquence and humour, giving the reader a glimpse at the beauty and tragedy of what it was like growing up in South Africa during apartheid. Everyone has a story to tell, but few have the talent of using their stories to unleash such wisdom and purpose in the way Noah does. If you want a book that will thoroughly entertain and teach you, then give this book a read.

Letter From A Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.

It isn’t a popular opinion to hold, but I believe the modern church has failed to uphold its God–given responsibility to lead the charge in pursuing racial reconciliation. The idea that we should just “preach the gospel” and hope that racism and oppression will end on their own is not a new one. Martin Luther King Jr. faced this same inaction in the church of his day. His letter from the cold, bare cell of a Birmingham jail is a direct rebuke against such apathy. King calls the church of his day to action — to not only preach the gospel but be an example of the gospel to the marginalized and oppressed. We owe it to King and his legacy to still pay attention to his words today.

Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

Jackie Hill Perry’s mission is very clear: to use her story to tell of the goodness of God. As a teacher and spoken word artist, Jackie Hill Perry uses poetic style and solid biblical exposition to share her testimony. There isn’t a hint of shame as she lays out her history of addiction, homosexuality and abuse. Her confidence in the power of God and the strength of his transforming presence in her life is fully on display.

In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin

If you want to know who you are, turn to God. If you want to understand your purpose in life, look at God’s character. Jen Wilkin, one of my favourite Bible teachers, walks her reader through a study of God’s character and the imprint of His image in the church. This book truly changed the way I read Scripture. Instead of bringing my own agenda, I allow God’s agenda to take root in me.