Long Weekend, Short Reads

Books You Can Finish Before Tuesday

UCB Radio Staff Picks. Long weekends are the perfect time to to rest and recharge with a good book. What’s your favourite way of taking time for yourself? Reading is a way of escaping the stresses of the real world and dive into a safe space where faith, love and insight embraces. I reached out to our UCB Radio staff and asked them to share their favourite reads. I was overwhelmed by the response and I’m happy to share our staff picks with you!

Faith-Filled Reads

We’re all different when it comes to what we love to read. Some like light romance, others enjoy historical fiction, mystery, or something more reflective.

At a deeper level, reading is not just about recognizing words on a page but also about connecting those words with prior knowledge, experiences, and emotions to understand and interpret the message being conveyed. Christian Books fulfill this deeper level meaning nicely.

UCB Radio Staff Picks

Our team has shared some of their favorite books, covering a mix of topics to suit all kinds of interests and personalities, and sprinkled with a little faith. We've organized them into genres for you:

Reading for the Soul

Dan's Pick: Spiritual Secret by Hudson Taylor

A pioneer missionary to China, Hudson Taylor suffered tribulation, hardship, poverty and misunderstanding. But at his heart, he loved the Chinese people and learned through his misfortunes to trust God completely.

Reading for the Heart

Dave's Pick: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Osea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw.

Adam's Pick: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

This book draws us to Matthew 11, where Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart”, longing for his people to find rest in him. The gospel flows from God’s deepest heart for his people, a heart of tender love for the sinful and suffering.

Reading for Fun

Sarah's Pick: That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs

With That Sounds Fun, Annie offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you - then do it!

Reading for Creativity

Kathy's Pick: Why Art Matters by Alastair Gordon

 
This book shows the importance of art for all, not just the professionals. Creativity helps humans to flourish and reflects the character of a creative God.

Reading for Faith

Tyler's Pick: The Jesus Storybook Bible

This is a children’s Bible written by Sally Lloyd-Jones. It tells the story beneath all the stories in the Bible. At the center of all is a baby, the child upon whom everything will depend. From Noah, to Moses, to the great King David - every story points to Him.

AND

Why I Trust the Bible - William Mounce

Mounce invites Christ followers and doubters to consider reasonable and sound answers he provides to today’s tough questions. It’s a clear guide to help readers understand why they can trust the Bible.

John's Picks: The Sin of Certainty by Peter Enns

Combining Enns’ reflections of his own spiritual journey with an examination of Scripture, The Sin of Certainty models an acceptance of mystery and paradox that all believers can follow and why God prefers this path because it is only this way by which we can become mature disciples who truly trust God.

AND

Unoffendable by Brant Hansen

In Unoffendable you will find concrete, practical ways to live life with less stress, including: Adjusting your expectations to fit human nature. Replacing perpetual anger with refreshing humility and gratitude. Embracing forgiveness and beginning to love others in unexpected ways.

Reading for Suspense

Donna's Pick: Heaven’s Wager by Ted Dekker

Kent Anthony is a brilliant software engineer who is cashing in on a brilliant career. He’s finally living the idyllic life, far from thoughts of theft and murder and other kinds of horrible criminal behavior.

Reading for Women

Liz's Pick: Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge

Captivating is a book about the feelings and heart of being a woman. John and Stasi share their story and how you can set your heart free and embrace life as a woman who is truly captivating.

Mornings with Frank Reed's Pick!

And to wrap things up, our very own Frank Reed shares two heartfelt book recommendations that truly resonate with him.

The One Truth by Jon Gordon

A guided path to discover revolutionary insights, ancient truths and practical strategies to elevate your mind, unlock your power and live life to the fullest.

AND

Junk Drawer Jesus  by Matt Popovits

In this book, the spiritually exhausted are invited to examine our religious clutter and compare it to the person and the promises of Jesus Christ.

UCB Radio Fan Favourite Book

The Word For You Today is UCB Radio's very popular daily devotional. It's your daily dose of encouragement! In the midst of life's storms, the message of God's unwavering love is the anchor we all need. We pray that The Word For You Today will bring a source of inspiration, bringing the light of Christ into your daily life. 

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Happy Reading!

Whether you’re curled up on the couch, lounging in a hammock, or sipping coffee on the porch, a good book can be the perfect companion this long weekend. We hope these staff picks inspire you to explore new stories, reflect on your faith, and maybe even see the world a little differently by Tuesday.

Take this time to unwind, reconnect with yourself and God, and enjoy the beauty of a story well told. After all, the best books don’t just pass the time — they leave a mark on our hearts.

Inspired Source: Amazon Books Canada