Looking to add to your TBR this summer? Whether you’re in need of a poolside read, something for the kids, or a new daily devotional, our staff have shelved some of our favorite books for you and your family!
For Curious Kids
GO Bible*
New Living Translation
I bought the NLT GO Bible for my daughter… and might’ve learned more than she did. The fun cover and visuals hooked Ella, and after reading Luke 1, she said, “Ok, now let’s put it back in the case so it stays safe. Oh! There are maps! Look, Daddy—maps of the Bible!” It’s colorful, packed with cool facts, and the timelines are super helpful for me Ella. Honestly, it feels like a little spiritual starter kit that kids (and their dads) will love.
Nate Wells | Head of Business
For (Pre)Teens
The Common Rule Youth Edition*
by Justin Earley
Justin Earley is the most practically helpful author I have read in the last few years on the subject of spiritual growth… and The Common Rule Youth Edition is no exception. If you know teens who are struggling to swim in the churning waves of anxiety, phone addiction, and busyness, The Common Rule is a lifeboat that will bring them to Jesus. Read it with them—and do what it says—to anchor your faith in a distracted world.
Steph Juliot | Writer
For Joy Seekers
I Choose Joy*
by Chip Ingrim
During a tough season of grief, I Choose Joy helped me recover what loss had stolen. Chip Ingram’s book isn’t dry theory—it’s a practical, example-filled, Scripture-rich guide to choosing joy when life hurts. The application questions after each chapter helped me process personally, and I was humbled to realize I haven’t always handled hard seasons biblically. If you need practical tools for thriving no matter your circumstances, I Choose Joy is for you.
Emily Hansen | Partnerships Manager
For History Lovers
The Air We Breathe*
by Glenn Scrivener
The news can be… divisive. But no matter which side of the aisle we sit on, some values—like freedom and equality—are shared by everyone. Glenn Scrivener’s The Air We Breathe helped me better understand why.
A timely, challenging-in-the-best-way book for Christians and the Christianity-calloused alike, The Air We Breathe explores how a 2,000-year-old story about a crucified man has shaped many of the values Western society holds dear. Get it for 30% off with code POUROVER!
Bailey Parmley | Writer
For Protectors
The War on Children*
by John MacArthur
In The War on Children, John MacArthur delivers a powerful call to action, urging parents, teachers, and church leaders to protect and disciple children with biblical truths (no pressure…).
MacArthur addresses the cultural forces undermining faith and values—stressing that providing refuge for our children isn’t about isolating them from the world but equipping them to stand strong in the Word. This sobering yet hopeful book reminds us of our critical role in shaping the next generation.
Stephanie Wainwright | Proofreader
For Outside Goers
The Language of Rivers and Stars*
by Seth Lewis
If you’re like me and sleeping on dirt and hiking to the tops of mountains draws you closer to God, The Language of Rivers and Stars is for you. Seth Lewis asks: What if nature connects us to God because it was specifically designed to? This book helps you hear our Creator’s voice in creation––and more importantly, respond with worship.
Step 1: Add to TBR. Step 2: Get it for 30% off with code POUROVER. Step 3: Reserve campsite; pack book; enjoy!
Xan Sibley | Writer
For Church Needers
The Reason for Church*
by Brad Edwards
As a young adult in a college town, I’ve heard “I’m spiritual but not religious” more times than I can count. The Reason for Church is a thoughtful, compelling response—clear, loving, and unafraid to take the role of church seriously. Author Brad Edwards makes a strong case for why Christians need church, and the reflection questions at the end of each chapter are helpful no matter where you stand on the need-to-go-to-church spectrum. Highly recommend.
Courtney Davis | Administrative Assistant
For Difference Makers
HumanKind*
by Brad Aronson
If headlines have you feeling down, HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time is an antidote. This is both an inspirational read that will touch your heart, and a practical handbook for meaningful action––helping readers transform kindness from concept to habit. Bonus: 100% of royalties are donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Grab it now and see how ordinary people have made an extraordinary difference—and how you can too.
Joe Kim | Podcast Producer
For News Consumers
On the News*
by Mike Woodruff
Well… I wrote the foreword for this book, so it was nice to finally get around to reading it. (In fairness, I did read an early manuscript.) If you’re interested in thinking thoughtfully about how news media has changed—and how those changes affect you—this is an excellent place to start.
It’s practical, interesting, and brief (you can read it cover to cover on a short flight). Good work, Dad.
Jason Woodruff | Founder
For Christ Imitators
The Triumph of Love*
by John MacArthur
The Triumph of Love is a powerful, heart-stirring walk through Romans 8 that defines love through the lens of God’s holiness. John MacArthur reminds us that God’s love is sovereign, secure, and transformative, not based on our merit but on His nature. This book challenges cultural distortions of love by rooting it in the gospel. It deepened my trust in God’s purposes and ignited a desire to love like Christ—boldly, humbly, and unconditionally.
Matt Whipple | Head of Growth
For Jesus Followers
Practicing the Way
by John Mark Comer
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer isn’t just thoughtful—it’s practice-changing. Comer makes following Jesus feel less like chasing perfection and more like learning to breathe (slowly) again. His writing is pastoral without being preachy and challenging without being condescending. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just hungry for a slower, more intentional way to live like Jesus… read this.
Nate Wells | Head of Business
For Question Askers
The Reason for God
by Tim Keller
I’m going to say something bold: The Reason for God by Tim Keller is a must-read for every Christian. It’s a modern classic that addresses some of the most commonly voiced questions that believers and nonbelievers alike wrestle with: suffering, hell, Jesus’s exclusivity, and more. A longtime Manhattan pastor, Keller was uniquely situated to champion the rationality of belief in an age of skepticism—and to do it winsomely, with humility and compassion.
Steph Juliot | Writer
For Image Bearers
In His Image
by Jen Wilkin
Jen Wilkin wants readers to shift from asking “what is God’s will for my life?” to “who is God and how can I become more like Him?”
Her book, In His Image, walks through ten attributes of God we’re called to reflect with solid biblical truth, depth, and grace. It’s a thought-provoking, super practical read, so grab fresh highlighters because it will definitely get colorful. Add it to your summer TBR!
Xan Sibley | Writer
For Speed Everythingers
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
by John Mark Comer
Having won TPO’s “Worst at Single Tasking Award,” coming across a book with a direct recommendation to “Single Task” was… humbling. And this was after the statement that “hurry and love are incompatible” stopped me in my tracks.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry helps readers identify hurried behaviors and offers thoughtful steps to invite change. As someone who’s constantly trying to squeeze more into her day, it gave me a lot to think about!
Kathleen Wadkins | Managing Editor
For Do-It-Allers
The Advantage of Average
by Mark Arant
I didn’t know I needed this book until I read it. With humor, honesty, and a whole lotta wisdom, The Advantage of Average makes a compelling case that you don’t need to be extraordinary to live the good life with Jesus—that being “good enough” is actually the sweet spot. If you need a break from the “be the best at everything” mindset, this book is your permission to breathe.
Elly Hamby | Partnerships Manager
For Quiet-Timers
Upon Waking
by Jackie Hill Perry
I’m a notorious one-and-done reader. Nearly all the books on my shelf—devotionals included—have only gathered dust on my nightstand once as I’ve slowly worked my way through them. But I’ve read Jackie Hill Perry’s Upon Waking two and a half times now. This 60-day devotional not only encourages me to start my day with Scripture, it also makes me want to keep reading Scripture. It’s like a Bread-of-Life appetizer—and I keep coming back for more.
Bailey Parmley | Writer
For the Heavy Laden
Gentle and Lowly
by Dane Ortlund
Gentle and Lowly is one of the few books on my “re-read every year” list. It’s easy for me to read through the Gospels and focus only on what Jesus did, missing who He is… and what He’s like.
In Matthew 11, Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and lowly,” longing for sinners to run toward Him to find rest. This book masterfully unpacks what that means, and I highly recommend it!
Jason Woodruff | Founder
*This list includes books The Pour Over was paid to recommend. Our staff have read and recommend each book listed above.
