Free Source of Hope: Books

I love to read, so it’s probably no surprise that books, magazines, and articles are one tool that God has used to bring deep healing to my life. In today’s modern age of libraries and online reading, this truly could be absolutely free for you. Yet, even if you choose to purchase a book, the cost is most likely less than what you spend on coffee each month 😊

It should seem obvious, but unfortunately, it’s not for many folks: my #1 book recommendation is the Bible. Packed full of real-life answers for real-life problems, its wisdom will never be surpassed. Beyond that, there are so many talented Christian authors and powerful written works out there. How do you even know where to start? I have some ideas for you!

But first, a shameless plug here: I believe that anyone questioning God’s goodness in the face of tragedy or wondering how on earth to process life in a way that leaves you a better person afterward should read my book, GodPrints. I wrote it for those reasons and believe it will help. If finances are tight and you can’t afford it, please reach out to me and I will make sure you can read it.

Please keep in mind that you can always use your internet search engine (Google, etc..) to find more. I just caution you that if you’re looking for scripturally based resources, you need to enter that in your search request too. If you’re looking for a specific topic and struggling to find materials, ask a librarian, counselor, friend, or me. I’m happy to help.

Check out my resource page, which has links to some book reviews: Resources

Plus, I mention the impact this book had on me in my book, GodPrints. I even share a link in our family’s photo gallery GodPrints Photo Gallery (Scroll all the way to the bottom and look for Suffer Strong)

I compiled the following list of books that I have read or trusted friends have recommended. Maybe something will pique your interest:

A Grief Observed, C.S Lewis
A Grace Disguised, Jerry Sittser
Suffering, Paul David Tripp
Suffering is Never for Nothing, Elisabeth Elliott
A Path Through Suffering: Discovering the Relationship Between God’s Mercy and Our Pain, Elisabeth Elliott
Where is God When It Hurts, Phillip Yancy
Hope for Hurting Hearts, Greg Laurie
Missing the Child You Love, H. Norman Wright
Recovering From Losses in Life, H. Norman Wright
Reflections of a Grieving Spouse: The Unexpected Journey from Loss to Renewed Hope, H. Norman Wright
Confessions of a Grieving Christian, Zig Aiglar
God’s Healing for Life’s Losses: How to Find Hope When You’re Hurting, Robert W. Kelleman
When a Daughter Dies, Ben Witherington
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, Mark Vrogrop
The Bereaved Parent, Harriet Schiff
Healing a Parent’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Child Dies (Healing a Grieving Heart series), Alan D. Wolfelt Ph.D.
On Coming Alive: Journaling Through Grief: 100 Prompts to Guide You From Darkness to Light, Lexi Behrndt
Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope, Mary Beth Chapman & Ellen Vaughn
I Will Carry You, Angie Smith
Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power, Levi Lusko
And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering, Kate Merrick
Empty Cradle: Broken Heart, Deborah Davis
Holding Onto Love After You’ve Lost a Baby, Gary Chapman
Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It Falls Apart, Lisa Appelo
First Year, Worst Year: Coping with the Unexpected Death of Our Grown-Up Daughter, Michael and Barbara Wilson
Healing Your Grieving Heart After Stillbirth, Alan D. Wolfelt Ph.D.
Divine Disruption: Holding onto Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart, Dr. Tony Evans, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, & Jonathan Evans
I’ll Hold You in Heaven, Jack Hayford
When Your Family’s Lost a Loved One: Finding Hope Together (Focus on the Family Books), David & Nancy Guthrie
Companioning the Bereaved, Alan D. Wolfelt
Necessary Losses, Judith Viorst
Roses in December, Marilyn Heavlin
Motherless Daughters, Hope Edelman
How to Survive the Loss of a Love, Melba Cosgrove
You Don’t Have to Suffer, Judy Tatelbaum
The Courage to Grieve, Judy Tatelbaum
Helping Children Cope with Grief, Accelerated Development, Inc., Alan Wolfelt
Healing a Parent’s Grieving Heart, Alan Wolfelt
Life After Breath, Susan VandePol
Helping People Through Grief, Delores Kuenning
When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Harold S. Kushner
Don’t Take My Grief Away: What to Do When You Lose a Loved One, Doug Manning
From One Widow to Another, Miriam Neff
Holding Onto Hope, Nancy Guthrie
Heaven’s Child, Caroline Flohr
Beyond the Valley: Finding Hope in Life’s Losses, Dave Brannon
Life After the Death of My Son: What I’m Learning, Dennis Apple
Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back, Kelley Farley and David Dicola
Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love, Anna Whiston-Donaldson
No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending, Esther Fleece Allen
You Are Never Alone, Max Lucado
Lament For A Son, Nicholas Wolterstorff
Healing After Loss, Martha W. Hickman
Imagine Heaven, John Burke
Heaven, Randy Alcorn
Within Heaven’s Gates, Rebecca Springer
Grieving a Suicide, Albert Hsu
Through the Storm, Dan Gerdes
Holding On to Hope: A Pathway Through Suffering to the Heart of God (Includes eight-week Bible study on the Book of Job), Nancy Guthrie
Journey to Peace: 31 Devotions Through the Grief of Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Other Pregnancy Loss, Keanna Barnes
Journaling Through Grief, Connie Berg
Praying Through Grief, Mauryeen O’Brien
The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions, Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge, R.N., Ed.D. & Robert C. De Vries, D.Min., Ph.D.
A Passage Through Grief: An Interactive Journal, Barbara Baumgardner
Seeking God’s Hidden face: When God Seems Absent, Cecil Murphey