Books I Recommend . . . and why. (Part Two)

Saturday you got my “for men” suggested list. Today we’re going to start with our “For either/or” list. These will be comprised of a variety of genres but should be of interest to either men or women without quite as much of a “thriller” component.

Demon . . . a memoir by Tosca Lee (You will not find a novel more elegantly written than this one. This spiritually high-concept novel is also a definite choice for those who have no knowledge of the Bible and may or may not be searching for the Lord. It’s a fascinating read and recommended for both the lost and found.)

The Famous One by Nicole Petrino-Salter (Okay, I know. Shameless self-promotion. Seriously, if you know of someone who has sampled all the world has to offer and come up empty, this is a novel which should touch their souls. Equally good reports from the men and women who’ve read it. Appropriate for adults who want to read about very real characters who are involved in situations which involve alcohol, drugs, sex, and the worldly lifestyle but eventually experience the contrast.)

In High Places by Tom Morrisey (Another very well written novel which would serve unbelievers as well as believers. Touching story in so many ways. Guys will definitely “get” this book, and girls will appreciate it.)

Crossfire, Firestorm (the sequel), DMZ by Jeanette Windle (These are phenomenal stories about government corruption, interaction, terrorism, etc., which take place in Columbia and Bolivia and parts of South America. Jeanette was raised in these places by missionary parents and gives us a sharp look at the hidden and not-so-secret aspects of these countries.)

Dark Star, Confessions of a Rock Idol by Creston Mapes (Creston handles this inventive story with a straight on look and entertaining storytelling. If you know someone who has faced addictions, this is a good book with a hopeful ending.)

This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Prophet, The Oath, Visitation by Frank Peretti (These are classics and suitable for unbelievers, too. Frank Peretti is one of the best authors of our time.)

Plague Maker by Tim Downs (Wonderful story with Tim’s great writing. Speaks volumes about forgiveness. Another amazing character within the pages of this novel.)

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn (If you are not seriously moved and powerfully impacted by this simple story, you might just have Freon flowing where your blood is supposed to be.)

Try Dying, Try Darkness by James Scott Bell (These two novels are exceptionally written with enough sarcasm and clever metaphors mixed with enticing characters and an obnoxious but entirely likable protagonist. James Scott Bell at his absolute best.)

Waking Lazarus by T. L. Hines (An incredible storyline with great writing, falls somewhere in between mystery/suspense, supernatural thriller, and literary genius.)

All Through the Night, The Lazarus Trap by Davis Bunn (Strong but damaged protagonists in each of these solid stories with something for both sexes.)

Redeeming Love, And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers (Redeeming Love is a true classic, and my macho man loved this story, so it isn’t just for women at all. Powerful and anointed, well written, incredible. And the Shofar Blew is a contemporary story of problems concerning the modern church. It is insightful, real, and well done.)

This next category is a bit unique: for couples who have survived marriage difficulties or are facing them and need something to show them they are not alone in their struggles.

The Breaking Point by Karen Ball (This novel is gut-level honest and written from Karen’s heart, having experienced her own difficult journey through marriage woes. Powerful story. Well written.)

At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols (A story of devastation to a marriage due to the loss of a child. Well told and redemptive.)

A Time to Dance, A Time to Embrace (the sequel) by Karen Kingsbury (A happily married couple falls into disrepair and decides to divorce but waits when their daughter tells them she’s getting married. It’s a story of the nitty gritty aspects of digging in and fighting for the love you once felt for each other instead of succumbing to all the temptations to quit and move on. Real looks at how selfish we become when we stop working on what we have and decide it’s not worth it.)

The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher (When all seems right, things go terribly wrong. This novel touches on true faith both in the Lord and in the intimacy of each other.)

Okay, next category: Additional Thrillers, Horror for either/or

The Pawn, The Rook (first two books in the series) by Stephen James (Stephen James is a wonderful writer. The Pawn has an over-ambitious plot but lays the groundwork for The Rook which is excellent.)

Adam by Ted Dekker (This is a creepy, fascinating, sometimes horrifying, bona fide thriller/horror story.)

Tomorrow we’ll do mystery/suspense, legal suspense, romance, literary, and odds and ends. Just a reminder: a lot of these novels are reviewed here if you need more information.

Father, you are to be praised for the wealth of talent in your people and how they've used it to honor you. Please bless each one with more stories and ever-increasing obedience. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Comments

[Mark H.]

I have to thank you for sending me Try Dying and Try Darkness. Absolutely loved them. James Scott Bell has a new fan.

[Nicole Petrino-Salter]

You're so welcome, Mark. I knew you'd love them. The humor and sarcasm are LOL. Good storylines. I'm so glad you enjoyed them. The third one is coming out next year. Also, my other favorite of Jim's is an old one of his, Breach of Promise. Loved that book.

[Avily Jerome]

Thanks for the recommendations, Nicole!

Some day my schedule will allow me to do more reading. I'm figuring in about seventeen and a half years.

When my youngest is 18. :)

[Nicole Petrino-Salter]

Thing is . . . as a writer, you have to read! You'll work it all out. :)

[Mark H.]

Because of Mr. Bell, the term "fenging my shui" is now a permanent part of my lexicon.

[Nicole Petrino-Salter]

Somehow I'm not surprised, Mark. :)