BOOK RESOURCE LIST
The habit of reading/listening to books is similar to what dentists say about using toothpaste—the one particular brand you use is not the important thing, but that you use some every day!! Likewise, read or listen a little every day–there are many trustworthy and excellent authors. If you’re looking for a starting point, this list may help. Also, these authors have many other excellent books. Note recommended books within these books to continue in your interest area. If you cannot find a certain book in your library or in a bookstore, try Amazon.com or E-bay.
Books to develop any relationship and to help us understand each other. It’s a life-long process!:
Personality Plus (temperaments) by Florence Littauer
This is an excellent book on normal strengths and weaknesses of the four different temperaments. This was the first book God used in helping me to know myself. Then I could start understanding other people!
The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D
How to thrive in an extrovert world. Excellent and encouraging book if you have a phlegmatic and/or melancholy temperament—or live with an introvert!!
Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
This book helped me not only to understand myself, but also what is healthy interaction between people, between churches, and between family members. There are several “Boundaries” books now by the same authors—for marriage, for children, for dating, etc.
Telling Each Other the Truth by William Backus (He has many good books)
Marital Issues:
Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
The love she most desires; the respect he desperately needs. A top priority book for marriages!
The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman
Another top priority book for marriages!
Hedges—by Jerry Jenkins.
Loving Your Marriage Enough to Protect It
The Gift of Sex by Clifford and Joyce Penner
A Christian guide to sexual fulfillment—extremely detailed, not a book to put on your bookshelf—regard it as a text book. However, many adults have unconsciously accepted and believed the lies that our culture, TV, and movies have portrayed. Also victims of abuse may not know what normal is…
If you are a parent:
Dr. James Dobson’s books naturally!
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman (another author with many good books!)
If you are an adult child of divorce:
Generation Ex by Jen Abbas
Adult children of divorce and the healing of our pain
If there has been any kind of abuse in the past, especially sexual abuse:
A Betrayal of Innocence by David Peters
What everyone should know about child sexual abuse.
A Door of Hope by Jan Frank
For all who have been victims of sexual abuse….recognizing and resolving the pains of your past
Breaking Free by Beth Moore (Book and audio set; also book and video set)
Making liberty in Christ a reality in life
If you/they are a child of alcoholic parent(s) or even alcoholic grandparents:
A Time to Heal by Timmen Cermak
There are a lot of adult emotional/relational issues that stem from growing up in an alcoholic home.
If you/they come from a dysfunctional church background:
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen
Recognizing and escaping spiritual manipulation and false spiritual authority within the church
If you/they are in a spiritual mismatch:
Surviving A Spiritual Mismatch In Marriage by Lee Strobel (with Leslie Strobel)
If you/they are living in a step-family:
The Smart Step Family by Ron L. Deal
Learn practical, realistic solutions to the issues that stepfamilies face.
If you/they are dealing with older parent/child issues:
Father Hunger by Robert S McGee
In the hearts of many men and women is a hollow place. We long for the blessing that only a father can give.
The Mom Factor by Gary Smalley (and Dr. John Townsend)
Dealing with the mother you had, didn’t have, or still contend with.
If you/they are struggling with possible temptations and addictions:
Change Your Heart; Change Your Life by Gary Smalley
How changing what you believe will give you the great life you’ve always wanted.
Excellent book for all of life!
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn (with Fred Stoeker and Mike Yorkey)
Every man’s guide to winning the war on sexual temptation one victory at a time
(Many other similar books for different groups of people…very good)
Feeding Your Appetites by Stephen Arterburn
Take control of what’s controlling you
Lose It for Life by Stephen Arterburn (with Dr. Linda Mintle)
The total solution for permanent weight loss—Arterburn lost 60 pounds twenty years ago and has kept it off.
A Woman’s Answer to Anger by Annie Chapman
Getting your emotions under control
Anger—Handling a powerful emotion in a healthy way by Gary Chapman
If you are struggling with forgiveness:
Caring Enough To Forgive—True Forgiveness
Caring Enough to Not Forgive—False Forgiveness by David Augsburger Mennonite background,
(Two books in one. Best books I’ve read on forgiveness)
If you’re struggling to get daily routines into place:
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley–The FlyLady
Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome?) The FlyLady’s simple FLYing lessons will show you how to get your home and your life in order.
Website: Flylady.net Very helpful.
Remember that many books will not be relevant to you until you are in certain stages. Read anyway– but you’ll understand with your heart as you grow and put principles into practice!! It’s the same way the Bible opens up to us as we grow older and live life. The Bible didn’t change–we changed and our needs changed. Similarly, build on what other people have already learned and are sharing! You’re not alone!