Christian Nonfiction Lovers Book Club discussion

When choosing a Christian non-fiction book to read, whether it is a devotional, a bible study guide, self help, memoir or thesis, what do you expect it to offer you? Comfort? Revelation? Food for thought? Challenge?

That depends on what I need at the time, but it should include all of the above, and be interestingly written, and something I can relate to...is that too much to ask? ;-)

That is not too much to ask Pamela, I look for all of the above in non-fiction books. I also like to learn new things or receive new views on topics I might be so familiar with that I need some refreshing :)

I agree with Pamela. It really depends on what is occurring in my life at the present when it comes to a bible study guide or a self help book. When it comes to memoirs, I just love reading about other people and how God helps them to be over comers and victorious in life! We all have a story to tell...

Oh Toni, that is so true, everyone has a story to tell! I am enjoying yours at the moment :)
I love (auto)biograhies, especially when they are about overcoming and being victorious in battle! I admit: I need to be encouraged and inspired, all the time!

Structure is a very important thing I now look for in non-fiction. Most of the time I have to read in spurts and am growing to appreciate the little summaries at the end of chapters so I can remember where I was at. Often 30 minutes to an hour is all I can read at a setting so appreciate shorter chapters rather than longer so I can mull it over until I get back to reading.

I am looking for timely topics or spiritual growth issues. The title can attract me to check it out. I want to be fed something that either increases my understanding of the Word or its application to my life.

Structure... I am really glad you said that Carol! Your words are really valuable to me, as I am forever seeking what readers expect from Christian non-fiction. When I am working on my books, my husband always says: keep it structured, short, simple... but loaded! Readers should be able to read one or two pages and have enough food for thought. As to your summaries: I gave that some thought too. My chapters always end with some points to meditate on, so as to make the text you just read applicable. Great feedback Carol, thanks!

Dennis wrote: "I am looking for timely topics or spiritual growth issues. The title can attract me to check it out. I want to be fed something that either increases my understanding of the Word or its applicati..."

Amen to all of that Dennis. And yes, I have purchased books solely because of the title :)

Structure is good, but in a Christian non-fiction I'm typically looking for inspiration and practical application. How can I apply these principles / ideas to MY life, and can I anticipate similar results that the author describes. I like quotes, or what I call nuggets, and if a book has nuggets that I can write down or even memorize, all the better!

Quotes and nuggets are essential ingredients, I agree Jason. That is why I like to read John C. Maxwell! Every page inspires and encourages me!

Marja,

John Maxwell is an alum of Ohio Christian Univ. near here. He is speaking in April. I just started teaching there this semester. I plan to attend his talk!

Oh, please do so Dennis! I admire John's writing, because he keeps it so down to earth and simple, yet he has an amzing amount of experise!
What do you teach there?

I'm an adjunct math instructor.
A favorite Maxwell quote of mine talks about how Saul and his army looked at Goliath and said "He's so BIG! We can never defeat him!" while David looked at Goliath and said, "He's so Big! I CAN'T MISS!!" :)

Yes, I love that one Dennis! I have a book full of quotes from Maxwell's books, they really help me to stay focused and determined. He surely makes biblical principles applicable!

I have given this some more thought, and I have noticed that I like to be challenged, whether that is because I am learning something new, or because my sacred cows are being slaughtered or simply because I feel convicted... I enjoy books that challenge me to change something in my life... I guess I am afraid to become complacent or even drowsy :)
Anyone relate to this?

I agree! I think being challenged is usually a good thing.

I hate to say it but so many Christian non-fiction books/authors tend to draaaag out their point and the repetition gets annoying. I know repetition is good, to a point, but when a point is made numerous ways/times, I tend to put the book down and not finish it. It's sad in a way, but most of the books I start and don't finish are Christian non-fiction. Am I the only one???

I recognize this Jason, I believe 90% of Christian non-fiction books could be cut in half, haha! Why use 200 pages to say something that can be said in 100?? So, no, you're not the only one. And it's the reason why my books are so small :)

Right now I'm reading a challenging book during my morning devotionals,Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. I read the Pursuit of Holiness years ago and it was instrumental in setting my walk with the Lord. I just got it out again and saw how many things are underlined. Both of these books are less than 200 pages and filled with nuggets of wisdom.

Thanks for adding those to the shelf Pamela, I checked out the reviews for Respectable Sins and they triggered my interest!