Great Summer Reads for High School and College Students

With several weeks of summer left, there is still time to get in some great reads.

Trinity students and their professors have recommended a variety of inspiring fiction and non-fiction.

Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright

Recommended by student Christy Fassett ’15

“This book is great on situating the Christian worldview on earth because of Christ’s resurrection and anticipating his glorious return in all of life. It is an easy-to-read overview of the Christian faith.”

The Footloose American by Brian Kevin

Recommended by Dr. Michael DeVries, professor of psychology

“[It] offers a realistic glimpse into South America. It is well-written and connected to the work of Light and Leadership and alumna Lara DeVries ’08. The book is a fine travel book and a good summer read.”

Sicology [Sic] 101 by Si Robertson

Recommended by student Anna Bos ’15

“The book is a light, humorous read, full of short stories from [Si Robertson’s] life, in which he’s honest and open about his faith in God.”

Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis

Recommended by Dr. John Fry, professor of history

“[Lewis’ “Space Trilogy” is] classic mid-twentieth century Science Fiction/Fantasy with a Christian worldview. There is action, space travel, and lots of insights about human nature. I highly recommend them to people who like science fiction and fantasy.”

Nightmare’s Edge by Bryan Davis

Recommended by student Kerry Garrison ’16

“This thriller novel explores how to be a young Christian man in a secular world and how to relate to those you love when you may never see them again.”

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

Recommended by Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, assistant professor of social work

Bretzlaff-Holstein also recommends:

Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth

Eat With Joy: Redeeming God’s Gift of Food by Rachel Marie Stone

Prayer: Does It Make a Difference by Phillip Yancey

I Married Adventure by Luci Swindoll

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

The Power and the Glory by Grahame Greene

Recommended by student Chadd Huizinga ’15

“[This book is] a compelling story that presents us with deep theology.”

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton

Recommended by student Ethan Holmes ’16

“[Chesterton’s] a funny dude, who writes clever stuff about serious subjects. It’s worth it.”

Ru by Kim Thuy

Recommended by Dr. Karen Dieleman, professor of English

“It’s an emotionally compelling gem about the North-South Vietnamese conflict in the late 1960s, the refugee camp experience, and the relocation to French Canada of the so-called ‘boat people.’ Each one-page chapter is a prose jewel; Thuy sets war’s pain and degradation within a larger narrative of hope.”

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Recommended by student Esther Sullivan ’16

“This book is impeccably written and takes a revolutionary approach to gratitude. It’s really a perspective-shifting book.”