Deconstruction / Progressive Theology:
Unafraid – Benjamin L. Corey
A permission slip to wrestle with the idea that the Christian faith doesn’t have to be steeped in fear.
What is the Bible? – Rob Bell
This book will rework everything you thought you knew about the Bible and blow your mind.
The Sin of Certainty – Peter Enns
What if everything about the Christian faith isn’t certain? If you’re ready to explore this intimidating question, this book will help walk you through it.
Trusting Doubt – Valerie Tarico
Wanting challenging and more critical perspectives on traditional Christian views but aren’t sure where to start? This book will guide you through the process topic by topic.
Empty the Pews – Chrissy Stroop & Lauren O’Neal
A collection of powerful personal essays about surviving traumatic religious upbringings, challenging toxic theology, and growing beyond the confines of fundamentalist Christianity.
Pure – Linda Kay Klein
Take a deep dive into learning about Christian purity culture: its roots, what it teaches, and the ways it promotes corrupts views of female sexuality.
You Are Your Own – Jamie Lee Finch
This book looks at the intersection of evangelical Christianity, religious trauma, and struggles with self-worth through the lens of Jamie’s own story.
The Great Spiritual Migration – Brian McLaren
If you are hungry for a new Christianity to emerge in today’s world, this book is for you.
Meaningful Again – Brandon Carleton
Sharing from his own story of deconstructing his beliefs, Brandon demonstrates how religion can be reimagined by embracing the tough questions.
Hiding in the Pews – Steve Austin
Birthed from his own experience, Steve’s book shines a light on mental illness within the church and how to make Christian communities a safer place for everyone.
Memoirs
Educated – Tara Westover
A memoir of how a sheltered young woman from an indoctrinated family took her education into her own hands, and discovered herself in the process.
I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy
“A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.” (Goodreads) Jenette’s story also includes her perspectives on growing up Mormon and the complicated impact her faith had on her.
The Very Worst Missionary – Jamie Wright
With wit and plenty of foul language, Jamie candidly shares her and her family’s experiences — both the good and the bad — as Christian missionaries.
To Shake the Sleeping Self – Jedidiah Jenkins
An inspiring read about the author’s real-life journey to bike from Oregon to Patagonia and the questions it raised along the way about identity, religious upbringing, sexuality, relationships, and more.
Personal Growth
The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown
If you’re looking to live more authentically and to really embrace your worth, anything by Brené Brown can help you get there. This book is no exception.
How to Be Everything – Emilie Wapnick
Hey, fellow multipotenialites: want to build a lifestyle tailored to your many interests, skills, and creative pursuits? You need to read this book!
Sex
Come as You Are – Emily Nagoski
Female sexuality explained, backed by science and research. As they say, knowledge = power. (And empowerment in this case!)
Everything Else
I Don’t Wait Anymore – Grace Thornton
When I first began wondering as a young Christian college grad if there was a “better” way to follow Jesus, this book proved to be an encouraging and relatable resource.
Transcendent Kingdom – Yaa Gyasi
A fictional story about family, science, mental health, childhood faith, doubt, and identity.
When Justice Just Is – Katie Bergman
Those with a passion for humanitarianism will appreciate Katie’s story and glean wisdom from her real world experiences in the painful-yet-joyful field of justice work.