I've sat with this article idea for a while now. I don't feel led to jump on every controversial topic, but I've seen the articles on why we shouldn't read Rachel Hollis's Girl, Wash Your Face, and likewise her new book Girl, Stop Apologizing. There was a time I would have read books like this. Some say they are too me-focused while others say it's downright dangerous theology. Here's where God has brought me; books like Rachel's aren't enough. I have not read them but in my 20s I read many titles like them. I was a single woman working in corporate America and looking to climb the ladder. Self-help and business books spoke to that.

I'm in a different place now, and I believe with all my heart God wants to bring you to a different place as well. 

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly--mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Reading books like this aren't solid food. You won't walk away full from the Fruit of the Spirit.

Personally, and with the books I recommend, I look for books that point to Jesus. Often they're based on a passage of Scripture, they offer lots of verses, or they read like a love story to Christ and his church. You can recognize them in a bookstore because they usually come with a workbook or are made into a Bible study. We become our best self when we immerse ourselves in God's word and his church. The Holy Spirit does the majority of the work, growing us from infant Christians to mature Christians. That's not to say I never read purely for pleasure or look to good fiction for life lessons. I hope you get what I'm saying.

These ten books are similar in style to Rachel's books but will also help us mature in Christ. They present Scripture. They leave us wanting to read more of our Bible. There are more titles like this but I wanted to give you a start. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

1) One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land by Priscilla Shirer 

2) The Happiness Dare: Pursuing Your Heart's Deepest, Holiest and Most Vulnerable Desire by Jennifer Dukes Lee

3) 100 Days To Brave: Devotions For Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self by Annie Downs

4) True You: Letting Go Of Your False Self To Uncover The Person God Created by Michelle DeRusha

5) It's Not Supposed To Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst

6) Girls With Swords: How To Carry Your Cross Like A Hero by Lisa Bevere

7) The Fitting Room: Putting On The Character Of Christ by Kelly Minter

8) Made for This: 40 Days To Living Your Purpose by Jennie Allen

9) Taste & See: Discovering God Among Butchers, Bakers & Fresh Food Makers by Margaret Feinberg (LOVE this title and I want to get my hands on this book myself but haven't yet)

10) How To Fix A Broken Record: Thoughts on Vinyl Records, Awkward Relationships and Learning To Be Myself by Amena Brown