Summertime is here, and so is the opportunity to enjoy a great book. This curated list for the Trevecca community features a diverse compilation of some recent favorites from faculty and staff members.
One clear popular choice is “Theo of Golden,” the self-published novel by former Georgia lawyer Allen Levi that has taken the publishing world by storm.
“This is one of the most loving, kind, and beautiful books I have ever read,” shared Randy Carden, professor of psychology. “It has a slow, lovely pacing filled with goodness and grace. I highly recommend it.”
The list includes a variety of novels, poetry, nonfiction, fantasy and historical nonfiction, as well as books that focus on theology and spiritual formation.
Religion professor Tim Gaines recommended “How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now ” by James K.A. Smith.
“Deeply personal, but from the mind of an astute philosopher, this book is a tender and insightful exploration of the questions of life surrounding change, facing the second half of life, and navigating the struggles that come from those realities,” Gaines said.
Gaines, along with Director of Alumni Relations Jen Showalter, also spotlighted “Pastor as Midwife: Life-Giving Leadership for the Healing of the Church” by Shawna Songer Gaines.
“What would happen to the church if our models of leadership were drawn from those who are most concerned with life being born anew? Drawn from the experiences and wisdom of biblical and contemporary midwives, this book presents a vision for ministry that helps pastors and churches receive the life God is bringing to the world,” Gaines said.
The list also features a book on leadership recommended by Ryan Longenecker,
Associate Dean of Online Leadership Studies, and written by Ed.D. alumnus Tony Bridwell. “Beyond the Leader: A Fable About the 7 Disciplines That Define Extraordinary Teams” introduces seven disciplines that elevate teams from mere efficacy to continuous learning and improvement, innovation and long-term success.
President Dan Boone is weighing in with some of his recent favorite reads, too, including “Magnifica Humanitas,” Pope Leo’s encyclical open letter on safeguarding humans in the time of AI.
“Pope Leo's contribution to the discussion regarding the proper moral use of artificial intelligence is the best theological reflection I have seen,” Boone said. “It strikes the deep chords of Wesleyan theology in regard to human dignity, work and reflection of the image of God.”
Dan Boone
University President
“The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse” by Miroslav Volf
“Magnifica Humanitas” — Pope Leo’s encyclical open letter on safeguarding humans in the time of AI
“Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
“Unclean: Mediations on Purity, Hospitality, and Morality” by Richard Beck
Randy Carden
Professor of Psychology
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
“The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey
“Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
“Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
Sarah Comer
Executive Director of Admissions
“The Hardest Peace” by Kara Tippetts
“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
“The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success” by Andy Andrews
Mark Elliott
Director of Athletics
“Just Love: How One Mistranslated Word Distorted the Gospel” by Wayne Jacobsen and Tobie van der Westhuizen
“The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery” by W. Lee Warren
“Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell
“Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
Tim Gaines
Associate Professor of Religion; Director of the M.A. in Theology and Biblical Studies Program
“Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World” by Tom Holland
“Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God ” by Emily McGowin
“How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now ” by James K.A. Smith
“Pastor as Midwife: Life-Giving Leadership for the Healing of the Church” by Shawna Songer Gaines
Ashley Gernand
Director of Chapel Worship
“Every Good Endeavor” by Timothy Keller
“A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
“A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula Le Guin
Erik Gernand
University Chaplain
"The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider
“Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer
"We Really Do Need Each Other" by Reuben Welch
"You Are What You Love" by James K.A. Smith
Graham Hillard
English Professor
“Lucky Jim” by Kingsley Amis
“Operation Mincemeat” by Ben Macintyre
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith
“What We Can Know” by Ian McEwan
Ryan Longenecker
Associate Dean of Online Leadership Studies
“Beyond the Leader: A Fable About the 7 Disciplines That Define Extraordinary Teams” by Tony A. Bridwell
“Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less” by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz
“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking” by Susan Cain
Emily Moore
Head Volleyball Coach
“Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall
“The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans
“Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage” by Alfred Lansing
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
“Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy
Jen Showalter
Director of Alumni Relations
“Devotions” by Mary Oliver
“The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions” by Emily P. Freeman
“The Pastor as Midwife” by Shawna Songer Gaines
“Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change” by Tod Bolsinger
“What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience” by Tish Harrison Warren
“What We Believe: A layperson’s guide to the theology of the Church of the Nazarene” by Dean Diehl