Books, books, and more books. While being a visual society, there is little that replaces the value of the printed page. However, identifying books that meet a specific need may be difficult. The following list of books contains a brief review of books that may be helpful to Women's Ministries leaders. Periodically, members of the Women's Ministries General Council will add to this list of books.

Unless otherwise noted, all of the books reflect our denomination's Wesleyan/holiness tradition. The books may be purchased through Nazarene Publishing House at nph.com, other on-line sources, as well as your local Christian bookstore. Remember that your public library may have a copy or be able to obtain a copy through their inter-library loan system.

If you have a book that you would like to recommend, please send a short review along with publication information-author, publisher, date of publication, and ISBN-to womensministries@nazarene.org or mail to Women' s Ministries.

Breathe
Keri Wyatt Kent
Revell, 2005
ISBN 0-800-730-607

This book should be read by couples as they plan life together. It will help them consider the things that fill their days and prioritize them. While written for families, there is a lot of information that can help single adults in their lifestyle, too. In fact, there probably aren't too many of us who couldn't benefit from examining our lives and determining how we can lower the hectic-ness of them.

Mom, Dad.I'm Pregnant
Jayne E. Schooler
NavPress, 2004
ISBN 1-576-834-824

The author writes from personal experience, making the book a great companion for those facing the unplanned pregnancy of a child-regardless of age. The author also addresses the father and how his rights, role, and responsibilities are often overlooked. She also writes about grandparents parenting grandchildren. There are questions at the end of each chapter to assist with personal application.

Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity
Lauren F. Winner
Brazos Press, 2005
ISBN 1-58743-069-X

The author challenges the Church community to understand that sexual purity is also a community matter. Winner writes about the difficulty and importance of sexual chastity. She also confronts cultural lies about sex and challenges how we talk about sex in the church. She seeks to answer questions such as "how far is too far? What does chastity have to do with loving my neighbor? How does my sexual behavior form habits and expectations?

While Winner may have started out to write a book about sexuality for single adults, the end product is a book that challenges every reader to understand what it means to be Christian sexual beings in today's world. She calls the readers, regardless of marital status, to pursue chastity as a conversion and amendment of life.

Holding the world by the Hand
Gigi Schweikert
Howard, 2005
ISBN 1-5822-9418-6

A great gift for new mothers and those with young children. The author uses personal stories to remind mothers of their importance in the formation of their children. The easy-to-read and short stories make it a tool for busy mothers who only find short segments of quiet time.

The Myth of the Perfect Mother
Carla Barnhill
Baker Books, 2004
ISBN 0-801-06466-X

Many women feel the tension nbetw4een the reality of their lives and what they hear and read from Christian media. Some feel as if they are "less than good" since their lives don't match what is held as the ideal. This may include feelings of condemnation from those living the supposed "ideal life." This book takes a look at life's realities and how they often don't match the "ideal." This is a great book for women to read and discuss since it causes them to consider the "perfect mother" myth.

Shepherding a Woman's Heart
Beverly White Hislop
Moody Publishers, 2003
ISBN 0-8024-3354-5

The value of this "new model for effective ministry to women" is the emphasis on relationships and meeting women at their point of needs. Great insights on listening and role modeling.

Twentysomething
Margaret Feinberg
W Publishing Group, 2004
ISBN -8499-4444-9

The book is written for twentysomethings as a tool on the journey into adulthood. However, the book is a great source of information regarding the experiences of twentysomethings. It's a great read for ministry leaders as they reach out to people in this decade of their lives.