Joni and Friends Staff Picks for National Read a Book Day

By Joni and Friends|Published On: September 6, 2020|Categories: Inspiration|

It’s National Read a Book Day! Whether you’re searching for your next read or looking for gift-giving ideas for book-loving friends, there’s nothing like a recommendation to steer you in the right direction. So today, we’re sharing a list of Staff Picks: personal favorites of some of our Joni and Friends staff, all available in our Store.

Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story by Ken & Joni Eareckson Tada with Larry Libby

“In a world with so much pain stemming from broken relationships, Joni and Ken’s story gave me hope that it is possible to have a healthy, lifegiving, and unbreakable marriage. Joni & Ken an Untold Love Story is an honest, raw, and beautiful picture of what love is. I highly recommend this book to anyone whether you are married, or single, or simply looking for ways to connect more deeply with people in your life.” –Hannah, Data Analytics

“As someone living with a disability, I was deeply moved to learn about the challenges Joni and Ken have faced and the ways they honor their vows with joy and intentionality. Their journey to reaffirm a strong and loving commitment, all while drawing closer to the Lord, deeply encouraged me. Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story is a heartwarming and honest glimpse into a marriage laced with the hardships of disability. Such a powerful read which hit very close to home for me for many reasons, but I know that everyone would be inspired by their love story.” –Tracey, Response

“Joni and Ken, An Untold Love Story is Ephesians 5:21-33 played out before our eyes. Ken’s selfless love, coupled with Joni’s resilient fidelity, make their story one for the ages. Though the day is coming when they’ll walk the streets of Heaven beholding the “stunningly glorious versions” of each other, for now they relish in the fact that home is as close as each other’s hands.” –David, Missouri Area Ministry

“My husband and I both read Joni and Ken an Untold Love Story and found great encouragement in the pages. Joni and Ken both honestly share about the stresses and struggles of being two very different people who are seeking to be one in Christ. This book helped us look at our marriage with new eyes to see the potential in how God has put us together as husband and wife.” –Kimi, Internships

A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada (also available in audio book)

“Joni shares a deeply personal, real-life look into her hard-fought understanding of God’s love, goodness, and sovereignty from the perspective of over 40 years of paralysis, long seasons of chronic pain, and a new diagnosis of breast cancer. Joni’s honesty and transparency motivates me to walk in the truth of God’s promises and increases my trust in God to accomplish his good purposes in and through every circumstance in my life.” –Bret, Ministry Relations

“Joni’s personal experience wrestling with God’s sovereignty and suffering makes A Place of Healing both personal and practical. The book provides honest answers to difficult questions. Why does God allow suffering? Why does he heal some and not others? What purpose is there in my pain? I highly recommend A Place of Healing for any Christian looking for hope in the midst of suffering.” –Catherine, Communications

Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada

“I heard Joni’s story when I was 11 years old and it was a guiding light to me through my childhood and teen years. The example Joni set in putting her trust in God gave me courage to trust Him as well. From the difficulties that came from having an alcoholic father to the ordinary struggles of the teen years, this book brought hope for tomorrow and strength to persevere. I would suggest giving this book to a young person because it will introduce them early on to a God who cares, and it will give them a strong foundation that will help them face the storms throughout their life.” –Donna, Internships

Real Families, Real Needs by Joni and Friends

“Real Families, Real Needs provides spiritual encouragement and practical suggestions for all members of a family affected by disability. Whether you are a parent, sibling, or grandparent of a child affected by disability, you will encounter stories of people who have walked in your shoes, honest stories of how God meets us in the joys and sorrows that often come with disability. And as someone who grew up with a disability, I gained valuable insight into the struggles my own family likely encountered.” –Tracey, Response

Infinite Hope by Joni and Friends with artwork by Joni Eareckson Tada and Jill De Haan

“Both my father and father-in-law passed away within 6 weeks of each other after prolonged illnesses. Whenever I would feel like I was sitting in the ashes with Job, I would pick up Infinite Hope and it would remind me that God was still there, sitting with me. Not only that, it reminded me that I still had a great deal for which to be grateful. Step by step, each page a conduit to reconnect with God and his promises. Infinite Hope in the Midst of Struggles was a refreshing spring in a time of hardship. When you are in the desert of despair, it is an oasis of God’s hope and encouragement.” –Aimée, Christian Institute on Disability

31 Days Toward Overcoming Adversity by Joni Eareckson Tada

“I love how accessible key theological concepts are in the devotional book 31 Days Toward Overcoming Adversity. Even though there are just 31 readings, I had so many “aha!” moments as I came to better understand how God uses hardship in my life and the lives of others.” –Rebecca, Response