Summer Reading with Melissa Kruger

Jun 17, 2025

Melissa Kruger, the vice president for discipleship programming at TGC and co-host of The Deep Dish, brings her passion for reading to life. She discusses the enduring importance of books in our digital age and the joy of diverse genres during summer. Listeners receive a treasure trove of recommendations, from C.S. Lewis to Kate Morton. Kruger emphasizes fostering a reading culture for younger generations and shares the significance of classic literature and Christian texts in personal growth. It's a heartfelt homage to summer reading, with insights that inspire lifelong habits.

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INSIGHT

Reading Skills in Decline

Social media scrolling has diminished deep reading skills and attention spans.
Reading slowly and deeply is increasingly rare but vital for comprehension and thinking.

ADVICE

Develop Reading Taste Early

Encourage children to develop a taste for reading rather than dismissing dislike.
Reading opens access to worlds closed without literacy, so persist in cultivating interest.

ANECDOTE

Reading as Writing Foundation

Melissa Kruger credits her love of reading and writing to early exposure to classic books and poetry.
Marking up physical books helps her become fluent in expressing ideas effectively.

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The expulsive power of a new affection

Thomas Chalmers

Godric

Frederick Buechner

How to Know a Person

The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen

David Brooks

David Brooks's "How to Know a Person" delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring how we perceive and understand others. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and self-awareness in building meaningful connections. Brooks challenges readers to move beyond superficial judgments and embrace a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them. He argues that true connection requires vulnerability and a willingness to be seen authentically. Ultimately, the book offers a practical guide to fostering richer, more fulfilling relationships.

Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices

Thomas Brooks

In 'Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices,' Thomas Brooks systematically exposes Satan's tactics to draw souls into sin, hinder holy duties, and sow doubt among believers. He provides biblical remedies to counter these devices, emphasizing the importance of grace and dependence on divine power in spiritual warfare. The book remains a valuable resource for Christians seeking to navigate spiritual challenges.

A Chance to Die

about Amy Carmichael

Elizabeth Elliott

With the Old Breed

At Peleliu and Okinawa

Eugene B. Sledge

With the Old Breed is a powerful and poignant memoir written by Eugene B. Sledge, detailing his experiences as a Marine during World War II. The book chronicles his time in the 1st Marine Division, specifically with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, during the brutal battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. Sledge's account is marked by its simplicity and searing honesty, capturing the intense violence, fear, and camaraderie that defined the lives of soldiers in the Pacific Theater. He describes the harsh training, the unimaginable carnage, and the psychological impact of constant fear and horror. The memoir also highlights the brotherhood among the Marines and the struggle to retain humanity amidst the chaos of war. It is praised for its unvarnished and realistic portrayal of combat, making it a classic in American military history[1][2][5].

Knowing God

J.I. Packer

Written in 1973, 'Knowing God' by J.I. Packer is a seminal work that divides into three main sections. The first section, 'Knowing the Lord,' focuses on how and why we know God, emphasizing the importance of listening to God’s word and understanding His nature. The second section, 'Behold Your God,' delves into the attributes of God such as His love, grace, wisdom, justice, and sovereignty. The third section explores the practical applications of knowing God, including the gospel message and what it means to live as a Christian. Packer stresses that knowing God is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt and voluntary application of truths about God to daily life, leading to a deeper fellowship with Him and a life of worship and obedience[2][4][5].

Churchill

Walking with Destiny

Andrew Roberts

In this landmark biography, Andrew Roberts provides a deeply personal and historically rich portrait of Winston Churchill. With exclusive access to new material such as transcripts of War Cabinet meetings, diaries, letters, and unpublished memoirs from Churchill's contemporaries, Roberts reveals the hidden forces behind Churchill's legendary drive. The book explores Churchill's life in detail, from his early years to his leadership during World War II, highlighting his courage, tenacity, leadership, and moral conviction. It also discusses his complex relationships, including his interactions with King George VI and Franklin Roosevelt, and evaluates his legacy in the context of modern leadership challenges.

Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition[2][4][5].

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell

In 'Revenge of the Tipping Point', Malcolm Gladwell returns to the subject of social epidemics and tipping points, this time focusing on the dark side of contagious phenomena. Through a series of riveting stories, Gladwell explores the rise of a new and troubling form of social engineering. He delves into various topics, including the world’s most successful bank robbers, a forgotten television show from the 1970s, an experimental neighborhood in Northern California, and alternate histories of the COVID and opioid crises. The book examines how individuals can use power and influence to shape collective narratives and societal trends, highlighting the ethical implications of social engineering and the role of superspreaders in propagating ideas and behaviors.

The Righteous Mind

Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion

Jonathan Haidt

In this book, Jonathan Haidt draws on twenty-five years of research on moral psychology to explain why people's moral judgments are driven by intuition rather than reason. He introduces the Moral Foundations Theory, which posits that human morality is based on six foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression. Haidt argues that liberals tend to focus on the care/harm and fairness/cheating foundations, while conservatives draw on all six. The book also explores how morality binds and blinds people, leading to social cohesion but also to conflicts. Haidt aims to promote understanding and civility by highlighting the commonalities and differences in moral intuitions across political spectra.

David and Goliath

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

Malcolm Gladwell

In 'David and Goliath', Malcolm Gladwell challenges conventional wisdom about obstacles and disadvantages. He uses the biblical story of David and Goliath as a starting point to explore various cases where underdogs have triumphed over more powerful opponents. The book delves into topics such as the benefits of 'desirable difficulties', the impact of dyslexia on successful individuals, and the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful strategies in different contexts, including warfare, education, and social movements. Gladwell argues that what appears to be a weakness can often be a strength, and that too much power or advantage can sometimes be counterproductive.

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel

Set during the English Reformation, 'Wolf Hall' brings to life the opulent and brutal world of the Tudors. The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who rises from humble origins to become a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. It explores themes of ambition, power, politics, religion, identity, and loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and break from the Roman Catholic Church. Mantel's vivid imagery and sensory details create a rich sense of time and place, making historical characters relatable to contemporary readers[3][4][5].

In the Garden of Beasts

Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin

Erik Larson

In the Garden of Beasts tells the story of William E. Dodd, the U.S. Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937, and his family's experiences in Berlin as they witness the rise of Nazi Germany. The book explores the political and social climate of the time, highlighting the Dodds' initial naivety and eventual horror at the unfolding events. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Erik Larson provides a vivid picture of this pivotal period in history.

The Bomber Mafia

A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War

Malcolm Gladwell

The Bomber Mafia delves into the story of a group of American military officers who developed a doctrine of daylight strategic bombing aimed at minimizing casualties through precision high-altitude aerial bombardment. The book contrasts the idealistic strategies of the 'Bomber Mafia,' led by General Haywood Hansell, with the brutal pragmatism of General Curtis LeMay, who implemented scorched-earth tactics in Japan using napalm. Gladwell examines the moral challenges and consequences of these strategies, including the devastating firebombing of Tokyo and the broader implications for modern warfare. The book also explores the technological and historical context of these events and poses questions about the morality and effectiveness of different military approaches[1][3][4].

The Space Trilogy

The Ransom Trilogy

C.S. Lewis

The trilogy consists of 'Out of the Silent Planet', 'Perelandra', and 'That Hideous Strength'. It follows Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, as he is kidnapped and taken to Mars (Malacandra), then to Venus (Perelandra), and finally back to Earth. Each book explores themes of good vs. evil, free will, and the cosmic hierarchy, drawing parallels with biblical narratives and classical mythology. The series delves into spiritual warfare, the nature of sin, and the struggle between personal ambition and moral integrity[1][3][5].

The Watchmaker's Daughter

The True Story of World War II Heroine Corrie ten Boom

Larry Loftis

This book tells the remarkable and inspiring life story of Corrie ten Boom, a groundbreaking female Dutch watchmaker who, along with her family, transformed their house into a hiding place to shelter Jews and refugees from the Nazis during World War II. Despite being sent to a concentration camp and losing most of her family, Corrie survived and later became a Christian missionary, known for her extraordinary ability to forgive her captors. The book is reminiscent of *Schindler’s List* and *Unbroken*, and it highlights Corrie’s journey of faith and forgiveness.

Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret

F. Howard Taylor

This book, written by F. Howard Taylor, Hudson's son, and his daughter-in-law, delves into the spiritual life of Hudson Taylor. It emphasizes Taylor's 'spiritual secret,' which was his daily reliance on Jesus Christ for all his needs, resulting in inexhaustible joy, peace, and energy despite the challenges of his missionary work. The book is compiled from personal letters and correspondence, providing insights into Taylor's life of faith and his founding of the China Inland Mission. It also touches on the Keswick theology and its influence on Taylor's spiritual journey, though some critics argue this aspect can be misleading. The narrative portrays Taylor's transformation and the profound impact of his faith on his missionary endeavors in China[1][3][4].

The Fate of the Day

None

Rick Atkinson

The Devil in the White City

Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America

Erik Larson

The book tells the dual stories of Daniel H. Burnham, who led the construction of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. Burnham faced numerous challenges in building the 'White City', while Holmes constructed his 'Murder Castle', a hotel with secret rooms, torture chambers, and other sinister features. The narrative explores the contrast between the grandeur of the fair and the dark deeds of Holmes, set against the backdrop of late 19th-century America.

The Goldfinch

Donna Tartt

The novel centers around 13-year-old Theodore Decker, whose life dramatically changes after he survives a terrorist attack at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where his mother is killed. During the chaos, Theo takes the famous Dutch painting 'The Goldfinch' by Carel Fabritius. The story follows Theo's journey through grief, guilt, and his complex relationships, including his friendship with Boris and his involvement in the art underworld. The novel spans several years, detailing Theo's struggles with identity, loss, and the impact of the painting on his life[5][6][2].

Life and Fate

Vasily Grossman

Written in 1959, 'Life and Fate' is a monumental novel that narrates the story of the Shaposhnikov family during the Great Patriotic War. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Stalingrad and delves into the lives of numerous characters, including Soviet physicist Viktor Shtrum, who grapples with anti-Semitism and moral dilemmas in a totalitarian state. The book juxtaposes the horrors of war and the Gulag with the intimate lives of its characters, exploring profound philosophical and moral questions. Despite its initial suppression by the KGB, the novel was eventually smuggled out of the Soviet Union and has since been recognized as one of the greatest Russian novels of the 20th century.

A Tale of Two Cities

Julius Julius Seybt

Francisco Manuel GRANADO CASTRO

Marion Leighton

federico alonso

Aedi Abraham

maxi sanchez

jaime arbe

Fred BARNARD

Laura Santamaria

Juan Ramon Torregrosa

monica alonso

Charles Dickens

Alejo García Moreno

Miguel Muñoz

leonardo pablo federico sanchez alonso

J. J. Bernier

Salustiano Masó Simón

Victor G Ambrus

Jose perez

Hablot K. BROWNE

Published in 1859, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a historical novel that contrasts the lives in London and Paris during the late 18th century. The story revolves around characters such as Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Lucie Manette, each dealing with love, sacrifice, and the profound societal changes brought about by the French Revolution. The novel critiques both the conditions leading up to the Revolution and the Revolution itself, highlighting themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the potential for positive change. Dickens's vivid portrayal of the social disparities and political unrest of the era, along with his iconic opening lines, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' make the novel a compelling exploration of human resilience and societal issues[3][4][5].

Homecoming

null

Dr. Shelley Harrell

Hannah Coulter

Wendell Berry

Hannah Coulter, a novel by Wendell Berry, tells the story of Hannah, a woman reflecting on her life in rural Kentucky. The narrative explores themes of community, family, and the changing landscape of rural America. Berry masterfully portrays the deep connections between people and their land, highlighting the importance of place and belonging. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, loss, and the enduring power of faith. Through Hannah's experiences, Berry offers a poignant meditation on the meaning of life and the importance of living in harmony with nature and one's community.

The Women

Kristen Hanna

The Lord"s Work in the Lord"s Way

None

Francis Schaeffer

The Woman Who Smashed Codes

Jason Fagone

How to Reach the West Again

Tim Keller

evidence not seen

Darlene Rose