by Kayla Lutes, Features Editor
Asbury’s Kinlaw Library holds over 150,000 resources for students to use in their studies. Some classes require students to make use of the library’s seemingly endless sources, but the library also offers countless items that can contribute to personal growth or for a weekend of entertainment. Check out this list of books recommended by library staff to see what books are just a few steps away from your favorite study spot.
Morgan Tracy, Director of Library Services
Book: A Song of Ascents by E. Stanley Jones
Recommended for a student who: enjoys thinking deeply about his/her faith.
Why I recommend: This is the autobiography of Asbury’s greatest alumnus who spent most of his life as a missionary in India. Jones provides powerful insight into what it really means to follow Jesus, and helps me to work on some of my Western, or American, biases.
Bonnie Temple, Administrative Assistant to the Director/Interlibrary Loan
Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Recommended for a student who: needs a reminder of how much God really does love them.
Why I Recommend: Redeeming Love is a powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.
Amy Bessin, Instructional Services Librarian
Book: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Recommended for a student who: is interested in personality and leadership discussions.
Why I recommend: It is written in a very approachable style and is fascinating regardless of whether you consider yourself an introvert, an extrovert or something in between.
Doug Butler, Head of Technical Services
Book: A God to call Father by Michael Phillips
Recommended for a student who: wants to strengthen their relationship with God the Father.
Why I recommend: This book challenged me to think about my personal relationship with God in ways that I had not done before.
Suzanne Gehring, Head of Archives & Special Collections
Book: A Heart for Freedom by Chai Ling
Recommended for students who: are interested in China and world events.
Why I recommend: The Tiananmen Square protest in 1989 happened before most current
Asbury students were born. A Heart for Freedom puts a personal face to the peaceful demonstrations that turned deadly and tells the dramatic life story of Chia Ling.
Jennifer Walz, Head of Research & Distance Services
Book: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Recommended for a student who is looking for a little adventure and mystery.
Why I recommend: Adventurous novel that explores the watery deep as well as the purpose of wars, the depth of friendship and what being heroic really means. The follow-up story is equally great– The Mysterious Island.
Hannah Armour, Archives Assistant
Book: Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Recommended for a student who: gravitates toward visual imagery to understand abstract concepts.
Why I recommend: This vivid illustration of travelling on a journey with Jesus has had a profound influence on how I think about my spiritual life.
Darlene Bryan, Acquisitions Supervisor
Book: The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K Chesterton
Recommended for a student who: loves a good mystery.
Why I recommend: This book is entertaining with the main character demonstrating that we can live in this world, be informed, yet not be a participant in evil.
Megan Hussmann, Library User Services Assistant
Book: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Recommended for a student who: believes in the power of story, especially those who are studying English, creative writing, media, psychology or literature for young people.
Why I recommend: This book paints a picture of what it means to be a human being: beautiful and imperfect. It teaches us the beauty of loss and what it means to become strong in the face of it.
