I must confess I have never listened to Desert Island Discs but I have often thought about the music and books I would like to be marooned with, given half the chance. Although my choice usually varies depending on my mood, and changes as the years go by, there are some pieces of music and books that I come back to again and again.

I’m not sure how many books I’ve read during my lifetime, but I do know that some have made a greater impact on me than others. This is certainly true in the development of my faith. All this got me wondering if I could persuade some of us, through the pages of our News and Information Bulletin, to provide some book recommendations and reviews that would help others in our Christian lives.

As with Desert Island Discs we’ll take it as read that the Bible is the most helpful, but which other books have encouraged or challenged you the most? I find great help in books by (among many others) C S Lewis and John Stott, and Phillip Yancey. As a young Christian To Boldly Go by Eric Delve was very influential.

One book I would commend to everyone right now, especially if you are struggling with prayer, is Dirty Glory by Pete Greig. It follows on from Pete’s earlier book Red Moon Rising which tells the story of the first five years of the 24-7 prayer movement. Dirty Glory is a wonderfully encouraging collection of inspiring stories of prayer changing lives in the real world. It is honest and engaging. It acknowledges that life is messy, church can be messy, but there is hope. One tip I would offer: read it slowly.

Which book or books would you recommend and why? Let us know in our News and Information Bulletin.