It’s August and we’re in the dead-heat of the summer, so I thought it would be fun to share a round-up of books that I particularly love in the social justice space. While I read a lot of books focused on best practices and methodologies in this space too, these are books that eloquently balance engaging storytelling with informative knowledge. They’re perfect for a summer read. In fact, I think I’ve read all of these during the summer by the lake or pool, now that I think of it! Perhaps you have a summer vacay around the corner or you’re stretching out by the pool and you’d like a good book to read.
BTW - I'm now an Amazon Associate, which means I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any of these books via the links below, I'll receive a small percent, which in turn, helps me to continue sharing resources with you!
Well, here are 5 of my favorites, comin’ at you fast!
1) The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
by Richard Stearns
This book has a big place in my own personal journey. It was one of the first books I read that opened my eyes to poverty around the world, and I can honestly say it was the spark that ignited something greater, leading me on the journey I am now! The Hole in Our Gospel is full of facts, data, stories, and insight that really show a picture of global poverty and how we’re called to be part of the solution. And if you’re really liking it, Unfinished is a must-read sequel!
2) Kisses From Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption
by Katie Davis
This is another book I read about the same time as The Hole in Our Gospel, and it really encouraged me to go about working in this space. Kisses From Katie is a book that follows a servant-hearted girl who’s journey lead her to adopt multiple girls in Uganda and building a nonprofit, Amazima Ministries. I’ve read it more than once - it’s that good!
3) Slave Hunter: Freeing Victims of Human Trafficking
by Aaron Cohen and Christine Buckley
In this book, Aaron leaves everything behind to travel the world and free young girls from sex trafficking. This true story details his journey in different regions of the world, helping us understand how ruthless, secretive, and brutal the trafficking world can be. I loved getting a glimpse into different parts of the world through the stories he tells. Slave Hunter is a fascinating book, and one I didn’t want to end!
4) The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World
by Jacqueline Novogratz
The Blue Sweater details Jacqueline’s decision to leave international banking in favor of understanding global poverty and how to tackle it. Her work has taken her all over the world, and she’s a leading advocate for upholding human dignity through enterprise solutions. Her experiences are far and wide, and she tells many incredible stories to help us experience them too. She’s been making a real impact in this space for a long while, and she’s still at it. In fact, she just released a new book and course through her Acumen Academy called, Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World. It’s on my own summer reading list!
5) Finding Hope in Chaos
by Steeve Simbert
Finding Hope in Chaos was written by my good friend, Steeve. I met him 10 years ago at a 7 Mindsets summit, shortly after he’d just arrived back in the United States post the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. He grew up in Haiti, and this book details his childhood experiences, as well as what it was like living through the horrific earthquake that shook his country. Embracing the opportunity for a different life in the United States, Steeve is one of the most ambitious friends I know with a long list of accolades, including serving our country on Capital Hill! I’d highly encourage reading this story to get an inspirational, real-life glimpse into Haiti!
Bonus:
Love Does by Bob Goff. Because love + action go together, and we’re all about both over here!
Books I’m reading now:
Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson - Both dig into the racial tension our country is experiencing, a topic so important, and one I’m dedicated to learning more about + advocating for!
I hope you’ll find one (or more) of these moseying it’s way into your beach bag this summer - you’ll be happy it did! 😉
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