The books contained in this section put me face-to-face with Jesus in ways that I needed to take the next step in my spiritual growth. That is the criteria for making this list. So you can imagine the number of books which are not present here. Nothing against them or their authors, but these are the books that have reoriented my life, my soul, toward bearing spiritual fruit, taking on the character of Christ, or helping me work through big questions or issues. I hope you benefit from some of them, too!
Just read it. On no level will you be disappointed. Smart, insightful, accessible, humorous, Lewis has it all. A must-read for anyone remotely interested in Christ or Christianity on any level. With his characteristic gift of clarity, Lewis explores the basic tenets of Christianity and Christian living. Many of his insights have a prophetic air about them, as the world in which we now live reflects the fallout of his observations. 
Willard crystallized all the thoughts and concerns I had in my soul but couldn’t articulate. More than that, though, he redirected my attention to the truth of what Jesus did and is working to do in my heart. Full of life. 
This book continues to articulate from Scriptures what the life of Christ is working to achieve. Rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, Willard lays out how character is at the heart of doing well in life. 
Not only does Willard brilliantly unpack what a Psalm 23 life looks like, he discusses HOW to go about taking steps to achieve it. Willard’s driving desire is to connect the real presence of Jesus with life, so that life becomes increasingly full, with no lack. The disciplines and practices that he recommends are practical, achievable, and beneficial. 
This is an excellent overview of spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines. If you are curious or just beginning to explore this dimension of faith, or if you are experienced in the area and want a refresher course of the highlights, this is just the book. 
Foundational to my faith, starting as a child, but still impactful as an adult. In fact, many of life’s more difficult questions are addressed in this series, and I regularly refer to examples for answers. 
Corrie ten Boom got the life that Willard talks about, that Jesus taught. Her story illustrates what it was to live under the authority of another kingdom in the direst of circumstances. Honest, genuine, and inspiring. 
If you are offended by “language,” you should probably get over it and read this book anyway. Fr. Boyle reaches deep into his experiences to provide illustrations of profound biblical truths of the power of unfettered love. Remember that it is a book of illustrations, not a theological layout of the truths, and you will see that this is a man in a life that understands the guts it takes for kindness and compassion. 
The teachings of Willard laid out in fictional form. Thomas Wingfold is a good-hearted pastor having a crisis of faith. He confronts it and walks through it with his congregation. Amazing! 
Sorokin looks at history and his contemporary Western culture to make some eerily accurate predictions about where the world is headed. Excellent worldview study. 
A masterpiece on every possible level. Compelling characters and plot, sacrificial love played out in every plot line. Profound truths of reality. 
I love the structure of the chapters–Murray begins with 2-3 Bible verses about a topic that he is going to discuss concerning the Holy Spirit and His work; draws conclusions and makes observations, using the verses as a springboard; addresses his fellow believers to exhort them to take particular steps in inviting the Holy Spirit into their lives; then concludes with a prayer to the Father to accomplish those steps. The prayers were my favorite part and could make an excellent devotional tool. 
Especially for young women or mothers of young women–Wendy Shalit examines the power and value of modesty from a social viewpoint. Spoiler–modesty isn’t frumpy or boring! In fact, the sexual becomes surprisingly boring, as Shalit explains. 
As only Lewis can do, this book cuts through a lot of the confusion that surrounds the issue of the problem of evil/pain coexisting with a God like the One Christians claim to exist. I appreciate anything that brings clarity to the table, but this one is really next level, addressing a universal question.
That Lady Who Reads A Lot 