Christianity Today readers are also book readers. Recent surveys show that altogether CT readers spend $27.2 million annually on religious books. That is just under $160 and just over 10 books per subscriber. We think that demonstrates a literacy far in excess of that of the average American.
With the demise of several other publications, we realize that many conservative clergy and laypeople who are serious about their faith rely on CT’s book reviews to learn about significant Christian books. Now we’re adding a new, interactive feature to the service we provide our book-reading subscribers: annual book awards.
In this issue, we are asking you to tell us what you think are the most significant books for CT readers this year. You’ll find your Readers’-choice ballot on page 41. The books listed there were nominated by their publishers for your consideration. Tear out the ballot, and check the book in each of the seven categories that you think deserves special recognition. Then send it in promptly.
The results will be announced in our April 9 issue. Along with your choices will be the critics’ picks. We have asked experts in each subject to offer knowledgeable opinions.
We have found stuffy, descriptive names for these awards: Readers’-choice and Critics’-choice Awards. But what should people really call them? Perhaps they could be the “Clives,” after every evangelical’s favorite author. Or perhaps you could call them “Augies” after the bishop who invented the book-length conversion-story. But around the CT offices, we’ll probably just call them the “Mickeys,” after book-review editor Michael Maudlin who has spearheaded this project.
DAVID NEFF, Senior Associate Editor
