Books

New & Noteworthy Fiction

Chosen by Katie Ganshert, author of ‘No One Ever Asked.’

Virgil Wander

Leif Enger (Grove Press)

From the beloved author of Peace Like a River comes an endearing, beautifully rendered tale about a languid Minnesota town and its quirky inhabitants. Virgil Wander just survived a near-death experience that took his memory and, more confounding to Virgil, his words. As he struggles to make sense of a once-familiar world, his life entwines with a puzzling kite-maker searching for a son he didn’t know he had—a son who went missing years ago. With masterful characterization, a powerful sense of place, and his trademark vivid prose, Enger brings readers an insightful, magical story about belonging, friendship, forgiveness, and second chances.

Things Left Unsaid

Courtney Walsh (Waterfall Press)

In the idyllic lakeside town of Sweethaven, a tragic accident took the life of Cassie Jacobs—beloved daughter, loyal sister, vibrant friend—leaving behind a family fractured by grief and two estranged friends. Now, 10 years later, Elle Porter is getting married, and despite all of the unspoken hurt between them, she needs Lyndie St. James by her side. Unable to say no, Lyndie returns to Sweethaven and faces a choice: keep her secrets tucked away or confront them once and for all? At once haunting and uplifting, Things Left Unsaid brings to light the poignant words of Ann Voskamp: “Shame gets unspeakable power only if it’s unspeakable.”

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven

Mitch Albom (HarperCollins)

A follow-up to the bestseller The Five People You Meet in Heaven, this is a story about Annie, a girl who almost lost her left hand in a freak accident when she was a child—an accident that killed the man who saved her life. Not to be taken as a theological lesson on heaven, this quirky, whimsical novel delivers plenty of poignant lines worth pondering. It explores a profound truth: No matter how seemingly small or insignificant, our lives leave an indelible impact on the world. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one.

Also in this issue

Featuring CT's annual book awards, the January/February 2019 issue argues for the vital role of books as tools for shaping virtuous character. Also in the realm of book-length discussions, the features include an analysis of the growing debate among sociologists over how polls categorize African American and white Christians in the United States.

Our Latest

Wicked or Misunderstood?

A conversation with Beth Moore about UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect Luigi Mangione and the nature of sin.

Why Armenian Christians Recall Noah’s Ark in December

The biblical account of the Flood resonates with a persecuted church born near Mount Ararat.

Review

The Virgin Birth Is More Than an Incredible Occurrence

We’re eager to ask whether it could have happened. We shouldn’t forget to ask what it means.

The Nine Days of Filipino Christmas

Some Protestants observe the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, predawn services in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Bulletin

Neighborhood Threat

The Bulletin talks about Christians in Syria, Bible education, and the “bad guys” of NYC.

Join CT for a Live Book Awards Event

A conversation with Russell Moore, Book of the Year winner Gavin Ortlund, and Award of Merit winner Brad East.

Excerpt

There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Proper’ Christmas Carol

As we learn from the surprising journeys of several holiday classics, the term defies easy definition.

Advent Calls Us Out of Our Despair

Sitting in the dark helps us truly appreciate the light.

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