Christian Book Month
ABOUT
Christian Book Month
In 2023, Good Book Mom established Christian Book Month in a two-fold effort.
First, the goal is to encourage Christians to dedicate the month of April to reading works by Christian authors. Whether fiction or non-fiction, there is an extensive selection of high-quality titles available to believers. While many regularly engage with books by Christian authors, there remains a significant number who do not. Christian Book Month serves as an opportunity for individuals, families, friends, small groups, churches, and others to make a conscious effort to explore a supplemental book, support Christian authors and publishers, strengthen their faith, or simply enjoy enriching literature.
Second, this month aims to encourage Christians to engage more actively with their local public libraries. While some may perceive their library as an unwelcoming environment for believers, Christian Book Month seeks to inspire Christians to build connections within these institutions. This includes advocating for the inclusion of solid Christian titles in library collections and checking out books they wish to see remain available on the shelves. If more believers respectfully and proactively express their preferences as patrons, the impact could be significant.
FAQ
Why the month of April?
Because this is the month Easter usually occurs, it seemed a fitting month.
The Bible is the ultimate Christian Book, why did you not choose Bible Reading Month instead?
Good Book Mom believes the Bible is the Word of God and our ultimate authority as Christians. Because the importance of Scripture far outweighs any other book, Bible reading should be a daily occurrence. We know that every solid Christian title is a supplement to Bible reading and while much can be learned from good Christian books, they too must fall under the authority of Scripture. Christian Book Month is to help believers see that there are many great books to encourage them in their Christian walk as well as to enjoy. We agree with Spurgeon when he said, “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”
Should I ask my library to set up a Christian Book Month display?
While this sounds like a great idea, this would not be encouraged in most circumstances. The exception to the rule would be if you are blessed to have a Biblically solid, Christian librarian who knows how to sift through the many books that are in the “Christian” category that are actually written by false teachers or that are not Biblically sound. For this reason, we would instead simply encourage believers to request solid Christian titles, both fiction and non-fiction, for your library to purchase and then check them out!
What book should I read or recommend for my library to purchase?
Good Book Mom has made a few lists for all ages so you and your family can read great Christian titles in the month of April- or anytime! Grab the list below.
How can I help spread the word about Christian Book Month?
Here are some simple ways:
- Get a group of friends together, maybe including a believer who doesn’t often read outside scripture, and read something together!
- Ask your pastor to recommend a supplemental title for your church to read during April for Christian Book Month.
- Request your library to purchase some Christian titles and invite some of your Christian friends to do the same.
- Go to your local library and check out books you’d like to see stay on the shelf, even if you won’t read them! Checkouts are life to library books.
- Make a social media post at the beginning of April, sharing what books you’ll be reading or requesting to celebrate Christian Book Month, and ask others to do the same. Feel free to share this webpage to help explain for those who have more questions.
- Ask your favorite Christian publisher, author, illustrator, podcast, organization, or social media account if they will also help spread the word!