(in no particular order!)

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis

    Okay, you could probably do a "ten great books" list just with C.S. Lewis. Even so, no such list would be complete without this classic from the 20th century's premiere spokesman for the faith. Among his many other great works, I recommend The Great Divorce and The Narnia Chronicles.

The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey

    Yancey wrote this sympathetic and faithful look at the gospels from an adult perspective after teaching a five-year course on the life of Jesus at his church. He incorporates the insights of 20th century movies portraying the life of Jesus, as well as a wide variety of authors and his own personal experience. A great book for group or individual study.

A New Kind of Christian, Brian McLaren

    Brian McLaren has attracted a lot of attention recently (and some controversy) with his insights into the changing world view of 21st century Americans, and how Christians need to respond. This novel tells the story of a spiritual friendship between a modern pastor and a high school science teacher attuned to postmodern culture. This book is the first volume of a trilogy, which includes The Story We Find Ourselves In and The Last Word and the One After That.

The Mystery of Marriage, Mike Mason

    Without a doubt, the deepest book on marriage I've read. Not a how-to guide, but a lyrical, spiritual reflection on marriage, and how marriage points us to our relationship with God.

Basic Christianity, John Stott

    A straightforward treatment of Christian doctrine, drawing heavily on Scripture. Stott organizes his chapters in four parts: Christ's person, Man's need, Christ's work, Man's response. A great resource for a new believer.

The Strong-Willed Child, James Dobson

    Dobson is the preeminent voice on child-rearing, and this book, together with Dare to Discipline, sets forth his belief that parents must exercise loving leadership in the family. True love, Dobson argues, is a balance of affection and respect. Dobson applies the same principle to marriage in his book, Love Must Be Tough.

The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren

    Inertia, whether in our churches or in our individual lives, is often the largest stumbling block standing in the way of growth. Warren's 40-day devotional guide leads believers to reexamine their lives in light of God's purpose.  "It's about God," Warren declares. Fulfilling God's purpose in our lives is the path to joy and meaning.

The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

    The classic exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, from German pastor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer cautions against "cheap grace", and reminds his readers that discipleship has a price. Bonhoeffer paid that price himself when, during World War II, he was imprisoned by the Nazis in Germany, and, days before the war ended, he was executed.

The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis

    Apart from the Bible itself, this volume, written in 1427, is perhaps the most widely read devotional text of all time. Thomas was a fifteenth century monk, living in present-day Holland. Reading this book gives one a sense of what a life in direct contact with God must feel like. Marvelous, and deep.

The Singer Trilogy, Calvin Miller

    A poetic retelling of the Gospel, Acts, and Revelation, with a high and reverent view of Christ. Three volumes make up the trilogy, The Singer, The Song, and The Finale. The chapter headings alone are worth the price of the books.