The Banner’s Mixed Media editor reads and reviews faith-filled books all year long. Here are the eight books – including, in 2023, memoir and memoir-ish works– topping her list of reads that fueled her own Christian journey.
Mixed Media
Reviews of books, movies, music, television, websites, and more, looking at the world of arts and entertainment from a Reformed perspective. To submit a review, click here.
The story of the Kowalski family – as told in their own words – may change the way you look at children’s healthcare forever.
Andrew Ollerton leads us through Romans – one of the most theologically complex books of the Bible – to discover how an understanding of Paul's longest letter unlocks the whole story of Scripture.
From a legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.
A luminous and tender retelling of the Christmas story from National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins, sure to become a cherished holiday favorite for families of faith.
The inspiring story of deaf tennis champion Brad Minns.
A debut about a Mi’kmaq family in Nova Scotia, a modern classic set in the Dominican Republic, and a heartwarming story with an octopus as its narrator top The Banner Mixed Media editor’s list for best reads of 2023.
Indie artist Justin Gambino is a hidden gem on the cusp of discovery with his soulful, Psalm-like lyrics and beguiling music.
Animals from across the ancient Palestinian landscape lumber, gambol, crawl, fly and parade toward Bethlehem with gifts worthy of the newborn King.
In this charming middle grade novel, illustrator Zarlasht Khan’s endearing, tender pictures complement author Amanda Midkiff’s skillful blend of imagination, a love story, fast-paced adventures and humor.
Sixty-four-year-old marathon swimmer Diana Nyad attempts to become the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida.
A few classics, a handful of Christian living books and one red-haired prince’s memoir gratified the ears of The Banner’s Mixed Media editor.
What we do with our postures, gestures and movements in worship matters. A pastor and theologian explains why.
The author of The Great Sex Rescue engages listeners on her frank podcast.
See some of our top picks for reading and watching for December 2023.
In the wake of grief, a Christian Reformed couple creates books to fire children’s imaginations.
Sydney Sweeney stars as NSA whistleblower Reality Leigh Winner in this searing HBO drama from playwright and director Tina Satter.
From bestselling author Gayle Boss, a stunningly illustrated picture book edition of her beloved Advent book, All Creation Waits. Now young readers too will be caught up in the wonder of 24 woodland animals adapting to the season of dark and cold.
In 1946, Genevieve Ryder decides to keep her baby instead of giving it up for adoption, a choice that reverberates throughout the rest of her life.
Framed around four central devotions, this Advent activity book invites parents and kids to come together year after year in celebrating the deeper meaning of the season as they count down the days until Christmas.
The worship leader Patrick Mayberry releases his first full-length album and stocks his debut with bold anthems of faith.
Drawing on science and Scripture, this hope-filled and kid-friendly guide to planet Earth addresses our most pressing questions about caring for and respecting God's world.
Real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal as Mollie Burkhart, member of the Osage Nation, tries to save her community from a spree of murders fueled by oil and greed.
The world’s most wanted terrorist is dead. Marcus Ryker recommended the drone strike himself. The intelligence was rock solid. But what if it was wrong?