FnFS: Keepers
(Faith ‘n Fiction Saturdays are hosted by Amy!)
This week’s question asks:
… while we may read a lot of books, only a few books in our lifetimes are special enough that we would never part with them, always recommend them, and maybe even reread them.
So…what fiction books with faith elements are on your keeper shelf? Please keep your answers to no more than 5 books!
LOL. It’s a really good thing that Amy’s limited us to only 5 books, as we’d be here for a LONG while if I could list ‘em all! LOL
Some of my absolute favorites are:
* ”Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith” by Rob Bell
* “Gifted Hands: The Dr. Ben Carson Story” by Dr. Ben Carson with Cecil Murphey
* the “Dominion Trilogy” by Robin Parrish (“Relentless” | “Fearless” | “Merciless“)
* “Dare to Dream” by Florence Littauer
* “The Backward Life: In Pursuit of an Uncommon Faith” by Jarrod Jones
I know, I know… most of those are nonfiction. But those are the ones that have impacted me most — they are the ones I really cherish, as they somehow spoke to my walk of faith. And, of course, Robin’s books were just THAT good. 
“Velvet Elvis” got me excited, ’cause Rob doesn’t pussyfoot around ideas… stuff that most evangelical Christians would be afraid to write about, Rob’s gone ahead and written about! At times, I almost put the book aside, thinking ‘This isn’t a Christian book!” But it really is! If you give it a chance, it’ll change the way you think!
“Gifted Hands” is a book I first read as a teenager, and it really hit me! It’s about a young African American boy who grows up in a very impoverished neighborhood. But, thanks to his mother, he learns that he can do ANYTHING he puts his mind to, and can be anything he dreams of being. Very inspiring!
“Dare to Dream” tells you that you shouldn’t let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. If you feel God’s called you to it, then go for it with all your heart, and don’t listen to the naysayers.
And, “The Backward Life” talked about how Jesus always did things you wouldn’t expect, and how we should live a life that imitates His.
*** Oops!! I just now – after publishing my post – realize that Amy specified fiction! Sorry! Honestly, though, I’m not sure I could list 5 fiction titles, as I much prefer nonfiction. 
lol It sounds as if this question is MADE FOR YOU since you haven’t listed Fiction. All you have to do is travel through the links and copy titles for a good “to read” list. lol
Your list is interesting, and I see some that I need to read. Thanks.
Great list – I also love Velvet Elvis – I like books that PUSH the envelope and cover subjects that timid Christians tend to not want to think about. Oh gosh, that reminds me – I forgot to mention Blue Like Jazz on MY list. Toodles – gotta go do some edits!!
I think I’ve only heard of Velvet Elvis! I think that “Dare to Dream” books sounds interesting. One I will definitely be checking into!
I don’t care if they’re mostly fiction, they’re ones you like on your bookshelf. I didn’t notice Amy asked for Fiction either.
sorry, i meant “non-fiction” in my comment above!
Some great reads I will be checking out…I like non fiction too
Don’t feel bad…I didn’t list all fiction either. I tend to read more Christian non-fiction.
martasmeanderings.blogspot.com
I didn’t stick to 5 books.
What’s on Your Keeper Shelf
I’ve never read any of those. I guess I tend to avoid non-fiction except history books.
Gifted Hands was a great story. Thanks for sharing your list.
I have Dare to Dream but haven’t read it yet. Good to know it’s a good one. I just got Velvet Elvis from paperbackswap. Jono is also interested in reading that one.
Looking forward to watching the movie on Lifetime about Dr. Ben Carson. I have the Dominion Trilogy on my TBR list on your recommendation!
I loved Velvet Elvis, too!