Bookstore
We’re delighted to partner with Christian Family Life Books to offer these excellent resources to our readers. A short note about our reviews: In addition to giving some basic information about each book, some will include a note about the intended audience. We here at LAF truly wish to promote innocence, and, therefore, we list some books as “mature.” Our “warning labels” are given as guidelines so that our younger audience doesn’t read things which might shock. Most of these books are entirely appropriate for an older audience (especially married), but we’d urge our younger readers to seek parental guidance. And please keep in mind that we do not think any book (besides the Bible) is perfect. Some of the books we have selected are not by Christian authors but do provide excellent food for thought and help build a solid worldview. As always, “toss the shells and treasure the pearls!”
Books on Feminism and Related Issues
Forced Labor: What’s Wrong with Balancing Work and Family by Brian Robertson
Robertson, a writer and editor living in Washington, D.C., shows how a combination of ideology, government policy, and corporate coercion has driven parents from home, and tells how they can find their way back again. He explains that, until the 1960s, the women’s movement fought against mothers’ being forced to abandon their homes for wages, and demonstrates how new policies in business and government have stacked the deck against one-income families. Robertson’s cogent, careful analysis of our culture’s obsession with work to the detriment of our families is timely and sobering. Be sure to read our in-depth review of the book, along with LAF’s interview with the author. Paperback: $16.10
What our Mothers Didn’t Tell Us: Why Happiness Eludes the Modern Woman by Danielle Crittenden
Thoughtfully written and containing many excellent questions, this book asks why women should give up home and family for a career. Crittenden discusses the myth that a “career” is more fulfilling than staying at home and talks about why children need their own mothers. She also has a very interesting take on the 19th amendment. The only unfortunate thing about this book is its conclusion, which lacks real authority. After the great build-up, the ending is a complete let-down. But this is still a thought-provoking book to keep as a reference. [Note: Recommended for older readers.]. Paperback: $13.60
The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men by Christina Hoff-Sommers
It’s a bad time to be a boy in America. As the century drew to a close, the defining event for American girls was the triumph of the U.S. women’s soccer team. For boys, the symbolic event was the mass killing at Columbine High School. It would seem that boys in our society are greatly at risk. Yet the best-known studies and the academic experts say that it’s girls who are suffering from a decline in self-esteem. It’s girls, they say, who need extra help in school and elsewhere in a society that favors boys. The problem with boys is that they are boys, say the experts. We need to change their nature. We have to make them more like…girls.
These arguments don’t hold up to scrutiny, says Christina Hoff Sommers in this provocative, fascinating book. She analyzes the work of the leading academic experts, Carol Gilligan and William Pollack, and finds it lacking in scientific rigor. There is no girl crisis, says Sommers. Girls are outperforming boys academically, and girls’ self-esteem is no different from boys’. Boys lag behind girls in reading and writing ability, and they are less likely to go to college. The “girl crisis” has been seized upon by some feminists and has been suffused with sexual politics. Under the guise of helping girls, many schools have adopted policies that penalize boys, often for simply being masculine. Sommers says that boys do need help, but not the sort they’ve been getting. They need help catching up with girls academically. They need love, discipline, respect, and moral guidance. They desperately need understanding. They do not need to be rescued from masculinity. Paperback: $11.95
Books on Biblical Womanhood
So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin
This book is not another Christian-teenage-girl “survival guide.” So Much More shows how Christian girls can wage war with the world and win. The Botkin sisters focus on how young women can rise above their God-hating culture and change it for the better. Today, countless young ladies face difficult problems and challenging questions. While many long for godly purpose in their lives, their bewilderment mounts when they observe broken homes, distant fathers, overwhelmed mothers, degrading college courses, and a lack of spiritual guidance — both at home and at church. As hope for security and stability fades, it is no wonder that many young ladies feel orphaned, unprotected, and without hope for their futures. Within the pages of this book, discover practical, biblical solutions for the young woman who wants to do so much more than just “survive” in a savagely feministic, anti-Christian culture. Find the answers a girl is not likely to get from her church, her peers, or her culture. Hardback: $14.50
Return of the Daughters: A Vision of Victory for the Single Young Women of the Twenty-First Century
For the first time in America’s history, young ladies can expect to encounter a large gap between their years of basic training and the time when they marry–if they marry. Now Christian girls all throughout our country are seriously asking: What’s a girl to do with her single years? Two years after the publication of their best-selling book, So Much More, Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin are taking the message of visionary daughterhood to a new level and into a new medium. This highly-controversial documentary will take viewers into the homes of several young women who have dared to defy today’s anti-family culture in pursuit of a biblical approach to daughterhood, using their in-between years to pioneer a new culture of strength and dignity, and to rebuild Western Civilization, starting with the culture of the home.
“After twenty-five years of speaking to the home-school movement, I have never seen a more effective tool to reach the hearts of fathers who love their daughters but don’t know how to lead them, than this powerful DVD by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin.” — Dr. Marshall Foster
Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
Have you struggled to reconcile God’s vision of virtuous womanhood with worldly myths that marginalize and mock the role of the homemaker? Do you wrestle with cultural messages that demean the homemaker’s calling and exalt instead the emotionally androgynous power-woman — the wife whose worth is measured only by the degree of her ambition, the shape of her body, or her money-making skills? Such is the image of the “desperate housewife” that the modern media, culture, and feminism are promoting with great energy.
In a delightfully fresh and honest way, this book addresses these issues head-on and provides fresh vision for the hopeful homemaker. Hear a former “Christian” feminist share how she went from a die-hard homemaker-in-training to a dedicated career woman and then back again — after God gripped her heart. See the hollow counterfeit of whitewashed feminism and “me-ology” destroyed. And consider the beautiful picture painted in Scripture of the truly fulfilled homemaker who glories in the hopeful calling God created for her.
Pull up a chair, dust off the cookie crumbs, and join Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald as they lay aside stereotypes like the “Stepford wife” and dispel such myths as the 1950s “perfect homemaker.” Laughter and tears will flow, and hopefully you will be infused with a renewed vision for victory as a wife and mother. Discover what it means to be a passionate housewife “desperate” for God alone! Paperback: $12.50
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
Written as a daily journal, Stepping Heavenward follows its 19th-century heroine from girlhood to adulthood, recording her struggles and joys in between. Based loosely upon the author’s life, the book is realistic in its portrayal of the trials and triumphs we all go through as women and gives us hope in the midst of frustration. One of our all-time favorites! Elisabeth Elliot says it is the story of “learning day by day . . . that deep happiness is found not in seeking fulfillment for oneself, but in a glad and free self-offering for the sake of others.” Paperback: $4.99
Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot
Written as a series of letters to her daughter, this book presents the beauties of real womanhood, refutes many feministic arguments and spells out the joys of serving God as a woman. Inspiring, challenging and refreshing! Paperback: $10.95
Without a vision for femininity and virtue, Christian womanhood will not survive the twenty-first century. The time has come to sing the praises of motherhood, to extol the blessings of beautiful girlhood, and to cast a vision for hearth and home. Poetry and prose are a crucial component in this mission of vision communication. From the beginning, poetry and the beauty of language have always been a part of God’s revealed program for instilling perspective and purpose in the minds and hearts of women. In fact, the first words of love communicated of woman by man were poetic words of appreciation and understanding. Drawing upon the beauty of parallelism in expression, Adam declared of Eve: “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.” And so it goes throughout all the scriptures. From the Psalms of David, to the poetry of Isaiah, to the verses of Deborah, to the songs of Solomon, and even the divinely inspired prose of John foretelling the return of the bridegroom, our Lord uses the beauty of language to motivate and to inspire. These are God’s verses of virtue, and they served as the inspiration for untold hundreds of books and poems dedicated to a Christian vision for motherhood and home which once defined the landscape of American family life. Beall Phillips seeks to revive this vision. In Verses of Virtue she draws from some of the most heart-warming and inspirational verses from scripture, America’s illustrious past, and even antiquity to provide women with a volume brimming with encouragement. Hardback: $16.95
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Hands-down, this is the most recommended and most well-written study on the role of the biblical wife. Martha Peace dives into Scripture with obvious enjoyment and presents a well-rounded picture of the wife as the Bible presents her. She also gives excellent counsel on how to deal with difficult home situations (non-Christian spouse, abusive spouse, etc.). A must-have for any woman’s library (good for single women, too!). Paperback: $10.95
Becoming a Titus 2 Woman by Martha Peace
A companion volume to The Excellent Wife, this book is especially good for group study and focuses on the role of older women in the church as teachers. Within these pages are many examples of how to disciple younger women. It is practical in approach as it teaches how, by God’s grace, we develop the character that God wants every older woman to have. Paperback: $7.95
The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman by Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson broaches topics not often discussed in Christian circles today, including women criticizing each other (backbiting), women lacking respect for their husbands and women not loving their children. This book will prick your conscience and reveal the need for God’s sanctifying grace in your daily life. It has challenged me and inspired me to go beyond the “duties” of homemaking, child-rearing and husband-helping and aspire to excellence and true love for my family. Paperback: $9.95
“The Wise Woman’s Guide to Blessing Her Husband’s Vision” by Douglas Phillips
The Christian community is full of dear ladies discouraged because their husbands lack vision to lead the family with gusto. In some cases, the men are simply overwhelmed with present responsibilities. In other cases, they lack a biblical framework for household leadership. It certainly does not help when men have poor role models in their own lives, which is the case for a growing majority of husbands. Often wives cry out, “Help, my husband just doesn’t get it,” or, “I want more children, but my husband says ‘no,’” or even, “My husband is nervous about home schooling.” For more than ten years, Doug and Beall Phillips have spoken with hundreds who share these sentiments. But, too often, wives contribute to the problem through a wrong response. The great news is that the Bible anticipates this crisis of leadership in the home and provides crystal clear direction for wives. Wise women will desire to bless their husband’s vision by embracing the specific affirmative and negative biblical commands given to them for this very purpose. Those who do will become a sanctifying influence on their household, grow in spiritual maturity, and become God’s vehicle for their husband’s spiritual revival. This series is meant to encourage both wives and husbands with the principles and the practicalities for men and women growing in family vision for the Lord. Audio CD: $11.95
Family Practice, edited by R.C. Sproul, Jr.
To achieve healthy families we must turn to the Great Physician, a “family doctor” who still makes house calls. Family Practice reveals that a strong dose of the biblical concept of covenant is as salutary for the family as for the family of God. The editor and twelve contributors explore the implications of covenant for fathers, mothers, and children. R.C. Sproul sheds light on fatherhood by describing “our strong Father,” on motherhood by depicting “holy mother church,” and on childhood by pointing to the importance of offspring to Abraham. Elisabeth Elliot urges female readers to become Women of Titus Two. Paperback: $8.95
Books on Homemaking and Hospitality
The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer
The well-loved classic on how to make a house a home. Not just about decorating, this book covers the atmosphere of home that each woman can help create, making home a pleasant, engaging place for family, friends and strangers. A must-have. Paperback: $10.95
Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson
This is the ultimate encyclopedia of homemaking, covering everything from how to clean and store linens to where to put leftovers in the refrigerator and everything in between. The next time someone tells you homemaking is for “dummies” or is boring, drop this five-pound book on her lap with a smile! Hardback: $14.95
Books on Modesty and Purity
Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
This is the classic work on emotional and physical purity before marriage. Realistic and warmly written, this book has inspired thousands of men and women to trust God’s timing in their relationships as they work to build godly marriages. Paperback: $9.95
The Beauty of Modesty by David and Diane Vaughan
Modesty matters. But we have become so desensitized to the prevailing immodesty of our culture that the very notion of virtue is often lost. In a refreshing study of this controversial subject, husband-and-wife team David and Diane Vaughan address the heart of true, beautiful modesty by going beyond externals — important as they are — to deal with the root of the matter: modesty in spirit and demeanor. With a combination of principled discussion and practical application, the authors challenge the reader to think far beyond a list of wardrobe choices and seek the Scriptures for guidance. By far the best book on this topic we’ve ever read. Paperback: $11.05
Raising Maidens of Virtue: A Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters by Stacy McDonald
Do you want your daughter to cherish her purity and honor God by the chaste and lovely way she presents herself? Raising Maidens of Virtue is an engaging tool for mothers to use in training daughters who are approaching womanhood to think biblically. Through stories, allegories, illustrations, and memory-making projects, Raising Maidens of Virtue covers topics such as guarding the tongue, idleness, sibling relationships, honoring parents, contentment, modesty, purity, cleanliness, and feminine biblical beauty. Illustrated with winsome watercolor vignettes by Johannah Bluedorn, mothers and daughters alike will be encouraged in the wonder and beauty of godly femininity. Hardback: $14.75
The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop
A loving King and Queen, on the day she is born, present their daughter with a gift from God — her first kiss — to keep or to give away. The wise princess waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. She struggles with moments of frustration wondering if there is truly a husband out there for her. Her mother counsels her with godly advice and loving comfort. This book is perfect for the family who is looking for alternatives to the dangerous world of dating. Read this story to your young daughters (and sons) and introduce them to a beautiful story of trusting and waiting for God’s best. Recommended for all ages, especially ages 6 and up. Hardcover: $9.95
Before you Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally
How can young people be committed to purity and to God’s best? This guide to radiant purity combines the story of a young princess with solid, clear teaching of biblical convictions that young ladies today need to grasp. Through a captivating fairy tale, modern day examples, practical instruction, and abundant humor, Sarah Mally challenges young ladies to turn to the Lord for fulfillment, to guard their hearts and minds, to identify and avoid the world’s thinking, and to shine brightly in this generation. Beall Phillips writes, “Every young lady desiring to be married one day must read this book! It will challenge you; it will stir you; it will delight you! Most importantly, it will help you practically prepare for one of the most important decisions of your life.” Suggested for young ladies ages 12 and up. Paperback: $11.00
Books on Courtship and Marriage
Get Married by Candice Watters
Singles are getting conflicting messages from today’s culture, both Christian and secular. Is it okay to want to be married? Is there anything a never-married woman can do, within a biblical framework, to “assist” the process? Candice Watters gives women permission to want Christian marriage, encourages them to believe it’s possible, and supplies the tools to get there – despite our anti-marriage culture. This book blends the author’s personal journey from singleness to marriage with biblical perspective on marriage. Whether a woman has been told to “get married” or marriage is on her lifelong wish list, Get Married points her to the source! Paperback: $8.95
Her Hand in Marriage by Douglas Wilson
This is one of the better books on the whole topic of preparation for marriage and courtship. It goes into the foundational principles of God’s purpose for marriage and the godly vision we should have as we approach marriage. The final chapter, with its word picture of the woman as a walled garden is worth the price of the book. I wish every teenaged girl could cement that picture into her mind and see what a priceless treasure she is–especially when she keeps her choice fruits and pure streams unpolluted. Paperback: $9.95
“The Ministry of Marriage” by Dr. Voddie Baucham
Many Christians believe that young singles are more godly if they postpone marriage for “ministry.” Dr. Baucham disproves this and shows how to prepare for the important ministry of marriage. CD: $7.95
Resources on Family and Children
Start Your Family: Inspiration for Having Babies by Steve and Candice Watters
Starting a family is a soul-shaping, world-altering experience. Unfortunately, in a culture of competing values and protracted timelines, couples are increasingly backing their way into parenting or missing it altogether. By the time the average couple tries to have kids, they are often beyond their late twenties and surprised to learn they’re sliding past the peak of their fertile years. In Start Your Family, Steve and Candice Watters encourage couples to be intentional about their timeline in the early years of marriage and to trust God to help them boldly launch their families. Responding to the most common doubts and hurdles, they offer biblical inspiration for the questions, “Why have kids?”, “When is the best time to start?”, and “How can we fit kids into our lives?” Paperback: $11.95
Women and Children First: The Extraordinary Legend, Legacy, and Lessons of the R.M.S. Titanic by Douglas Phillips
Polls indicate that the typical high school male laughs at the idea of giving up his seat on a lifeboat to help a woman or child. In a society that promotes “survival of the fittest,” aborts its young, and thrives on androgyny, this should not surprise us, but it should grieve our hearts. This is why we must tell the story of the men of the Titanic, their remarkable sacrifice, and the legacy of heroism which they inspired. Forget about the Hollywood movie, the true story of the R.M.S Titanic is far more inspiring. A goal of this talk is to encourage your sons to honor their mothers and protect their sisters. CD: $9.50
Defending the Fatherless by Douglas Phillips
The most neglected group in the Church is children of single-mother homes. It is a biblical obligation to help such mothers stay off welfare and out of the workforce, and to enable them to home educate their children. This is true religion. CD: $9.50
Books on Apologetics and Sound Reason
Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen
During his lifetime, Bahnsen became famous for being able to systematically demolish the arguments of leading evolutionists and atheists in formal debate, often leaving his opponents confounded and stammering. This book summarizes the biblical arguments he employed. One of the premier books on apologetics available! Dr. Greg Bahnsen’s logical brilliance shines no less than his gracious concern for the lost. A great resource for those wanting to sharpen their swords and defend the faith. Paperback: $13.00
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
This book will profoundly alter the way you perceive television and its effects on individuals and society. An eye-opening look at where “attention defecit disorders” really come from and a challenge to “tame the box” or throw it out altogether. This topic is vitally important for all families to think about and decide upon. Television will shape your children’s minds whether you like it or not. Will your family become slaves to the “idiot box,” or will they make it the servant it can be? Provacative reading. Paperback: $10.75
