Hi There!

I'm hoping that you may be able to help me find a book to share with my bookclub. I'm having the hardest time finding something this time around. Part of the reason is that God has led me into refining a lot of what I read. So I'm still finding things that I enjoy myself now that fit with in my new perameters. I am looking for something that will really stick with readers for a long time. I want it to be of light and life but I'm not interested in sing songy books where everything just magically falls into place for the believers in the story. I want something that is real. Any thoughts on titles that may work? I also really like what I call "fantastical" books. I just can't seem to find anything of that nature in the Christian fiction world besides Narnia. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks. :)

You don't really give too much detail on the kind of book you are looking for, so I'll just give some suggestions on Christian fiction I've enjoyed.

Frank Peretti's "Piercing the Darkness" and "This Present Darkness".  They are both Christian mystery/thrillers that involve angels and how people's actions effect the fight between heaven and hell (angels versus demons).  

"The Singer" by Calvin Miller.  It is a gorgeous poetic and lyrical retelling of the Jesus story.  I was literally in tears at the end.

"A Requiem for Love" by Calvin Miller is a lovely rendition of the exile from Eden.  It tells of God's love for his creations, though he must cast them out.

"A Symphony in the Sand" is a wonderful retelling of Mary and Joseph dealing with their circumstances when it comes to her becoming pregnant.  This book really challenges the readers to look at their own circumstances in relation to Mary and Joseph and recognize the way they deal with things personally.

"Out of a Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis is really good.  It's a bit dry for some people's taste, though.

you may want to search a small independent publisher Marcher Lord Press; they specialize in fantasy, SF from a Christian perspective.

http://www.marcherlordpress.com/

My book club is going to read Uncle Tom's Cabin; while I would not call it  light read--it is a book that has a strong gospel message I am told.  I can let you know when I finsih but maybe take a challenge and read a classic

Not in the sci-fi/fantasy realm, but if you have any mystery/thriller readers in your group, you might like The Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir.  The main character/narrator is a broken down crusty old cop who becomes a private investigator. He investigates the murder of a popular Christian evangelist.  The PI not a Christian, and I thought the way the author handled looking into the Christian world from an outsider was very unique and thoughtful.  You never know until the end if the evangelist who was murdered was a real, authentic pastor, or a money-grabbing charleton...evidence could point either way.  It's the first book in a series.  The second book was just as good.

As usual, Cynthia turns me on to the best in CF mystery/thriller!

Thanks guys! I found something. I'm choosing Shade by John B. Olson. It has that fantasy feel(not like dragons and knights sort of fantasy, not really into that) but is a real suspense kind of novel. Interesting, christian and something that at the moment I can't put down. Thrilled to have found it has a sequel!

:)