If you click on this, it should enlarge so you can see the details.
It portrays a sad truth about the imbalanced reading that is far too common among Christians – especially Christian women.
Some are immediately offended by this type of thing. Note: the point is not that there is never a time for Christian romance or fiction or light reading. Of course there is. And some fiction can be challenging and thought-provoking. The problem is the imbalance. It is all or primarily what some people read.
Past post: The dangers of Christian fiction?
I’ve served as the church librarian for several years. Yes, some churches still have libraries! But I often feel discouraged at the type of books donated…indicative of what people are primarily reading. Some of it does not even qualify for the library, as it has a specific mission statement: “to provide sound, scholarly, Christian resources for formation, discipleship, and leisure reading for members and visitors.”
Challenge your self to expand your reading horizons.
Read a biography of a Christian missionary or Christian historical figure. I just finished this book: Evidence Not Seen, A Woman’s Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II. I highly recommend it.
How about a book about…theology or doctrine? Every Christian needs to be growing in their knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10. Did you know that the apostle Paul often connected knowledge and doctrine with our ability to mature in our faith? He did.
Consider 5 Minute Theologian, Maximum Truth in Minimum Time. It introduces everyday people to important theological truths, but without being overwhelming. 
I am sharing the 3-page chapter on the “preexistent Christ” with a class I am teaching on Colossians at my church. When did Jesus Christ come into existence? (That is a bit of a trick question, by the way.) Do you know the answer? You should. This doctrine is VERY important. It’s importance can hardly be overstated. The Christian faith hangs or falls on it.
Here is a challenging quote from A.W. Tozer:
“Why does today’s Christian find the reading of great books always beyond him? Certainly intellectual powers do not wane from one generation to another. We are as smart as our fathers, and any thought they could entertain we can entertain if we are sufficiently interested to make the effort. The major cause of the decline in the quality of current Christian literature is not intellectual but spiritual. To enjoy a great religious book requires a degree of consecration to God and detachment from the world that few modern Christians have. The early Christian Fathers, the Mystics, the Puritans, are not hard to understand, but they inhabit the highlands where the air is crisp and rarefied, and none but the God-enamored can come.”
Related posts here: Christians: your brain needs exercise, just like your body
Enough Light 
I think you would like what Pastor Randy posts on reading (he was our pastor, when we both lived in SW Florida.)
http://randygreenwald.com/posts/
Yes. I never used to do this, but learning is now a part of my daily life and I find it invaluable. I tend to have about ten books on the go at once. Currently, in addition to the book of Job and the book of Acts, I’m reading Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts Devotional. It’s very good. I’m combining learning about the rise of Nazism with learning about the holocaust, in both fiction and non-fiction. Always asking myself what I would have done if I had been on either side (oppressor or oppressed). Then there’s a ‘Christian suspense’ novel plus two more novels, an ancient Greek play and a book about the origins of modern Australia (which is actually research for my novel). The thing is, despite the number of novels I read (and I have read Christian romances when I was ill because I couldn’t cope with anything more than that), I always listen or read with God in mind. For example: on listening to the Greek play Oedipus the King I was comparing the writing style, etc., with that of the Bible. I was comparing the ancient beliefs in the Greek gods and goddesses to the way that some people nowadays ‘worship’ celebrities or revere politicians as ‘gods’ who make decisions over our lives often on a whim and we have no control over that. And then I was comparing both of these things to a knowledge of God and a life lived for Him. My point is probably the same as yours in this (very pertinent) post: what are your motives? Be aware of what brings you closer to Christ and be aware of what can come in between, if you let it.
You should preach, Laura. You have a real gift.
Thanks Sandy for your various thoughts here! I’ve recently read 3 non-fiction books about POW’s during WWII. And in the past I’ve read many non-fiction books about the Nazis and the holocaust. I just mention this since you are reading this type now.
I usually have several books going at once too. I had a post on it once. I find I get more reading done when I can pick the book that best matches my current mood, energy level, etc. But some see having several books going at once like bad multi-tasking, and they only read one book at a time.
” I always listen or read with God in mind.” -Yes! As Christian author and scholar Nancy Pearcey says “All Truth is God’s truth” or a seminary prof of mine would say “imager’s image” – in other words, people image God whether they intend to or not. Look for God in all of culture.
However, I would add the concern or caution, that if one is not properly anchored in the Bible and Christian belief, that they will have difficulty with this — and may end up being negatively influenced by culture. Some Christians, sadly, can’t see God’s truth or recognize error.
While I am heavy on non-fiction reading about the Bible an theology, I also look for interesting historical non-fiction, and I like classic fiction. I go to the public library and look for classic lit I did not read in school, or I re-read one I have not read since way back when.
You nail it at the end: “what are your motives? Be aware of what brings you closer to Christ and be aware of what can come in between, if you let it.”
Thanks for some good “conversation” this day Sandy!
P.S. Regarding your comment “…learning is now a part of my daily life and I find it invaluable” I added a couple links at the end of the post. I heard Ben Carson speak in person and was really challenged about the importance of continuing to learn in life.
Pingback: Shallow thinking and reading can hinder your spiritual growth and hurt our Gospel witness | Enough Light