Ryanne Molinari

I’m in the final push of editing and am looking forward to turning in my manuscript at the end of the week. I have a million blog ideas buzzing around my brain and I’m excited to write shorter pieces next month. In the meantime, here are some recommendations for the rest of your October.

Whether you’re looking for a spooky season read or a convicting Christian podcast, my eclectic tastes are at your service!

1. This Ideal Spooky-Season Audio Book

I was skeptical about this book at first, but I was immediately hooked! The extended audio version (linked below) is perhaps the best audio book I’ve ever listened to. Each chapter tells the story of the Zombie apocalypse from a different person’s perspective, each narrated by a world-class actor or artist. I was prepared for this to be campy dystopian romp but, instead, was astonished by the author’s social, political, historical, and geographical insight. It is a fun read as well as an incredibly intelligent one.

Be advised, there is some vulgar language and violence. However, for a book about hoards of undead humanoids, I was pleased to find it not overly gory or gratuitous.

2. This Convicting and Clarifying Podcast

I haven’t been listening to this podcast as frequently due to the ads, which Alisa addresses in the opening bit. There were not as many during this episode, though, which is well worth a listen.

Speaking first from natural law and then from a Christian worldview, author and child rights advocate Katy Faust explains why all adults should be alarmed by current trends and technologies in fertility, surrogacy, and related issues. Because these are sensitive issues, this may be a tough listen. However, Evangelicals in particular are late to the game in thinking critically about reproductive issues and children’s rights beyond the familiar abortion debates.

3. This Accessible Church History Book

I’ve found myself reading Church History in Plain Language as compulsively as I read a good novel. It is written simply yet provides great insight and information. Each chapter is concise and often includes maps or other graphics.

Also, did you realize Christians were responsible for several written languages? As early Christians sought to spread the Word of God, this led them to learn local languages and craft written alphabets were none existed. Literacy and Christianity really do go hand-in-hand, so consider investing in both by ordering a copy of this book. (Note: It’s usually pricey but is on sale right now for Prime members!)

4. This Reminder that Heaven isn’t Our Final Destiny

Heaven is going to be great. It already is great for so many saints. I’m thankful we have heaven to look forward to. But at the same time, I’m also thankful that it isn’t our final destiny. I’ve always disliked the idea of being separated from my body. I love the feel of blood pumping in my veins as I run, the scalding kiss of coffee in the morning, the chill of an autumn breeze as I leave for work…

So here’s the good news: heaven isn’t our end game. Earth is. Earth remade and redeemed. Still solid, still material, still filled with embodied people, but also perfectly spiritual. The following article does a better job than I do at explaining this amazing destiny. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/wont-spend-eternity-heaven/

5. This Satirical Article by Yours Truly

Every year, I chuckle at this Halloween satire I wrote back in college. Every. Single. Year. Enjoy it at the following link:

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