Here are 100 books that Narrative Poems fans have personally recommended if you like Narrative Poems. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Poems

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

C.S. Lewis will always be one of my favorite authors, but many focus more on his fiction or theology than his poetry.

But I love these poems because they are ones that tackle life, wrestle until they are out of breath, and then retreat to get a better perspective on everything.

Woven into the lines, Lewis’s imagination and thoughtfulness create parables and vignettes that let the weary reader know they are not alone in the storms that often plague this race of life.

By C. S. Lewis ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Poems as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A collection of Lewis’s shorter poetry on a wide range of subjects-God and the pagan deities, unicorns and spaceships, nature, love, age, and reason: “Idea poems which reiterate themes known to have occupied Lewis’s ingenious and provocative mind” (Clyde S. Kilby, New York Times Book Review). Edited and with a Preface by Walter Hooper.


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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Book cover of The Poems of Henry Van Dyke

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

Similar to Lewis, I savor Henry Van Dyke’s writing.

His poems are musical, as enjoyable to hear as to read. I appreciate the sage conclusions Van Dyke often arrives at by the last stanza—while some questions are left unanswered in the moment, I found this collection of his poetry to be able to reveal the poet’s growth and discoveries along the way.

Ultimately, Van Dyke’s faith flavors his pen in the midst of his problems until we find him famously saying, “Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee…”

By Henry Van Dyke ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Poems of Henry Van Dyke as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke" is a timeless collection that encapsulates the profound beauty of nature, love, and spirituality through the eloquent and introspective verses of its author, Henry Van Dyke. Written during the early 20th century, this anthology showcases Van Dyke's ability to blend heartfelt emotion with a keen sense of observation, often drawing inspiration from his experiences in the natural world. His poetry reflects a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life, infused with philosophical musings on faith, hope, and the human experience. Notable works like "The Dark Mountain" and "The Gift of Love" resonate with…


Book cover of Thoughts for Everyday Living

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

I kind of cheated on this one because the short compilation of poems does not come until the end of some very thought-provoking insights from the pastor, but the poetry is excellent, and everything that comes before is a bonus.

Babcock struggled with depression, and while his poetry revealed his private war, it also revealed his hope. I think today many believe Christianity to be an easy road, but Babcock writes the truer tale and offers his wisdom to help his fellow sojourners keep on the path.

By Maltbie Davenport Babcock ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Thoughts for Everyday Living as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

""Thoughts for Everyday Living"" is a book written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock, which was originally published in 1901. The book is a collection of inspirational and motivational quotes, essays, and poems that aim to inspire readers to live their lives to the fullest. The author explores various topics such as love, faith, hope, and the power of positive thinking. The book is divided into chapters, each focusing on a specific theme or topic. The author uses simple and easy-to-understand language to convey his message, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. ""Thoughts for Everyday Living"" is a…


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Book cover of Retrieving the Future

Retrieving the Future by Randy C. Dockens,

Stealing technology from parallel Earths was supposed to make Declan rich. Instead, it might destroy everything.

Declan is a self-proclaimed interdimensional interloper, travelling to parallel Earths to retrieve futuristic cutting-edge technology for his employer. It's profitable work, and he doesn't ask questions. But when he befriends an amazing humanoid robot,…

Book cover of Lays of a Heart

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

I have not found many poets from the past that relate so well to a person’s mental suffering today, but Robinson is one of them.

His lays truly are from the heart: blood-soaked and burdened. Like the other poets I have listed, he does not shy away from hardships but instead writes his way through them.

For those wrestling with angst or fear, I especially recommend his book.

By George Wade Robinson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lays of a Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

""Lays of a Heart"" is a collection of poems written by George Wade Robinson and published in 1867. The poems cover a range of themes, from love and loss to nature and spirituality. Robinson's writing style is lyrical and emotive, with a focus on creating vivid imagery and exploring the depths of human emotion. The collection includes both longer narrative poems and shorter, more introspective pieces. Overall, ""Lays of a Heart"" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience through the medium of poetry.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain…


Book cover of The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

John G. Stackhouse Jr. Author Of Can I Believe? Christianity for the Hesitant

From my list on why smart people believe in Christianity.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since my ninth grade English teacher provoked me with religious questions I not only couldn’t answer, but had never even considered, I’ve been interrogating my Christian faith. Now, several decades later, with a PhD from the University of Chicago and a handful of books published by the Oxford University Press, I’m in a better position to answer those questions, and to recognize the good answers of others. I don’t think we ever get perfect answers to the Big Questions, but we can get answers adequate for trusting God, and that’s enough.

John's book list on why smart people believe in Christianity

John G. Stackhouse Jr. Why John loves this book

Manhattan pastor Tim Keller is used to handling the toughest questions from the brightest people. This book compiles his answers to some of those, from “How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?” to the church’s responsibility for so much injustice. Keller reads widely and well, and he writes with a respectful seriousness without being ponderous or preachy.

By Timothy Keller ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Reason for God as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

A New York Times bestseller people can believe in-by "a pioneer of the new urban Christians" (Christianity Today) and the "C.S. Lewis for the 21st century" (Newsweek).

Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics, and even ardent believers, have about religion. Using literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand their ground against the backlash to religion created by the…


Book cover of God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution

Brendan Sweetman Author Of Evolution, Chance, and God: Understanding the Relationship Between Evolution and Religion

From my list on religion, evolution, and chance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a teacher, philosopher, writer, Professor of Philosophy, and holder of the Sullivan Chair in Philosophy at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. I'm the author/editor of sixteen books on such topics as religion and science, religion and politics, contemporary European philosophy, and political philosophy. I'm particularly interested in how religion and science, especially evolution, can be shown to be compatible with each other, as well as in developing an argument that there is no chance operating in nature (including in biology). My book and the books below explore these fascinating topics from almost every possible angle, and should whet readers’ appetites for further thinking about these intriguing matters!

Brendan's book list on religion, evolution, and chance

Brendan Sweetman Why Brendan loves this book

I have always appreciated John Haught’s point that theologians, in particular, have to do a better job of thinking about how to incorporate evolutionary theory into their theologies. While I would not follow him all the way, I learned much from his arguments that the ongoing debate between Darwinian evolutionists and Christian apologists is fundamentally misdirected; he suggests that both sides mistakenly persist in focusing on an explanation of underlying design and order in the universe. His own suggestions for the direction we might take are intriguing and provide much food for thought. What is lacking, he argues, is the notion of novelty, a necessary component of evolution and the essence of the unfolding of the divine mystery.  

By John F. Haught ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked God After Darwin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In God After Darwin, eminent theologian John F. Haught argues that the ongoing debate between Darwinian evolutionists and Christian apologists is fundamentally misdirected: Both sides persist in focusing on an explanation of underlying design and order in the universe. Haught suggests that what is lacking in both of these competing ideologies is the notion of novelty, a necessary component of evolution and the essence of the unfolding of the divine mystery. He argues that Darwin's disturbing picture of life, instead of being hostile to religion-as scientific skeptics and many believers have thought it to be-actually provides a most fertile setting…


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Book cover of Red

Red by Evelyn M. Exley,

The wolves of the Wood do more than hunt you… they know your name.

When Red’s life collides with the royal family of Alameth, she is drawn into the haunting mystery of the wolves and the shadowed Wood that preys on her and her people. But as darkness closes in,…

Book cover of Another Gospel?

Amy Larry Author Of God Above Cancer: Faith When It's Ugly

From my list on true Christian stories to point to God.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love God stories! Sharing what God has done in my life and hearing others’ stories is a passion of mine. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to grow in my faith; however, nothing matures someone faster than going through a hard season. Mine came when I was a mom of four young children and endured cancer treatments during the Covid lockdowns. I went from feeling anxious and alone to remembering God’s love. Reading others’ stories encouraged me when the weight of life brought me down, and I want to pay it forward by giving the world my story too.

Amy's book list on true Christian stories to point to God

Amy Larry Why Amy loves this book

This book was one of the first Christian apologetics books I read after my desire to build my relationship with God deepened in the midst of my own hard season.

Alisa brings you through her journey of leaving a church that was teaching theology contrary to the Bible. Her study of finding truth and standing firm on God’s word lead me to dig into the scriptures so I could understand why I believed what I believed about the Bible.

Knowing the ‘why’ behind my beliefs helped me teach them wisely to my own children.

By Alisa Childers ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Another Gospel? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“This may be the most influential book you will read this year.” ―Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Miracles

A Movement Seeks to Redefine Christianity. Some Think that It Is a Much-Needed Progressive Reformation. Others Believe that It Is an Attack on Historic Christianity.
Alisa Childers never thought she would question her Christian faith. She was raised in a Christian home, where she had seen her mom and dad feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, and love the outcast. She had witnessed God at work and then had dedicated her own life to leading worship, as part of…


Book cover of Amplified Holy Bible

Roxane Lapa Author Of Answering The Atheist: Good Questions Deserve Straight Answers

From my list on Christian apologetics.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a Christian for 30+ years, and have had many questions about the Bible and theology. In order to answer my own questions, I’ve consumed scores of apologetics books, articles, videos, and podcasts, as well as studied the Bible itself, with lexicons and commentaries.

Roxane's book list on Christian apologetics

Roxane Lapa Why Roxane loves this book

The AMP (Amplified Bible) is a word-for-word translation with additional information in brackets to help clarify the meaning of ambiguous words and difficult passages. This is also an incredibly useful study Bible, and is more convenient than cross-referencing Strong’s numbers.

By Zondervan ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Amplified Holy Bible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Updated edition is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand

You've trusted the Amplified (R) Bible to deliver enhanced understanding of all the rich nuances and shades of meaning of the original Bible languages. For this kind of in-depth study, no working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is required-just a desire to know more about what God says in his Word. Amplified Bibles use a unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages.

This updated Amplified Bible includes more amplification in the Old…


Book cover of Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

Malinda Fugate Author Of The Other Three Sixteens

From my list on for Christians to revive a stalled faith journey.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m just an everyday person. I don’t have a fancy title or lots of degrees, but I do have experience being close to God and a never-ending quest to know Him more. His love is so good that it absolutely must be shared. So if I, in all of my ordinariness, can learn extraordinary sacred things, then I can bring others along the journey, too. His presence in my heartaches, struggles, joy, and adventures has sustained my life, and I don’t know any credential that could testify any clearer that a journey with God is worth taking.

Malinda's book list on for Christians to revive a stalled faith journey

Malinda Fugate Why Malinda loves this book

If scholars are still trying to completely understand the Bible, how are we supposed to navigate it?

Inspired steps back and takes a look at Scripture, inviting us to ask questions and know it better, from both a spiritual and literary perspective. While I didn’t agree with everything the author suggests, everything made me pause and think. It’s a rare book that both challenges and encourages, but this one most certainly does both.

By Rachel Held Evans ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Inspired as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

If the Bible isn't a science book or an instruction manual, what is it? What do people mean when they say the Bible is inspired? When New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans found herself asking these questions, she embarked on a journey to better understand what the Bible is and how it's meant to be read. What she discovered changed her--and it can change you, too.

Evans knows firsthand how a relationship with the Bible can be as real and as complicated as a relationship with a family member or close friend. In Inspired, Evans explores contradictions and…


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Book cover of Whitehorse Peak

Whitehorse Peak by P.G. Badzey,

Seeking justice for a massacre in a frontier village, a young sellsword enlists the help of an unlikely combination of mercenaries, each of whom wrestles demons and secrets of their own. Together the new-found companions battle against a sinister cult and its inhuman allies in the dark caverns and green…

Book cover of Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner

Betsy Duffey Author Of More Love

From my list on Christian devotional books to build your faith.

Why am I passionate about this?

Books have been an important part of my faith journey. I set aside time each morning to read scripture, and devotional material, to meditate and pray. As I read about the experiences of others my faith increases and I know God better. As a writer I express my own faith through words and invite others to know God better by experiencing Him with time set aside in the mornings. More Love is part of a series of small books that I have created to give readers experiences to connect with God and to know His love. 

Betsy's book list on Christian devotional books to build your faith

Betsy Duffey Why Betsy loves this book

Fred Buechner writes, “Listen to your life. All moments are key moments.” These 366 short writings taken from the works and books of Frederick Buechner are rich and deep. A few moments with a daily reading can shift my perspective from an earthly one to an eternal one. I come back to his books often to absorb his wisdom and the example of his faith. One of Buechner’s great strengths is his gift of storytelling which permeates the readings giving life to the words and wisdom.

By Frederick Buechner ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Listening to Your Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Daily meditations taken from the works of an acclaimed novelist, essayist, and preacher who has articulated what he sees with a freshness and clarity and energy that hails our stultified imaginations.


Book cover of Poems
Book cover of The Poems of Henry Van Dyke
Book cover of Thoughts for Everyday Living

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