Here are 92 books that The Ragamuffin Gospel fans have personally recommended if you like The Ragamuffin Gospel. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Unbroken

Brian Lofton Author Of Broken Boots, Redeemed Soul: A Veteran’s War with Sin and Salvation

From my list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom.

Why am I passionate about this?

I care about stories of redemption after service because I have lived through the collapse that can follow it. After my time in the U.S. Army, I struggled with addiction, shame, and spiritual distance that almost defined my life. I have seen how uniforms can hide internal battles. I am drawn to books that help remind me that failure is not final and that grace reaches deeper than shame. Today, I serve fellow veterans through benefits advocacy. I am moved by stories that show no one is too far gone for God’s redeeming work.

Brian's book list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom

Brian Lofton Why Brian loves this book

What stays with me is not the survival story, but the change that followed.

Louie’s struggle with anger and pain after the war felt familiar. This story shows that endurance by itself is not enough. Freedom comes through forgiveness and faith.

The movement from anger to grace stood out to me. It made me consider that even when hard experiences influence us, they do not have to decide our future.

By Laura Hillenbrand ,

Why should I read it?

20 authors picked Unbroken as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the author of the bestselling and much-loved Seabiscuit, an unforgettable story of one man's journey into extremity. On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane's bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War. The lieutenant's name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood,…


If you love The Ragamuffin Gospel...

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

Book cover of The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

Brian Lofton Author Of Broken Boots, Redeemed Soul: A Veteran’s War with Sin and Salvation

From my list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom.

Why am I passionate about this?

I care about stories of redemption after service because I have lived through the collapse that can follow it. After my time in the U.S. Army, I struggled with addiction, shame, and spiritual distance that almost defined my life. I have seen how uniforms can hide internal battles. I am drawn to books that help remind me that failure is not final and that grace reaches deeper than shame. Today, I serve fellow veterans through benefits advocacy. I am moved by stories that show no one is too far gone for God’s redeeming work.

Brian's book list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom

Brian Lofton Why Brian loves this book

This book supported me when I was questioning who I was without my past mistakes.

I remember feeling uncertain, and Warren’s focus on God’s purposes gave me guidance when I needed it most. I love how practical it is—it does not just motivate, it directs.

For me, it shifted the question from “How do I fix my failures?” to “How do I live faithfully today?” That reframing was liberating.

By Rick Warren ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Purpose Driven Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover and fulfill your God-given purpose by joining the more than thirty-five million others who have embarked on a spiritual journey that started with this #1 New York Times bestselling book by Pastor Rick Warren.

Before you were born, God knew what your life had in store for you. His hope for you is to discover the life he created just for you--both here on earth, and forever in eternity. Let Rick Warren guide you as you learn to live out your true purpose.

The Purpose Driven Life is more than a book; it's a road map for your spiritual…


Book cover of The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God

Harry Kraus Author Of Could I Have This Dance?

From my list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a practicing board-certified general surgeon and my writing reflects the medical authenticity of an “insider.” I have divided my professional life between practice in America, and also in East Africa, serving as a surgeon and instructor. I am also a man of grace, who has sought to fight against a legalistic Christianity of my youth. We experience life in story, and fiction is the perfect way to teach the heart concepts of love, and perhaps stir within the reader a longing for something more.

Harry's book list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more

Harry Kraus Why Harry loves this book

This book presents Christianity the way it was intended to be, but is rarely experienced: a love relationship initiated by our Heavenly Father who has pursued us with a quiet, lifelong haunting. 

By Brent Curtis , John Eldredge ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

If you're feeling lost, disconnected, or longing for something more, join bestselling authors John Eldredge and Brent Curtis as they explore the greatest love of our lives: our faith. The Sacred Romance invites us to find the peace and purpose we crave by slowing down, asking questions, and deepening our relationship with God.

Eldredge and Curtis believe that modern Christians have lost touch with our hearts. We've left that essential part of ourselves behind in the pursuit of efficiency, success, and the busyness of our lives.

The Sacred Romance will guide you through a journey to getting to know yourself…


If you love Brennan Manning...

Book cover of Chilled to the Bone

Chilled to the Bone by B.D. Lawrence,

Jake Sledge, a rugged ex-cop turned private eye, teams up with his colossal partner Bobo to navigate the gritty streets of River City.

A murdered lawyer drags them into a web of political intrigue, neo-Nazi thugs, and bloody showdowns. With sharp wit and hard-hitting action, Jake tackles scumbags the only…

Book cover of The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life

Harry Kraus Author Of Could I Have This Dance?

From my list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a practicing board-certified general surgeon and my writing reflects the medical authenticity of an “insider.” I have divided my professional life between practice in America, and also in East Africa, serving as a surgeon and instructor. I am also a man of grace, who has sought to fight against a legalistic Christianity of my youth. We experience life in story, and fiction is the perfect way to teach the heart concepts of love, and perhaps stir within the reader a longing for something more.

Harry's book list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more

Harry Kraus Why Harry loves this book

This Christian classic opened my heart to the concept that the Christian life is to be lived out of carefree trust and not anxious duty. She deals with the honest struggles and gives practical advice on dealing with temptations, failures, and doubts. If you find yourself anxious over life’s pressure, this is a must-read.

By Hannah Whitall Smith ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every person experiences doubts. What keeps someone together in these times is a firm foundation in God's faithfulness, rather than allowing their lives to be moved on a roller coaster of emotions. The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life has stood the test of time, and helped millions understand how to have full and complete assurance in God alone. Personal reflection questions help the reader to remember that this is not just a classic to be enjoyed, but also a journey to walked.


Book cover of Intimacy with the Almighty

Harry Kraus Author Of Could I Have This Dance?

From my list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a practicing board-certified general surgeon and my writing reflects the medical authenticity of an “insider.” I have divided my professional life between practice in America, and also in East Africa, serving as a surgeon and instructor. I am also a man of grace, who has sought to fight against a legalistic Christianity of my youth. We experience life in story, and fiction is the perfect way to teach the heart concepts of love, and perhaps stir within the reader a longing for something more.

Harry's book list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more

Harry Kraus Why Harry loves this book

This little book prods us to silence and solitude to recapture the intimacy that we crave but few experience. I have reread this little book many times and it gently reminds me of what is so easily lost in the hurry of modern life. Our present society has pushed these disciplines, not just off the front burner, but off the stove entirely. When solitude and silence are recaptured, we find ourselves at rest, enjoying the presence of our loving Father.

By Charles Swindoll ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Intimacy with the Almighty as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Noise and words and frenzied, hectic schedules dull our senses, closing our ears to His still, small voice and making us numb to His touch.

Charles Swindoll offers all new insights from his own journal to guide people on a journey of intimacy with God. This keepsake book includes pages in Swindoll's handwriting collected in an embossed, antique-looking cover.


Book cover of What's So Amazing About Grace?

Harry Kraus Author Of Could I Have This Dance?

From my list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a practicing board-certified general surgeon and my writing reflects the medical authenticity of an “insider.” I have divided my professional life between practice in America, and also in East Africa, serving as a surgeon and instructor. I am also a man of grace, who has sought to fight against a legalistic Christianity of my youth. We experience life in story, and fiction is the perfect way to teach the heart concepts of love, and perhaps stir within the reader a longing for something more.

Harry's book list on Christians who feel like there has to be something more

Harry Kraus Why Harry loves this book

We sing the song, but few of us are touched by the magnitude of the mystery. God’s love is offered to the underserved not because they earn it, but just because he’s chosen to gift us with it. Much of my fiction touches on this topic as stressed-out, dutiful servants are upended by grace.

By Philip Yancey ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What's So Amazing About Grace? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD!

Discover grace as you've never known it before: the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness.

Grace is the church's great distinctive. It's the one thing the world cannot duplicate, and the one thing it craves above all else--for only grace can bring hope and transformation to a jaded world.

In What's So Amazing About Grace? award-winning author Philip Yancey explores grace at street level. If grace is God's love for the undeserving, he asks, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its…


If you love The Ragamuffin Gospel...

Book cover of The Woman and Her Stars

The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw,

Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself – one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes him. But when her brother…

Book cover of God Only Knows When the Devil Comes for You

Brian Lofton Author Of Broken Boots, Redeemed Soul: A Veteran’s War with Sin and Salvation

From my list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom.

Why am I passionate about this?

I care about stories of redemption after service because I have lived through the collapse that can follow it. After my time in the U.S. Army, I struggled with addiction, shame, and spiritual distance that almost defined my life. I have seen how uniforms can hide internal battles. I am drawn to books that help remind me that failure is not final and that grace reaches deeper than shame. Today, I serve fellow veterans through benefits advocacy. I am moved by stories that show no one is too far gone for God’s redeeming work.

Brian's book list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom

Brian Lofton Why Brian loves this book

I related to Ryan’s honesty about addiction after service.

I know what it is like when self-reliance fails, and shame feels heavy. I appreciate that he does not hide his failures or ignore the consequences. His faith is not simple optimism. It grows out of real loss.

His story reminded me that God is present for each of us in our lowest moments, not after everything has been fixed.

By Ryan T. Reichert ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked God Only Knows When the Devil Comes for You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Our Protector Development, God Only Knows When the Devil Comes for You tells a story through the lends of a second chance at life with multitudes of failure but also some great miracels too. It is a faith journey which guides the reader through one's life and reflection, where some tools are developed so one can use them to protect themselves with God in their life and Jesus Christ by their side. It is a born-again Christian's work to help anyone else before they might have to go through the same trials or as they are going through the flames…


Book cover of Sober from Sin

Brian Lofton Author Of Broken Boots, Redeemed Soul: A Veteran’s War with Sin and Salvation

From my list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom.

Why am I passionate about this?

I care about stories of redemption after service because I have lived through the collapse that can follow it. After my time in the U.S. Army, I struggled with addiction, shame, and spiritual distance that almost defined my life. I have seen how uniforms can hide internal battles. I am drawn to books that help remind me that failure is not final and that grace reaches deeper than shame. Today, I serve fellow veterans through benefits advocacy. I am moved by stories that show no one is too far gone for God’s redeeming work.

Brian's book list on finding grace and redemption after hitting rock bottom

Brian Lofton Why Brian loves this book

I value how Jeff writes honestly about addiction in the context of a life of service.

I have seen how responsibility can hide private struggles. I recognized the isolation and slow loss of identity he describes.

What stood out to me was his focus on repentance as the turning point, rather than on willpower. His story reminded me that real healing begins with surrendering our will to God, not to our own personal strength.

By Jeff Fields ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Sober from Sin is a poignant memoir detailing the journey of a former law enforcement veteran from the depths of alcoholism to the embrace of sobriety, entwined with a search for spiritual and personal redemption. Reflecting on a two-decade career and the struggles with addiction, the storyteller delves into the complexities of navigating addiction while working in law enforcement. Through raw honesty and introspection, he confronts the darkest aspects of human behavior, including identifying past trauma and the challenges of addiction. Ultimately, he finds purpose through faith and family. This book is not just for law enforcement; it's a universal…


Book cover of Jesus Showed Us!

Jared Neusch and Connor Shram Author Of Jesus vs. the Bad Guys

From my list on Christian children’s books on peacemaking.

Why we are passionate about this?

We are two dads, both with three kids, who are on a journey of trying our best to raise our kids in the way of Jesus. Of particular interest to us both is exploring how Jesus overcomes evil. Does He beat up the bad guys like superheroes do? Does He drop bombs on them, like nations do? With all the struggles kids experience at school—and everything they hear about evil occurring around the world—we think it’s important for kids to learn how Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, even from the earliest ages.

Jared and Connor's book list on Christian children’s books on peacemaking

Jared Neusch and Connor Shram Why Jared and Connor loves this book

We believe that at the heart of Christian theology is the truth that God has chosen to reveal himself definitively in Jesus Christ. This is how we know what God is like!

We don’t just love our enemies as an abstract ethic that we hope will work. In looking at Jesus, we now know that this is also what God is like. This book is a beautiful introduction to the theological truth that Jesus really is the image and nature of God. 

By Bradley Jersak , Shari-Anne Vis (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jesus Showed Us! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

What is God like?

The answer depends on the imagination of those we ask. Some of those answers are not very healthy--especially for children! Many ideas and images of God are harmful, such as the angry God who threatens us. Or the distant God who is not there when we need him. Or the magical God who will grant our wishes if we are good enough or beg hard enough. Such ideas of God make it hard for us to love God with our whole heart or to let God love us.

God noticed this problem. God wanted us to…


If you love Brennan Manning...

Book cover of Murder, Lies and Chocolate

Murder, Lies and Chocolate by Sally Berneathy,

Book 2, Death by Chocolate series.

Rodney Bradford comes into Lindsay's restaurant, offers to buy her small house for double its value, eats her brownies, and drops dead on the sidewalk in front. Next, her almost-ex-husband offers to sign the divorce papers, but only if she'll give him her small,…

Book cover of Don't Forget to Remember

Natalee Creech Author Of Nothing: Nothing Can Separate You from God's Love!

From my list on children’s books about God’s love.

Why am I passionate about this?

“I am loved and forgiven. What a wonderful thing! I’m adopted as God’s own. I’m a child of the King!” I am an author who wants to help parents write important truths on their children’s hearts. Nothing is a book I wish I had written sooner, and would have loved to have read with my own children when they were little enough to hold in my lap. I hope these book recommendations help you share God’s love with your little ones, so that when they grow up they are sure of the promise that nothing can ever separate them from God’s love.

Natalee's book list on children’s books about God’s love

Natalee Creech Why Natalee loves this book

With gentle rhyming verse, Ellie Holcomb’s Don’t Forget to Remember tells how all creation reminds us of God’s love. Kayla Harren’s beautiful illustrations are more detailed than what is typical in a board book. I also recommend listening to Ellie Holcomb's song by the same title. Be warned though; you may find yourself singing it at any given moment. 

By Ellie Holcomb , Kayla Harren (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Forget to Remember as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do you ever forget to remember what's true? 

Sometimes remembering is hard to do! But in this lyrical tale, Ellie Holcomb celebrates creation’s reminders of God’s love, which surrounds us from sunrise to sunset, even on our most forgetful of days.

Visit the Lifeway Brand Store for more inspirational products.
 


Book cover of Unbroken
Book cover of The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?
Book cover of The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in God, rock music, and Jesus?

God 287 books
Rock Music 267 books
Jesus 277 books