| Last summer reads and back-to-school prep |
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Dear Outlook Readers,
Last summer, book in hand, basking in the salty air of my favorite beach, I heard the familiar “bing.” Like Pavlov’s dog, I couldn’t help but reach for my phone. The urgent alert? An online merchant highlighting their new Thanksgiving collection.
Really? I love to give thanks, but surely back-to-school season and the fall holidays that follow could wait long enough for me to dig my toes in the sand and read another book … or two.
And so, this month’s Page Turners carefully straddles this time of year. First — fiction! For guidance with your vacation reading, check out Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s thoughtful review of Vigil. Our recent summer issue also featured two new releases; it’s easy to recommend Whistler (Ann Patchett never fails), yet I am more eager to share a new find, Evening Begins the Day.
Author Jessica Brilliant Keener is simply a terrific storyteller — the story unfolds at a brisk pace, and she helps us invest in the characters (even the difficult ones). She also delves into spiritual concerns, introducing the ancient Jewish practice of “Counting the Omer.” Disparate characters experience this practice in unique ways, all seeking liberation from destructive habits and attitudes. While this practice is intended for the 49 days following Passover, her engaging description may lead some to try it on as they move into fall.
And then, back to school, with options for both college students and littles. Doing Something New: A Prayer for Beginnings publishes in just a week. It’s a beautiful choice for parents sending a child off to school for the first time or for helping a grade schooler enter the new year with grace and courage. By interspersing the words of a child’s prayer with simplified Beatitude verses, author Mitali Perkins helps little ones make the Bible’s words their own, realize they can always chat with Jesus, and gain strength and confidence through their prayers. A beautiful bedtime read for the first days of a new school year.
Happy Reading,
Amy Pagliarella
Book Review Editor
P.S.: Speaking of holidays, it’s Christmas in July here at the Outlook! Get ahead on Advent and save 10% on our library of devotionals, liturgies & hymns. This week only! Sale ends July 31. Use code XMAS. |
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BOOK OF THE MONTH You’re Not the Only One: Reflections on Faith, Doubt, Growing Up, and the College Experience
Megan LeCluyse
Wipf & Stock Publishers, 190 pages
Published July 29, 2025
As a campus minister at the University of Pennsylvania, Megan LeCluyse understands the volume of change and the variety of challenges young people face. You’re Not the Only One is a compassionate guide to help college students through this time. She fills her thoughtful book with Scripture passages and inspirational quotes, along with prayers and questions for reflection, normalizing the worries around friendships, partners, schoolwork and socializing that could overwhelm some students.
LeCluyse relies quite heavily on her own experiences as a college student, drawing on her friendships, campus ministry experiences, travel abroad, and more. Some students will find this helpful, while those with different academic, financial, or emotional circumstances may be less moved by LeCluyse’s stories. Similarly, her call to ministry emerged while in middle school, and she moved directly from undergrad to seminary; young people who are hard-pressed to discern their vocations may struggle to relate.
The title says it all — You’re Not the Only One is a terrific choice for parents (or youth leaders) to send a college-age child who feels lonely or isolated and who would appreciate the wisdom of someone writing from the other side. It’s also a strong choice for chaplains or others working with students. The questions accompanying each chapter would be great conversation-starters for small groups, and LeCluyse clearly understands the needs of college students. While You’re Not the Only One doesn’t really speak to the college students who are unpacking, questioning or reconstructing their faith, numerous other books address those needs.
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“Jesus, help me when I try,/ to comfort others when they cry./ You listened to a man born blind/ Here I am, a bit as kind.” |
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| Book Giveaway!
Congratulations to Page Turners reader James Smith, who received a copy of last month’s quoted book, Purple Church, Red State, kindly provided by our friends at Wipf & Stock.
A lucky reader, selected at random, will receive a copy of this month’s selection, Doing Something New: A Prayer for Beginnings, by Mitali Perkins, generously donated by the publisher, IVP Kids.
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