A Monitor Guide to Religion Bestsellers

1. I HOPE YOU DANCE

by Tia Sillers

Rutledge Hill Press, $13.99

About this time last summer, if you listened to your radio at all, chances are you heard "I Hope You Dance," the hit song by Lee Ann Womack. Now, the writers of the song have put the CD single in a gift book, which breaks the song apart, lyric by lyric, adding photos and text. Although the treatment risks overexposure, it is an inspiring song, sung from the point of view of someone who loves you and wants you to overcome every obstacle in your way. A little sappy, but it could still make for a good grab-bag present. (62 pp.) By Christy Ellington

2. WILD AT HEART

by John Eldredge

Thomas Nelson, $16.95

Eldredge says God designed men to be dangerous, adventurous, and heroic. He rejects society's praise for the "nice guy," insisting that our emasculating culture forces men to deny their true nature, and he challenges men to live lives full of risk. At times Eldredge seems to offer an excuse for recklessness, but ultimately he believes God alone gives men the answer to their true identity, and he points to the Bible to support his idea of masculinity. Many men (and women) will relate to his anecdotes, but readers shouldn't expect more than fleeting inspiration. (224 pp.) By Christian Scripter

3. IN THIS MOUNTAIN

by Jan Karon

Viking, $24.95

Available on tape

In the seventh of her series, Karon once again transports readers to the heart of small-town Mitford, where they follow the adventures of Father Tim, his wife, and all the characters they've come to love. In this installment, Father Tim's humor and wisdom see him through run-ins with technology, illness, relationship conflicts, and retirement. Mitford fans will approve – and new readers are sure to feel right "At Home in Mitford." (382 pp.) By Amy Andrews

4. GOD'S LEADING LADY

by T.D. Jakes

Putnam, $19.95

Bishop T.D. Jakes has a compassionate directive for today's modern woman: Take center stage. To illustrate, he uses timeless examples of Bible women who overcame challenges and mistakes to triumph and shine, and he emphasizes learning to move beyond self-imposed labels and doubt. Jakes leads a ministry with a large following, and this book embodies his from-the-pulpit tone. Despite some long-winded, heavy-on-poetry moments, there are insights worth pondering here. Readers will warm up to his conversational style by the book's end. (224 pp.) By Kendra Nordin

5. PRISONERS OF HOPE

by Dayna Curry

Doubleday, $19.95

Available on tape

This is the story of Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry, two Christian aid workers who survived a five-month imprisonment by the Taliban, just before 9/11. It begins with their visits with Afghan families near Kabul where, after showing a film about Jesus on their laptop, they are abducted by the Taliban. The story, told by both women, describes how they found Jesus, how their faith led them to Afghanistan, and how prison challenged their faith. Unfortunately, they focus mainly on their monotonous prison term and not on their Christian aid work. (256 pp.) By Robert Huey

6. BRINGING UP BOYS

by James Dobson

Tyndale, $22.99

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