Circe by Madeline Miller: Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey (in which there has been renewed interest after the publication of the first English translation by a woman in late 2017), Madeline Miller takes the story of Circe, goddess of magic from Greek mythology, and reimagines the story from Circe’s perspective.

Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally Lloyd-Jones: Because I’ll be able to quote this book to you in its first week in our house … and so will my son. I’ve appreciated Sally Lloyd Jones’ gentle approach to biblical truth in other children’s books on our shelves. Here, a tiny wren looks at the world and its creatures and asks: what can it do that is wonderful?

Any Ordinary Day by Leigh Sales: Anchor of ABC’s 7.30, Leigh Sales investigates how ordinary people endure unthinkable tragedy.

Kaley is Deputy Editor of Eternity.

Greg Clarke

Global Church by Graham Hill: Christianity is truly a global faith, and every culture brings something to it and changes as a result of it. The stories in this great book from Graham Hill are heartwarming.

When China Rules the World by Martin Jacques: The future of religion in China: what a big question. This book is one of many that have helped me understand the wider context of China in the world.

A Writing Life: Helen Garner and her Work by Bernadette Brennan: Helen Garner, like so many Australian novelists, always has the Bible near her elbow. This study of her work ends with a book club which is reading the Psalms!

True Devotion: In Search of Authentic Spirituality by Allan Chapple: This was the last book my father and mother gave me before Dad died this year. I’m so grateful that they have always cared about my spirit. How blessed I am.

Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity by Brian S. Rosner: Brian Rosner provides an excellent Christian answer to the pressing question of our times: what is a human being?

How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg: Google used the slogan “Don’t be evil” and turned the workplace into a family. Here’s how they changed the world; you can decide about the “evil” bit.

Greg is CEO of Bible Society Australia.

Kate Harrison Brennan

Pain and its Transformations: The Interface of Biology and Culture by Sarah Coakley and  Kay Kaufman Shelemay (Eds): Pain remains a deep mystery for sufferers, their physicians, and researchers. As neuroscientific research shows, even the immediate sensation of pain is shaped by psychological state and interpretation.

Holy Living: The Christian Tradition for Today by Rowan Williams: The former Archbishop of Canterbury writes with perception about the life of holiness to which we are called. Holiness is “completely undemonstrative and lacking any system of expertise. It can never be dissected and analysed.”

The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture by Scott Belsky: A guide to navigating new ventures by the Chief Product Officer at Adobe.

The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair: The 75 most fascinating shades, dyes and hues, where they come from and how they form part of human civilisation.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown: Leadership is not about titles, status and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognising the potential in people and ideas.

Kate is the CEO of Anglican Deaconess Ministries.

Guy Mason

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: Last summer, I thoroughly  enjoyed reading Orwell’s  dystopian novel 1984. I’m keen to read Huxley’s classic to see who was closer to the truth.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson: I had the privilege of hearing Bryan speak at the HTB Leadership Conference in London this year. It was one of the most inspiring talks I’ve ever heard about justice, mercy and beauty of all men and women made in the image of God. I’m keen to reflect more on the nature of God’s justice and seek his help in serving our world and heralding the good news of his kingdom.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: I often find myself drawn to art that explores the precious and painful emotions of life and love. This classic, recommended by a good friend, is considered by many to be the greatest work of literature ever written. I can’t wait!

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken: Andrew Grills, my good friend and pastor of City on a Hill Geelong, gave me this book for my birthday. It is an autobiographical work, which explores the author’s relationship with his wife, their friendship with C.S. Lewis and conversion to faith in Christ.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: I have a surface level understanding of this famous story but am keen to go deeper. I’m particularly interested to see how the story engages our search for identity, acceptance and love.

Guy is the founding and lead pastor of City on a Hill.