{"id":24310,"date":"2026-05-13T17:33:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/?p=24310"},"modified":"2026-05-13T17:33:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:33:19","slug":"do-people-still-read-books-21-christian-publishers-and-authors-from-across-the-globe-share-whats-selling-well-and-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/id\/do-people-still-read-books-21-christian-publishers-and-authors-from-across-the-globe-share-whats-selling-well-and-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Do people still read books? 21 Christian publishers and authors from across the globe share what\u2019s selling well\u2014and why"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

We asked Christian publishers across the world what Christians are buying and reading\u2014and why. From <\/em>non-fiction books that speak to the head to fiction that speaks to the heart,* o<\/em>ur generous community shared the following insights into what is resonating with readers.<\/em><\/p>\n

Authentically local and spiritually grounded fiction<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of our most popular titles is\u00a0Corajosas: Os Contos das Princesas nada Encantadas<\/em>\u00a0(\u201cBrave Girls: Tales of the Far-From-Enchanted Princesses\u201d), a collection of reimagined fairy tales by four Brazilian authors. It features modern girls navigating real struggles like grief, ambition, and identity\u2014all while anchored in their faith. Brazilian evangelical culture has a strong and growing appetite for fiction that feels authentically local and spiritually grounded, and this book delivers both with warmth and creativity. – Mark Carpenter, Mundo Crist\u00e3o, Brazil<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Significant emotional heart<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our bestseller is Wherever you go I want you to know, <\/em>a rhyming children\u2019s book that has been translated into six languages. We read this book to people at events and at bookstalls. It’s got a significant emotional heart for both parents and for children. The book\u2019s refrain is, \u201cWherever have go, Whatever you do, I have a big dream, I want you to know.\u201d It goes on to articulate the parent\u2019s prayer for their child: that they love Jesus with all of their heart, because that is the best place to start. – Tim Thornborough, The Good Book Company, UK<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Social issues addressed by local authors<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our bestsellers tend to address current societal problems, and written by passionate local authors who can communicate both to Christians and the general public. These manuscripts also tend to be in original Czech, not a translation, with the design, editorial work and marketing strategy executed on the highest level possible. – Jan Andr\u00fdsek, Biblion, Czechia<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Discipleship from a local perspective<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our bestseller of the past five years is\u00a0Vivre pour J\u00e9sus<\/em>\u00a0(\u201cLiving for Jesus\u201d), a book on basic Christian discipleship by Raphael Charrier. It\u2019s the first discipleship book written by a native French-speaker since the 1970s, and is really well written. I think people are unsatisfied with their Christian walk and wonder if they’re missing something. They’re therefore open and excited to go over the basics. – St\u00e9phane Kapitaniuk, BLF \u00c9ditions, France<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Navigating uncertainties and crises<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of our most popular books is\u00a0Count Yourself Calm<\/em>\u00a0by Eliza Huie. In seasons marked by war, displacement, and ongoing uncertainty, children are carrying levels of fear and anxiety that are often difficult to process or express. Parents are not only looking for ways to calm their children, but also for ways to nurture faith in the midst of crisis. This book is a companion for families navigating very fragile and uncertain realities. – Sandra El Hajj, Dar Manhal al Hayat, Lebanon<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Worship resources extolling Christ<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our bestselling books are from the Christian hymnal books series, a must-have for every evangelical church and for every Christian in Ukraine personally. The success of every title begins with careful consideration and discussion, and fully committed promotion later. Books rarely sell themselves. It takes a lot of effort to present them to potential readers. – Andriy Kravchenko, Ezdra Publishing, Ukraine<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Christian life and the Bible<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Bible ka Mutalia Keun Karen<\/em> (\u201cWhat\u2019s the Good of it?\u201d) and Lughat ul Kitab <\/em>(\u201cDictionary of Difficult Urdu Bible Words\u201d) are our top two most popular books. The first provides guidance on how a Christian should live. Its ability to offer a deeper understanding of Christian living is one of the reasons it appeals to a wider audience. The second helps readers understand difficult words used in the Bible within their proper biblical context. – MIK staff, Pakistan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Deeply human with universal themes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

All the Way to Calvary: The Stories of People Who Met Him<\/em>\u00a0by Lawrence Darmani reimagines the encounters that people had with Jesus on His way to the cross through their eyes. The storytelling is accessible, deeply human and rooted in Scripture. It\u2019s in bookshops across Ghana and has the potential to touch Christian readers across Africa and beyond, for its themes of encounter, sacrifice and transformation are universal. – Sam Nyarko-Mensah, Step Publishers, Ghana<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Keys to a Christlike ministry<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jesus Driven Ministry<\/em> came out of my attempt to remain fresh and not go down in my ministry at mid-life, as often happens. I thought I\u2019d look at Jesus’ ministry and see what I could learn. It springs from a biblical basis to discuss the things that go into a vibrant life and ministry using Jesus as the model. Somehow it seems to have scratched\u00a0where many were itching. – Ajith Fernando, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Easy to read and practical<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Thriving Pastor<\/em> by Richard Black is selling widely because it\u2019s well-researched, the writing style is warm and relatable, and it provides a framework for pastoral wellbeing that could be adopted by any church or ministry organization. The book is also resonating with readers because it helps pastors identify ministry misalignment and discover new levels of ease and effectiveness in their role. – Anya McKee, Torn Curtain Publishing, New Zealand<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Accessible and language-appropriate<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of our bestselling books is\u00a0Five Solas, One Gospel: Mga Foundational Doctrines para sa Filipino Church Ngayon\u00a0<\/em>by Derick Parfan. It is the first book on this topic that\u2019s written in Taglish (a mix of Tagalog and English) by a local author. It is accessible for the average lay person and non-Christians, and available as a free eBook online. – Jodi Parfan,<\/em> Treasuring Christ, Philippines<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Relatable journeys throughout struggle<\/strong><\/h4>\n

My bestselling book is\u00a0Prince Bear & Pauper Bear<\/em>, which has been published in five countries. It’s a tale about a poor bear without a mouth, who could not speak. He finds a second chance in life when a boy brings him home and restores him, giving him a voice. The book was subconsciously inspired by my journey of struggling with a rare voice disorder for over a decade. Many readers said that they resonated with the story. – Emily Lim-Leh, Singapore<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Context-appropriate for ministry<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our bestselling book so far is Cults: How to Know and Face Them<\/em>. Over the past twenty years and more, the cult phenomenon has been growing in Africa in general, and particularly in Madagascar. Many Christians have been confused about them and react out of fear. Christians are seeking to be able to adequately introduce the gospel to cult members. – Pascal Ratovona, Madagascar<\/em><\/p>\n

Biblical perspectives on hard topics<\/strong><\/h4>\n

My most widely read book is Biblical Sex Education: What Does the Bible Say About Cohabitation?<\/em> It examines cohabitation, its implications, and its broader moral and social consequences from a biblical perspective. The book has received considerable recognition and positive reception, particularly within Ghana and across West Africa. – Samuel K. Dorgbetor, Ghana<\/em><\/p>\n

Biblical truth and discussion questions<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Wise Bedtime Stories <\/em>was built around a simple but powerful concept: each story presents a narrative connected to a biblical truth, followed by a Scripture reference and discussion questions for children. Two generations of children have grown up with the stories. Some\u00a0parents who read these books to their children were so impacted they decided to create animated adaptations, which will be released in three languages. – Sergey Smolenskiy, Walk Through The Bible Ministries, Ukraine<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Striking insights and illustrations<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of our current most popular books is My Big Story Bible<\/em> by Tom Wright, a faithful and vibrant retelling of 140 Bible stories from Genesis to Exodus that invites children to discover how the stories link to one another to form the big story of God\u2019s plan to make everything right when Jesus returns. Readers are particularly drawn to its engaging storytelling, thoughtful insights and striking illustrations that bring each story to life.\u00a0– Deborah Lock, SPCK, UK<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Engaging and accessible for children<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of our most popular books is\u00a0Ove\u010dka Barborka<\/em>\u00a0(\u201cThe Little Lamb Barbara\u201d<\/em>), a simple story inspired by the parable of the lost sheep. Parents appreciate that it introduces important Christian values in a way that is both accessible and engaging for children. Many of those who loved the book as children are now buying it for their own kids. The book has been translated into five other languages.\u00a0– Jan B\u00edca, SAMUEL Publishing, Czechia<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Eye-catching Bible translation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A French edition of\u00a0The Action Bible<\/em> by Sergio Cariello is sufficiently modern that kids love the images without frightening parents. It is accepted by all of Christianity\u2019s traditions. In France, it sells well in the Catholic market. In recent years, it has picked up traction on social media through several Christian influencers. Sales have been strong and increasing over the years, despite it being a large and somewhat expensive volume. – Steven Dixon, formerly with Scripture Union, France<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Timeless themes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of our bestselling and most popular titles is\u00a0Love and Respect<\/em> by Emerson Eggerichs. We believe this book resonates so strongly with readers because it addresses a timeless and universal theme: marriage and the challenges within it. Its practical insights and relatable approach make it continually relevant. – Mateja Lon\u010dar Habijan, Figulus, Croatia<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Affordable and practical\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

C\u00f3mo Predicar<\/em> (\u201cHow to Preach\u201d) has 12 chapters and 56 pages, and is an introductory study of speaking in public in church. With evangelical church growth at close to 50%, Guatemala has many new Christians and new preachers who need training. With poverty in Guatemala at 60%, folks can\u2019t pay for extensive and expensive books, but can pay $5 for this little book. – Martha Saint Berberian, Ediciones SA-BER, Guatemala<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Resonant with biblical movements<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our bestselling book is\u00a0Teolog\u00eda de la Consejer\u00eda B\u00edblica<\/em>\u00a0(\u201cTheology of Biblical Counseling\u201d) by Heath Lambert. The book combines solid doctrine with practical, usable counseling guidance, and is used as a textbook in a growing number of seminaries and Bible colleges. It resonates with the growing biblical counseling movement and its emphasis on Scripture\u2019s sufficiency. – Bruce Burkholder, Editorial EBI, USA<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Inspire towards God\u2019s global mission<\/strong><\/h4>\n

For over five decades,\u00a0Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader<\/em> has inspired generations with a vision of God\u2019s mission among all peoples. Each year, over 10,000 students across more than 40 countries participate in Perspectives courses. Translations are underway in eight languages, along with an eBook app and audiobook. The revised fifth edition is set to be released in May 2026. – Madi Cannon, William Carey Publishing, USA<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

*paraphrased quote courtesy of Mark Taylor, retired CEO of Tyndale House Publishers<\/a><\/p>\n

Related stories<\/strong><\/h3>\n