What do you look for when searching for a good summer read? A self-help book that will help you develop new skills or productive habits to implement after you get home from vacation? An escape into fantasy about aliens in a faraway galaxy? How about a simple story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson?

Let me suggest my book, “Grace Life,” as you search. More about that in a minute.

Growing up, I always struggled with reading. I only read books assigned by my teachers, those I was forced to read. After high school graduation, I began collecting the Tarzan series of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I bought all twenty-four volumes in paperback and enjoyed every minute as I raced into the jungle with Tarzan as he fought for survival. I discovered a love for reading fiction.

Fast forward to college and seminary, where I once again read the numerous assigned non-fiction textbooks on business, sociology, theology, preaching, church history, and ministry. There was no good fiction story to be found.

I started writing with no intention of writing fiction. Later, I published the “I AM Bible” and “The Liberty Keys.” When I started my outline for “Grace Life,” I asked myself, “Why would anyone want to read my non-fiction book about grace?” Many of the best Christian writers have already produced excellent books on the topic. What would I have to offer on the subject?

I decided that I could draw on my love for good fiction. This way, I could tell a compelling story that would incorporate biblical truth with practical application. A book that people would love to read and share.

I won’t bore you with the details, but writing “Grace Life” became an eight-year process that began while I prepared to preach a funeral and continued with writing, editing, pausing, rewriting, editing, pausing … You get the picture. I finally self-published “Grace Life” in May 2024.

“Grace Life” is a simple story. One person, Sam, a modern-day Good Samaritan, teaches Anna about grace. He shows her how to receive grace and share it with family, friends, or anyone else who wants to follow Jesus. This is called living a Grace Life.

If you choose “Grace Life” to read this summer, I pray you return home prepared to live a Grace Life. Also, you can gather a few friends for a six-week study of the lessons included in the back of the book. You will learn a simple yet powerful method of relational evangelism, as well as what the Bible teaches about grace.

Please allow “Grace Life” to help you. As a follower of Christ, you can become obedient to Christ’s command to make disciples of all the nations. “Grace Life” is available on Amazon.

Also, if you need guidance starting a small group study of “Grace Life,” please email me at terry@terrylkirby.com.