What to Read

As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to gather together some resources to suggest for anyone who might be interested in learning more about modern day slavery. The following are some books that I have read. I actually started to say "enjoyed reading", but let's face it: they are not the most enjoyable books to read. This is heavy stuff we are talking about. In fact, usually when I read a book on modern day slavery, I have to chase with some light fictional reading (something that you could probably find in the youth section of the bookstore). But as hard as these books can be, I think it is really good to keep ourselves aware of the stories of others. After all, they can't just lay their current circumstances aside and go on to a "light fictional read". This is their life.

Ok, so I have to admit that the last time I started this book I got distracted and put it down for awhile. Then I let someone else borrow it and now I am picking it back up again. Anyone care to join me in this read? More information here.

I read this book years ago when I was on a mission trip to Uganda. Being in Africa really brought this story to life even more for me. It's about a child soldier in Sierra Leone. You can find out more about the book and the amazing boy who lived the story here.

Gary Haugan is the president and CEO of International Justice Mission (an organization here in DC that I would love to work for). This was the first overview that I read of modern day slavery. You can find more information and purchase the book at the International Justice Mission website here.

This book gives stories of different individuals who have been caught in the trap of modern day slavery. Each is a story that ends with the redemptive freedom only Jesus can offer. This story also includes questions to help the reader think even deeper into what they are reading (I like that part). More information can be found here.

This story gives a little glimpse of what slavery looks like in our own backyard. It is the story of a girl in California who turns to drugs and prostitution as a means of survival and how she turns her life around. More information about the author and the book here.

This is another book that I have not actually read, but it has been waiting for me on my Amazon wish list for awhile. Harmony Dust is a girl who was once an exotic dancer and who now has a ministry called Treasures, which reaches out to exotic dancers on the west coast. This is the story of how her life was transformed. More information here.

There is a short little list of books that have really touched my heart and challenged me. Feel free to post a comment with any book that you think may need to be added to the list. I love recommendations :-)