Barton, Bernadette. PRAY THE GAY AWAY: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES OF BIBLE BELT GAYS. New York: New York University Press, 2012 (273 pages, $20.59).

Harsh realities are brought to light in this in-depth look at the experiences of gay and lesbian individuals living in the Bible Belt. Accounts of toxic closets, family rejection, ex-gay ministries, and eventual self-acceptance are compelling and moving. A welcome resource for those wanting to be in solidarity with “Bible Belt Gays.”

Bolz-Weber, Nadia. PASTRIX: THE CRANKY, BEAUTIFUL FAITH OF A SINNER & SAINT. New York, N.Y: Jericho Books, 2013 (206 pages, $16.00).

This page turner from a former stand-up comic and recovering alcoholic turned Lutheran pastor will have readers laughing out loud as well as sympathizing with the band of believers with whom the author communes. An accurate reflection of someone who yearns to live the message of inclusiveness and social justice in today’s rough and tumble world.

Coleman, Monica A., editor. AIN’T I A WOMANIST TOO? THIRD WAVE WOMANIST RELIGIOUS THOUGHT. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2013 (229 pages, $24).

Dr. Coleman brings a wide variety of scholars together in this collection of perspectives on contemporary womanism and womanist religious thought. Topics range from polygyny in African American Muslim marriages to “liminality in black queer bodies.” A critical read for understanding the polyvocal, widely inclusive, intersectional, and empowering nature of third-wave womanism.

Crumpton, Jennifer D. FEMMEVANGELICAL: THE MODERN GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE GOOD NEWS. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2015 (163 pages, $29.99).

A compelling narrative that challenges readers to reexamine their own faith background. Crumpton’s unique title shows that the combination of feminism and evangelical faith can be a valuable tool for those seeking guidance to claim their religious identity through a feminist lens. Reflects a contemporary cultural ethos but instructive for all.

Fubara-Manuel, Jessie. GIVER OF LIFE, HEAR OUR CRIES. Geneva: World Council of Churches Publications, 2014 (100 pages, $7.00).

Lives of many African women are not easy. This modest text tells a powerful story of how women are stereotyped and oppressed, and how they overcome it. A good short book for congregations or study groups that are new to such topics but want to see what they can do to help.

Hidayatullah, Aysha A. Feminist Edges of the Qur’an. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014 (259 pages, $22.82).

What happens when feminist claims to gender equality run aground of certain traditional interpretations of the Qur’an? Aysha A. Hidayatullah consolidates many years of feminist Quranic exegesis then tackles this question by offering her own compassionate critique and reassessment of the exegetical path towards gender equality. All interested in feminist re-interpretation of sacred texts will benefit from this exploration of gender in the Qur’an.

Hong, Christine J. IDENTITY, YOUTH, AND GENDER IN THE KOREAN AMERICAN CHURCH. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015 (152 pages, $58.11).

Korean American girls in mainline Protestant churches have many challenges when it comes to forming their identities. This careful study shows the value of intergenerational sharing as a strategy for healthy, positive self and community images. A must read for congregations that include this population, but also helpful as a model for many groups negotiating dual identities.

Isasi-Diaz, Ada Maria and Eduardo Mendieta, editors. DECOLONIZING EPISTEMOLOGIES: LATINA/O THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY. New York: Fordham University Press, 2012 (264 pages, $30).

This collection forces readers to view theology and philosophy outside of the dominant Western, white, imperial lens and through the eyes of oft-overlooked Latina/o persons in the US. Feminist and mujerista works by Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, Maria Lugones, and Mayra Rivera Rivera are of special interest to WATER. An important read for those pursuing egalitarian approaches to justice and ethics.

Jagessar, Michael. ETHNICITY: THE INCLUSIVE CHURCH RESOURCE. London: Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2015 (112 pages, $8.29).

Complex issues are made accessible in this introductory text. Biblically based and sensitively done so as not to indict, but clear and strong on the imperative of inclusion. A good jumping off point for congregational discussion.

Johnson, Elizabeth A. ASK THE BEASTS: DARWIN AND THE GOD OF LOVE. London: Bloomsbury, 2014 (323 pages, $25.93).

A biblically inspired book that weaves together the life and work of Charles Darwin with the theology of Creation and Christian ethical insight. The work of the Spirit is continually creating. Dr. Johnson challenges readers to reject the dominion paradigm and engage in solidarity with creatures and nature.

Johnson, Erica L. and Patricia Moran, editors. THE FEMALE FACE OF SHAME. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2013 (268 pages, $26.00).

A collection of insightful articles centered on the feminization of shame, this anthology explores bodily, familial, and national shame as it relates to women across the world. A good read for understanding how female shame becomes ingrained socially and personally through literature and cultural paradigms.

Lain-Priestley, Rosemary and Grayson Perry. GENDER: THE INCLUSIVE CHURCH RESOURCE. London: Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2015 (136 pages, $8.29).

A helpful primer for congregations that seek greater inclusion. This book covers the basics and invites people to use biblical resources to achieve this goal. Great for groups just getting started on the journey to equality.

Messina-Dysert, Gina, Amy Levin, and Jennifer Zobair, editors. FAITHFULLY FEMINIST: JEWISH, CHRISTIAN, & MUSLIM FEMINISTS ON WHY WE STAY.

Ashland, OR: White Cloud Press, 2015 (281 pages, $17.95).

A powerfully convincing read for the skeptic who doubts whether “faith and feminism” can move beyond an oxymoron. The editors bring together honest stories of struggle and triumph. Forty-five courageous women with dual identities as feminists and religious adherents demonstrate how to live the would-be contradiction with grace.

Redmond, Marybeth Christie and Sarah W. Bartlett, editors. HEAR ME, SEE ME: INCARCERATED WOMEN WRITE. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2013 (237 pages, $25.00).

Experiences and reflections of pain, separation, regret, lessons learned, and shared humanity surface in this intimate collection of poetry and prose. The editors, who offer a writing class for women inside, provide a frame so that those who are incarcerated can speak with their own, often silenced, voices. This inspiring collection provides sources of insight and prayer by women walled in by the unjust system of U.S. incarceration.

Sanders, Annemarie, editor. TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP: CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2015, (207 pages, $20).

Skillfully conducted interviews with religious leaders shine light on what it takes to exercise “transformational leadership” in challenging times. The focus is on Catholic sisters but those interviewed represent a wider spectrum with even broader implications evident in the conclusions.

Schaper, Donna and Carole Ann Camp. LABYRINTHS FROM THE OUTSIDE IN: WALKING TO SPIRITUAL INSIGHT- A BEGINNER’S GUIDE, 2nd Edition. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2013 (190 pages, $10.46).

A great way to get started on a walk that may change your life. Instructions, insights, and invitations abound in this practical volume. Resources include where to find labyrinths and how to make your own. Pray while walking as people have done for centuries.