This is my second local books round-up of 2026, covering 10 recent books from the Christian community.
As always, there is a wide range of topics. The write-ups are primarily from Amazon and publisher / author sites.
- Dennis Danielson & Christopher M. Graney: A Universe of Earths: Our Planet and Other Worlds, from Copernicus to NASA (Oxford University Press)
Planet Earth has been a familiar concept for a mere fraction of recorded history. Until about the mid-1600s, most humans thought of Earth as immobile, likely either dim or simply invisible from the Moon or anywhere else in the heavens, and not (like the planets) participating in what Galileo called “the dance of the stars.”
A Universe of Earths: Our Planet and Other Worlds, from Copernicus to NASA retraces the exhilarating story of how all that changed, and how we came to perceive the Earth as a ‘wandering star.’
It’s a story that has vastly augmented and enriched our understanding of how Earth and its inhabitants fit into the big picture of the Cosmos.
But almost as soon as humans started to grasp that Earth is a planet, many also began wondering if perhaps the other planets might be earths. This bold conjecture ignited the whole gripping history and literature of space travel, of extraterrestrials, of other worlds.
And yet the thesis that the Universe is full of other worlds like Earth has from the start been fuelled more by imagination than by scientific evidence. For all its appeal, it has consistently been undermined by observations of the actual Universe.
A Universe of Earths offers a surprising alternative to that ‘other worlds’ account, one that releases humans not only from the pre-Copernican view of Earth as low, lowly, dark, a cosmic sump, but also from the persistent modern aspersion of Earth as cosmically ordinary, ‘mediocre,’ ‘dethroned.’
Instead, from Copernicus to the present, we are confronted with the bracing realization that Earth is in the classical sense a star, a dynamically wandering one, and a bright, maybe even peerless participant in the dance of the stars.
Dennis Danielson is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of British Columbia. In addition to four authored books, he has edited The Book of the Cosmos: Imagining the Universe from Heraclitus to Hawking (Perseus Books, 2000) and received the 2011 Konrad Adenauer Research Prize from Germany’s Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Christopher M. Graney is an astronomer and historian of science at the Specola Vaticana (the Vatican’s astronomical observatory) and the Vatican Observatory Foundation. He is the author of four books and numerous scholarly and popular articles on the history of astronomy.
Danielson launched his new book at Trinity Western University February 3; ‘Starring the Earth and the Glory of God’ was co-sponsored by the Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation and TWU’s Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Don Baker: Korean New Religions (Cambridge University Press)
Korea has an unusually diverse religious culture.
In the north, Juche, which has taken on religious overtones, monopolizes articulations of beliefs and values as well as ritual practice. In the south, no single religion dominates, with over half saying that they have no specific religious affiliation.
The remainder report being Protestant, Buddhist and Catholic. Smaller in number but nonetheless noticeable are members of Korea’s many home-grown new religious movements.
Reflecting South Korea’s religious diversity, some of those new religions have Buddhist roots, some have Christian origins, some draw on Confucian beliefs and practices and some have emerged from Indigenous religious traditions such as shamanism.
Korean New Religions examines the most noticeable of Korea’s new religions to discover what they can tell us about distinctive traits of religion in Korea, and how Koreans have responded to the challenge posed by modernity to their traditional beliefs and values.
The contents page reflects the diversity:
- Ch’ŏndogyo: the oldest new religion
- Won Buddhism
- Confucianism and new religions
- Christianity and new religions
- Indigenous gods of the new religions
- Religions and the state
- North Korea and Juche
Don Baker is retiring after 40 years as Professor in Korean History and Civilization at UBC. His Capstone Lecture February 18 on the lives of three brothers – a renowned philosopher, a pioneer biologist and a Catholic Martyr in Chosŏn Korea – marked the event.
He was a co-editor of the Sourcebook of Korean Civilization and editor of Critical Readings on Korean Christianity. He is also author of Chosŏn hugi yugyo wa ch’ǒnjugyo ŭi taerip (The Confucian confrontation with Catholicism in the latter half of the Joseon dynasty), Korean Spirituality and Catholics, Anti-Catholicism in Chosŏn Korea and A Korean Confucian’s Advice on How to be Moral, an annotated translation of a commentary by Tasan Chŏng Yagyong on the Zhongyong.
- Kyla Gillespie: TransFormed: The Power of God’s Word and God’s People in One Woman’s Journey Through Gender Confusion, Reassignment Surgery and Detransitioning (B&H Publishing)
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Kyla is a Canadian-born biological female who realized at a young age that she was drastically different from other girls. The teen years proved particularly difficult as she navigated a broken family, a passion for hockey, taking her first drink and a struggle with gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction – all while wondering what it might mean to follow Christ.
Ultimately, her confusion through gender and sexuality led her to surgically transition from female to male by the age of 31. During the years she changed her name to Brycen, Kyla found herself in even more confusion as she relentlessly grappled with questions many others ask:
- Can I choose my path, and simply include God in it?
- Does God make mistakes?
- Can I follow Christ, and choose my own sexuality and gender?
- Does choosing Jesus make the pain go away?
- What does he expect from me?
- Does God’s original design for gender and sexuality matter in modern times?
In this gripping memoir (TransFormed is due out later this month), Kyla shares her own lived experience of encountering the Scriptures and the Church in ways that made all the difference as she wrestled with these questions.
By the power of Jesus working though his Word and His people who sacrificially walked beside her through the twists and turns of the journey, Kyla now testifies that she’s been TransFormed – not only in her transition from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, but also in the transition back into her God-given gender.
Kyla Gillespie is the founder of Renewed & Transformed Ministries. Her deep desire is to help Christians be better equipped to love the LGBTQ+ community. Kyla is a podcaster and an international speaker inspired to share her own experiences with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria so that others might encounter Christ and experience His power and hope in their lives. She lives in Greater Vancouver, where she is an active member of Gospel City Church.
- Sue Dvorak: Apparently, This is What Parenting Feels Like (GFB Publishing)
This is not a book about how to parent. Instead, this is a book about being one.
In a uniquely fresh and honest voice, Sue Dvorak – herself a mother of six grown children – captures the minute details and full emotional arc of parenthood.
In essays, poetry and vignettes that are at once humorous and heartbreaking, Dvorak brings to life the many stages of parenting along with their accompanying joys and indignities, from babyhood to graduation and beyond, when roles reverse and adult children begin to care for their own aging parents.
Encompassing a full mosaic of the weird, joyous, banal, sickening and hilarious moments of everyday parenting life, Apparently celebrates the wonder of being a parent, growing and learning alongside your children.
Sue Dvorak is Member Vice Chair for Providence Health Care. She graduated from the UBC School of Rehabilitation Medicine in 1987 and working as a physiotherapist in acute care, neurological rehabilitation and geriatrics for 13 years.
She has worked in acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, community home care and long-term care facilities and has been involved in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver in various capacities.
- Jack A. Taylor: Turning West (Word Alive Press)
Turning West concludes the adventures of Ardeshir ben Nabonidus after he, Prince of Persia, runs off with the Han Emperor’s daughter. All Ardeshir wants is peace and truth while proving himself to his father.
He completes his return home only to discover his farm in Persia has burned to the ground, his warrior-sister taken east, his gladiator-father kidnapped by murderous thugs heading west for Rome, and his young wife without shelter for their newborn son.
Meanwhile, the Maji are determined to set him on the throne of Persia so that he can succeed his aunt.
Still uncertain of his skills to handle any of the challenges facing him, Ardeshir must strengthen his faith, courage, allegiances, and strategies to reach beyond himself and choose to face every hardship in succession as soon as possible.
What will become of him as he faces odds too big to manage in a world aligned against him? How can he overcome the impossible when his story feels more than over?
Jack Taylor (PhD) embraces stories that wrestle with the depths of human character while stretching readers’ imagination with historical reality.
After 18 years of international experience, 25 years leading faith communities, 48 years of marriage, years as a credentialed marriage coach and currently shaping leaders from 16 African countries, he has honed his writing skills through 23 books and hundreds of short stories and articles (see jackataylor.com; 1heartcoaching.com and 12tasks.org).
The first book in the Cross Maker series won Best Historical Novel in 2020 and the first book in the Persian Prince trilogy won Best Canadian Manuscript in 2021.
- Vanessa Siemens: 50 States of Grief (published by author)
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50 States of Grief is a deeply personal and poignant memoir that chronicles a journey of loss, healing and self-discovery. Author Vanessa Siemens embarks on an ambitious road trip across all 50 states of the USA following the death of her mother, with whom she shared a love of travel.
Initially intended to mark the end of a season of grief, the trip becomes an exploration of mourning, revealing that grief is not a temporary phase but a lifelong companion.
Through vivid descriptions of landscapes and encounters, Siemens shares her reflections on navigating loss, the unexpected triggers of grief and the complex emotions that accompany mourning.
From the tulip fields of Washington to the canyons of Utah and the swamps of Louisiana, each state serves as a backdrop for personal revelations and moments of profound connection.
The narrative weaves together travelogue with introspective essays, exploring themes of faith, expectations and the search for meaning in the midst of pain.
More than just a travelogue, 50 States of Grief is an honest and vulnerable account of learning to live with loss, finding beauty in unexpected places and discovering that grief, while painful, can also enrich life with depth and understanding.
This book will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss and is seeking a path toward healing and wholeness.
Vanessa Siemens is a writer, tap dancer and road tripper who never thought she’d write a book about grief-until life gave her no other option. Born and based in Canada, she brings a blend of honesty, humour and hope to everything she creates. When she’s not writing in her favorite corner of a coffee shop, she’s likely adventuring with her dog Esmay, planning the next tap performance, or having deep conversations over strong coffee. This is her first book – a love letter to loss, healing and the winding road in between.
Siemens graduated from Trinity Western University; a February 13 article on their site gives more background about her and the book.
- Matthew R.S. Todd: In the Best Interests of the Child: An Adoption Story (Mill Lake Books)
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When Mr. and Mrs. Hopeful applied to adopt their own grandchild, they never imagined the process would be so difficult. This is a story about the obstacles non-indigenous family members face when trying to adopt mixed race children who are members of their own biological families.
In the Best Interests of the Child argues that these obstacles are unjust, causing distress to the families and the children. The issue of familial adoption of mixed heritage children should be looked at very closely because some First Nations bands’ policies block such adoptions that could provide true permanency and care.
People related to the child should not be taken away from the child. This is an area that needs judicial oversight.
Matthew Todd (Bth, Bgs, MTS, MA, DTL, PhD) is an author of books and articles on such cross-cultural topics as immigrant diaspora, cultural assimilation, aesthetics, philosophy and the arts. He is a frequent itinerant speaker and a big band recreational drummer and serves on the board of Climb Intercultural Society.
- Hannah Ratman: Hannah’s Dream: All Saints Church Peshawar Pakistan (published by autho)
Raised in Pakistan by devout Christian parents as a fourth-generation Christian, Hannah grew up witnessing the realities of persecution and poverty that Christians in Pakistan all too often face.
Hannah escaped from Pakistan in 2000, never intending to return, and spent a long time focused on pursuing the comforts of this world and her own ambitions.
But everything changed the day Hannah’s mom left this world. This, as well as a series of devastating events, caused her to begin to seek Almighty God with everything she had.
In her book, Hannah shares the true and supernatural story of her childhood blessings and challenges, her pursuit of the world, her powerful encounter with Jesus, including her baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the subsequent prophetic dream that transformed and shaped her very being and mission.
More than just Hannah’s story and awakening dream, this is for those who are seeking their purpose or feel something is missing spiritually. It is for those who are waiting in the shadows of uncertainty, hoping against hope for answered prayers.
It’s a call to the church at large to encounter the living God, hear His voice, seek His will, and be His hands and feet to the world and to the persecuted church.
May these pages stir something holy in you. May you feel seen, known, and called, because the same God who wrote Hannah’s story and gave her supernatural dreams is the One who is writing your story.
“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born.” – Jeremiah 1:5
Hannah Ratnam is a devout, Spirit-filled Pakistani Christian woman, who is also a wife, and mother and founder of Supernatural Stories Ltd. Production Company. Despite having a permanent disability, Hannah has written an international award-winning script, which has garnered 24 awards, and created a short film that has received 17 international awards.
She is passionate about sharing Biblical truth, prayer and fasting, mentoring others in the faith, creating awareness for and supporting the persecuted church.
- Philip G. Laird: The Ponzo Trap (published by author)
The Ponzo Trap offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of human perception and decision-making. Inspired by the well-known visual illusion.
The book uses the Ponzo metaphor to explore how our minds often misinterpret the world around us – leading to flawed judgments, unconscious biases and distorted thinking. These cognitive traps don’t just shape our individual experiences; they influence relationships, leadership, business, and society at large.
Laird takes readers on a journey through the invisible forces that shape our reality: cognitive distortions, cultural influences and the innate human desire to be ‘right.’
Using relatable examples, thought-provoking insights and practical strategies, this book reveals the hidden biases that imprison our thinking and provides tools to navigate a more objective and balanced perspective.
Whether you’re seeking to make better decisions, improve relationships or understand the subtle ways perception shapes society, The Ponzo Trap is a must-read. It challenges readers to confront their biases and embrace critical thinking to see beyond the illusions of their mental frameworks.
Empower yourself to break free from cognitive traps and build a clearer, more empathetic view of the world.
Philip Laird is Vice President of Innovation, Global and Academic Partnerships, and Chief Innovation Officer at Trinity Western University. He is also a Psychology Professor with a special designation in psychology and the law, combining his expertise in human behaviour, reasoning and the evolving role of technology.
He speaks globally on the human-AI interface and the evolving employment and educational landscape in the Age of AI. He is widely recognized for his insights on the relationship between technology and human cognition, cultural adaptation, and social biases. Over the past 25 years, he has made more than 100 trips to China, building deep connections that shape his perspective on cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration.
- Ron Unruh: Boyhood Sketches: My Boyhood in St. Catharines (published by author)
An illustrated storybook of childhood in St. Catharines. Why not? True stories and drawings that will look and sound familiar to many of you.
Ron has selected the years 1950 to 1954 when he was eight to 12 years of age. Boyhood Sketches is his enjoyable visual account of childhood in St. Catharines.
Ron had no sisters, so yes, the stories are boyish, but he did kiss a couple of girls. Look inside and you’ll agree it’s a storybook for readers who are children at heart. Especially those who came from or are still living in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Ron says:
St. Catharines felt safe in those days and we enjoyed what now seems an uncommon freedom. With our bicycles we roamed the city from end to end, knowing every street and laneway shortcut. Wherever you lived in the city, you enjoyed similar liberties and amusements.
This book is meant to be nothing more and nothing less than pure fun. It’s been a grand treat to draw and to remember the way it was.
My hope is that my writing and my pen and coloured pencil sketches will make you smile, especially if you can see a bit of your own childhood tucked inside these pages. I will be thrilled if you choose to enjoy this with me.
If you are much younger than Ron, perhaps you have parents and grandparents who can recall similar anecdotes of their early years in the Garden City. You might consider this book as a gift for them.
Ron Unruh drives an MX5 sports car often with the soft top down. He and Christine live in Surrey. He has spent a lifetime working with words. He is an artist, a storyteller and a Bible scholar.
As an author, Ron imaginatively fashions fiction for children and adults. He also writes devotional commentaries to encourage the casual reader as well as to inform the studious Bible teacher. He earned Master’s and Doctoral degrees related to his altruistic service to people as their spiritual shepherd.
Go here for links to earlier ‘Local books’ articles.