In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s shocking and tragic death and other chaos in the world, a remarkable phenomenon is taking place. As a nation collectively grieves and searches for answers, millions are turning to a source of timeless hope: the Bible.
The numbers are staggering. In September alone, 2.4 million Bibles were sold. That’s a 36% jump over the same time in 2024 and the most of any single month so far this year, according to book tracker Circana BookScan.
This isn’t just a sudden spike. This trend has been building. Bible sales were already up 11% this year, and we’ve seen a steady rise over the last few years, particularly among young Americans aged 18 to 34.
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After Charlie’s death and memorial service, a wave of people went viral, sharing stories of attending church for the first time or ordering their very first Bible. Charlie often talked about following Jesus as the single most important thing a person can do in life, placing it far above politics and other worldly passions.
That message is clearly resonating.
A perfect example of this is my friend, Destiny Albritton, who has built a community of 1.2 million followers on TikTok by reading the Bible daily. She told me:
“My Bible readings help this generation realize that God is not far from us and His word is for us! When we read the Bible we hear directly from Him and His words are living, powerful and practical to help us live better lives. The Bible’s wisdom is timeless and people are waking up to that.”
If you’re one of the millions of people who have recently felt a pull to explore the Bible, you might be asking: “Where do I even begin?”
It can be an intimidating book. As someone who reads it daily, I wanted to offer a few practical tips and recommendations to help you start your journey.
Editor’s note: I use affiliate links and receive a commission for purchases made through these links and would appreciate if you use my promo codes. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A Beginner’s Guide: My Go-To Bible Recommendations
You don’t have to start at Genesis, page one. The best way to start is by learning about the life and message of Jesus.
1. For the First-Time Reader: The Gospel of John
If you only do one thing, start here. The Book of John is one of the four biographies of Jesus in the New Testament. It’s a profound and accessible place to understand who Jesus is and what he taught.
My Recommendation: The Gospel of John from Alabaster Co.
Why I Love It: Alabaster is a great business that sought to make the Bible beautiful and accessible for the Instagram generation. This version is thoughtfully designed with beautiful imagery and is a perfect coffee table book. In fact, any of their products are a fantastic way to engage with the text.
2. For the Serious Student: ESV Study Bible
Once you’ve started reading, you’re going to have questions. A good study Bible is the single best tool for finding answers. It provides historical context, theological notes, maps, and explanations for difficult passages.
My Recommendation: The ESV Study Bible
Why I Love It: This is my personal go-to for in-depth study at home. My mom got this for me, and I use it all the time. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for your faith journey for years to come.
3. For the Believer on the Go: Compact NIV Bible
You’ll want a Bible you can take with you—to a coffee shop, to work, or on your commute. A study Bible is too big, but a compact “thinline” Bible is perfect.
My Recommendation: This Compact NIV Bible
Why I Love It: It’s small, durable, and fits anywhere. The New International Version (NIV) is a very readable, modern translation, making it great for daily reading.
My Most Important Advice: Don’t Do It Alone
A book is a great start, but faith is meant to be lived in community. Reading the Bible is a vital part of the Christian faith, but it’s not the only part. If you truly want to grow, here are the most important next steps:
- Find a Reading Plan: If you want to read the entire Bible, find a plan that incorporates readings from both the Old and New Testaments each day. This keeps the reading from getting “stuck” in some of the more difficult sections.
- Join a Bible Study: Find a local church and join a small group or Bible study. Hearing others’ questions and insights is one of the fastest ways to grow.
- Find a Mentor: This is crucial. Find someone who has been a believer longer than you—a pastor, an elder, or just a mature Christian—who can disciple you. This means they can answer your personal questions and guide you along in your faith journey.
This is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself and for those around you. If you have any other questions at all, please feel free to send me a message. I’d be honored to help.
Caleb Parke is an independent journalist. Follow him on X, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.
