The ultimate summer read for busy souls: ‘Theology of Home III: At the Sea’

For those navigating busy seasons of life this summer, true leisure can feel entirely out of reach. We don’t always have the luxury of sitting uninterrupted for hours with a good book. That’s why Theology of Home III: At the Sea by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering is the perfect summer read.

Though published a few years ago, it is a beautiful and timeless literary sanctuary designed for anyone, in any season of life, with any time span available. 

You don’t need a massive block of free time to enjoy this reflection on life by the water; it’s a book meant to be savored in the fragmented corners of your day.

From classical horizons to the kitchen table

Whether you live directly on the coast, or spend your summer far from the water, this third installation of the Theology of Home series speaks to a universal human experience: water. Water is shared by all of us — from the outpouring of Baptism to a passing backyard sunshower, the lull of ocean waves, or a creek’s quiet murmur. Water presents a universal paradox: It is calming, yet powerful; it cleanses, but can be outside our control.

Filled with inspiring text and gorgeous photo illustrations, this book deserves to be displayed, but stretches beyond your ordinary coffee table book. Packed into a mere 128 pages is a rich voyage through great literature, Scripture, philosophy, poetry, and everyday domestic anecdotes. Every page offers a wonderful, bite-size thought to chew on, inviting a moment of wonder, meditation, and delight into daily life.

Gress and Mering weave a lovely capsule of the classics into modern discussions of life by the water, evoking everything from Homer to Shakespeare to Hemingway. From deep dives into why we love family beach trips to how the ocean inspired the work of Jane Austen to a wonderful exploration of coastal cuisine and why food and nostalgia are forever tied together, this book has something for any soul.  

There is also a beautiful, grounding undercurrent of faith and reason flowing throughout the text, exploring the relationship between Jesus and water: His Baptism in the Jordan, walking on the waves, saying “I thirst” on the cross. It also includes mysteries of womanhood and the importance of memory. 

Built for beautiful, fragmented moments

I‘ve read this book a few times over now, and always in pieces. I find myself simply opening to a random page to enjoy a single excerpt while naptrapped with my baby, or in between meal prepping.

This book also doubles as the perfect coffee table or kitchen shelf fixture, attracting everyone who walks through the room. My little ones love it too and frequently ask to see “the beach book.” 

The photo illustrations, captured by commercial photographer Kim Baile, are absolutely stunning. In an Instagram world full of hyper-curated, artificial perfection, these images feel raw, natural, and beautifully life-like. Delightful family picnic spreads and pictures of beautiful nautical themed home decor provide plenty of inspiration to incorporate into your own coastal home or plans.

Embracing the beautiful mess of shoreline living

Living on the East Coast shoreline, just minutes away from shell-filled beaches, blue waters, and crashing waves, this book holds a special place in my heart. 

The final chapter, where one of the authors recounts living in a sleepy beach town and mastering the art of making the beach a temporary summer home, feels deeply personal. It reminds us that sea-life is for everyone. The frequent boredom and restless bouts of children dissolve instantly at the shore. For us adults, it forces a necessary surrender that the authors describe as: “The sea waves slap and throw and lift us in ways that pull us from our sense of control.”

In our fast, modern, and sanitized world we are often so far removed from nature. The sea is a small glimpse of the beatific vision, and our souls are naturally drawn to it.

Your next steps

Whether you live in a bustling beach town, are packing bags for a summer getaway, or simply want to dream about the ocean on your back porch, this is the book for you. It is a wonderful, poetic reminder that periods of slow living are essential and there’s no better time to start than right now.