You’ve probably seen her on your Instagram feed or heard a clip of her speaking at a conference. Jackie Hill Perry doesn't really do "fluff." She’s a poet, a rapper, and a teacher who writes like she’s trying to wake you up from a very deep sleep. When you pick up Jackie Hill Perry books, you aren't getting a cozy devotional that tells you to just "follow your heart."
In fact, she’d probably tell you that your heart is the last thing you should follow.
Honestly, her writing style is a lot like her spoken word: rhythmic, punchy, and occasionally a little bit scary in its bluntness. She has this way of taking massive, dusty theological concepts—things like "holiness" or "sovereignty"—and making them feel as urgent as a house fire. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious why everyone in your small group is carrying a copy of Holier Than Thou, here is the real deal on her work.
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The Memoir That Started Everything: Gay Girl, Good God
If you want to understand the hype, you have to start with Gay Girl, Good God. Released in 2018, this book basically exploded in the Christian publishing world.
It’s a memoir, but it’s not a "how-to" guide on changing your orientation. That’s a huge misconception people have before they read it. Jackie is very clear: God didn't call her to be "straight"; He called her to Himself. She tracks her life from childhood trauma and gender confusion to fully embracing a lesbian identity, and then the "disruption" (her word) of God entering her life at age 19.
The prose is dense. It’s poetic.
"I know now what I didn't know then. God was not calling me to be straight; He was calling me to Himself."
One of the most striking parts of the book is how she describes her conversion. It wasn't some emotional altar call at a mega-church. It was a quiet, almost surgical realization in her bedroom that she was her own god and that her god was failing her. She talks about the "white-knuckle" struggle of surrendering her desires, and she’s refreshingly honest about the fact that temptation doesn't just vanish because you prayed a prayer.
Holier Than Thou: Making Theology Feel Human
After the memoir, people expected another personal story. Instead, she dropped Holier Than Thou in 2021.
This book is a bit of a pivot. It’s less about her and more about the character of God. The central argument is pretty simple but kind of mind-bending: we don't trust God because we don't realize He’s actually holy.
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In our heads, "holy" usually means "boring" or "mean." Jackie flips that. She argues that because God is holy, He cannot sin against you. He can't lie. He can't be unfaithful. Therefore, His holiness is actually the only reason we can feel safe with Him.
It’s a weirdly comforting book for something that tackles such a heavy topic. She uses a lot of "street-level" metaphors to explain things that usually require a PhD. If you've ever felt like the Bible is too academic or removed from your daily stress, this is the one to grab.
Upon Waking: For People Who Hate Morning Devotionals
In late 2023, she released Upon Waking. It’s a 60-day devotional, but don't expect "Live, Laugh, Love" vibes.
Each entry is short—usually just a couple of pages—but they’re designed to be a "spiritual espresso shot." The idea is that the first thing we do when we wake up is usually check our phones, which immediately fills our heads with anxiety, comparison, and noise.
Jackie wants to hijack those first few minutes.
The entries cover everything from identity to the "pseudo-freedom" of living for yourself. It’s probably her most accessible book if you’re short on time. It feels like a conversation with a friend who loves you enough to tell you that you’re being dramatic.
Bible Studies and Collaborations
Beyond her standalone books, Jackie has moved heavily into the "Bible Study" space. These are usually more structured and meant for groups.
- Jude: Contending for the Faith: This is a 7-session study. Jude is a tiny book in the Bible that most people skip, but Jackie obsesses over it because it’s about staying true to the gospel when everything else is shifting.
- When You Pray: She collaborated with other teachers like Kelly Minter and Jen Wilkin for this one. It’s a deep look at different prayers in the Bible.
- Ephesians: Another collaboration, this time with Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger.
Why Her Writing Ranks So Well (and Stays Relevant)
There is a reason Jackie Hill Perry stays at the top of the charts. She occupies a space that a lot of Christian authors are afraid of: the middle ground between "judgmental" and "anything goes."
She doesn't shy away from traditional biblical views that are culturally unpopular. That gets her a lot of heat. But at the same time, she’s incredibly critical of "legalism"—the idea that you can earn God's love by being a "good person."
She writes for the person who is tired of religious performance.
What most people get wrong about her books
A lot of people think her books are just for "people struggling with SSA" (Same-Sex Attraction). That’s a mistake. While Gay Girl, Good God obviously hits that head-on, her core message is always about unbelief.
She argues that every sin—whether it's greed, pride, or sexual sin—comes from the same root: we don't actually believe God is better than the thing we want. When you read her work through that lens, it becomes a mirror for everyone, regardless of their background.
Practical Steps for Reading Jackie Hill Perry
If you’re ready to dive in, don’t just buy everything at once. You’ll get overwhelmed. The writing is heavy on imagery and metaphors; you have to chew on it slowly.
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- Start with the Memoir: Read Gay Girl, Good God first. It gives you the "why" behind her voice. It’s the foundation for everything else she says.
- Listen to the Audiobooks: Seriously. Since she’s a poet and performer, hearing her read her own work adds a layer of rhythm that you might miss on the page.
- Use the Devotional for Consistency: If you struggle to stay engaged with spiritual reading, keep Upon Waking on your nightstand. It’s the lowest barrier to entry.
- Check out "With The Perrys": If a book feels too dense, her podcast with her husband, Preston Perry, covers many of the same themes in a much more casual, "living room" setting.
Jackie Hill Perry isn't trying to be your favorite author; she’s trying to point you toward the Bible. Her books are essentially "on-ramps." They’re designed to make you realize that the God of the universe is far more interesting, terrifying, and beautiful than you probably thought on Sunday morning.
Pick up a copy, find a highlighter, and prepare to be challenged. It might be uncomfortable, but honestly, the best growth usually is.
Next Steps for Your Reading Journey:
To get the most out of these books, I recommend starting with the Gay Girl, Good God audiobook to hear the cadence of her testimony, then moving into Holier Than Thou with a physical copy so you can underline the more complex theological arguments.