It’s one of my favorite times of the year again – the season of the “best of…” lists! It’s also when your year in reviews come rolling in from Spotify, Audible, and fitness apps. This year, I even got one from Chick-fil-a. My wife asked if I really ate that many chicken biscuits. (Yep!)
This is also the season for reflection, and for me, that means sharing my top 10 favorite books I read this year. Most of the books weren’t released in 2024, they are just the best of what I read.
Of course, “best” is always subjective. To me, a book earns that title if I’m still thinking about it long after I’ve finished it, or if it presented new information (or familiar ideas) in a memorable way.
Some great books didn’t make this list because the topic isn’t as relevant to a wider audience (i.e. beekeeping or Executive Pastors). But if you are interested in those niche categories the books in the picture above are fantastic!
To save you from counting the books in the picture, I read 36 books this year. Three books a month seems to be a good rhythm for me.
How many books do you read in a month?
I know you could read a book a month, and with a little focus 2 books a month isn’t out of reach. Pick books and topics that interest you. Try Audible.
Not all books are life-changing, but some of them are fuel to keep on the right path — and that’s worthwhile, too.
Hopefully, one of the books below will unlock some new insights to a problem you’ve been facing or inspire you to keep pressing forward.
THE TOP 10
The Apostle by John Pollock
In preparation for a Footsteps of Paul trip, I wanted to dive deeper into the person of Paul. He is a central figure in the New Testament, shaped life in the early church, and wrote the majority of the books of the New Testament.
Because of the way the New Testament is organized it’s not always clear when and how some of the books relate with each other chronologically.
John Pollock does an amazing job weaving together the life of Paul into an engaging biography. If you want to understand Paul and even New Testament background this is a great place to start.
For those wanting to go deeper I recommend N.T. Wright’s Paul. It took me a month to wade through it. Worth the effort, but definitely an investment.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
This book has been everywhere-and for good reason. Haidt compiles compelling research on the link between social media usage and the rise of anxiety, especially in children under 18. He argues convincingly that social media is a key driver of this epidemic and even discusses legal reforms, like Australia’s proposal to set the age of “online adulthood” at 16. If you’re a parent, this might be the most timely and important book you’ll read. The stakes are high, and Haidt equips readers to take actionable steps to protect their children’s emotional health.
A Week in the Life of Rome by James Papandrea
A Week in the Life of a Greco-Roman Woman by Holly Beers
I love this series! If I were a professor, I’d require my undergrad students to read every book in this series. Each book weaves historical, archelogical, and background information into a relatable story making the New Testament come alive. In last year’s list, I recommended a couple from the series. This year I read 4 more and these 2 were exceptional.
Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
We all like to think we see the world clearly. We all think we understand why we do things and why others don’t. But what if that certainty is clouding our judgement? What other things are keeping us from thinking clearly? Parrish packs in the wisdom. I highlighted something on every page. A must read if you’re a leader.
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy
Sometimes, the problem isn’t figuring out how to solve something—it’s finding the right who to help. Sullivan flips the conventional approach to problem-solving, encouraging readers to focus on relationships and delegation instead of going it alone. With limited time and energy, this mindset is game-changing.
Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
I was skeptical at first, thinking this would rehash time-management advice I’d already heard. While some of it was familiar, it was exactly what I needed to get back on track. This is one of Hyatt’s best books, consolidating modern time-management wisdom into a practical, encouraging guide.
Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp
If you’re a pastor, read this book next. No excuses. It’s equally valuable for church members, offering a candid look at the challenges pastors face and the importance of healthy leadership.
Right Color Wrong Culture by Bryan Loritts
Presented as a leadership fable, this book unpacks the complexities of building a multicultural church. Loritts explores how cultural factors—beyond race—shape dynamics within organizations. It’s a highly engaging read with plenty of “aha” moments.
Weep with Me by Mark Vroegop
During a pastoral trip tracing the footsteps of Paul, I met a fellow pastor researching racial reconciliation for his doctoral work. When I asked for his most helpful resource, he recommended this book. I can see why—it’s profound, practical, and deeply moving.
Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
Known for The Psychology of Money (one of my top reads in 2021), Housel returns with this fascinating exploration of what never changes. One standout insight: With 8 billion people on Earth, events with a 1-in-a-million chance happen 8,000 times a day. Rare events aren’t as rare as they seem—especially with 24-hour news cycles.
BONUS READS:
Trust by Henry Cloud
Every book by Cloud includes at least one chapter worth the price of admission, and this one is no exception. It’s all about knowing when to give trust, when to withhold it, and how to rebuild it when it’s broken.
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
This book was everywhere this year. It’s a behind-the-scenes look into the world of fine dining, something I previously knew nothing about (remember my Chick-fil-a app). I didn’t necessarily find it groundbreaking (like The Power of Moments), just encouraging. I wish more places practiced basic hospitality. If you lead something hopefully this book will cause you to ask how can you care for your customers better. We could use a lot more hospitality in our world.
Rescuing Ambition by Dave Harvey
A pastor friend gave me this book several years ago and I finally got around to reading it. The author examines the question is it wrong for a Christian to be ambition? Harvey explores the nuances of ambition—what’s harmful, what glorifies God, and how to channel it effectively. This devotional-style book even had me laughing out loud at times.
Which one of these books interests you the most? My prayer for you in 2025 is for growth, answered prayers, and a deeper sense of God’s calling on your life. Shine bright like a star, pointing people to Him!
