"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies," Fantasy novelist George R. R. Martin once said. CS Lewis agreed, “Those of us who have been true readers all our life seldom fully realise the enormous extension of our being which we owe to authors. We realise it best when we talk with an unliterary friend. He may be full of goodness and good sense but he inhabits a tiny world. In it, we should be suffocated. The man who is contented to be only himself, and therefore less a self, is in prison. My own eyes are not enough for me, I will see through those of others. Reality, even seen through the eyes of many, is not enough. I will see what others have invented.”
In the age of social media, it’s easy to fill our days with words. But how many of them are lasting? How many will challenge and sharpen us? An intelligent author has the ability to make us not just cleverer, but wiser.
I am on track to read around 115 books this year (I’ve read 105 as I pen this). Here were some of my favorite books of 2025. I hope you try some of them out in 2026! What were your favorite books you read this year? You can find all the books I read with full reviews over at Goodreads.
My favorite fiction book
The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson.
I read a lot of Sanderson this year, including all of the books in his fantasy universe that is the backdrop of the Stormlight Archive: the Cosmere. I enjoy most of what Sanderson writes, although his weakness is that, to Sanderson, every character is a central character. For that reason, I actually tend to prefer his stand alone novellas. The Sunlit Man takes place on the planet Canticle, where you must keep moving to escape the fires of sunrise that melt the landscape. Nomad is a memorable protagonist in a well-paced and tightly woven narrative.
My favorite non-fiction book
Alchemy by Rory Sutherland.
I didn’t expect to like this book, much less name it my favorite non-fiction book of the year. Sutherland is an advertising executive who argues that we tend to persuade using the wrong tools. He argues that instead of depending on logic, we need to lean into psycho-logic. The problem with logic is that it isn’t how humans operate and often overly simplifies how we make decisions. Filled with scientific research and lots of intriguing stories, I found Alchemy thought provoking and enjoyable from start to finish.
My favorite Christian books
What it Means to Be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund
I only read "What it Means to Be Protestant" because I appreciate Ortlund so much. The Protestant-Roman Catholic-Orthodox debate is something I was drawn to in my earlier years, but wasn't particularly interested to rehash what felt like a topic that was in my rear view mirror. I was so glad I did.
What it Means to Be Protestant is punchy, clear, and irenic. Ortlund believes that contra the closed handed position of Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, the charitable approach in Protestantism is its greatest asset. Ortlund argues, “This is the single greatest contribution of Protestantism to the Christian church: its insight into the gracious heart of God revealed in the gospel, by which God offers to us as a free gift the righteousness we cannot attain through our own efforts."
Ortlund makes convincing arguments that the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches (especially the latter) added accretions to the gospel that are hindrances to the faith including particularly strong arguments against the papacy and icons. While Ortlund's project could be much broader in scope, he does well to not bog down. The book moves along at a quick and digestible clip. Even if doctrinal debates in this arena aren't a natural interest to you, I encourage you to pick up Ortlund's book. I think you'll find the book edifying.
Remaking the World by Andrew Wilson
Wilson’s retelling of the pivotal year 1776 through multiple lenses makes the case that there is nothing in our contemporary western world that cannot find its roots in 1776: from political to religious ideologies to industrialization and art. It’s a fascinating and compelling retelling of a year you are sure to look at differently after Wilson’s book. More importantly, Wilson teaches us how to dissect contemporary thought movements and recognize the debt the western world owes to Christendom.
Notable fiction
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: A story of sisterhood. “One of the best loved books of all time.”
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac: “This deeply affecting novel honors all the young men who dared to serve in World War II, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians.”
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell: “The first installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England.”
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell: “The second installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England.”
Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton: published posthumously, Crichton shares a fictionalized account of a true story set in “the Wild West during the golden age of fossil hunting.”
Trust by Hernan Diaz: “At once an immersive story and a brilliant literary puzzle, Trust engages the reader in a quest for the truth while confronting the deceptions that often live at the heart of personal relationships, the reality-warping force of capital, and the ease with which power can manipulate facts.”
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandrew Dumas: “An epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment”
James by Percival Everett: “A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.”
The River by Peter Heller: “The story of two college students on a wilderness canoe trip—a gripping tale of a friendship tested by fire, white water, and violence.”
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters: “A four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a mystery that will haunt the survivors, unravel a family, and remain unsolved for nearly fifty years.”
A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean: “The finely distilled product of a long life of often surprising rapture—for fly-fishing, for the woods, for the interlocked beauty of life and art—A River Runs through It has established itself as a classic of the American West.”
Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio
Stormlight Archive (and additional novellas) by Brandon Sanderson: “Welcome to the remarkable world of Roshar, a world both alien and magical, where gigantic hurricane-like storms scour the surface every few days and life has adapted accordingly. Roshar is shared by humans and the enigmatic, humanoid Parshendi, with whom they are at war.”
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson: “For everyone who loved The Princess Bride.”
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese: “From the author of The Covenant of Water: An enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and patients, exile and home.”
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnson: “A zany case of mistaken identity allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family in this warm, life-affirming debut novel.”
Notable non-fiction
Framed by John Grisham and Jim McClosky: “’The master of the legal thriller’ (Associated Press) teams up with ‘the godfather of the innocence movement’ (Texas Monthly) to share ten harrowing true stories of wrongful convictions.”
No More Tears by Gardiner Harris: “An explosive, deeply reported exposé of Johnson & Johnson, one of America’s oldest and most trusted pharmaceutical companies—from an award-winning investigative journalist.”
What Happened to You? By Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey: “Our earliest experiences shape our lives far down the road, and What Happened to You? provides powerful scientific and emotional insights into the behavioral patterns so many of us struggle to understand.”
We Who Wrestle with God by Jordan Peterson: “In We Who Wrestle with God, Dr. Peterson guides us through the ancient, foundational stories of the Western world. In riveting detail, he analyzes the Biblical accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering, and triumph that stabilize, inspire, and unite us culturally and psychologically.”
Notable Christian
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton: “Ruth Haley Barton invites spiritual leaders into an honest exploration of what happens when they lose track of their souls.”
The Spiritual Journey (3 book series) by David Benner: “In our self-reliant era, most of us recoil from the concept of surrendering to a power or authority outside ourselves. But surrender need not be seen as threatening, especially when the One to whom we surrender is the epitome of goodness and love.”
A Heart Aflame for God by Matthew Bingham: “Scripture beckons Christians toward obedience and maturity, but many modern approaches to spiritual formation are less than biblical. In A Heart Aflame for God, Matthew C. Bingham studies God-ordained spiritual practices modeled by the 16th- and 17th-century Reformers.”
The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers: “Thomas Chalmers inspires Christians to remove the snares and tangles of sin―not through legalistic obedience but through the power of a new and greater affection for God.”
Managing Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss: “In Managing Leadership Anxiety, pastor and spiritual growth expert Steve Cuss offers powerful tools to help you move from being managed by anxiety to managing anxiety.”
Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused by Brad Hambrick, ed.: “This handbook seeks to help the church take a significant step forward in its care for those who have been abused.”
Demons by Michael Heiser: “In Demons, Michael Heiser debunks popular presuppositions about the very real powers of darkness. Rather than traditions, stories, speculations, or myths, Demons is grounded in what ancient people of both the Old and New Testament eras believed about evil spiritual forces and in what the Bible actually says.”
Timothy Keller by Collin Hansen: “The untold story of the people, the books, the lectures, and ultimately the God who formed and shaped the life of the late Timothy Keller.”
Putting Amazing Back into Grace by Michael Scott Horton: “This classic reminds readers of the Reformation's radical view of God and his saving grace, the liberating yet humbling truth that we contribute nothing to our salvation. It lays out the scriptural basis for this doctrine and its implications for a vibrant evangelical faith.”
Tactics by Gregory Koukl: “In a culture increasingly indifferent or even hostile to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority.”
Historical Theology by Alister McGrath: “Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this authoritative yet accessible textbook introduces the major theological movements, key ideas, and individual theologians of the Patristic Period, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Reformation and Post-Reformation, and the Modern Era up to the present day.”
The Gospel in a Pluralist Society by Lesslie Newbigin: “ A highly respected Christian leader and ecumenical figure, Newbigin provides a brilliant analysis of contemporary (secular, humanist, pluralist) culture and suggests how Christians can more confidently affirm their faith in such a context.”
The Art of Disagreeing by Gavin Ortlund: “In this positive and practical book, Gavin Ortlund looks to the Scriptures to discover a way in which to disagree with others that leads to greater understanding, peace, and love—and that shows a watching world something of Jesus.”
Finding the Right Hills to Die on by Gavin Ortlund: “Gavin Ortlund implores us to cultivate humility as we prioritize doctrine into four ranks―essential, urgent, important, and unimportant―so that we will be as effective as possible at advancing the gospel in our time.”
Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart by Russ Ramsey: “Beyond a mere introduction to great art, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart is about loving to learn what art has to teach us about the wonder and struggle of being alive.”
The Good Steward by Tim and Roy Russell: “With a fresh take on Biblical stewardship, it unveils the true role of money: a resource God entrusts to us for our intentional, purposeful management.”
The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero: “In The Emotionally Healthy Leader, bestselling author Peter Scazzero shows leaders how to develop a deep, inner life with Christ, examining its profound implications for surviving stress, planning and decision making, building teams, creating healthy culture, influencing others, and much more.”
Male and Female God Created Them by Rubel Shelly: “In a time when a growing number of authors are working to rewrite biblical truths to suit the cultural moment, Shelly has written a thoroughly researched work directly addressing what Scripture says, and doesn't say, about LGBTQ issues.”
How to Inhabit Time by James K.A. Smith: “Popular speaker and award-winning author James K. A. Smith explains that we must reckon with the past in order to discern the present and have hope for the future. Integrating popular culture, biblical exposition, and meditation, he helps us develop a sense of "temporal awareness" that is attuned to the texture of history, the vicissitudes of life, and the tempo of the Spirit.”
The Cross of Christ by John Stott: "’I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross… In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?’ With compelling honesty John Stott confronts readers with the centrality of the cross in God's redemption of our pain-filled world.”
The Soul of Desire by Curt Thompson: “We are people of desire. In The Soul of Desire, psychiatrist Curt Thompson suggests that underneath all our longings is the desire to be known—and what's more, that this fundamental yearning manifests itself in our deep need to make things of beauty, revealing who we are to others. Desire and beauty go hand in hand.”
The Spirit of Justice by Jemar Tisby: “The Spirit of Justice reveals the stories of the people who fought against racism and agitated for justice—and what we can learn from their example, their suffering, their methods, and their hope.”
Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren: “Tish Harrison Warren, author of Liturgy of the Ordinary, explores themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God's seeming absence.”
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard: “Helping us to understand how character is formed and where Jesus does his most significant work on our spiritual and emotional health, this book changed a generation’s mind about what it means to follow Jesus―not a matter of sin management but a matter of drawing near and letting ourselves be shaped into the eternal people of God.”
The Storied Life by Jared Wilson: “In The Storied Life, veteran author Jared C. Wilson explores the ins and outs of writers and writing, exploring the myriad ways the craft is more about transformation than simply communication.”
Jesus and the Powers by NT Wright and Michael Bird: “In Jesus and the Powers, N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird call Christians everywhere to discern the nature of Christian witness in fractured political environments.”
Make Sense of Your Story by Adam Young: “Adam Young teaches you how to explore your personal story--to understand how your past experiences have shaped your brain, allowing you to make sense of why your present day-to-day life looks and feels the way it does.”
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