Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

This was my most thought-provoking read of the year. I even wrote an article on one of the quotes.

“This Helper who will, in the long run, be satisfied with nothing less than absolute perfection, will also be delighted with the first feeble, stumbling effort you make tomorrow to do the simplest duty.”

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Have you ever finished a book and wept because of…oh, so many things. How beautiful the words and themes were, the way it revealed human nature, the fact that it was over, etc. Written in 1948, this novel “follows a black village priest and a white farmer who must deal with news of a murder.” (source) Words cannot fully express how deeply I loved this book. The phrases Paton uses are simply stated, yet they cut to the heart with their poignancy. It deals with incredibly difficult and heavy topics, but in a relatable and hopeful way. This is the sort of author I want to be.

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

10+ years ago, I had just begun this audiobook during a drive when I saw a blue light special behind me. I know the two things have nothing to do with each other, but I’ve always associated this title with that moment, and never wanted to finish it. But this year, my Mom lent me her copy of Choosing Gratitiude, and I’m so glad I read it because the Lord had a lot of good and necessary messages for me. Three of them are below:

“If I fail to choose gratitude, by default, I choose ingratitude.”

“The “burden” of my workload is lightened when I approach it as a high and holy calling, a gift to be received with gratitude.“

Tim Keller on the Christian Life by Matt Smethurst

I’ve long benefited from Tim Keller’s ministry, and two books (either by or about him) appeared on my list of favorite books read in 2024.

This book is a compilation of Keller’s teachings and writings culled from his decades of ministry. Two of my favorite chapters were those on work and death.

“The way I handle imminent death is by fighting my sin and pursuing deeper communion with God.”

“When you stop trying to manufacture heaven, it actually enhances earthly joys.”

The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson

I added this title to my list for 2025 because I saw it on multiple lists from 2024. I loved these meditations on the Lord’s character as our Shepherd, Companion, and Host from one of the most beloved Psalms.

“Having someone with you in the dark is all that matters, isn’t it?”

Upon Waking by Jackie Hill Perry

I’m not normally a devotional fan, but when I found Upon Waking at a yard sale, I decided to add it to my morning readings through the Old Testament, and it was perfect. Thought-provoking, worshipful, and convicting, this book was a great addition to my times of Bible study and prayer.

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

This satirical title follows the writings of an elder demon (Screwtape) advising his nephew (Wormwood) about the best way to tempt Christians. It’s quite humorous in places (especially the description of the church), but also incredibly convicting. This book reinvigorated my prayer life.

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

The plot is engaging, and the turns of phrase are absolutely delightful. Like this remark from a woman to a suitor she deems beneath her: “Kiss my foot, sir. My face is for mouths of consequence.” I consumed this title via this audiobook.

Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane Ortlund

Deeper is a close look at the process of sanctification, or, how believers change to be more like Jesus. Ortlund breaks it down into small sections and then delves deep into them. My most marked chapter is the one on pain.

“Through the pain of disappointment and frustration, God weans us from the love of this world. It feels like we’re being crippled, like we’re dying. In point of fact, we are being freed from the counterfeit pleasures of the world.”

“Pain does not let us go on as before.”

And quoting his Dad: “Deep wounds deepen us.”

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

The character development is rich, as is the author’s grasp on human nature. The heroine is so consumed with adoration for a particular man that she is blind both to his true character and to the way she is destroying all the good things in her life by her irrational obsession with him. I consumed this title via audiobook.

The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law by Brandon Crowe

This was a textbook for my Bible Survey class, and I really appreciated both the content and readability of it. Crowe stresses the importance of seeing the grace inherent in each of the covenants God makes throughout Scripture (rather than the viewpoint that grace is only seen in the new covenant in Christ).

“In a right relationship to God, people need only God’s approval to be fulfilled. Sinners are not content to be known by God’s name and reach for their own reputation, for fame and renown.”

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

There are 7 titles in this series; I’m currently on volume 5, and have immensely enjoyed all five via audiobook. If you enjoy Jane Austen, you will enjoy these. Emma, an adult orphan, finds herself in a precarious financial position due to no fault of her own, and must discover a way to maintain her home. Along the way, she encounters multiple characters, including an overbearing aunt, a disapproving duke, and a suspicious man named Jack. I have laughed out loud multiple times, and the narrator captures the personalities with her multiple voices.

The Sing Hymnal

I’m including this in the bonus section because
1) I haven’t read it all, and
2) it’s not a typical book.
But this hymnal has been put to such great use, inspiring multiple singing events with our family and church small group. We love the mix of new and old hymns, along with Scriptures, poems, and selected readings.

(At the time of this writing, you can purchase the non-spiral-bound version for only $11 here.)