2024 Reading Favorites

As the most wonderful time of year is upon us, so are the most wonderful lists of great books. (Does anyone else get giddy over “best books” articles?) I take joy in pulling up my to-read lists, adding new titles, and then choosing ones to read over the next year.

In his common grace, God has given us so many fantastic books to enjoy. I only wish I had more time and margin to enjoy them. But this was another good year. Some of you have asked how I manage to read with three kids and other responsibilities. A brief explanation for now:

• I set a reading goal for the year and divide it up into quarters so it seems attainable. (For example, if I aim to read 20 books, then that means I need to finish five books in the next three months.)
• I read every day for at least 15 minutes (and usually for 30 minutes) during the kids’ rest time and/or after their bedtime.
• I take reading material with me when I know I will have to wait (instead of browsing my phone—believe me, not a perfect science!).
• I read books I’m interested in and want to read.
• I vary the genres to keep things fresh.

Following is my annual roundup of favorite books from 2024. This doesn’t mean they were published this year, nor does it mean I agree with everything I read; instead, this list of favorite books follows the criteria I first used in 2015’s Reading Favorites article:

If one of the main purposes of books is to make the reader think, then these are the ones I’d say made me think most deeply, curiously, and enthusiastically this year. I’ve chosen a first prize and a runner-up for each genre.

Happy reading, friends!

Theology

First Prize: The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (David Gibson)

I have recommended this book to many people for good reason: it provides a fresh, nourishing, and faithful take on an overly-familiar psalm. How many of us have studied Psalm 23, rather than just reciting it? I was able to gather with neighbors last summer and discuss the psalm, and Gibson’s book was a huge help to me. Work through this yourself, in a small group at church, or in a book club setting (maybe with your neighbors!).

Runner-Up: Surprised by Jesus: Subversive Grace in the Four Gospels (Dane Ortlund)

The Gospels have brought me deep joy in the last few years, and Ortlund’s teaching here has only deepened it. (Apparently, he first taught the material at our church years ago.) If you would like a lay-level comparative study of the four Gospels, this book makes a great resource. In twelve brief chapters, Ortlund does what he does best: he disrupts our fallen human assumptions about who Jesus is by bringing God’s word to bear, surprising our often misled and jaded hearts by God’s mercy and grace.

Biography, Memoir, Culture, and Historical Fiction

First Prize: The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (Erik Larson)

Like a child on Christmas morning, I wait for Larson’s newest books to release. His narrative historical writing moves in such a way that, as a writer, I wonder, how does he do this? Larson’s take on the advent of the Civil War blends thriller, romance, tragedy, and triumph—a true saga. Many of us know rudimentary details about this period in America’s history, but The Demon of Unrest will shed much more interesting light.

Runner-Up: Educated (Tara Westover)

“Shock and awe” describe this memoir, written so compellingly by Tara Westover, a born-and-raised Idahoan to conspiracy theorist and survivalist parents who did not send her to school (or even know her birthday). That such a person has become a PhD scholar, bestselling writer, and award winner is evidence of God’s common grace. Her account of her growing-up years is sensitive, dealing with themes like physical and religious abuse, so please consider this before you pick up Educated. I couldn’t put this one down.

Christian Living

First Prize: Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation (Nancy Guthrie)

Nancy Guthrie’s survey of Revelation left my heart rejoicing in wonder at God’s salvation plan. Personally, I think this is some of her best writing, with Bible teaching to match. I especially appreciate that she keeps first things first, avoiding controversial topics and sticking to gospel truths. For someone looking to better grasp Revelation or study it with a small group, look no further than Blessed.

Runner-Up: Keeping the Heart: How to Maintain Your Love for God (John Flavel)

The question, “How do I know I actually love the Lord?” often challenges me, and Flavel’s short treatment on Proverbs 4:23 has become my go-to resource for self-examination and growth. He covers a breadth of life-seasons, from prosperity to pain to persecution, and everything he says is helpful. This is one of those books that is smothered with my highlights, one that I’ll revisit most years for reflection and an oft-needed heart check.

Vocation & Learning

First Prize: Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith (Russ Ramsey)

This year, I challenged myself to read about something new, and Ramsey’s book on fine art history was a perfect choice. One mark of a great writer is his or her ability to evoke longing in the reader toward the matter at hand—and by the end of Rembrandt Is in the Wind, I was researching paintings and ready to take my kids downtown to the art museum. (We have yet to go. Give us three years.) What I appreciate most is Ramsey’s ability to connect theology to fine art in a non-corny, non-forced way. His teaching is thoughtful, true, and beautiful—as all quality art should be.

Runner-Up: Zeal Without Burnout: Seven Keys to a Lifelong Ministry of Sustainable Sacrifice (Christopher Ash)

This short ode to faithfulness in ministry came recommended by friends, and it wasn’t a hard sell because Christopher Ash is a personal favorite. He is truly a pastor at heart, wise in counsel, and a profound Bible teacher, and his insights here are so helpful. As a type-A ,”all-in” personality, I am never too far from burnout, and Ash’s exhortations and warnings were the reminders I needed.

Fiction

First Prize: Peace Like a River (Leif Enger)

Truly, truly—no book has made me weep like this one did. It’s the tale of a beloved, vagrant older brother who goes missing, a miracle-working father who sets out to find him, and his two unique kids who are along for the ride. One critic says, “[Enger’s] the type of writer that other writers read, and die a little.” True. His prose is so beautiful, and Peace Like a River‘s storyline so compelling, that it’s hard to compare this book to others. All I know is that I read the ending about ten times. And yes, I wept.

Runner-Up: North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell)

I love identifying new female writers whose work is worth reading. This one was recommended to me by a friend who has excellent taste. A classic novel, Gaskell’s North and South is a fantastic character study set in Victorian England. It’s a commentary on personal conscience, social responsibility and justice, and complicated love. Worth your time and effort!