Here are my favorite books that I read this year. Some of them, I've read before. I went through my reading log and found all of the books I rated a five on a one to five scale. I'm planning on posting my whole reading log for the year later this week.
One thing you may notice is that none of the books on this list are new to 2025. I've written before on my guideline to read books 5 years old or older. I think if a book can't last and be worth reading for 5 years, then it's probably not worth my time. I've only got time to read around 65 books a year, so I have to be careful with what I choose to read. I don't know how many books I read this year that were published this year, but it is very few.
1057. Holiness, J.C. Ryle. 1/8/25 * * * * * (This book is dynamite. The last chapter alone is one of the best sermons I’ve ever read--I think most chapters are sermons. The book title sounds like code for “legalism.” It is not, and it is well-worth your reading.)
1061. 21 Days to Childlike Prayer, Jed Coppenger. 1/16/25 * * * * * (This is an amazing book on prayer. I don’t have enough good things to say about it. There are so many profound things in it--even about other biblical concepts. I was pretty content and growing in prayer before this, but it gives fresh energy and creativity to my prayers.)
1063. Les Miserables, Victor Hugo, abridged by James K. Robinson. 1/25/25 * * * * * (I loved this abridged version. It makes me want to read the full version again since I read that in high school. Robinson describes this version as the story of one man instead of the longer version which is also a novel of ideas. Many great quotes and ideas in it. It is also engrossing.)
1067. Moby Dick, Herman Melville, abridged by Maxwell Geisner. 2/10/25 * * * * * (I loved this. It was wonderful. It is difficult to read because of the language and nautical terms, but the plot and characters are fascinating and complicated. The kids enjoyed me telling them the latest events in the story each day. I plan to read the full version with some explanatory notes.)
1072. A Good Old Age, Derek Prime. 2/27/25 * * * * * (This is a great devotional applying the Bible to old age with grace and joy. Prime wrote it in his 80’s as a retired pastor and widower. It is good for anyone, but especially those facing retirement or caring for older parents.)
1074. The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien. 3/22/25 * * * * * (This is better each time I read it. I paid close attention to the places and maps.)
1098. Gregor the Overlander, Suzanne Collins. 8/22/25 * * * * * (This is Collins' lesser-known series, but it is so good.)
1101. Dangerous Calling, Paul David Tripp. * * * * * (While I was reading this, I would get out my phone and text friends to tell them to get this book and read it. It's really necessary for any church leader.)
1103. The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau. * * * * *
1106. Raising Kids in the Way of Grace, Robert W. Kelleman. * * * * *
1110. Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke Vol. 1, J.C. Ryle. * * * * *
1112. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling. 11/30/25 * * * * * (This book gets better with each reread. I had so many questions answered by this reading.)
One book that doesn't appear here that deserves mentioning is the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (previously published as the NIV Zondervan Study Bible). I've been reading the articles on biblical theology themes throughout the Bible, and it is amazing. Everyday, it answers questions I've had for years. This one is well worth anybody getting and reading. It was edited by D.A. Carson.
