My Favorite Books in 2024
Some of the best books I read this last year
2024 was a good year for reading. I made it a personal goal to read one book every two weeks, twenty-six books in total. I am not counting the reading I do in my study/sermon preparation as much of that is commentary and segmented reading. This goal was specifically for books I wanted to read just because. So you won’t find a ton of Christian living or theology books in my list here (don’t judge), but you will find some entertaining and enlightening books about the world and how it works. If you want to see the full list of what I read, visit my Goodreads page.
Here’s five books I loved this last year in no particular order:
Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West by Andrew Wilson
Wilson’s book was stunning. By engaging with history, economics, philosophy, natural sciences, politics and more Wilson laid out a case for why we live and value what we do today.
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson
History is one of my favorite genres to read, especially stories that are well told and build a sense of how things came to pass. For instance, how did the nation really come to blows in the Civil War and who were the people who were the sparks and kindling to ignite the flame of war? Larson’s writing is conversational and engaging.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Kingsolver’s retelling of Dickens’ David Copperfield is a masterpiece in itself. Co-Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, this story still sticks with me. Probably a greater and better representation of the real challenges of Appalachia more so than Hillbilly Elegy. A powerful piece of literature.
The Art of Stability: How Staying Present Changes Everything by Rusty McKie
Of the many books on spiritual formation and Christian growth I read this year, McKie’s vision of reorientation and presence with the Lord helped me the most. By basing our stability on the gospel itself (and not an attainment of the gospel), Rusty helps encourage a state of being and living that is less anxious, less chaotic, less turbulent and more rooted and built up in Christ himself. Rusty’s a great writer and this short book is deeper than it looks.
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
Leif Enger ability to build worlds I can see, and tell stories I can feel stuns me. I was highly anticipating this book when I heard it was coming out and it did not disappoint. A post-apocalyptic tale of heartbreak, heroism, and hope even in the worst of times, this story framed for me an attitude of hopeful resilience in the days to come.
I’d love to hear what your favorite books were this last year.