My 2024 Reading List
When I first started sharing my reading lists over a decade ago, I frequently read books that were just ok. It was rare that I would read any that were transformational or that I would be eager to read again.
Times have changed and it’s now rare that I read a book that is just ok, and my lists from the last several years are filled with books that I am re-reading regularly.
This year’s list is no exception!
In particular, there are two books that I can’t get out of my head and heart – they have forever changed me. There are also several that I wish I had read years ago – I can see how formative they would have been to the younger me.
I read a leadership book that is hands-down one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read. And, I actually read three novels, which is shocking and ironic since I’m married to a fiction writer.
Anyway, this was a great reading year for me and I'm hopeful that you will find a couple that you're eager to dive into.
Happy reading, friend!
2024 Book 1: Undone by Michele Cushatt
Michele’s vulnerability and transparency about her experiences with fear, doubt, insecurity, and anger in some of the biggest areas of life: marriage, parenting, and health, is something we need more of. Her stories help me to know I’m not the only one who experiences disappointment with life and my relationships. I’ve read and listened to Undone and highly recommend the audio version so that you can hear her beautiful singing voice.
2024 Book 2: Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen
A fantastic biography that I will re-read. Since it came out just a couple of months before Keller passed away, I’m really hoping for an updated/expanded version that will include more about his personal life as husband, father, grandfather, etc. ICYMI: Last year I shared about the books of his that I had read up to the point of his passing.
2024 Book 3: The Critical Journey by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich
Corey’s counselor recommended this book to us several times before I finally purchased it and started reading it. And for the first 113 pages I kept wondering why he spoke so highly of it, and then on page 114 it all became clear! The authors do a thorough and insightful job of defining and describing the journey of spiritual formation, which they say is “deceptively simple and at the same time highly complex.” For those who are experiencing something akin to the “dark night of the soul”, an existential crisis or a mid-life crisis, this book will be helpful and enlightening.
2024 Book 4: Cultural Counterfeits by Jen Oshman
Jen confronts promises that our society has made to us that have left us exhausted and lost. I appreciated her analysis of the promises, but I really appreciated her guidance of what we do in the face of those promises – her guidance deserves further attention. I read her book Enough About Me, last year – it is a must-read for women who find themselves exhausted, burnt out, and struggling.
2024 Book 5: Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey
Wow! I could not put this one down! Philip shares stories from the lives of 13 people (many of whom we would label as well-known) and how they impacted his journey of faith. I was inspired and encouraged and will certainly re-read this one again.
2024 Book 6: The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan
This is one of the dozen or so books that I re-read every year or two. Mark’s stories and metaphors are rich and meaningful, and his prose is poetic and moving. The wisdom he shares re-centers my heart and soul, each and every time.
2024 Book 7: Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
A wonderful primer and guide for those who think they may be out of touch with their true nature. I loved his re-telling of his conversations with Dallas Willard and the lessons learned through them.
2024 Book 8: Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
One of the top reasons that more people either don’t believe in God or turn their back on God is because of pain and suffering. Keller does not shy away from this very difficult conversation and wades in deeply to the philosophical and theological underpinnings, as well as the ‘rubber meets the road’ pragmatic elements. This is one of those books that I label as transformational and life-changing and is one that I will re-read.
2024 Book 9: Culture Making by Andy Crouch
I read this over 10 years ago and wanted to read it again because of how significantly our culture has shifted over the last 8 years. Andy’s words spoke to the disappointment that I have about our broader culture, and helped me to regain hopefulness, especially when thinking about how each of us can greatly impact our local cultures.
2024 Book 10: Strings Attached by Joanne Lipman and Melanie Kupchynsky
A wonderful biography about a music teacher in New Jersey. I was moved to tears several times as I was reminded what a lasting impact some of my teachers have had on my life.
2024 Book 11: A Non-Anxious Presence by Mark Sayers
I have read dozens, if not a couple hundred books on leadership - most of which would have been better off as brief articles. But occasionally, there is one that is truly visionary, thought-provoking, and challenging – one that causes me to question my assumptions and ideologies – Mark’s book fits in this category. Though it was written for a Christian leadership audience, its applicability is far broader, and its assertions could change leadership philosophy and methodology for the remainder of the 21st century. This is a must-read for everyone in a leadership role, including small business owners.
2024 Book 12: Jesus the King by Timothy Keller
You may have heard the name Jesus, but do you actually know who he was and is, and why his life and death are important to over 3 billion people? Keller does a masterful job of helping us to get to know The King of the Jews, and to understand why it matters that we know him. A must-read for anyone searching for meaning in life and for anyone who considers themselves to be a Christian.
2024 Book 13: You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble
To say that I was challenged by this book is an understatement. I was met with many moments of extreme discomfort – being called out of my self-focus and self-pity to a place of others-centric compassion and kindness. I will re-read it and highly recommend it.
2024 Book 14: Ghosted by Nancy French
Wow! An incredible memoir! Nancy’s story is a confluence of Hillbilly Elegy, Educated, and Beth Moore’s memoir. It left me with deep sorrow and remorse for the times when I have contributed to someone’s pain and suffering by not standing up for them when they were being hurt or treated wrongly.
2024 Book 15: A Faith That Will Not Fail by Michele Cushatt
Somehow, I made it to middle age believing that the pain I’ve experienced in the last few years meant that I was being punished for doing something wrong or that God was angry with me or disappointed in me. Mercifully, God used a couple of people, including Michele, to teach me that my beliefs were completely false, and to guide me to a place where my faith has not only stayed intact but has transformed and grown into something richer and deeper than I ever imagined possible. If your world has fallen apart, this is a must-read.
You are welcome to listen to the wonderful conversation I had with Michele about some of the topics from this book.
2024 Book 16: Revelation (A 12-Week Study) by Stephen Witmer
Having been raised with a very premillennial, pretribulation theology of the end times, I wanted to do a study from a different perspective of the meanings of the book of Revelation. What I appreciated most about the study was how it connected its asserted beliefs back to prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as the teachings of Jesus Christ and the first century Christians. Chapters 4-8 were especially moving and illuming to me in ways that I have not experienced before. Reading this study also caused me to see Paul Simon’s song, The Sound of Silence in a deeply emotional way.
2024 Book 17: The Home Place by J. Drew Lanham
A beautifully written memoir that enriched my love for plants, trees, flowers, and wildlife, and reminded me how privileged I am to have lived in places that have allowed me to spend much time in nature.
2024 Book 18: Where the Light Fell by Philip Yancey
This is the third memoir I read this year by people raised in the South (spanning the 1950s through the 1990s). Each memoir brought to mind Joan Didion’s South and West that shares her observations as a Californian touring the South in the summer of 1970. Even though I have made dozens of work trips all over the South, the cultures and ideologies described by French, Lanham, and Yancey are still other-worldly to me, foreign from my California upbringing and life experiences. And, utterly fascinating. The most distressing part of Yancey’s memoir is the stubbornness of his own mother – her ideology makes little to no room for grace – a theme present in French and Lanham’s lives as well, and left me examining my life to root out where pride and self-righteousness have overruled love and grace. (BTW: I could not put down Yancey’s book that I read earlier this year #5).
2024 Book 19: Holy Unhappiness by Amanda Held Opelt
If you’ve felt disappointed by life or a general undercurrent of restlessness, Amanda’s book is a must-read. Somewhere along the way I bought the line that if I’m “good” and I “do the right things” that I am owed happiness. Amanda breaks down the underlying assumptions and beliefs about this transactional exchange and points us to a better path. I have read this book three times and will re-read it again – the wisdom and philosophy are sound.
You are welcome to listen to my conversation with Amanda about some of the themes in her book.
2024 Book 20: The Holy Wild by Mark Buchanan
A deeply rich and poetic look at the attributes of God. Mark’s stories and metaphors brought me to tears multiple times as I saw my Creator and Sustainer in ways I had not thought about before. This is one that I will certainly re-read (the same is true for his book #6 above).
2024 Book 21: Beyond Boundaries by Timothy Keller
An eye-opening booklet about the exclusivity and inclusivity of Christianity. Sadly, it seems to be out of print or no longer available for purchase.
2024 Book 22: Jesus, Life Coach by Laurie Beth Jones
2024 Book 23: Jesus, CEO by Laurie Beth Jones
2024 Book 24: Who Moved My Cheese? By Spencer Johnson, M.D.
I read each of these over 15 years ago and thought it was time to re-read them. They each have some decent foundational principles and illuminating stories, but I discovered, by re-reading them, that much of my own personal ideology about business and leadership has changed significantly enough that I don’t value the information they share like I once did.
2024 Book 25: Live Your Truth and Other Lies by Alisa Childers
Much of the frustration and angst that I have been working through in my own life over the last few years is the direct result of me buying into ideologies and philosophies that place me/myself/the self at the center of the universe rather than placing the Creator of the Universe at the center. Alisa’s review of these false ideologies and philosophies is a helpful starting place for someone just beginning to have this awareness.
2024 Book 26: It Wasn’t Roaring, It Was Weeping by Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo’s memoir shows how easily anger, unforgiveness, and pain are passed from one generation to the next. Her honest and stark telling of her recognition that she was passing on the same was a haunting reminder that I too am capable of mean and unacceptable behavior.
2024 Book 27: Biblical Lovemaking by Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum
A Hebrew Scholar walks through the Old Testament scriptures of The Song of Solomon (aka Song of Songs) unpacking the meaning of the story, showing both its literal and cultural interpretations. A wonderful companion book to someone wanting to understand The Song of Songs.
2024 Book 28: On Getting Out of Bed by Alan Noble
If you’ve ever pulled the covers back over your head and not wanted to face the day, this is a must-read.
If you’ve ever questioned the value of your life, this is a must-read.
Alan is honest and forthright about the difficulties of this life and gives hope for how to make it through the hard and painful days.
2024 Book 29: Forgive by Timothy Keller
Most of us are told to forgive but aren’t told why we should or how we should. Keller does a masterful job of thoroughly exploring the what, why, and how of forgiveness, as well as reviewing the history and roots of forgiveness, the various, and often competing, ideologies and philosophies of forgiveness, what is taught about forgiveness in the main religions of the world. As with his book that I read earlier this year (#8), this book is transformational and life-changing, and I will definitely read it again.
2024 Book 30: Bright Line Eating by Susan Peirce Thompson, Ph.D.
I needed to press the reset button for my nutrition, and this was just the book to help me do so. Highly recommended for anyone who is overeating, grazing, or eating too much junk and not enough substance.
2024 Book 31: Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much by Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth
I felt like I was sitting in their living just having a conversation about life – my favorite sort of book these days – where wisdom is being shared and I’m being mentored and encouraged through the thoughtful and loving words of someone who is a little further down the road. Their words were life-giving and instructive in the kindest of ways – particularly those shared on trauma, marriage, aging, identity, and fruitfulness.
2024 Book 32: Surrender Your Story by Tara Sun
I don’t have many 20-somethings in my life, so I love following several on social media who have wisdom beyond their Gen Z years. Tara is one of those! This is an excellent book for anyone who feels the weight of having to get it all done and keep it all under control and doing so with a smile on your face.
2024 Book 33: The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake
A guided sugar detox with daily reminders that our dependence on, and addiction to, sugar is not actually about the sugar itself. I sincerely appreciated Wendy’s encouragement, willingness to share her own struggles, and wisdom to help us not only address the sugar itself but the challenges going on inside our hearts and heads that are causing us to reach for the sugar to begin with.
She also has a 40-Day Social Media Fast and the 40-Day Feast (which is on my 2023 reading list).
2024 Book 34: What Went Wrong? By Philip Yancey and John A. Bernbaum
This book educated me about what is going on between Russia and Ukraine and the history that brought things to the point they’re at today. Very informative and insightful.
2024 Book 35: What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey
Oy vey! This is one of those books that I wish I read when it came out (over 20 years ago)! But alas, I did not, so I thank God for how it is transforming me today. In an era that is so polarized and where intolerance is the norm and kindness is in short supply, this is a book that has the power to help us grow in love and compassion. I wish it could be required reading for every westerner.
2024 Book 36: None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
A very informative overview of 10 attributes of God and descriptions that show how we (humans) are different than God.
2024 Book 37: Great to Good by Jae Hoon Lee
This is like a modern-day version of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount; a good guide for how live in the 21st century.
2024 Book 38: Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini
Though the details may be different, Jennifer’s story is the anthem of Gen X women. I hear the themes in every coaching conversation that I have with women over 40: trying to have it all, do it all, be everything to everyone, and winding up with an exhausted life filled with resentment. While Jennifer’s book does a phenomenal job of describing how and why we got where we are, Jen Oshman’s book, Enough About Me, does a phenomenal job of pointing the way forward and helping us move past our hurts to lasting healing and health.
2024 Book 39: Purposefooled by Kelly Needham
Three books absolutely kicked my butt in the last two years – devastating my comfortable self and forever-changing many of my perspectives. This is one of them! #13 above and #18 from my 2023 list are the other two. Needless to say, I will be re-reading all three in 2025.
2024 Book 40: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
An absolutely beautiful walk through the Songs of Ascent in the book of Psalms. I am truly disappointed that I didn’t read this book years ago – it is one I will read again and again.
2024 Book 41: Finding the Right Hills to Die On by Gavin Ortlund, Ph.D.
Do you find yourself majoring in the minors or being frustrated with people around you who are? This is a well-constructed model for assessing which ideologies/theologies are worth fighting over and which aren’t. As they say, when everything is important, nothing is.
2024 Book 42: The Life God Blesses by Gordon MacDonald
A helpful framework for spiritual growth through difficult and challenging seasons of life. (The best book I’ve ever read for navigating painful seasons is #8 above.)
2024 Book 43: The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller
My friends, Joanna and Rob Teigen of Growing Home Together say that marriages change about every seven years because of our constant evolution as individuals – as Corey and I shared in our podcast episode, the last 3.5 years have been immensely challenging for us because of our personal journeys – the Kellers’ wisdom and transparency helped me to not give up but to keep putting in the hard work that a good marriage requires.
2024 Book 44: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
I do so love The Chronicles of Narnia and am delighted to have started them again with the hijinks of Uncle Andrew, the curiosity of Digory and Polly, and the singing of Aslan.
2024 Book 45: Journey of the Soul by Bill and Kristi Gaultiere
I started working with a Spiritual Director earlier this year and this was one that she recommended. It is very similar to #3 above, but with a stronger Christian worldview. It is a very helpful framework for understanding spiritual formation and the spiritual journey.
2024 Book 46: Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas
This book transformed my life in early adulthood, and because of my Spiritual Direction work it was a good time to revisit it. It was illuminating and clarifying. I talked a little bit about it on the Growing Home Together podcast with my friends, Joanna and Rob.
2024 Book 47: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
An excellent journey through American history and the stories of over a dozen people who helped pave the way for us to have better lives than they had. A couple of her stories reminded me of the radical memoir of a former member of the KKK (book #51 from my 2023 list).
2024 Book 48: The Songs of Jesus by Tim Keller
A deep dive into the book of Psalms with every day spent reading a new Psalm and meditating on what it means for my relationship with God. I have read this book every day for the last four years and will continue to do so. I love seeing my notes from year’s past of what tugged at my heart or was something I was being challenged by.
2024 Book 49: God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life by Tim Keller
Similar to book 48, this is an exploration of the book of Proverbs with a daily reading from Proverbs and its applicability to life today. Part of my daily rhythm that I greatly look forward to. You will also see this as a repeat on my list for 2025.
2024 Book 50: ADHD is Awesome by Penn and Kim Holderness
Over the years I have coached quite a few people with executive functioning challenges, which means that I need to be creative in how I support them in their goals and help them to maximize their strengths and lessen the roadblocks that tend to trip them up. This book is an excellent guide for anyone who has even the slightest difficulty with regulating their body, behaviors, and/or emotions. Many of the productivity-oriented techniques they recommend are useful and helpful for everyone, neurodivergent or neurotypical (harkening back to one of my all-time favorite productivity books).
2024 Book 51: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I’ve watched the movies at least a handful of times and I’ve listened to the audio books twice, but I’d never actually read the book until now. It was absolutely wonderful! You can bet you’ll see The Lord of the Rings on my 2025 list.
2024 Book 52: At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald
A sweet story. I wish I had been able to read it out loud to my nieces and nephews. The poems and rhymes are delightful, and the allegory is simply marvelous. I look forward to reading The Princess and the Goblin soon.
You can always find my reading lists from previous years here.
Part of the reason that the quality of the books I read has improved is because of your recommendations of excellent biography/memoir, spiritual development, soul care, and cultural thought-leadership books. So, please continue to share your must-reads with me!!
