My Favorite Books I Read in 2025
It’s literally been more than one year since my last post on this site. I’ve been working on a big curriculum project that’s kept me from writing on my site, but I’m ready to get back to writing in 2026, and thought this would be a good way to get back into writing/blogging again.
This year’s favorite books post is much simpler than posts in the past - no affiliate links, no Kristen’s Korner, no frills, no giveaways. Just a list of my favorite books I read this year with a few brief thoughts on why I chose it for the list. I hope this list gives you a few ideas for books to read over the holidays, in the year ahead, or to gift to a friend or family member.
Like years past, these books are not necessarily written or published in 2025. Rather, these books make my list if I read it this year. As always, I’d love to hear some of your favorites in the comments below.
My Favorite Books I Read in 2025
My Favorite Books I Read in 2025 (In No Particular Order)
Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, by Brian Smith & Ed Uszysnki. I got to endorse this book, and here’s what I wrote: “Where was Away Game fifteen years ago when I was navigating youth sports with my four sons? Smith and Uszynski offer a biblical, authentic, and practical guide to help parents navigate the challenges of youth sports. This book shifts the focus to what truly matters: character and spiritual formation. Even when our kids face losses on the field, parents and families can still experience real victory. Smith and Uszynski show us how." When I was on staff at Harris Creek, we hosted an event about youth sports. You can find the video on this resource page.
How to Speak Life to Your Husband: When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him, by Ann Wilson with Dave Wilson. Such an encourage read for any couple. The Wilsons tell some great stories that will resonate with listeners. We got more comments about their episode of More Than Roommates than any other episode this year.
Theo of Golden: A Novel, by Allen Levi. This is the one fiction book on my list, but it might be my favorite read of 2025. This is another one that so many people recommended, and I’m grateful I finally picked it up. Truly a delightful read and a page turner, about the importance and power of kindness.
From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis, by Alex Duke. I didn’t even read or study the book of Genesis in 2025, but this book came so highly recommended by trusted friends, that I decided to read it. It was entertaining and I learned a lot about the book of Genesis as well. I’ve never read a "commentary” quite like this one.
Go Forward in Love: A Year of Daily Readings from Timothy Keller, by Timothy Keller. I’m so deeply grateful Keller wrote as many books as he did before he passed away. This 365-daily devotional contains excerpts from more than 15 of his books. This daily devo was a great companion to my daily Bible reading.
Making Marriage Easier: How to Love (and Like) Your Spouse for Life, by Arlene Pellicane. A joyous summons to love (and like) your spouse. Arlene is an absolute joy and so is this book. Short, practical chapters with great stories and illustrations. I also love how pro-marriage Arlene is—this shines through in her book.
Your Story Has a Villain: Identify Spiritual Warfare and Learn How to Defeat the Enemy, by Jonathan “JP” Pokluda, with Jon Green. Really grateful for this work from my friends JP and Jon. I found this book to be so accessible, practical, and biblical on the topic of spiritual warfare, a topic I’ve not studied much.
The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team, by Patrick Lencioni. I heard Lencioni speak on this book at a conference and immediately bought the book in the middle of his talk. The book is a fable, like many of his other books. I wish the book had more content and less fable on the topic, but I appreciate his framework and the model of the six types of working genius.
War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles, by Paul Tripp. My friend Chris Kouba encouraged me to read this book almost 20 years ago, and I finally listened to him (and I’m glad I did!). Although a little slow to read at times, Tripp provides many great illustrations and examples from his own life. Like all of his books, he gets to the heart of the issue and points the reader to the Gospel.
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy, by Timothy Keller. I choose my words carefully, but this is the book I’ve given away more than any other book and is the book I believe everyone ought to read, maybe even annually. It can be read in less than an hour, and is a powerful word about humility and true Christian joy.
Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen, by Donald Miller. Such a helpful, practical book that I’m really grateful I read this fall. Reading this book is going to lead me to make some changes to this website starting in 2026. Miller’s framework makes sense and rings true in so many of the stories we resonate with in movies and books.
Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation, by Nancy Guthrie. One of the books of the Bible I studies this past year was the book of Revelation. Guthrie’s book Blessed provides a biblical, pastoral commentary that reads like a book and helps shed light on an a challenging book of the Bible.
A Few Books I’m Looking Forward to Reading in 2026
The Body Teaches the Soul: Ten Essential Habits to Form a Healthy and Holy Life, by Justin Whitmel Earley
The Atomic Habits Workbook, by James Clear
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
The Fog of Work: A Simple Approach to Navigating the Complexity of Middle Management, by Adam Tarnow
The Tribe and I Have Spoken: The Definitive (Unofficial) Lore and Legacy from the Game's Smartest Surviving Loser, by Rob Cesternino
A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex, by Morgan Cutlip
The Hallmarked Man: A Cormoran Strike Novel, by Robert Galbraith
The Lie You Don't Know You Believe: How to Find It, Fight It, and Live Free, by Jennie Allen
Last, a link to my lists from prior years.
Your Turn:
What was your favorite book you read in 2025?
What should I read? What would you recommend to others?
Note: None of the above links are affiliate links from Amazon.