Today I share my favorite books I read in 2019. Every year around this time, I comb through my notes and lists of books read in the past 12 months and recommend some great reads, either for your own personal edification or as a Christmas gift for a loved one. I love seeing book lists from others and always find some books to add to my reading list. I hope this post encourages you to do the same.
Like years past, these books are not necessarily written or published in 2019. Rather, these books make my list if I read it this year. And, for the third year in a row, I got the infamous Kristen Kedersha to share a few of her favorites (check out Kristen’s Korner below).
A couple of thoughts before I dive in to sharing my list.
- I love reading. It’s my #1 favorite hobby and there’s no close second place. Reading relaxes, challenges, and encourages me. It gets me through workouts (thank you, Audible) and gives me reasons to get up early and stay up late. All that to say, I get a little geeked out with this post every year.
- I know your time is limited. When I put together a list like this, I hope it helps you cut through all the noise out there. I just read that over 2,000,000 new books will be published in 2019. This short list is an accumulation of one man’s favorites—just one person’s humble opinion. Part of the reason I put this list together is to be helpful and to give some recommendations.
- This was an interesting reading year for me. I wasn’t excited about much I read the first 8-9 months, but I’ve read some incredible books the last few months.
- This year included the release of my book, Ready or Knot? 12 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have before Marriage. I hope you got to read it. Feedback has been so encouraging and it exceeded all expectations the publisher established. I’ve heard from dating, engaged, newly married, all the way to empty nesters, and so many couples have benefitted from God’s wisdom in this book.
Stick around to the end of the post for a few giveaways!
In no particular order:
My Favorite Books I Read in 2019
One of the most important books I read in 2019 (and probably ever). I don’t use these words lightly. What Is a Girl Worth? tells the courageous story of Rachael Denhollander and her exposure of the massive sex abuse scandal involving Larry Nassar and women’s gymnastics. The book is very hard to read at times but tells the true story of what happens when we don’t stand up for victims and let sin reign. This book should be read by any parent with a daughter so you’re reminded what your girl is worth. And every parent of boys should read this book to help raise their son in the right way. Courageous, harrowing, convicting, and inspiring.
Read this one as well. I’d put Raising Boys Who Respect Girls by my friend Dave Willis in the same bucket as What Is a Girl Worth?. As a dad to four sons, I so badly want my boys to grow up with the right view of women and relationships. This book helps parents raise boys who respect women. Willis doesn’t shy away from any of the tough topics such as porn and lust. I’m so grateful for his bold voice in this very important book. I’m thinking of getting a group of dads together to go through this book.
The Most Thought-Provoking Book I Read This Year. I need to re-read this one by my friend Gary Thomas. I love all his writing, but When to Walk Away forced me to really think through how to respond to “toxic people.” Through biblical example after biblical example, Thomas helps the reader see how Jesus responded to “toxic” individuals. With both personal and professional application, Thomas’ book challenged me to think through how to care for others in my life (and the care might look different than expected). (see my review here)
My overall favorite book I read this year. Yes, it’s an older one (they just released the 25th anniversary edition), but Friday Night Lights is as Texas as they come. I like the movie and I thoroughly enjoy the TV show (I’m watching now with my twins). But the book is simply outstanding. Part Friday night Texas football, part sociology lesson, and part biography of a bunch of 17-year old high school boys, this book captures the essence of high school football and life in Texas. The language is rough at times, so I’d be cautious with younger readers.
My #1 “I can’t believe this happened” Book I Read This Year. Bad Blood, by John Carreyrou, tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. It tells the secrets and lies of a Silicon Valley Startup company. Holmes’ story as told in Bad Blood (not to be confused with Taylor Swift’s song!) is hard to believe it actually happened, but it did. She’s a villain that you hope will be caught and exposed. No comment on how it ends—you’ll have to read it to find out.
My Favorite “Based on a True Story” Book I Read This Year. In the same genre as a few of my prior year favorites (The Nightingale (my favorite read from 2016) and Beneath a Scarlet Sky), The Tattooist of Auschwitz tells the heroic tale of Lale and his love story in the midst of devastating murder and tragedy. A quick read but very hard to stomach.
The Most Convicting Book I Read in 2019. Admittedly I’m very ignorant of racial issues and injustice related to skin color and ethnicity, but Just Mercy opened my eyes to some of the injustice that exists in our country. I’m excited to see the movie when it comes out in a few weeks especially since the book helped open my eyes to some of the problems we see all around us.
The book that most helped me grow in my love for the Lord. I love and am so grateful for Louie Giglio. The Lord used his passion for Jesus to impact both Kristen and me in eternal ways. In Not Forsaken Giglio teaches through one of my favorite sermon series and in the process helps readers grow in their understanding of the great love of the Father. (see my review here)
The Co-Most Practical Book I Read in 2019 (1 of 2). I heard so many recommend the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and I’m very glad I read it. He lays a very practical roadmap that helps the reader establish healthy habits. He asserts that while goals are helpful, it’s systems that really lead to lasting change. This is a book I will return to repeatedly over the years. I already have read through my notes several times this year after finishing reading the book.
The Co-Most Practical Book I Read in 2019 (2 of 2). I’m so glad I read the book Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less. Hyatt desires for the reader to win at home and succeed at life, and in Free to Focus Hyatt helps the reader live it out. This is another book that I’ll return to on a regular basis to help me apply what I learned in the book. I need all the help I can get!
The Book That Made Me Cry the Most. I just finished this one the day before this post went live and I’m so glad I read it. I cried as I read David Platt discuss in Something Needs to Change about poverty, sex trafficking, disease, and so much more as he shared about a mission trip he took to the Himalayas. While I haven’t fully processed what I’ve learned, Platt is right: Something Needs to Change.
Kristen’s Korner
And now, back for round 3 in 2019, Kristen Kedersha!
The Most Eye-Opening Book I Read This Year. Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate – Based on a true story, about a kidnapping and adoption ring in Memphis, TN. Gut wrenching and fascinating historical read, told from the past and present point of view. I loved how they weaved the stories together and drew me in through story telling.
The Most Frightening and Realistic Book I Read This Year. Still Alice, by Lisa Genova. With my medical background, this was so intriguing to me, especially watching how Alice (a Harvard professor) and her family walked through early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease while at the height of her career with a husband and three children.
The Most Refining Book I Read This Year. In His Image, by Jen Wilkin. I loved walking through this book of 10 ways God calls us to reflect his character. I enjoy her writing style, her knowledge of the Word, and the way she challenges the reader to become more like Jesus Christ.
Honorable Mention:
- Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport. How to manage all things digital to benefit us and not cost us in our personal and professional lives. I need to make some changes.
- Along those lines, check out How to Lead in a World of Distraction, by my friend Clay Scroggins. I love Clay’s honesty and writing style.
- Reset, by David Murray. This is another one I will return to and need to read along with others to help me apply it. Living a Grace-paced life in a burnout culture.
- Welcome to Adulting Survival Guide, by Jonathan “JP” Pokluda. This survival guide is another winner from my friend JP. 42 days – great for young adults, helpful for anyone. (See my review here).
- I’ll Be There For You, by Kelsey Miller. For all you Friends fans out there. Not the best written or most biblical book I read this year, but it was such a fun read and guilty pleasure.
- God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, by Costi W Hinn. This was a fascinating read about the infamous Hinn family. I love the way Costi challenges his upbringing and poor theology of his family.
- Adorning the Dark, by Andrew Peterson. I could listen to his music all day long and really enjoyed this memoire and his thoughts on creating and community. This book makes me want to write another book.
- Becoming Us, by Beth & Jeff McCord. Such a fun marriage read, and I enjoyed learning more about the enneagram. You can read my full review here.
Book Giveaways
I have several of these books to give away. If you leave your name and your favorite book you read in 2019 in the comments below, I’ll enter your name into a drawing for the following books (7 different winners!).
- Welcome to Adulting Survival Guide, by JP
- Becoming Us, by Beth & Jeff McCord
- Single, Dating, Engaged, and Married, by Ben Stuart
- Whispers & Wildflowers, by Sarah Beth Marr (Sarah Beth is a great writer! Her book came out the same day as Ready or Knot? with the same publisher I am with, Baker Books).
- The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch (from my 2017 list)
- 2 copies of Ready or Knot?, by Scott Kedersha (signed if you want it signed…).
Note: I will choose winners next Sunday (December 8th).
Last, a link to my lists from prior years. Enjoy!
- 2018 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2018
- 2017 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2017
- 2016 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2016
- 2015 – My Favorite Books I Read in 2015
Your Turn:
- What was your favorite book you read in 2019? What should I read? Comment below to be entered into a drawing to win one of the books listed above!
- As you think about books and reading, what makes a book stand out to you?
Note to readers: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means I get a very small kickback on any purchases you make through these links (at no extra cost to you). I need some way to recoup a small percentage of the money I spend on this blog every year and any purchases you make help keep this writing ministry going.
2019 Date Night Guides

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Joey Espinosa
The most thrilling book was “The Grand Escape”, about a true account of a Nazi POW camp. But I also loved reading some ‘nerd’ books with my son, including “Paradox” and “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.”
Of course, I’ve loved “Ready or Knot?” And I appreciate the recommendation for “Becoming Us.”
Scott Kedersha
Thanks for the kind words on Ready or Knot?. The Grand Escape sounds really good!
Kyle
“I Declare War” by Levi Lusko, “Tender Warrior” by Stu Weber. Both were very challenging spiritually and in my relationship with my wife. Thanks as always for this post, I enjoy reading it each year and adding to my reading list!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Kyle! I like Lusko and have heard the Webber book is great!
James Skinner
Thanks for posting this Scott. I’m going to read a couple of these.
I really enjoyed Killers of the Flower Moon. Give it a read if you haven’t already.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks Skinner! I’ve heard that’s a great one!
Lauren Roberson
Love this post! I’ve read a few of your favorites (and Kristen’s!) And loved them too. I had two favorites this year- the Obesity Code ( Dr Smith recommended this to me, it is fascinating and super readable for how science-y it is) and The things we cannot say. The second one is dual storylines present and past and is so well written. I find my favorites are the ones I can’t quit talking about to others.
PS tell Kristen there is a book called Before and After that tells the true stories of some of the children from the TN Children’s home whose stories inspired Before we were yours. It’s on my list for 2020!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Lauren! I forgot to include one I heard from you last year – No One Ever Asked. I loved that one and someone forgot to include it on my list.
The Things We Cannot Say looks awesome. And Will do on Before and After. Thanks!
Kierson Madding
My favorite book I read this year was “Auggie and Me: Three Wonder Stories” by RJ Palacio. It is a companion book to “Wonder,” and continues teaching important lessons on kindness for kids (and every human). I like to read a few children/young adult books each year to keep my imagination young:)
Scott Kedersha
Yes! Wonder was so good – I’ll bet that companion book is great as well!
Elijah Ramzy
My favorite book I read this year was “The Gospel comes with a house key”. Rosaria Butterfield beautifully told the reason and motivation behind Gospel centered hospital and how that can be a bigger influence than most would think!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Elijah – I’ve heard that’s a great read.
Laura Sharp
I have done very little reading of physical books this year, my favorite find that I completely recommend is the audio version of the Bible read by David Suchet who is the voice of Asland in Focus on the Family Chronicles of Narnia! I grew up listening to the series on repeat and so listening to him read the Bible has been making it come alive in new ways for me. Definitely worth checking out!
One of the few books I did read this year was yours and I loved it! I may be married but I definitely still learned some things!
I do actually read books every day to my daughters, we head to the library weekly to check new ones out, one of my favorites is Ragweed’s farm dog handbook! It’s pretty funny and worth a quick read too! I also love cookbooks and checking those out from the library too, my favorite this year has been Tex Mex by Ford Fry! So many gun colors and great recipes!
Scott Kedersha
Thank you, Laura! And glad you enjoyed Ready or Knot?!
Jonathan Cortina
One of the better books I read this year was “Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering” by Kelly Kapic.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Jonathan – looks really good!
Taylor Martz
Our favorite book we read this year was Becoming Us! My new husband of a month and I really enjoyed studying our relationship and applying their principles & techniques leading up to marriage to better understand one another. It really opened our eyes to our similarities and differences in how we process situations, behaviors, and actions. Even though we just got married one month ago, we SO want to read your book!!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks Taylor! Congrats on getting married – hope newlywed life is great! Ready or Knot? is still a great read for newlyweds so check it out!
Jared Szczesny
The Power of Ambition – Jim Rohn (It encourages, reminds, and coaches about productivity, getting started, and how to get motivated.)
Scott Kedersha
Awesome – thanks, Jared!
Nicole
I love your recommendations, Kedershas! I get great suggestions from you both. I really liked Atomic Habits as well as Off the Clock, which gives perspective on making time work for you. For fiction, it was Where the Crawdads Sing and Lost Roses. A Gentleman in Moscow was beautifully written and definitely in the top this year. The Vanishing American Adult for parenting. My favorite to recommend to parents watching their kids near engagement is of course Ready or Knot! So many great books this year!
Scott Kedersha
What a great list! I want to read several of these. Thanks Nicole!
Scott Sengbush
The fun book that had me on the edge of my seat was a renaissance fantasy book called The Lies of Locke Lamora, about a boy thief who grows up to con a crime lord. One of the richest world building Ive read in a while.
My favorite spiritual books this year were Curveball by Barry Zito and Unashamed by Lecrae, both around the idea If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection., and how finding your acceptance in the Kingdom is where you find joy. Being from Oakland and a huge Zito fan for his career, its eye opening to read the spiritual battle he went through his whole life.
I just bought JP’s survival guide for an 18 year old friend I mentor for us to go through together.
Scott Kedersha
Love it – great list, Scott!
Preston Atwood
“The richest man in town”
This book is short and could be read in a couple hours, but it opens my eyes to joyful a life of kindness can be.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Preston!
Andrew Smith
Thanks Scott. Wish I would read more. Need to make more time (competes with sleep and putting down the phone!) Best book I’ve actually read this year was A Lasting Promise through our foundation group. Super practical.
Scott Kedersha
It’s a good one for sure!!
Josh Fortney
How to lead in a world of distraction was so good! I also read “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal…very good. It’s fascinating to see how many books came out this year on the topic of focus/distraction. I love a book that prominently displays an author’s voice. Ready or Knot did a great job, Clay Scroggins does it pretty naturally too (as does Andy Stanley)…if I can capture the authors voice in the first chapter, then I’m hooked to finish. It’s like having a long conversation with someone.
Scott Kedersha
Agreed on all the books about focus/distraction. I’m reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and it’s great. And thanks for the kind words on the author’s voice. You’re the man, Josh!
Sarah Kitchens
Loved reading your favorite books this year! Added multiple of these to my list. My favorite this year was Adopted for Life by Russell Moore. The honest and encouraging take on adoption and how we can love our community through it was inspiring!
Scott Kedersha
Russ Moore – anything by him is so good. I’ve heard Adopted for Life is outstanding.
Erica
Love you and Kristen’s list!! Thank you for compiling. Still reading because it is a lot to take in but really enjoying “The Soul of Shame” by Curt Thompson.
Scott Kedersha
I want to read that one – have heard so many recommend it and I know Jennie Allen had him on her podcast.
Lindsey Driscoll
My favorite book this year was Spirit Walk by Steve Smith. Great book on a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for Kirsten’s list. I love your favorite book lists. My gift from my husband last Christmas was several books off of your list!!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Lindsey!
Shelby Holloway
As a fellow book lover, I love reading what other people enjoy reading!! Now I have more books to add to my list, which is the best!
My favorite book of 2019 is Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson! Hannah talks about humility in a way that was eye opening by relating it to plants and how plants function. I love plants and seeing the connection between the roots and how something is grown to humility and pride helped me understand my pride even further! Highly recommend!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks Nova! I’ve heard from several how great that book is. She’s a really gifted writer.
Shannon White
I read 4 books on the Enneagram (including Becoming Us), so clearly those are a favorite! Also, Unpunishable by Danny Silk is a tremendous read. When someone makes a mess of their life do we punish them or lead them toward repentance, restoration and reconciliation? We want the latter, but often default to the former. Unpunishable does an amazing job of teaching us how to help someone clean up their mess in the way Jesus would.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks for sharing these, Shannon! Someone else on here also recommended another Danny Silk book.
Dana
Great list. I loved Just Mercy (but read in 2018). For 2019, the most impactful in terms of changing my behavior was Why We Sleep (by Matthew Walker) about the importance of sleep (and how bad things get for us physically, mentally, & emotionally) without sufficient quality of sleep. There’s also ~6 hours (3 x 2-hr podcasts) of Peter Attia interviewing Matthew Walker that are similar in terms of impact. I also really enjoyed Parenting (by Paul David Tripp) and Respectable Sins (by Jerry Bridges).
Scott Kedersha
Great list! I need to check out Why We Sleep. Big problem for me…
Allison Grady
My favorite book I read this year was “We Were the Lucky Ones.” I love WW2 historical novels—this one was based on a true family’s story through the Holocaust. So so good!!!
Scott Kedersha
I’ve heard that one is so good. Amazing to see how many good books from that era over the last few years.
Kimball Parker
The Kedershas are crushing it! Thanks for sharing life with distant friends in so many ways. I loved David Powlison’s Safe and Sound as it was a great perspective on the spiritual battles we face from within and from the outside. A great book keeps the perspective of God-centered vs. man-centered. Blessings to you in 2020! -K
Scott Kedersha
Thanks! Grateful for the impact and legacy of David Powlison – he will be missed greatly!
Caitlin Jordan
I can’t wait to get my hands on these books! Thanks for sharing. I loved Irresistible Faith by Scott Sauls and Hunger for God by John Piper. I never fully grasped the importance of fasting until I read Piper’s book.
Scott Kedersha
I want to read both of those – thanks Caitlin!
Brett Billman
My favorite post of the year! This list always becomes part of my Christmas list.
My favorite 2 books were Atomic Habits (we’ve discussed) and Extreme Ownership. Looking forward to picking up a few books from your list
Scott Kedersha
Those are 2 great ones, Brett!
Roy Allen Pina
“What’s Best Next” (Perman), especially for his unpacking of theology of work.
“Dare to Serve” (Bachelder)
Scott Kedersha
Thanks! Look like some good ones! I just saw Perman is coming out with a video series on What’s Best Next.
Shane Cavitt
Just found your blog today based on the recommendation of a fellow staff member. He knows how much I enjoy reading and thought I would enjoy your post. He was right. Based on your list I used an Audible credit and downloaded “What is a Girl Worth?” and it is queued up. Without reading your recommendation I’m not sure it would have ever ended up on my radar, but I am eager to give it a listen. My favorite book of 2019 so far is David Platt’s “Something Needs to Change”. I listened to the Audible version and then purchased the hardcover to reread and annotate. Don’t do that very often, but tells you the impact the book had on me. Thanks for the list and I look forward to future ones.
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Shane! That Platt book is sooo good. Glad we got connected!
Rick Agostin
Do Audiobooks count? 🙂
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson.
Scott Kedersha
They absolutely do! One of my favorite ways to read. I just talked about Audiobooks in my new post that came out today. https://www.scottkedersha.com/how-to-find-time-to-read-more-books/
Payton Nix
My favorite two books that I read this year and or are currently reading are ” Nothing to Prove” by Jennie Allen and Ready or Knot. Reading both of these alongside community has been eye opening. I love Nothing to Prove because helllooo people pleaser over here. As my boyfriend and I are currently navigating taking the next step Ready or Knot has been a huge resource in this season.
Scott Kedersha
Great ones, Payton! Everything Jennie writes is excellent – i’m looking forward to reading her new one.
Shelbi
One of the best books I read this year, and probably to date was “Culture of Honor” by Danny Silk. Kind of a hard read, but eye opening!
Scott Kedersha
Thanks, Shelbi!
Samuel Fubara
Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges, Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell, Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman, The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (I’ve re-read this at least once a year since the first time I read it–its that applicable), Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and What’s Best Next by Matt Perman.
Scott Kedersha
Great list, Sam! Respectable Sins is still one of my all-time favorites.
Katie Gaultney
Bad Blood was prob my fav of the year! In nonfiction, I also enjoyed The Vanishing American Adult. In fiction, I enjoyed What to Say Next, among many others. So many good ones on your list!
Scott Kedersha
I want to read the book by Sasse! It’s on my list for sure.
Roxanne McGhee
Thanks for sharing Scott!! Thankful for you and your ministry.
My most favorite book I read this year is “Just Open the Door” By Jen Schmidt. It’s a book on Biblical hospitality and how we can live out the two greatest commandments. I love that it’s not a book on being perfect before you invite someone in (sound familiar). This book illustrates how Jesus was welcoming and how we can create spaces to do the same. I learned that being a person of influence doesn’t start with a microphone, stage, or social media. It begins by simply saying Yes Lord. I’m willing and available. Here’s my one door, my one table, my one sofa. Use them.
Scott Kedersha
Love this – sounds like an excellent book, Roxanne!
Nic
I read Just Courage by Gary Haugen. It was quite eye opening & learned all about what IJM is up. Highly recommend!
Scott Kedersha
He’s such a stud – great recommendation!