'25 Reads
Reading is an abiding joy in my life. I read to learn, feel, understand, and enjoy. So I consume various books, mixing theology with classics, Christian living with current affairs, and more.
I enjoy seeing what others are reading and how they respond to their books; in part, I get ideas for my own reading plans through what others pick up. So, I’m here to join the conversation. Here’s a portion of what I read and enjoyed in 2025—in no particular order (and with the note that I may not agree with everything in each book I list):
Bibi: My Story, by Benjamin Netanyahu
Bibi struck my very soul. It is both a story about Prime Minister Netanyahu and a story about the nation of Israel. Israel has a right to exist—contrary to the beliefs of some—and this prime minister was wholly committed to that principle with full-throated conviction.
What stood out most to me was his deep devotion to his brother Yoni, who died a hero, his clear and persistent warnings about the existential threat posed by Iran (particularly in his address to Congress opposing President Obama), and his unyielding resolve in negotiations with the Palestinians—always prioritizing Israel’s security and the well-being of its citizens.
Netanyahu also noted that the support of evangelicals strengthened him. May that support never waver.
This remains one of my favorite books.
A Place for You, by Kendra Dahl
A rare book on Christian womanhood—rare because it avoids stereotypes, looks intelligently to Scripture, and is careful not to overstep the biblical text. It submits willingly and yet is freeing, values faithfulness but isn’t afraid to challenge conventional thinking. A true success, striking just the right tone.
Grace Beyond Salvation, by Kyle DiRoberts
A remarkable book. Any book that helps me truly rejoice in the grace of the Lord is worthwhile. I think the unique writing style of this one helped me connect with the author’s message more than usual. I see more clearly now how God wraps us and our forever story in His grace—from beginning to end. There were several Scriptural insights I had heard nowhere else. This book was a true and deep blessing to me. My thanks to the author for writing it.
Meeting Christ in the Garden, edited by Tim Chester
This book was so sweet. I might not have agreed with every interpretive turn, but there were incredible gems of truth within this collection of classic writings. I found my heart’s longing for Christ to be given a home among the pages of Scripture. And I saw new facets of the Lord’s loveliness and great love for me. I once wondered where sin and redemption were found in the Song of Songs; this collection of writings offers some possible answers, with the gospel as a focal point throughout. Highly recommend.
Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Eric M. Schumacher
What a phenomenal book! I deeply appreciated the gracious yet bold tone throughout. The authors did an excellent job exposing abuse with clarity while also highlighting Scripture’s many examples of women the Lord used mightily. I was especially grateful for the way common stereotypes of women in the church were biblically refuted. An excellent and edifying read, even if I occasionally wished for more depth.
North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell
Beyond its themes of industry and social concern, it is also a simple tale of love, moral conviction, and the tragedies that can befall a life. The protagonist is principled and full of character—at times timid, at times bold—yet she won me over completely. A worthy read, to be sure.
Complementarity, by Gregg R. Allison
This book is a treasure. Never have I so fully agreed with a work on men and women. It was affirming, encouraging, and uplifting. Allison moved me beyond merely applicational concerns about roles to the very essence of what it means to be a gendered individual. I regard this as a definitive contribution to the conversation—and I’m deeply glad Dr. Allison wrote it.
The Language of Rivers and Stars, by Seth Lewis
The prose flowed like a river. I enjoyed this book’s lyrical writing. It helped me slow down and appreciate God’s creation—not because it told me to, but because it showed me how.
And what a fitting epigraph for the final chapter:
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting—a wayside sacrament; welcome it in every fair face, every fair sky, every fair flower, and thank Him for it, who is the Fountain of all loveliness, and drink it in simply and earnestly with all your eyes; it is a charmed draught, a cup of blessing.”
—Charles Kingsley
A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism, by Caleb Morell
This book is not only about a light on the hill broadly, but also about the light within believers’ hearts as they seek to follow Scripture in their interactions with one another. Though difficulties arose in this church’s history, the light continued to shine through the church and her faithful members.
I enjoyed reading about the trajectory of the church, Carl F. H. Henry’s involvement, and the eventual vision for the church established through Mark Dever’s influence. While my heart, of course, remains most deeply with my local church, the testimony of this church drew in my spirit and heart with joy. A wonderful read!
Who Owns the Land?: An In-Depth Look at the Truth Behind the Middle East Conflict, by Stanley Ellisen (updated and revised by Charles H. Dyer)
I highly recommend this look at the contested land of Israel in the Middle East. The compilation of pertinent history is fascinating (and, of course, difficult to read at times). I found the analysis regarding the land in this work excellent and illuminating. I stand firmly convinced of the historic ownership of the land by the Jewish people—and that those who bless her will be blessed.
On Loving God, by Bernard of Clairvaux
What an excellent, thoughtful, and compelling treatise on the meaning and best manner of loving God! I will take away especially the third chapter as a sort of manifesto for life, as well as the explanation throughout on the four degrees of love.
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
An excellent look at human nature. This book aligns with the biblical teaching about sin and brings to mind the hope of the glory that will come when Jesus is on the throne forever. I yearn for that day and am grateful for my freedoms until then.
Some honorable mentions include: The Cross of Christ, Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life, Jesus the Great Philosopher, Impossible Christianity, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, The Gospel After Christendom, Drawn by Beauty, Theo of Golden, and Reclaiming Quiet.
Bonus: Daniel Commentaries
I’ve been a happy Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) student for the past three years, and my group has been a great spiritual blessing to me. Last year, we studied the book of Revelation—a fascinating exposition of God’s ultimate plan for history—and this year, our focus includes Daniel, the other book of the Bible most centered on end-times prophecy. I enjoy doing my own reading beyond the well-crafted BSF notes; here are three of the commentaries I’m using to extend my study of Daniel this year:
