Egged on by my 17 year old I set an ambitious reading goal of 100 books in 2024. To my surprise, I have completed that goal! Now, I would like to share my very favorites with you. I have organized them into categories: My Top Five, Books That Made Me Laugh, Books Read and Bought As Gifts This Year, Books I Have Thought About Often or Referenced, Books Shared With My Teenagers, and Books Recommended to Me. It wasn’t easy assigning books to just one category, but I hope this list inspires your own reading adventures! Links to books are Amazon referral links.
My Top Five
**Jayber Crow** by Wendell Berry
A beautiful story of a life well-lived and a love well-stewarded, told through the lens of Jayber, a barber in a small Kentucky town. Wendell Berry’s storytelling is steeped in themes of community, faith, and the quiet grace of ordinary life. I’ve suggested this book to several people, but with the caution that it isn’t a book for every season. If you start it and find it dull, return to it years down the road.
**Lament for a Son** by Nicholas Wolterstorff
A poignant reflection on grief after the author loses his son in a mountain climbing accident. Wolterstorff’s raw honesty offers a profound perspective on love, loss, and the faith needed to endure sorrow. His insights speak to anyone who has experienced deep suffering. He talks about his four living children and wonders if they feel like their brother was his favorite and then he says this: “Death has made him special. He is special in my grieving. When I give thanks, I mention all five; when I lament, I mention only him. Wounded love is special love, special in its wound.”
**Murder, Motherhood, and Miraculous Grace** by Debra Moerke
A gripping true story of tragedy, forgiveness, and redemption. Without revealing too much, this book chronicles an extraordinary journey of God’s grace amid devastating circumstances. I knew nothing of this true story apart from a friend told me I should read it. I didn’t even read the back cover, and I recommend going in to the book that way (and truly, the back cover does not do this story justice.)
**Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests** by Melissa Kruger
This practical and encouraging guide for mentoring relationships focuses on intentional conversations about faith, growth, and spiritual maturity. It is my go-to resource for fostering meaningful connections with young women.
**Living Life Backwards: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End** by David Gibson
A practical look at the book of Ecclesiastes that encourages living with purpose. “The single question that animates (the author of Ecclesiastes) is this: If we won’t live forever, or even long enough to make a lasting difference to the world, how then should we live?”
Books that Made Me Laugh
**Unseen Academicals** by Terry Pratchett
This was such a surprising book. A friend recommended it and so I listened to it without really knowing the story line other than he had found it funny. That is probably a good thing because I don’t think I’d have given a story about a football (soccer) game at a wizard school a chance – but it was SO funny and made me laugh out loud many times. While a children’s book it did have some content I think some friends wouldn’t want their children exposed to.
**Life Among the Savages** by Shirley Jackson
A semi-autobiographical account of family life in mid-1900’s America, Jackson’s humor shines as she recounts the chaos of raising children. A delightful read filled with relatable and absurd moments.
**How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told** by Harrison Scott Key
This memoir chronicles how Key’s marriage fell apart—and how he and his wife clawed their way back together. A surprising story of redemption that is both raw in its honesty, but laced with truth and humor.
**Little Pear** by Eleanor Frances Lattimore
This charming early chapter book follows Little Pear, a mischievous Chinese boy, as he embarks on small but delightful adventures. It’s a timeless, culturally rich story that captures children’s imaginations and is a delightful read aloud.
**Winnie-the-Pooh** by A.A. Milne
The whimsical world of the Hundred Acre Wood, with its lovable characters and gentle humor, is a timeless joy. Milne’s stories of friendship, curiosity, and simplicity have captured hearts for decades. Honestly just gets better the older you get.
**My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry** by Fredrik Backman
A quirky and touching novel about a young girl, her eccentric grandmother, and the fairy tales that connect them to the world around them. It’s a heartwarming story about forgiveness and belonging.
**A Modest Proposal** by Jonathan Swift
This satirical masterpiece addresses social and economic issues in 18th-century Ireland with biting humor and irony. Very short piece, and really probably only for those who truly enjoy satire.
**”There Are Rocks in My Socks!” Said the Ox to the Fox** by Patricia Thomas
A playful, rhyming children’s book full of whimsy and fun wordplay as a determined fox attempts to help an ox remove rocks from his socks. This was a favorite book of mine as a child, and has continued to be a favorite book through the decades to read to other children.
**Hertz Gets Fused** by Suzanne Purvis
A lively and imaginative children’s story that uses humor to beautifully tell the story of a troubled boy and his sense of not belonging.
Books Read and Bought As Gifts This Year
**Book Girl** by Sarah Clarkson
An inspiring guide to cultivating a love of reading, with recommendations across genres and tips for building a meaningful library. A treasure for book lovers and lifelong learners. Bought for a precious friend as a practical resource for how to read and ideas on what to read.
**True Grit** by Charles Portis
A Western classic with sharp humor and a plucky young heroine, Mattie Ross, who sets out to avenge her father’s death. It’s a story of grit, justice, and unexpected friendships. Bought for my dad as a fun and unique Western. He will either love it or hate it, there will be no in between.
**When Crickets Cry** by Charles Martin
A heartfelt and reflective novel about a man with a mysterious past who crosses paths with a young girl in need of a heart transplant. A moving story of sacrifice and healing. Bought for a friend as I thoroughly enjoyed the story (though HATED the romance that was hinted at as there was no chemistry.) But totally clean, thoughtful story.
**Mr. Bear Squash-You-All-Flat** by Morrell Gipson
This vintage children’s story about a bear who flattens everything in his path is whimsical and fun, perfect for sparking giggles and imagination in little readers. This was a brand new children’s book to me (as in, I had never read it to my own children when they were young) and I am just so thankful that I have friends with little ones I get to buy books for and keep myself aware of children’s books. Bought it for a 2.5 year old, which was probably a little young.
Books I Have Thought About Often or Referenced
**Becoming Elisabeth Elliot** by Ellen Vaughn
The biographical sequel to one of the most influential Christian women of the 20th century, exploring her faith, ideas, how her writing career grew, and her second and third marriages. There is much of her later years that are just sad and give pause to think about some of the ideas she held and wrote about in her many books.
**Beyond Mere Motherhood: Moms Are People Too** by Cindy Rollins
A refreshing and honest perspective on the delights and struggles of homeschooling and parenting, encouraging moms to cultivate their own growth while raising their children. If you haven’t read her Mere Motherhood book, I highly recommend it! Rollins books are truly encouraging.
**The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World** by Jonathan Freedland
The extraordinary true story of Rudolf Vrba, who escaped Auschwitz and tried to alert the world to the horrors within. A gripping account of bravery and persistence, and of brokenness and bitterness. I’ve thought often of this book and the cost of bitterness.
**The Great Sex Rescue** by Sheila Wray Gregoire
A book challenging some of the popular but harmful Christian teachings about sex. Gregoire presents a vision of healthy intimacy in marriage rooted in mutual respect and joy. I know there’s a lot of controversy in Christian circles over this book but I’m not actually sure why as she is very respectful of husbands, and men in general.
**Safe and Sound: Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles** by David Powlison
This concise and deeply encouraging book explores how the gospel equips us to face spiritual battles with confidence and faith. Powlison’s compassionate insights help readers understand what spiritual warfare truly looks like and how to rely on God’s power to persevere. I found his connections to the OT very interesting and plan to do a slower read through the book and dig deeper.
**When an Adult You Love Has ADHD: Professional Advice for Parents, Partners, and Siblings** by Russell A. Barkley
A practical guide for those navigating life with a loved one who has ADHD. Dr. Barkley combines compassion with expertise, offering strategies to improve relationships, manage challenges, and foster understanding and support.
**Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age** by Rosaria Butterfield
A thought-provoking critique of five cultural lies that conflict with biblical truth. Butterfield challenges readers to hold fast to Scripture while navigating issues of identity, morality, and faith in an increasingly secular world. I don’t agree with all she says, but do appreciate her writings.
**The First Will be Last: A Biblical Perspective on Narcassism** by DC Robertsson – I read a few books on this subject this year and I appreciated this one the most. This insightful book offers a scriptural lens to understand narcissism and its impact on relationships. Robertsson examines the characteristics of narcissism through a biblical perspective, providing thoughtful reflections on how to pray for those affected and navigate these complex dynamics with grace and truth.
**Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith** by David Powlison
A heartfelt collection of daily devotions designed to comfort, encourage, and challenge readers in their walk with Christ. Powlison’s reflections are rich with biblical wisdom, offering practical insights for trusting God through life’s trials and joys. I used it for my daily reading, though went from Fall ’23-Fall ’24. I found myself sharing many of the daily reads with friends.
**Gone with the Wind** by Margaret Mitchell
An epic tale of love, resilience, and survival set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. I last read this over two decades ago and was shocked at how much of the story I had forgetten, and almost as shocked at how much I have thought about Scarlett O’Hara’s tumultuous relationships and selfish spirit.
**Messiology** by George Verwer
A refreshing and honest look at how God works through messy situations, imperfect people, and flawed organizations to accomplish His purposes. Verwer’s unique perspective challenges readers to embrace grace and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the chaos. I have read this book every summer since 2022, and it was a true source of encouragement to me this past summer in particular. People are messy, God is sovereign.
**Surprised by Oxford** by Carolyn Weber
A beautifully written memoir chronicling the author’s transformative journey from skepticism to faith during her time as a student at Oxford University. With poetic prose and intellectual depth, Weber shares her struggles, discoveries, and the people who helped guide her toward a relationship with Christ. Her reflections have given me a lot to think on and converse about.
Books Shared With My Teenagers
There isn’t much that tops sharing a book with someone – it could quite possibly be my love language – and sharing books with my boys is one of my favorite things. Some on this list they suggested to me, some I to them, and others we just happened to have read this year.
**The Count of Monte Cristo** by Alexandre Dumas
An epic tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Judah had asked me to read this for ages and the denseness of it was a bit off-putting, but I am so glad I read it! Both because it’s a beautiful connection with him, but also just because it is a beautiful story.
**The Black Count** by Tom Reiss
The incredible true story of General Alexandre Dumas, father of the author of The Count of Monte Cristo. It follows his rise from slavery to becoming one of Napoleon’s greatest generals. A fascinating historical read, and one I was pleased to discover and share with Judah after finishing The Count of Monte Cristo.
**Authentically, Izzy** by Pepper Basham
Told through letters, emails, and messages, this fun and lighthearted romance features quirky characters, clever banter, and an endearing love for books. It’s a charming read and while it is more of a romantic comedy, it is fun and has some good book quotes throughout that I think helped keep my boys interest as they both read it.
**The Thief** by Megan Whalen Turner
A captivating fantasy adventure centered around an arrogant yet cunning thief, Gen, who is forced into a dangerous quest to retrieve a mythical treasure. It wasn’t my favorite, but I do love when my boys ask me to read books they love and both of them loved this one.
**Dracula** by Bram Stoker
A classic Gothic novel that was AMAZING to read through Eastern Europe, where much of the story takes place. Another one Judah had asked me to read for ages.
All 8 of the **Anne of Green Gables** Books by L.M. Montgomery
Both of my boys have read all of these charming stories – and they come up in conversation from time to time and I just couldn’t love that more.
All 7 of the **Chronicles of Narnia** Books by C.S. Lewis
Another delightful classic that I love sharing with my boys. While I hadn’t read some of these since my childhood, they frequently return to these stories and I felt this year it was time I intimately reacquainted myself with the stories.
**The Ten Thousand Doors of January** by Alix E. Harrow
Not my typical genre, but I discovered this beautifully written fantasy novel about a young woman named January Scaller who discovers mysterious doors leading to other worlds. Rich in lyrical prose, this tale explores themes of belonging, love, and the power of stories to transform lives and was a fun story to be able to share with my boys.
Books Recommended to Me
It’s pretty certain if you specifically recommend I read a book, that I will read it. These are titles friends suggested I read and I enjoyed.
**Only the Lover Sings** by Josef Pieper
A beautiful book about beauty, art, and contemplation. Pieper’s essays encourage readers to see the world with wonder and gratitude, and I do believe this is one of those books I will be returning to in years to come. The friend who recommended it said he reads it yearly.
**Unreasonable Hospitality** by Will Guidara
Part memoir, part business book, this inspiring read by a restaurateur highlights the power of generosity and creating unforgettable experiences. Interesting, but not much practical for home hospitality, which is what I had thought I was going to be reading about.
**Dead Wake** by Erik Larson
An interesting account of the sinking of the Lusitania, weaving together the personal and political stories surrounding one of World War I’s most pivotal events and its lasting impact on history. I was told I had to read this when a friend realized I knew nothing of this important bit of history.
**The Last Exchange** by Charles Martin
A suspenseful story about sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Martin weaves together gripping plotlines with deep emotional truths, delivering a narrative that lingers long after the last page. I had told a friend about the unusual love story in Jayber Crow and she said this one had an unusual love story, too, and that she had greatly enjoyed this one.
**Same Kind of Different as Me** by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
A remarkable true story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy art dealer and a homeless man. Their journey of compassion, understanding, and transformation is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. A friend recommended this YEARS ago as his favorite book, and I finally got around to reading it and can see why he loved it so much.
**The Happiest Man on Earth** by Eddie Jaku
A moving memoir by a Holocaust survivor who chooses gratitude, kindness, and hope over bitterness. Jaku’s inspiring story is one worth reading, and it is remarkable how he came to write his story. Paul read this prior to our visit to Auschwitz this Fall, and he suggested the whole family read it. We all did and all found it to be quite moving.
Boethius’ **Consolation of Philosophy**
Did I understand even a quarter of this? No. It was a stretching book, for sure. But I asked a friend for a beautiful book suggestion, and this was it. A philosophical classic written during Boethius’ imprisonment it is a dialogue between the author and Lady Philosophy that delves into themes of fortune, happiness, and the nature of good and evil. I took it with me to Europe and enjoyed reading little bits of it most mornings.
**The Abolition of Man** by C.S. Lewis
A friend recommended this as a prequel to me reading another book (I think Norms and Nobility, but now I can’t recall.)
**Selected Works of Bernard of Clairvaux**
A collection of writings from one of the most influential medieval theologians, this book offers reflections on faith, love, and the pursuit of holiness and was another book that I barely understood but enjoyed being stretched and challenged.
**A Woman of No Importance** by Sonia Purnell
An older woman from church lent me this incredible true story of Virginia Hall, a courageous American spy during World War II. I didn’t find the writing to be the best, but Hall’s life is fascinating and her daring exploits, her pivotal role in the fight against the Nazis, and her place in history as a trailblazer are well worth reading about.
**Their Eyes Were Watching God** by Zora Neale Hurston
A beautifully written novel that follows Janie Crawford’s journey of growth, love, and independence in early 20th-century Florida. Hurston’s masterful use of language and vivid storytelling bring to life a tale that is both beautiful and tragic. After a couple of friends shared about it I added it to my Goodreads “to be read” list and a friend messaged and told me it was very good, so I prioritized it. And it was indeed very good.
You can see all my 2024 reads on Goodreads here!
