Ten Favorite Books of 2024.
If you’re like me, you’re still in a slight shock that 2024 is over and 2025 is (somehow) here. Maybe you’ve spent time over the last few days reflecting, setting goals, and dreaming about what’s to come. Or maybe you’ve just had a good cry about all the dreams that didn’t come true this past year. Maybe you lamented that nothing seems to have changed. This past year was a really difficult year for me. Personally, I experienced a lot of change and transition and disappointment, and with those experiences I’ve been processing a lot of loss.
Some things were consistent, however.
I remain thankful that I remain in the grip of God’s abundant grace. He doesn’t let go of his children. His presence is with me, even when I am in a dark valley.
I am grateful for the gift of being married to my dear husband. Somehow, in a hard year, we found a way to huddle closer together, get to know each other better, and love each other more deeply.
I am thankful for family and friends. They continue to bring light and joy and laughter into my more melancholic days.
I am thankful for books. And I know that might sound silly, but the books I read were either encouragement at the right time, a needed kick in the pants to get me back on track, or an escape into someone else’s world for a brief stint of time. Books allowed me to experience different perspectives. This year, they brought me comfort.
I Cheerfully Refuse, Leif Enger (literary fiction)
Without a doubt, this is my favorite book from 2024. I read this one in April, and it stuck with me all year. I am rather prone to melancholy, so I really connected with the main character, Rainy.
“As enemies go, despair has every ounce of my respect.”
“I am always last to see the beauty I inhabit.”
The Night Is Normal, Alicia Britt Chole (Christian formation)
This book came to me at the right time. I’d heard about it from a friend, and then I saw it while I was perusing library shelves one day. I plan to re-read this in 2025 with the companion workbook.
“Storms are survivable when we view them as relational. the night is filled with holy invitations to grow our love for God.”
“I believe that disillusionment is an unexpected friend of spiritual formation. However painful the loss of illusions may be, reality is a friend of intimacy with God.”
A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis (Christian classic)
Wow. In this short book, C.S. Lewis records his (unedited) thoughts and feelings following the death of his wife. This has everything that I love about C.S. Lewis — candor, wit, logic, honesty, profundity, theology. This might be my favorite non-fiction work by C.S. Lewis.
“What do people mean when they say, ‘I am not afraid of God because I know He is good’? Have they never even been to a dentist?”
“My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered time after time. He shatters it Himself.”
Bible Delight, Christopher Ash (Christian theology)
This book walks through Psalm 119, highlighting the beauty of the covenant of God woven throughout the whole Bible. This is a necessary book for preachers and Bible teachers. (It might have even changed the way that I read the Bible. Ash made some connections between Law and covenant that still have me reeling.)
Theo of Golden, Allen Levi (literary fiction)
This is a warm hug of a book. It’s a beautiful invitation to imagine what might look like if a few people in our communities really endeavored to live like Jesus. Theo enters the town of Golden with the intention to live selflessly, love abundantly, and treat people like the treasures they are, image bearers of God. There are countless allusions to the story of the Bible in this wonderful book. This is book to return to again and again. And I don’t want to spoil it … just find yourself a copy, and savor it!
Ghosted, Nancy French (memoir)
This is a stellar memoir. I am amazed at Nancy’s tenacity and wisdom. I am also astounded at God’s goodness in wasting absolutely nothing in our stories.
(Note for the potential reader: This book often discusses various kinds of abuse.)
Nothing Wasted, Kim Patton (spiritual memoir)
Speaking of God wasting nothing, I loved this spiritual memoir from my new friend, Kim Patton. I listened to the audiobook (with the author reading it), and it blew me away. I was so encouraged by her own story of spiritual growth. It’s hard to beat authenticity and vulnerability.
Slow Horses, Mick Herron (espionage thriller)
I love me some literary fiction, but you just can’t take the mystery/thriller bone out of a hardcore childhood Nancy Drew addict.
I think I found my new favorite series this year in Mick Herron’s Slow Horses books. I genuinely laugh out loud and gasp in shock while I read.
(Note: definitely some language and some crude humor in these, but mostly done in a humorous way.)Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton (Christian classic)
It’s a classic for a reason. And I’ll be back for more one day.
I highly recommend the annotated version by Trevin Wax. The additional chapter summaries, updated paragraph spacings, and discussion questions make this book accessible to modern readers.The Unseen World, Liz Moore (literary fiction)
I am a big fan of Liz Moore. Yes, I’ve also read Long Bright River and God of the Woods (her other books are on my TBR), but this one stood out to me from 2024. If you liked “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” or “Real Americans”, I think you’ll enjoy this one. It’s got an element of mystery, some nerdiness, and really good storytelling.
