I read 30 books in 2024 using this method. Here’s the list with comments on each one.
The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
When I was in high school, I read the cliff notes. I lied that I read the books, for a book report. 27 years later I finally got around to reading all three books. They were absolutely fantastic – an amazing feat of creativity. I followed each one up with a viewing of the extended version of each movie. If you’ve never read them, read them – highly recommend!
BONUS: If you haven’t seen the movie, Tolkien yet, I recommend that as well. I loved it.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. I reread it right after The Lord of the Rings. I definitely enjoyed it more as a child, but it was good to reread again.
In The House Of Tom Bombadil by C.R. Wiley
I read this while reading Lord of the Rings and really enjoyed it. It was interesting.
The Boniface Option by Andrew Isker
I have a lot of disagreement with Andrew Isker on a bunch of things, but I thought this book was really good, specifically addressing the fight against isolated, fruitless, consumption. I read The Benedict Option years ago and I much prefer the Boniface Option’s approach. This was one of the better books I’ve read in a while.
Church History 101 by Ferguson, Beeke, & Haykin
Excellent little book on church history that every Christian should read.
Leaders Who Last by Dave Kraft
This is the second time I have read this book. I think it’s my favorite book on leadership. I’ll probably read it every few years.
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
One of my favorite books on leadership that I’ve read. The title alone is worth its weight. It was well written with really engaging stories from the war in Afghanistan. I love to learn from practitioners and that’s what Jocko and Leif are.
Act Like Men by James MacDonald
Act Like A Man by Mark Driscoll
Disciplines Of A Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
Read all three of these books on manhood this year and wasn’t really that impressed with any of them.
Thoughts For Young Men by J.C. Ryle
This is an excellent little book for men.
How Do You Read the Bible? by J.C. Ryle
Good little book on the topic.
Read This First by Gary Millar
Before You Open Your Bible by Matt Smethurst
Read both of these little books on the same topic and that they were O.K.
Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul
Excellent book on interpreting the bible. I think every Christian should read this book. It’s a small book that is easy to read and he hits so many practicals on the topic. I was really helped by this book.
Christian Beliefs by Wayne Grudem
Great little book on systematic theology.
The Mad Farmer Poems by Wendell Berry
This is an excellent book of poems that includes my all-time favorite poem: “Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front“. Wendell Berry is great.
Apostles – The Fathering Servant by Bill Schneider
There are not many good books on the topic of apostles, but this is a good contribution to the topic.
How To Pray by R.A. Torrey
This is one of the best books I’ve read on prayer.
The Hidden Life Of Prayer by David McIntyre
This is another excellent book on prayer.
You Shall Receive Power by Derek Prince
There’s a lot of great stuff in this book on being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Unwrapping The Names Of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
We read this advent book as a family. It was alright.
The Gospel And Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever
This is a great little book on evangelism.
Five Points by John Piper
This is a good little intro to the topic.
Does God Desire All To Be Saved? by John Piper
Good book on a great topic, but it’s very heady. I felt a little lost a couple of times.
The Local Church by Edward W. Klink III
Good simple book on the doctrine of the church.
The Preeminent Christ by Paul Washer
Good book to feast on Christ.
Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
A little cheesy at times, but a very impactful book. I learned a lot from this book.
