I’ve always loved Spotify Wrapped—that end-of-year recap of the music I’ve listened to, highlighting my most-played songs, favorite genres, and trends. There’s something satisfying about seeing patterns emerge from a year of listening. I get the same joy from tracking my reading with StoryGraph. It helps me see trends, maintain balance, and keep intentionality in my reading.
Reading is the foundation of my continuing education and personal growth. For every non-fiction book I read, I try to pair it with a fiction book, and the majority of my reading is faith-based. StoryGraph helps me monitor this balance and reflect on the books that truly shaped my year.
Below is a look at my favorite books, authors, series, poems, and Christian works from 2025, along with one-sentence recommendations for each.
Best Fiction Books of the Year
The Brothers Karamazov – Fyodor Dostoyevsky: A profound exploration of faith, doubt, and human nature that challenges the way you think about morality and God.
Pilgrims – M.R. Leonard: A beautifully crafted, imaginative story blending adventure, philosophy, and deep emotional resonance. A Sci-Fi retelling of Augustine’s Confessions.
The Light of All That Falls – James Islington: A sprawling, immersive fantasy epic with intricate world-building and a satisfying conclusion to the Licanius Trilogy.
Flags Out Front – Douglas Wilson: A witty and insightful novel that blends satire, theology, and social commentary.
The Thunder – Douglas Bond: A compelling historical novel that brings Reformation-era Scotland and John Knox’s ministry to life.
The Princess and the Goblin – George MacDonald: A timeless fairy tale of courage, faith, and the triumph of good over evil.
Wise Blood – Flannery O’Connor: A darkly humorous and unsettling exploration of sin, grace, and the absurdity of human pride.
Favorite Series
Licanius Trilogy – James Islington: Intricate fantasy with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and time-bending twists.
Narnia – C.S. Lewis: The Best Children’s Fantasy
Middle-earth – J.R.R. Tolkien: The Best Fantasy Ever
Ransom Trilogy – C.S. Lewis: Philosophical science fiction exploring good, evil, and the mysteries of creation. A prophetic word to our world today.
Favorite Authors
Fyodor Dostoyevsky – For his penetrating insights into human nature and the spiritual struggle.
G.K. Chesterton – For wit, wisdom, and moral imagination.
C.S. Lewis – For clarity, creativity, and thoughtful engagement with faith and culture.
J.R.R. Tolkien – For world-building mastery and imaginative storytelling.
James Islington – For modern epic fantasy with philosophical depth and suspense.
Favorite Short Stories
The Dream of a Ridiculous Man – Dostoyevsky: A haunting and philosophical meditation on despair, redemption, and love.
The Heavenly Christmas Tree – Dostoyevsky: Whimsical and moral storytelling with festive charm.
The Last Pennant Before Armageddon – W.P. Kinsella: Nostalgic and imaginative, capturing the humor and hope of baseball.
Leaf by Niggle – J.R.R. Tolkien: A tender allegory about creativity, purpose, and the eternal significance of small acts.
Favorite Poems / Poetry Books
The Temple – George Herbert: Spiritual poetry celebrating devotion and the beauty of a God-centered life.
Holy Sonnets – John Donne: Intense, introspective poetry wrestling with mortality, faith, and divine love.
On Another’s Sorrow – William Blake: A powerful meditation on compassion and humanity’s interconnectedness.
Ozymandias – Percy Shelley: A haunting reminder of human pride and the impermanence of earthly power.
My Poetry is Jamming Your Machine – Malcolm Guite: Lyrical reflections on life, culture, and spirituality.
Ballad of the White Horse – G.K. Chesterton: Epic poetry celebrating heroism, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Favorite Christian Books
Accessible Church – Sandra Peoples: Practical guidance for creating inclusive church communities.
Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands – Michael A.G. Haykin: Recovering sacramental practice in the Baptist tradition.
The Sin of Empathy – Joe Rigney: Challenges common misconceptions about compassion while pointing to Christ-centered love.
The Art of Divine Contentment – Thomas Watson: Classic wisdom on finding satisfaction and joy in God above all things.
Heaven – Randy Alcorn: Thoughtful and inspiring exploration of eternal life.
A Hunger for God – John Piper: Passionate call to pursue God through fasting, prayer, and devotion.
Spurgeon: A Life – Alex Diprima: Richly detailed biography capturing the heart, mind, and ministry of Charles Spurgeon.
Taking No for an Answer – Blake Long: Encouragement to trust God when prayers seem unanswered.
Thanks for including my book on your list!