Top Ten Books of 2025
- Jeni Newman
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Sadly, I did not reach my goal of 50 books this year. Didn’t 2025 begin just yesterday? I definitely got caught up in the busyness of the year and did not approach reading with as much intention as I did in 2024. I plan to do better in 2026!
However, I did read 40 books, and my favorite ten easily fit into two categories of fiction and non-fiction. You can read a summary of what each book is about by clicking on the links.
Favorite Fiction
I discovered this book on several 2024 top books lists and read it early in 2025. It has exploded in popularity, with good reason. Such a sweet, wholesome, touching, inspiring story! I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I purchased a hard copy of this book because the cover is so beautiful. The story is too! I’ve read a few reviews by people who don’t prefer O’Farrell’s writing style. I loved it. This was made into a movie which I will wait to stream at home because I know I will ugly cry.
I thought this was going to be my favorite book of the year until I read Theo of Golden. But I couldn’t have loved this book more. An unexpected but glorious ending. Will definitely read this one again.
I adore the 4-part BBC series so knew I would enjoy the book. I did very much but just wish it hadn’t ended quite so abruptly.
This was a tough read. Based on a true story, it’s about two teens who were kidnapped and forced to serve in the Lord’s Resistance Army under Joseph Kony (who truly was demon-possessed). Unforgettable scenes in this book.
Honorable Mention:
Favorite Non-fiction/Christian Growth
The Bible Recap: a One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible by Tara-Leigh Cobble
This is easily the top devotional book I have ever used. Most devotionals are high on application (which I always appreciate). This one explains the content of the portion of Scripture you read for the day with a brief application at the end. I learned so much! I’ve recommended this book over and over again and am excited to try one of Tara-Leigh Cobble’s studies now. (I linked the pretty sage green option of the devotional, which I have and love, but it also comes in basic royal blue hardcover.)
From the book’s description: “Jesus teaches us to live, not for the eyes of others or even for ourselves but in the secret place where our Father in heaven sees and rewards.” Encouraging and convicting.
If, as a Christ-follower, you want to take seriously God’s call to bear one another’s burdens, you must read this book. It should be required reading for every pastor, imo!
Everything I read by Jerry Bridges is doctrinally sound, easy to understand, and so comforting. Here’s just one of the many sentences I underlined and starred: “We should work as diligently in trusting God’s love as we do in obeying His commands.”
Probably the most practical book I’ve read this year. Chock full of biblical principles on dealing with conflict in a God-honoring way. Another book I highly recommend for ministry leaders!
What were your favorite reads from this year?
Pursuing Prace was so good and convicting.
I really enjoyed Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy. It teaches a Christian how to lament.
Confronting Christianity was also a good read.
Teach Them Diligently is my favorite book on how to raise children using Scripture to disciple and discipline them. I had read it before and before loaning it to a friend, read through it again and it is very practical and helpful.