Best Reads of 2024

This past year I decided to read and listen to more books to stretch, grow, and push myself to think bigger, better thoughts while engaging on a deeper level. I found it helpful to listen to audio books as I was travelling, doing yard work, building a retaining wall, and walking the dog. Now, you may be thinking: how much are you retaining when just listening to books? I can give you two responses to that question: more than if I don’t read at all, and way more if I listen to that book a few times over.

Ever since childhood, I have never been an exceptionally strong reader. As I have aged and grown, so have my reading skills and desire to read—grown more than aged ;) Still, to this day, I am more likely to listen to a book than I will read a paper copy. So, that is where the "way more“ comes in for me.

As I read some great books this year, I thought I would pass along a few that I found helpful, engaging, and beneficial. I hope that they are for you as well.

The Pursuit of God - A. W. Tozer

This is a yearly read for me, both on paper and in an audio version, as it is written by an author that I trust, thoroughly respect, but also enjoy. For those who want to pursue God and desire to connect more deeply with and engage with the God who first pursues us, this is a great read. This will give you good theology and a solid push to engage on a deeper level in your faith journey. Highly recommend.

Practicing the Way - John Mark Comer

I know it seems that everyone is reading this one right now, and rightfully so. This is a great read and a push for anyone walking in faith with Jesus but feeling stuck and needing a spiritual shot in the arm. Lots of great thoughts, insights and opportunities for anyone seeking to walk in the way of Jesus and not just be connected to Jesus. I listened to this one several times and I plan to listen to it again. I also recommend reading this one within community or with a group of people who are interested in growing together.

Renovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard

I have appreciated this book over the last couple of years from a perspective of someone who walks with people in deep places of faith and helps others to receive the healing, freedom, and life that are found in an intimate walk with Jesus as Lord. If you are feeling stuck spiritually and looking for a book that can give you tools to engage in the Christian life, this is a good recommendation.

Praying like Monks, Living Like Fools - Tyler Stanton and Tim Mackie

I read this one on a recommendation from a couple of friends. It reads as an authentic conversation between two great thinkers on prayer. The authors offer great teaching through story telling, their own learnings, and also share tools to get over common hurdles to a life of prayer. Good read, really good listen.

Prayer: Finding the heart’s true home - Richard J. Foster

There was a time that I was doing a lot of walking this past year and this book lived on repeat for me. Every time I listened to it I gleaned more from it. Foster explores three key movements within prayer: inward, upward, outward. He outlines 21 practices of prayer that can be helpful to anyone who is looking to grow in their prayer life and connection with God. Whether you are new to the faith and prayer or a seasoned pray-er with worn knees and an intimate connection with God, this is a good read and has something to offer for anyone in the life of prayer.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - Pete Scazzero

This is a great book on the disciplines and practices that can help a follower of Jesus walk in God's life-giving presence. If you want to grow in spiritual maturity, self-awareness, and emotional wholeness, this book is a great starting point for this conversation.

The Awe of God - John Bevere

I have heard John Bevere speak in the past and hope to again. He is a passionate communicator and has good things to say. He has written a lot, on a lot of topics. In this book he contends that it is impossible to have an intimate relationship with God without having a proper awe of God and the fear of the Lord. I was challenged as I read to consider if I have overlooked awe and the fear of the Lord, and in so doing missed out on another level of intimacy with God. I plan on listening to this one a few more times…but wanted to have it on the list.

What are your best reads of 2024? We would love to hear from you on this. And, if you read one of the above books this coming year, or have done so previously, share something that stood out to you. Perhaps it will be an encouragement for someone else to pick up one of these great books.