Top 24 Books Of 2024
What a year of learning new things, expanding horizons and getting lost in the wonderful world of books - 154 of them to be exact! I was inspired by Jon Acuff and I used the Goodreads app to record throughout 2024.
I did not have a specific goal in mind… only the goal to keep track of what I read which I’ve never done before. I was inspired by @jonacuff and I used the @goodreads app to record throughout 2024.
It’s such a small shift to keep track of something. I’ve read my whole life. But keeping track gave me something to celebrate and feel proud of. It also made my year feel longer and fuller. It often seems like the years fly by as we get older but reminiscing over a month or over a year in this way is a solid reminder that we lived a lot of life.
It is slightly cumbersome to log what is important to you - like reading or movement or time outside. But it is an incredibly valuable life practice.
I like just about everything I read so these are simply the ones that have attached to my soul and altered my perspectives. Here’s my top 24, and check the images below to see ALL the stacks, month by month!
1. Will the Circle Be Unbroken by Sean Dietrich
I read over 150 books this year and this is the book I gave out for Christmas. I bought a whole stack of them. I think Sean is one of the most prolific writers of our time. I snort-laugh through his books and then swap to crying buckets. This one is about learning that things are going to be okay - and don’t we all need that message
2. Boys Should Be Boys by Dr. Meg Meeker
This is another author recommended by Jon Acuff. I assumed this one would be about romping and rough-housing given the title… and it is. But Dr. Meeker also wrote about how boys (and girls) need God. It was such an intriguing twist to me but it changed my perspective because so often we avoid this topic so that adults feel more comfortable - we don’t want to offend. And yet, that is a detriment to children who need morality and unconditional love and so much more from God.
I loved the idea of microseasons. It helped me not be overwhelmed in the depths of February. In nature, things are changing every five days or so - certainly every two weeks. I also played piano for over 50 days because of this and thought I got sick and let it go for a while, the idea of daily creative practice is life-giving and I’m so glad to know about it. This book is also visually stunning and Mary Jo is a phenomenal writer.
4. Dark Calories by Dr. Cate Shanahan
This book helped me understand my whole life and why I struggle with pathological hunger. Cutting out seed oils hasn’t been all that difficult and it is helping me feel so much better.
5. Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari
I needed a book to help me be bold in the face of opposition and this book does just that. Vani stands for truth and for children despite tremendous blowback. I was incensed learning about how mega-food companies (and more) have tried to silence Vani and yet she keeps right on going.
6. Death by Living by N.D. Wilson
We are all writing a story whether we want to or not. Write a good one. Loathe talk without action. I laughed so hard when I read the story about them running away with their moose stuffed animals. Some of my favorite quotes come from this book. Wilson writes “Life is there for the tipping.” Tip the scales for people. Use your words. Use your hands. You have something to give.
7. Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas
When I read this book I wrote that it was more valuable than gold. It’s a book I wish I would’ve read years ago. It gave me such insight into my marriage. It is a direct book that reminds you that “Parenting is hard work that leads to good growth.” I loved learning about the men in David’s life like his grandfathers and the legacy they left behind.
8. The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer by Joel Salatin
I am a Joel Salatin superfan and when I read his books I think to myself, “There’s no way I will like this one as much as his previous books.” But every time, I like them just as much. Joel is witty and snarky and brilliant and one of the most prolific thinkers of our time. Reading his books has constituted some of my most enjoyable time as an adult. I’m always entertained and enthralled. My mind spins. I learn. I’m convicted. Joel is a riveting writer. His words dance together and keep me on the edge of my seat.
9. Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson
I am also a superfan of the Clarkson women. How are they all such incredible writers?! This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah and it melted me. She is so honest about the struggles that we are all having - prioritizing moments of peace and quiet in a world that is moving at warp speed. Sarah’s honesty is refreshing. I wrote down that this book was deeply touching and deeply thought-provoking.
10. It Is What You Make of It by Justin McRoberts
I found Justin through some really insightful and intriguing Instagram posts and I LOVE his writing. He is a brilliant storyteller - weaving together concepts you would never think could be connected. Because of that, his stories are memorable and they have changed me. His books prompt change. I commit to rest more and to give up less. I so enjoy his books.
11. Targeted: Beirut by Jack Carr
By some stroke of miracle I’ve had the privilege of having Jack Carr on our podcast THREE times. THREE. Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL Sniper and now a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author. I am a rather dumpy mother who can’t keep up with laundry. I loved this book because it exposed me to a completely new genre and I learned about a historical event that I knew nothing about through his spectacular writing. This is nothing like reading history from a textbook. This book gave me a lot of philosophical questions to ponder.
12. Sleepless by Annabel Abbs-Streets
Woah!! I had never even heard the phrase night self. This book was fascinating because it was about something I’d never heard of or even considered - that women throughout history have used the quiet of the night to grow and to create. I love that this was framed by Annabel’s own story and journey through grief and how she remarkably wove this through with historical women. I always learn a tremendous amount from Annabel’s books and it’s always applicable for living a better life.
13. Generative Artificial Intelligence by Jerry Kaplan
I had waited years to have a conversation with Jerry. I read his book “Humans Need Not Apply” years ago and was so excited when this one came out. Artificial Intelligence freaks me out. I’m not sure how to parent in light of it. And this book answered most of my questions and then some I didn’t even realize I had. Kaplan has been working with AI for decades and he is my go-to source for learning “what everybody needs to know.”
14. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I have struggled a lot of my adult life with the “What ifs?” This book helped me set that aside. I love the premise of this novel and how it leaves you with the answer that no path is perfect. Take life as it comes.
15. American Girls by Nancy Jo Sales
This is one of the most important books that exists because adults must have empathy and understanding for what kids are going through as it relates to screens and social media. It is the most eye-opening book I’ve ever read. It is shocking but critical to read. I love how Nancy organized the chapters by ages. This is a brilliant piece of journalism. Hearing the voices of the children is imperative and Nancy has given us the gift of this.
16. If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry by Molly Stillman
I had not read many memoirs until I read this book and I learned that I love them tremendously. Molly’s story is heartwarming and tragic and I left her book with the deep reminder that small, loving actions we take can impact others far more than we will ever know. This book led me to a trilogy of books. I read Molly’s mother’s memoir called “Home Before Morning” also “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. I learned more about the Vietnam War than I ever had before. This trilogy was enlightening and life-giving.
17. Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan Madson
Be a yes-sayer!! Goodness, I loved this book so, so much. I’ve given away many copies this year already. The maxims for life apply to everything - parenting, entrepreneurship, and daily living. I’m trying to be better about remembering names because of this book. It quickly became an all-time favorite of mine.
18. Anti-Time Management by Richie Norton
For a bit my brain was bent trying to wrap my head around this one. It’s so deep and once you’ve read it you’ll never “let your dreams melt like ice cream” again! As Richie says, “Today is My Everything.” This one helps you learn to live in the present and how to leave excuses behind.
19. When The Church Harms God’s People by Diane Langberg
We had an awful, awful experience at a local church this past year. It decimated our family. As I’ve just started to speak out about it, I’m realizing this is sadly more common than I ever realized. Diane’s book provided hope, healing, and understanding. I’m a huge fan of what she is doing because I know it is needed by so many.
20. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This was a remarkably entertaining fiction read. It had a great twist at the end. I’ve recommended it to others and they’ve loved it too. I love the depth of characters. I stayed up all night finishing this one.
21. The Boy Crisis by Warren Farrell
This might sound silly but this book has helped my marriage more than any other book I’ve read. It helped because it gave a full picture as to why dads are important to kids (with an emphasis in this book on boys). I think as a society there is this underlying message that dads are dispensable. This book really changed my perspective and thus, changed me.
22. The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger
This book gutted me. It is wonderfully and poetically written. It is super moving. Dr. Eger superbly combines her experience at Auschwitz as a teenager with life after Auschwitz and all the struggles and triumphs life hands out. I took ten pages of notes from this one. It’s a must read!
23. Into the Free by Julie Cantrell
I found Julie through Jill Winger and was enthralled with how many human topics she could weave into a story. Her books deal with love and loss, domestic abuse, the healing power of nature, hypocrisy, imagination, friendship, community, and so much more. I was entertained but also left with lots to ponder. I read Perennials too and loved that as well… plus I have several more of hers in my TBR pile.
24. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
I spit laughing while reading this. Jon Acuff recommended it and it was better than I could’ve ever imagined. Anne reminds you over and over that writing (and life) is about the process. We cannot skip ahead. I love how you can actually observe that Anne has followed her own advice because her writing is killer. She is top-tier… a stand-out amongst authors.
Not pictured in my stacks are The Joy of Slow by Leslie Martino (I got a primitive advanced copy 😁), The Third Perspective by Africa Brooke (I read a digital advanced copy) and My Perfect Movement Plan by Katy Bowman (can’t find it anywhere!)
