My Top 10 Books of 2025

Instead of ranking these, they are listed in alphabetical order. These books were not published in 2025 and are based upon my subjective experience and interests. 

1. Frankenstein — Mary Shelley

I listened to this as I drove cross-country and was enchanted by the monster’s speeches during his existential crisis. Although the novel requires some endurance, it is worth the effort for the enduring human issues that the book tackles. 

2. Here I Stand — Roland H. Bainton

I have read a Luther biography each of the last three years. Bainton is essential reading for anybody who wants to understand Luther. My article on Luther drew mostly from Bainton’s work. 

3. No Little People — Francis Schaeffer

Schaeffer emphasizes both sound doctrine and lived experience within the Christian faith. My favorite part of the book was his critique of the syndrome of size to which so many ministries succumb. Schaeffer emphasizes that there are no little people and no little places when fully devoted to God. I recommend this book particularly for Headmasters.

4. Norms and Nobility — David Hicks

After multiple attempts at this book, I finally finished with some prompting from a colleague. This is the best book on Classical Christian education, in my opinion. I am working through this book again in 2026 with a group of teachers and leaders.

5. The Peacemaker — Ken Sande

I had read parts of this years ago, and I finally picked it back up. Sande has provided an excellent resource for Christian leaders who want to preserve unity without compromising truth. 

6. Strange New World — Carl R. Trueman

I had listened to this while cycling a couple years ago, but it was even better a second time through with highlighter in hand. The margins are full of notes. Trueman is at the top of his game in this accessible cultural commentary. 

7. The Care of Souls — Harold L. Senkbeil

This book is a heart-softener. I found myself loosening my grip on life and relinquishing control to the Good Shepherd in each chapter. 

8. The Foundation of Joy — Jeff Strickland

Jeff is a friend and a scholar of the Puritan John Flavel. The book is well-footnoted and published by RHB. I was helped especially by Strickland’s taxonomy of views on assurance.

9. The Statesman as Thinker — Daniel J. Mahoney

I audited a course by Dr. Albert Mohler on Leaders and Leadership and this was a key text in the course. Reading biographies (or mini biographies of various heroes) is far better than reading books on leadership. 

10. A History of Western Philosophy and Theology — John M. Frame

Although this is an undergraduate textbook, Frame has produced an invaluable resource to those who regularly interact with philosophy and theology. I made notecards in order to memorize all of the major names, and it was well-worth the effort. 

Many other books deserve mention, but I wanted to keep this post short. Happy reading in 2026!