Like many bloggers, I post a list of my favorite books each year (2021, 2022, 2023). As far as faith-based books go, I try to read broadly across multiple theological traditions. In my general reading, the genres typically include fiction, nonfiction, biography, memoir, and fantasy.
Here’s the list of my twelve favorite books of 2024. I don’t agree with everything in all of them. They did, however, bring me loads of joy, make me think deeply, and/or led me to worship Jesus more.
I imagine I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read, but it did make me consider how to see others better—getting my focus off myself—which, I suppose, is one of the best gifts good books can give.
I’m prone to wander, so I desperately need a shepherd. This book reminded me that I have one—a shepherd who is better than I ever imagined. Oh my! Who knew that more treasure exists in the twenty-third Psalm?
I love Fred Rogers. His lifelong pursuit of kindness and seeking the best educational programming for children is inspiring. They just don’t make ‘em like Mister Rogers anymore.
This was a reread. It’s the best marriage book I’ve ever read. I’ve used many of the concepts, particularly, that people change, that couples won’t always feel in love, and that marriage is a covenant, in the weddings I’ve officiated. Every serious Christ follower should own a copy of this book.
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I read a couple Harry Potter books this year. I could’ve chosen any of them for this list. I’m one book away from finishing the series for the first time. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
Wow! Just wow. From an entertainment and enjoyment standpoint, this is the best fiction book I’ve ever read. I can’t say enough good things about it. The world-building is unreal. The ability to take place in the future while dedicating much of its content to the past felt unique. I’m neither a gamer nor a huge fan of the 80s, but that didn’t squash my love for this story in the slightest. I found myself slowing down near the end because I didn’t want to leave the Oasis (the virtual world found in the book). There is bad language. Also, in order to set the world up as a dark, despondent place, God is spoken of negatively. If you can get past these things, you’re in for a heck of a ride.
I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, but I loved the content of this book so much. One big take away was that pastoral ministry involves doing lots of small mostly overlooked things for long periods of time. I’ve been praying God would give me stamina to be overlooked.
This book is small but it packs a punch. Two key elements for me were the power of staying in our commitments, and making our deaths count. It’s probably best read as a devotional.
This book is fantastic. There is a lot packed into it. It’s not all amazing, though it’s all good. Becoming like Jesus is a process. It’s less about what we know and more about who or what we’re allowing to form us. Christian spiritual formation is a matter of attention, I think. What or who are we giving our attention to moment-by-moment and day-by-day? The answer to that question reveals the kind of person we’ll become.
We live in the Information Age. But what if the cumulative effect of too much information is more than our minds and souls can bear? That’s what this book addresses. It provides a healthy way forward.
11. The Hobbit
I can’t say anything about this book that hasn’t already been said. It’s truly amazing. Tolkien was a masterful storyteller.
Beautiful. Inspiring. A breathtaking look at apprenticing under Jesus.
Honorable Mention
While it may or may not be worthy of a list like this one, I’d be remiss not to mention the book I wrote this year. I’d be honored if you gave it a look. The audiobook will be available by the end of the month.
Daniel Seabaugh 
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