In 2024, I read 26 books— for me, the most in a single year ever. I love reading, and I’ve read some really good books this year, so I decided to highlight some good ones with 2025 rolling around. While I could have just picked all my “rated 5/5” books, that would be an overly simplistic way to rank everything I’ve read: my opinions of a book change as it simmers in my mind. I’m taking this opportunity to supersede my own ratings and list some of my current favorites.
So, in no particular order, here’s my favorite books I read in 2024.
The Dark Tower Series (review)
This year, I wrapped up the 7-book The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. It’s currently my #1 sci-fi series and my favorite Stephen King books. He has a particular knack for writing full, rounded characters whose stories interweave in fantastic ways. If you enjoy sci-fi, world-building, and a hint of Western, I strongly encourage you to pick them up!
Nonviolent Communication (review)
NVC was one of those books I picked up on a whim after reading some glowing reviews. I really had no idea the impact this book would have on my life and my communication with others. When someone says something to me, I still ask myself: what are they asking for? What does this person need in this moment? How can I derive that from the information I’m given? How can I communicate without judgement? NVC still helps me communicate and listen more clearly. I hate calling it a “self-help” book, but it really is; I swear this one’s good!
Snow Crash (review)
After hearing about Neal Stephenson from online fans and coworkers, I picked up one of his most popular works— Snow Crash. Needless to say, it immediately became one of my favorite sci-fi books of all time, and I already feel I’m due for a re-read! Stephenson is a very talented writer, and as a cybersecurity professional, I really loved the computery-futuristic setting of the book, along with the religious undertones.
All Quiet on the Western Front (review)
I read several war books based on a friend’s recommendation— a splurge outside my normal genre routines. I particularly enjoyed All Quiet on the Western Front as a realistic account of war and combat. Even though the experience of reading it was very sluggish, the memories have really stuck with me. For me, this is the ultimate anti-war book.
Jesus, Contradicted (review)
If you read the Bible, please go read Jesus, Contradicted. Even if you disagree with some of the conclusions, this book is a fantastic introduction to the academic scholarship of the Bible, and its authorship, genre, and problems. It completely changed the way I read Scripture (especially the Gospels). Michael Licona presents his case strongly that a modern “history textbook” understanding of the Bible is just not consistent with what the original authors likely intended.