Best Books of 2024
+ other random things you might love too
The first books I remember being enraptured by, other than those that were questionably read to us as young children by our grandfather (e.g., Robinson Crusoe and Agatha Christie novels) were Nancy Drew mysteries.
In elementary school, I was lured to their spines, a bright yellow with emerald-tipped pages. The stories drew me in and I was enraptured by the books’ heroine, Nancy, who was everything I dreamed of being: brave, savvy, creative.
Have you been moved by a story? Has the smell of the old book brought you back in time to a certain library window?
The following titles I savored this year. Some are new releases. Some are a bit more aged. Some I connected with the ideas, some the writing style, a few gems, both. Welcome to my top reads of 2024, an eclectic library that may move you in the new year to write, love, grow your faith or invest in spiritual formation, or all of the above.
Even after Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway by Stephanie Duncan Smith: This gem is at the top of my list because of both the stylistic beauty and the way it gets to the heart of loss, grief, and faith. Here is an article I just had to write about it, too.
Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday: This book was sent to me by a friend who knows good books. I was eager to dig in and found myself transfixed by Ryan Holiday’s ability to tell a story (and without citations!) that draws you in almost formulaically and points the reader to their own story without an overemphasis on his. He also references folks from current politicians, stoic philosophers, and even sports heroes and anti-heroes. I’m an instant fan.
Very Good Copy: 207 Micro-Lessons on Thinking and Writing Like a Copywriter: This book is a must-read in today’s writing world. Again, it was referred to me by a new friend who also knows good books and editing. After readying a couple *f* bombs, I knew this wasn’t your average writing book and I’d have to read with caution, but it was worth sifting through the dross to get to the good stuff.
The Scandal of the Kingdom: How the Parables of Jesus Revolutionize Life with God by Dallas Willard: I’m a believer that there are hordes of writers and theologians from the past who have a word to speak to those of us in recovery today. Dallas Willard is one of them. This new release, which is a compilation of a series of sermons from the 1980s from Willard posthumously, is a reminder that truth never dies.
Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott: When I heard about this book, I was eager to pick up the hard copy. Of any writer, Anne Lamott has perhaps had the most profound impact on me. I may not agree with everything she shares, but she taught me as a young writer and student in college that it is okay to be ourselves on the page. This is a lesson I need to continually remind myself of at times when I am tempted to fit some type of author mold that might be easy to jump into, but perhaps difficult to jump out of.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben: This book helped bring to life the imagery of trees that inspired much of my second book.
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence: One of my goals in 2024 was to get back into the habit of a daily morning devotion practice (replacing picking up my phone first thing). This book helped me to get back into a morning rhythm that is life-giving. I have the edition that includes the scriptures written out for each day, which is also helpful because I can be lazy when it comes to actually looking up referenced texts.
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke: This books is an incredible resource for families impacted by addiction and recovery and an invaluable resource as I work on my next project.
Along with books, your letters have moved me this year. Substack reads and other newsletters I’ve loved in 2024
My email inbox is a sacred place that feels a bit more overwhelming by the month. I’ve done a massive clearing out so that what lands there (as much as it depends upon my filters, is precious, makes me think, wonder, or worship in a new way). That’s why these letters that I find daily inspire such hope and continue to have a place at my digital table:
’s Love Life Sober
’s The Veritas Daily’s Worth Your Time
’s Reality Theology
’s The Opposite of Addiction
Other newsletters and resources that keep me going:
The Grit and Grace Project
The Writer’s Circle weekly letter with Will Parker Anderson
Yates and Yates Author Coaching weekly letter
Lastly, other random things I’m loving that you might love too:
Eyebrow pencil by NYC (how many ways do I love thee?)
Estée Lauder advanced night repair (people ask if I’ve done Botox and thus far the answer to that is no bc of this product)
Brooks running shoes (they work for me so I’m sticking with them)
The Sydney (lavender latte from my fave local spot)
Halara wide leg stretchy jeans (bc Instagram ads finally wore me down)
What are your favorites of the year??? Share in the comments below.
Speaking of the new year approaching, it’s a wonderful time to set our goals, resolutions, or intentions. I’ve got a new free resource coming soon that’s going to help you not only set goals in the new year but attain them. Stay tuned.
Wow thanks so much for including me!!! Your newsletter has been such a blessing for me personally, im very flattered!
Definitely checking out there books!!! Thank you!