Reading books is something I try to do on a regular basis. I’m always on the lookout for recommendations and book lists that I can scour for something new to read!
I put together this book list to help you find something interesting to read in 2025!
Why I fell short of my goal
This year I managed to finish 17 books, which is less than my goal of 24 books per year, and less than my total of 22 books from 2023.
It would be dishonest of my to say that I didn’t accomplish my reading goal because I was too busy. Everyone has exactly enough time for the things that they prioritize.
The reason I didn’t read as much as I wanted is because I spent far too much time scrolling social media and watching television in the evenings.
One of the steps I have taken to reduce the time I spend on social media is removing Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter apps from my phone. Accessing these services via the mobile browser is a far less satisfying experience which leads to less time spent scrolling.
My 2024 book list
The 17 books below are the titles that I read in 2024. As you will see, there is a wide variety of genres and topics. I enjoy reading book lists from others and frequently find new titles to add to my wish list!
Related Post: What I read in 2023
I hope you find something interesting to add to your 2025 reading list!
Note: the links below are Amazon affiliate links which will help me fund my next book purchase!
Fiction
I didn’t read much fiction this year, but I did enjoy the Terminal List series by Jack Carr. I tried to watch the Amazon TV series, but had a hard time getting into it. The book was much better. There are 5 books in the series, maybe I’ll read books 3-5 in 2025!
Each year I also try to read/re-read at least one classic book of fiction. This year I chose Animal Farm by George Orwell, which I had never read.
Biography / Autobiography / Memoir
My two favorite books of the year are both powerful memoirs about growing up in challenging circumstances. I was deeply moved by the life stories of J.D. Vance and Tara Westover. I listened to the audio version of both books which were read by the author which added a lot of feeling and meaning to their stories.
- Mover of Men and Mountains, R.G. LeTourneau
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Eric Metaxas
- Hillbilly Elegy J.D. Vance
- Educated, Tara Westover
Personal / Spiritual
Life is full of challenges. I am always looking for opportunities to better understand myself and increase my understanding of the world and people around me.
Jordan Peterson’s latest book provided a new and challenging perspective on familiar Old Testament stories, The Last Arrow by McManus reminded me to make the most of the life I have been given, and Mike Foster’s book helped me understand the perspective through which I view life’s challenges.
- We Who Wrestle with God, Jordan Peterson
- The Last Arrow, Erwin Raphael McManus
- The Seven Primal Questions, Mike Foster
- Creators of Habit, Steve Poe
Education
You might be surprised by the small number of education books on my list. To be quite honest, because I spend most of my day reading and researching educational technology, I don’t do a lot of reading on this topic during my spare time.
Related Post: AI in Education: a reading list
Both of the books I read this year were related to AI. Both titles had a few good nuggets of insight in them, however this topic is so rapidly changing and developing, that I don’t know how relevant they will be in the next few years.
Business
I didn’t read quite as many business books this year. I’m pretty picky about what I read as a lot of these books aren’t very applicable to me in my “solopreneur” situation. I did enjoy Nicholas Cole’s book on writing which I would recommend to any ELA teacher who wants to help students understand why the skill of writing is important in the 21st century.
- The Art and Business of Online Writing, Nicholas Cole
- The Infinite Game, Simon Sinek
- Dotcom Secrets, Russell Brunson
History / Other
This year I read another book by Malcom Gladwell. He has a way of weaving interesting stories by linking various historical events together. I would recommend anything that he has written!
What’s on your list?
I learned about several of the books on the list above by reading book lists posted on by others. I hope you find something on my book list you can add to your queue this year.
What’s on your list? Leave me a comment or send me a Tweet and let me know what you are reading!
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