The Best Books of 2025

The novel tells the story of Billy Colman, a ten-year-old boy who spends two years saving money to buy two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, for coon hunting. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, loss, and the strong bond between humans and animals. After the tragic deaths of his dogs, Billy finds solace in the legend of the red fern that grows between their graves, symbolizing the eternal and divine nature of their bond. The book is a moving tale of determination, love, and the harsh realities of life, set against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains.

In this book, Carl R. Trueman explores the historical and philosophical roots of the modern concept of the self, tracing the development from an externally defined identity to an internally focused, expressive individualism. He examines the contributions of thinkers such as Rousseau, the Romantics, Freud, and contemporary philosophers like Charles Taylor, Philip Rieff, and Alasdair MacIntyre. Trueman argues that the sexual revolution is a symptom of a broader transformation in human selfhood, which has led to a highly psychologized and sexualized understanding of identity. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how these changes have shaped modern culture and offers guidance for Christians navigating these cultural shifts.

In 'Home with God: A Life That Never Ends', Neale Donald Walsch delves into the ultimate questions of existence and transcendence. This book, the last installment of his bestselling 'Conversations with God' series, provides an uplifting and compassionate exploration of the transition from life on earth to the afterlife. Through his profound and personal dialogue with God, Walsch offers hope, comfort, and surprising revelations for all humankind, addressing the finality of death and the beginning of a new life in God's Kingdom.

Written by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark, 'The Biggest Story Bible Storybook' presents the entire biblical narrative in a way that is engaging and easy to understand for children. The book includes 104 chapters, each with full-color illustrations, and concludes with reflective prayers. It helps kids see how individual Bible stories fit into the overarching story of God’s salvation, pointing them to Jesus. The book is designed for family reading, with short chapters that can be read aloud in about 4-5 minutes.

This collection features twelve short stories, many of which are never-before-published, and includes tales such as 'Two Talented Bastids,' 'Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,' 'Rattlesnakes,' and 'The Dreamers. ' These stories explore themes of fate, mortality, luck, and the complexities of reality, offering a mix of horror, suspense, and emotional depth. King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring both terror and solace remains unparalleled, making each story feel iconic and engaging.

Written in the mid-1950s, 'Go Set a Watchman' is an early draft of what would eventually become 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. The novel follows 26-year-old Jean Louise Finch as she returns to her hometown of Maycomb, Alabama, and confronts disturbing truths about her family and community. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and the Supreme Court decision on Brown vs. Board of Education, the book delves into themes of disillusionment, bigotry, and the complex relationship between Jean Louise and her father, Atticus Finch. Despite being published decades later, it provides a unique insight into Harper Lee's initial thoughts and writing style before the revisions that led to 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

In 'Will', Will Smith opens up about his life, sharing anecdotes from his early days in West Philadelphia, his rise in the music industry as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and his subsequent success in Hollywood. The book delves into his complex relationship with his father, the impact of his family on his life, and his journey to align outer success with inner happiness and human connection. Written with the help of Mark Manson, the book offers a blend of vulnerability, humor, and life lessons that reflect Will Smith's trademark style and larger-than-life personality.

In 'One with My Lord', Sam Allberry explores the doctrine of union with Christ through a rich study of New Testament scriptures. Each chapter is designed to be read as a devotional, providing believers with a fresh perspective to pursue holiness, resist sin, build community, and worship God. The book emphasizes that being 'in Christ' is central to the Christian life, defining who believers are and enriching every area of their lives. It is an excellent resource for personal devotions, small group discussions, or deeper discipleship.

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

In "Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age," Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa explore the pervasive influence of digital technology on our lives. The book examines how our constant engagement with smartphones and social media impacts our attention spans, relationships, and spiritual well-being. It delves into the addictive nature of these technologies and the ways they can distract us from what truly matters. The authors offer practical strategies for reclaiming our lives from the grip of digital distraction and cultivating a more intentional and meaningful existence. The book serves as a timely and relevant resource for Christians and non-Christians alike, seeking to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

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The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.

This book is a multiple biography centered on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history. It explores how Lincoln, despite being a one-term congressman and prairie lawyer, rose to become president by incorporating his rivals—William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates—into his cabinet. The book details Lincoln's extraordinary ability to understand and empathize with others, which enabled him to create an unusual but effective cabinet. It also delves into the challenges Lincoln faced, including incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and the internal dynamics of his cabinet, highlighting his political genius and managerial skills.

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.