The Average American Reads 5.38 Books a Year

These are the ones you should read in 2025.

Photo by Jade Stephens on Unsplash (edited)

Christians have been called “people of the book” and that, by itself, sets us apart from most Americans. A full 17% of Americans didn’t read a single book in 2021, whereas there’s one very important Book that I hope nearly all American Christians spent time with in the last year.

The average American reads (completes) about 5.38 books each year. If that describes you, and you only have space in your year for 5 books, here are the ones I think you should invest your time in. Reading a book from each of these 5 categories would be an incredible commitment toward growing in beautiful discipleship.

1. A book of the Bible you’ve never read.

If you’re not sure you could name any of those Minor Prophets, maybe it’s time to get to know one of them (Amos, Habakkuk, anyone?). If you’ve read more end times prophecy on Facebook than you have in Scripture, maybe it’s time to read Daniel or Revelation without any amateur social media commentary. Pick a book of the Bible you’ve never read and commit to reading it through a few times in 2025. (Next week we’ll talk about some Bible study methods you can apply to your reading.)

2. A book on a second or third tier theological issue from someone who thinks differently from you.

The role of women in the church, end times views (eschatology), Christian parenting, gifts of healing or speaking in tongues. Pick a second or third tier theological issue that you have strong opinions about and seek out a different perspective. (Here’s a refresher on “tiers” of theological issues if you need it.)

In Pursuit of Theological Humility | Guest Post by Phylicia Masonheimer

3. A well-told story.

Much of God’s revelation is conveyed to us in Scripture through the vehicle of storytelling. Many of us could use a bit more of the beauty of well-told stories in our lives. Here are a few of my favorites from the last few years.¹

• Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

• The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall

• The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

• The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

• Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

4. A Christian classic.

Our faith has a long history and saints across the centuries have had wisdom to impart and insights into Scripture that have edified and challenged the Church. It’s hard to find a comprehensive list, but a quick internet search will turn up a few to use as a starting point. These are also a few that I frequently recommend.

• A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

• A Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan or Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor

• Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton

• The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

• The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

• Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

5. A book by a Christian who doesn’t look like you.

We each reflect God’s beauty, but God’s beauty is only fully reflected by His bride, the Church. So, each of us should have our eyes open for glimpses of beauty in believers who don’t look like us (whether that varied appearance comes from physical characteristics or life stage or social location). If you’re a man, commit to reading a book by a godly woman (and it doesn’t have to be about womanhood or motherhood). If you’re a white Christian, read a book by a Black brother or sister (and it doesn’t have to be about racial reconciliation or social justice). If you’re a spouse or parent, read a book by a faithful single disciple. Let’s learn from and rejoice in the unique ways we reflect our beautiful God.

What are you planning to read in 2025 that fits into one of these categories? Or do you need a book recommendation? Comment below or reply to this email and I’d love to make a personal suggestion!

Beauty in Books & Nature
I’ve been doing more hiking and reading the past few weeks as we had two weeks off work to celebrate Christmas.

Hiking views and reading Sit, Walk Stand by Watchman Nee.

Two sunsets from our home. #nofilter

In pursuit of Beauty,

1. These are Bookshop.org affiliate links, which just means that if you purchase a book after clicking on these links, I get a few cents for my own book purchases!